Spring Break
The Daily OrangeThe ultimate outcast
"How to" loses friends and alienates people with bad writing and confusing casting
By Dan Kaplan
Posted: 10/9/08, 8:30 PM EST Section: Splice
Consequently, Pegg's lines and mannerisms throughout the film sometimes feel a bit forced, but he's not alone.
Bridges, as Carter parallel Clayton Harding, seems out of place in his role. It's almost like his appearance in "Iron Man"; one gets the impression that he was only cast for the sake of having Jeff Bridges in the movie.
But Fox is by far the biggest disappointment. The writing for her character, up-and-coming actress Sophie Maes, is so bad that the audience becomes disgusted whenever she's on screen. Yes, you read right, disgusted by Megan Fox.
Fortunately, there are some bright spots. Gillian Anderson is a revelation as publicist Eleanor Johnson, a role that provides perhaps the best satirical glance into the celebrity magazine industry.
And Dunst, as Young's love interest Alison Olsen, wins over the audience as the film transitions from a display of all things ridiculous to a light romantic comedy.
For the hypercritical moviegoer, "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People" will be more "miss" than "hit." The lackluster writing will undoubtedly render this adaptation a dud.
However, for those satisfied with just a good laugh (or 100) or a feel-good date movie, there might just be something here.
sdkaplan@syr.edu
Bridges, as Carter parallel Clayton Harding, seems out of place in his role. It's almost like his appearance in "Iron Man"; one gets the impression that he was only cast for the sake of having Jeff Bridges in the movie.
But Fox is by far the biggest disappointment. The writing for her character, up-and-coming actress Sophie Maes, is so bad that the audience becomes disgusted whenever she's on screen. Yes, you read right, disgusted by Megan Fox.
Fortunately, there are some bright spots. Gillian Anderson is a revelation as publicist Eleanor Johnson, a role that provides perhaps the best satirical glance into the celebrity magazine industry.
And Dunst, as Young's love interest Alison Olsen, wins over the audience as the film transitions from a display of all things ridiculous to a light romantic comedy.
For the hypercritical moviegoer, "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People" will be more "miss" than "hit." The lackluster writing will undoubtedly render this adaptation a dud.
However, for those satisfied with just a good laugh (or 100) or a feel-good date movie, there might just be something here.
sdkaplan@syr.edu
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