Ben Stiller is a really boring dude. He has a job doing something with photographs for Life magazine and spends his time staring creepily at Kristen wiig and imagining jumping off buildings and being in snow. Sean Penn is the guy who sends him photos and one special one gets lost. Ben tries to get hold of him but due to a match.com winking issue he decides to go find Sean and get the pic himself. Lots of american style hopping on planes and getting to literally anywhere in a couple of hours ensues and Ben goes on a big adventure. Maybe he will discover who he really is or maybe this is all so he can do the horizontal tango with Kristen.
I remember when the trailers for this film came out as they really did work on me and my interest was well and truly peaked. Ben Stiller in a life affirming semi serious film you say???? Damn right and it actually pulls it off for the most part. Ben is very toned down as the titular character and plays down and depressed schlub very convincingly. The support cast is equally as toned down and does not feel the need to throw in cooky or wacky performances in the search for laughs. The only problem on this front is the new bosses at life who are unfortunately a little over the top but I can forgive this due to their relatively infrequent screen time. The story is very sweet, if massively unbelievable, and plods along at a very nice pace. Stiller is likeable in the lead role and makes you feel for the poor guy. Now all that said it isn't going to be topping anyones favourite film lists but it was an entertaining watch and one that I would be happy to have again.
Verdict: 3/5
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