Title: Great Idea, Witless Execution
Product review: There's a brilliant idea at the core of Being John Malkovich, and when I first saw this flick I expected to like it a LOT. Few movies have disappointed me so thoroughly. To begin with, there's absolutely no one to like here...John Cusack whines his way through his role and plays nothing more than his greasy, stringy hair; Cameron Diaz is little more than a doormat; and the much-touted Catherine Keener is all stiletto heels. Then too, there's Spike Jonze's direction -- off just a shnoop (to quote Chico)...IN EVERY SCENE. What should be funny is either thrown away or, more often, belabored beyond even a smile. What should be touching is handled with sledgehammer finesse. This is one movie I won't be watching a second, third or fourth time.
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