sophie-942-534073 This movie was a very pleasant surprise for me. I caught it on SKY movies thinking of it as a simple midweek filler for the eve with the tap tap of the computer as I watch. However I was captivated by the acting, the story, the editing and cinematography and put my computer to use once watched to make the effort to write this review.It is not just a rom-com although I understand the need for that classification. It's art by it's communication and without the pretense. The simplest of stories that could have easily been made sickly sweet. It incorporated enough reality without being too gritty. The use of cinematography in conveying emotion was refreshing and observant. For me it had dimension that many stories lack.I was also awed by the fact it was a debut direction by Justin Theroux and I look forward to catching more of his movies in between his acting.Good Job and thank you!

ed_metal_head Gifted character actor, Justin Theroux, makes his directorial debut with the indie romantic comedy "Dedication". The film tells the story of a neurotic children's book author Henry Roth (Billy Crudrup) who is forced to work with a female illustrator (Mandy Moore) instead of his usual collaborator (Tom Wilkinson).The highpoint of the film is undoubtedly the acting. Billy Crudrup ("Almost Famous") is fantastic as Henry, displaying all the quirks one would expect from such a character. His performance seemed like a mix of John C. McGinley on "Scrubs" and Timothy Olyphant from "The Girl Next Door". Mandy Moore is also very good, and manages to create a real character instead of a generic love-interest. This is easily her best acting performance to date. Tom Wilkinson shines as Henry's collaborator and only friend, though it must be noted that his performance is somewhat similar to his Oscar nominated performance in "Michael Clayton". Dianne Wiest, Martin Freeman and Bob Balaban are also delightful in smaller supporting roles.The screenplay, on the other hand, is unfortunately the film's low point. The character's dialogue itself is fine (actually, it is very good). The problem of the script is the rather generic plot which too closely follows the boy-meet-girl blueprint for romantic comedies. The film's ending is something that would be expected more of a Hollywood studio romantic comedy rather than a quirky indie.First time director Justin Theroux shows real promise here. While it is true that some of the transitions and editing between scenes are a bit too arty and self-conscious, other things, such as camera placement and shot composition are handled with all the skills of an experienced professional.Annoyances aside, this is an easy film to recommend. Moore and Crudrup are infinitely watchable and Thereoux is good enough to deserve more directorial jobs. In the end, the collective talent in front of and behind the camera elevates the middling plot into a very enjoyable film.

gmano-dark This movie stinks. If you think it's one of those indie films that might end up good like Juno, well that's wrong. Ratings were way overstated on IMDb. The movie was too long for being that horrible. The main character wasn't great at acting, maybe should've stayed in the office UK or whatever he's from. The story was incomplete, no real background of the two people besides their 2 minute long ramble about their "life" and other "bulls". It did have a potential start, for the first 4 minutes, then that's when it starts going downhill for the rest of the hr and 20 minutes. If it wasn't for Mandy Moore, people wouldn't even tune into this movie. But she does look good in this movie with her brunette hair.As a final word, I would not recommend seeing this movie. Stay away from even renting it.

jorisbrand Right now I would love to give the movie an 8 or 9 but compared to the IMDb database, I'll look at it at a more neutral way: Storyline: 6/10 Characters 8/10 Filming 7/10, Editing 8, overall 7 or 7.5 The story line is basis and a little predictable, but what is important about the extra, the touch of the characters what brings this movie. Henry is very well played by Billy Crudup, and Lucy is done well. Character Lucy doesn't have any deep flow even though the movie want to bring that in, but Henry is very well digged out, with the strange things he is doing and happening to him, they give a lot of life to his character. About the filming really can't tell, but the editing was done with some tight things, little bit like "requiem for a dream", gives a little bit more connexion to the character of henry and the film.So if you're into a relaxed night, want to have a smile on your face and a good feelin after? whats this movie, Greet jaws