Hollywood Satire Not For Everyone

by Jason R. Hewlett

If you're a movie buff like I am and know something about the creative process of making movies than you'll probably find something to enjoy in Albert Brook's new movie "The Muse." If you know nothing about making movies or don't even care than I'd avoid the film. You'll get little enjoyment out of it.

The film details the exploits of a screenwriter who has lost his edge...or so he's told by everyone in the movie business. In order to get it back he enlists the services of a muse, played by Sharon Stone. Her job is to stimulate his creativity but in the process she ends up costing him a bundle by insisting on being put up in a pricey hotel and having Waldorf Salads made for her at midnight.

That's the plot in a basic nutshell. Half the fun of the film arethe cameos of famous Hollywood personalities that pop up throughout the story. Directors James Cameron and Martin Scorcese make hilarious appearances as to Jennifer Tilly and Rob Reiner. It's too bad the rest of the film can't quite match these moments.

If I have a complaint that shines above all others it's that Albert Brooks insisted on playing the lead. His writing is witty and his direction sure but a more edgy actor would have probably suited the role. Someone who could physically match the sharp dialogue. Jim Carrey's name is bantered around alot during the film, maybe he should have starred in it? I don't know. Defiantly not Albert Brooks...or his costar Andie McDowell either. She just doesn't have the acting chops to be believable here either.

The one shining part is Sharon Stone. She is the movie. She's at once charming, grating, witty, and cute. You can tell that she was having fun making this movie and it comes through in her performance.

Overall, an amusing distraction...but one that doesn't get much more than a passing grade.

5 out of 10!