SHALLOW HALL is a completely entertaining, heart-warming film that deals with some very sensitive issues very well. I think it's by far, the most mature film to date from the brothers Farrelly. They were almost able to keep all their gross out humor in check. Almost.
Jack Black is good, but he's been a lot better in other films. He seems to have been kept in check. Normally Black's off the wall, but here, he's very refined. Almost tame. Why hire Black and not let him loose ala HIGH FIDELITY or ORANGE COUNTY?
I think the main reason this film was not a major hit was Jason Alexander. The former "SEINFELD" star was so horrifically bad, it brought the quality level of the film down. It appears every time he's on screen that he's trying. And desperatly so. I wish Alexander would show the same kind of restraint and dignity Jerry Seinfled does. Since "SEINFELD" ended, Alexander has basically whored himself out to every TV show, movie or TV commercial he can get his hands on. Was that really him on FX's "Son of the Beach"?
All in all, Paltrow, the story and the directors make SHALLOW HALL a surprisingly touching and funny film.
Jack Black is good, but he's been a lot better in other films. He seems to have been kept in check. Normally Black's off the wall, but here, he's very refined. Almost tame. Why hire Black and not let him loose ala HIGH FIDELITY or ORANGE COUNTY?
I think the main reason this film was not a major hit was Jason Alexander. The former "SEINFELD" star was so horrifically bad, it brought the quality level of the film down. It appears every time he's on screen that he's trying. And desperatly so. I wish Alexander would show the same kind of restraint and dignity Jerry Seinfled does. Since "SEINFELD" ended, Alexander has basically whored himself out to every TV show, movie or TV commercial he can get his hands on. Was that really him on FX's "Son of the Beach"?
All in all, Paltrow, the story and the directors make SHALLOW HALL a surprisingly touching and funny film.
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