7
All the performances were strong in this movie. Will Ferrell was very good in a restrained role--nice change for him. Maggie Gyllenhaal was very charming and Dustin Hoffman seemed to really enjoy his part as an English lit. Professor. The story is quirky but not inaccessible like some films that try to be overly clever with the writing. The novel in the film, however, doesn't come off as being anywhere near as brilliant as Hoffman's prof says it is. And once you get to the climax, you'll see why the novel needs to be absolutely brilliant for the characters (especially Harold) to do what they do. Overall, this movie is a pretty good effort and is worth seeing.