'Wonder'ful Douglas is extraordinary in an ordinary film

by Jon Chattman

03-03-00

It's not a story about young muchachos with superpowers, but with all of its flaws, a "Wonder Boys" feature creates some magic thanks in part to its superb cast. Leading the way and shying away from his usual disturbed characters (see: "Basic Instinct," and "The Game") is Michael Douglas, who portrays quirky English professor Grady Tripp, whose fast lane lifestyle has just hit a skid.

Tripp's wife has left him, his married mistress and college chancellor Sara Gaskell (Frances McDormand) is pregnant with his child, and he struggles with a follow-up to his successful debut novel that put him on the literary map years ago.

If that weren't enough, Tripp's editor, Crabtree, (Robert Downey Jr.) arrives in town for the college's annual literature festival, which brings established novelists and discovers student talent, seeking a completed second novel. Tripp's only solace is smoking a joint.

Tripp's life takes a plot twist when he confronts an eccentric student from his class, James Leer (Tobey Maguire), outside of a festival literary party. Leer's eccentricities takes Tripp on a journey of self-exploration, for he becomes inspired and threatened by Leer, a young man who has written a brilliant book of his own, but pathologically lies his way into the heart of Tripp.

Douglas shines as Tripp, the carefree hippie trapped in the clothes of a stereotypical college professor with an overcoat and reddish brown-framed glasses taking the place of bellbottoms and love beads. He portrays Tripp to be a man who had not taken enough responsibility until it was presented him right in the face. Leer inspires Tripp to put some structure in his life.

As Leer, Maguire brings the same boyish charm as he has showed in "Pleasantville" and this year's Oscar contender "The Cider House Rules," but with a twist. He depicts Leer as a brilliant young man who takes on the persona of a mysterious oddball to constantly throw off those around him, including Tripp and Crabtree.

Downey Jr.'s performance as Crabtress is yet another reminder of how this gifted actor is throwing his life away on drugs. Turning in a fine performance as the bi-sexual Crabtree, Downey shows how his character has remained loyal and close friends with Tripp; never letting on that his own career is in jeopardy if he does not return to work with another bestseller.

Two other supporting performances are equally wonderful. McDormand brings emotional strength to her character of Gaskell, whose pregnancy could me the end of her marriage and a new life with Tripp, if he ever grows up. In addition, Katie Holmes illuminates the screen in a small role as Hannah Green, a student with a crush on Grady who also rents out a room in his house.

Unfortunately for the film, its stars are given a refreshingly recycled script without depth or legs. Steve Kloves's screenplay from Michael Chabon's novel rehashes "Scent of a Woman" and "Nobody's Fool," with the latter copied right down to a scene of a dog having its day, and of a student-teacher/father-son relationship between Douglas and Maguire's characters.

Klove also takes too much time establishing each character's quirkiness that he neglects the story. The same can be said for director Curtin Hanson. In addition to a flawed script, Hanson, who last helmed the flawless "L.A. Confidential,'' generates more interest for the characters than the story.

"Wonder Boys" is a delightfully flawed film whose brilliant performances only make one wish that the film could have been a little less human and a little more superhero.

Grade: B-