Dummy (2002)

Sorry, this movie sucks

Simply A Masterpiece

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

Dummy (2002): Dir: Greg Pritikin / Cast: Adrian Brody, Milla Jovovich, Vera Farmiga, Illeana Douglas, Jared Harris: Comedy about ventriloquism in both the physical structure of the doll and the social handicap of its owner. Adrian Brody dreams of becoming a professional ventriloquist because it vents his social atmosphere. He lives with his parents and sister, a wedding planner whose ex drunkenly pursues her. His best friend Fangora wishes to become a musician. Brody loses his job and becomes infatuated with his employment counsellor. Witty and intelligent humour with minor complaint regarding linking of particular relationships. Greg Pritikin directs with insight with Brody trying to communicate his feelings to a world that only sees his flaws. Milla Jovovich is hilarious as well-meaning Fangora particularly when her advice nearly channels Brody into a stalker. Vera Farmiga is pleasant as the employment counsellor overwhelmed at Brody's advances until she sees into his talent. Illeana Douglas steals scenes as his sister. She desires to be a singer but is interrupted constantly by her ex. Clever and insightful independent filmmaking at its best. Pritikin avoids formula storytelling and goes for detail when addressing these interesting themes added to the whole ventriloquist element, which is interesting. It contains a wonderful view of ventriloquism and the struggle to adapt. Score: 9 / 10

Adrien Brody and Milla Jovovich star in this cutesy romantic comedy about your typical misunderstood but nice loser who's unlucky in love and life who decides one day to quit his job and become a ventriloquist. Things are slow going so he needs to find a job but he ends up falling for his unemployment case worker. Things start off a bit badly thanks to his best bud (Jovovich) but warm up as everything falls around them."Dummy" isn't original by any means but the cast is excellent and likable and Brody and the 'Dummy" are quite funny. It wraps up in usual fashion with everyone getting what they need in the end.Pretty conventional but entertaining.S10 rating: 3/5 or 7/10

Dummy takes a simple premise - a man pushing 30 still living with his parents and unable to assert himself professionally, romantically or socially. After being fired he decides to go for his dream - to become a ventriloquist. The most amazing side effect of working with a dummy is Steven develops an edge to his otherwise bland character and life takes on a whole new direction.Egged on by his best friend the punk, Fangora, a foul-mouthed, strident loser in her own right played with zero charm by Milla Jovovich, Steven takes risks that sound like bad ideas to him - and prove to be just that.Steven's not the only loser at home, his older sister - a hilariously deadpan Ileana Douglas - gave up her own dream of becoming a singer. It's easy to see where the this pair of siblings lack of self esteem comes from once we meet Mom and Dad. The entire family could easily fall into the realm of stereotype or caricature, but Jessica Walter and Ron Liebman make this material fresh and hilarious. When Steven invites his potential paramour, a single mother, to a family dinner, the results are, predictably, outrageously funny.There is a love story woven into Dummy, but ultimately it's Steven's journey of self-awareness and acceptance that is the heart of this story and that impresses the most. A fun, fun ride.

It's a pity that Brody's award winning acting in "The Pianist" overshadowed what I think was the best performance of his career so far, as the romantically clueless and vocationally strange Steven in "Dummy". The film is just as captivating as "The Pianist", but in totally different ways. Brody completely inhabits of the body, mind, and soul of Steven -- and his dummy -- surrounded by an amazing cast that seems tailor made for each part. The film also includes some of the most subtle and hilarious comedic situations ever. (If you enjoy Wes Anderson or Coen Brothers style humor, then this will be a treat). Brody's Steven is sweet, disturbing, funny, shy and sometimes brave with amazing skill and believability. You feel yourself rooting for him despite all odds. He's a lovable loser that you want to win the girl at last, and I promise he'll be your favorite ventriloquist by the end of the film. If you have an appetite for a unique, well-made movie to restore your faith in movies (and actors) rent "Dummy" tonight.