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Zero Effect (1998)

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Top Critics

Average Rating: 6.6/10
Reviews Counted: 47
Fresh: 30 | Rotten: 17

A promising debut for writer/director Jake Kasdan, Zero Effect overcomes its flaws with its off-kilter humor and likeable leads.

Average Rating: 6.1/10
Critic Reviews: 10
Fresh: 4 | Rotten: 6

A promising debut for writer/director Jake Kasdan, Zero Effect overcomes its flaws with its off-kilter humor and likeable leads.

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Average Rating: 3.5/5
User Ratings: 7,310

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Movie Info

Jake Kasdan made his feature film directorial debut with this oblique thriller about eccentric private detective Daryl Zero (Bill Pullman) and his sardonic front man partner Steve Arlo (Ben Stiller). After the two are hired by blackmail victim Gregory Stark (Ryan O'Neal), Zero sets up a sting operation and soon focuses on his suspect, Gloria Sullivan (Kim Dickens), a woman he met at a health club. Thinking Zero is an accountant, she asks him to look over her tax return. Clues form a trail to

R, 1 hr. 55 min.

Drama, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense, Comedy

Directed By: Jake Kasdan

Written By: Jake Kasdan

In Theaters: Jun 1, 1997 Wide

On DVD: Jul 7, 1998

Warner Home Video

Zero Effect Trailer & Photos

Cast

Bill Pullman
Daryl Zero
Ben Stiller
Steve Arlo
Ryan O'Neal
Gregory Stark
Kim Dickens
Gloria Sullivan
Angela Featherstone
Jess
Hugh Ross
Bill
Sara Devincentis
Daisy
Matt O'Toole
Kragan Vincent

Critic Reviews for Zero Effect

All Critics (63) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (30) | Rotten (17) | DVD (11)

There's an idiosyncratic talent at work here with the potential to blossom into bigger, better and more accomplished films.

March 26, 2009 Full Review Source: Variety

| Comment

Leonard Klady

Variety

Top Critic

Both Mr. Pullman and the slyly restrained Mr. Stiller keep their characters entertaining even when Mr. Kasdan's interest is elsewhere.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: New York Times

| Comment

Janet Maslin

New York Times

Top Critic

It turns out to be disappointingly ordinary.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: ReelViews

| Comment (1)

James Berardinelli

ReelViews

Top Critic

Try as it might, "Zero Effect" just doesn't amount to much.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Salon.com

| Comment

Elizabeth Williams

Salon.com

Top Critic

Kasdan's is a very promising debut, its own dearth of feeling offset by able writing, engaging playing and a sure sense of pace.

June 24, 2006 Full Review Source: Time Out

| Comment

Geoff Andrew

Time Out

A strong debut, and a very fun movie.

May 26, 2006 Full Review Source: Combustible Celluloid

| Comment

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

Daryl Zero is a movie character for the ages.

April 4, 2005 Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com

| Comment

David Cornelius

eFilmCritic.com

A hidden gem.

February 25, 2005 Comment

Mike McGranaghan

Aisle Seat

A charmingly off-center little film with intriguing plot twists and engaging characters.

April 29, 2004 Comment

Dan Lybarger

Nitrate Online

Awesome mystery with quirky characters and great twists.

August 13, 2003 Comment

Fred Topel

About.com

An inspired and off-kilter crime caper that wears its infectious quirkiness like a badge of honor

May 27, 2003 Comment

Frank Ochieng

Movie Eye

Not only is it hilarious, but it's a damn good detective story that has fun toying around with all the tired old conventions of the detective story

March 20, 2003 Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com

| Comment (1)

Brian Mckay

eFilmCritic.com

More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Zero Effect

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Starts off a little slow but once it gets going, it really goes. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.

May 2, 2011

Jennifer Xu

Super Reviewer

A satisfactory entertainer in the veins of Sherlock Holmes.

February 8, 2011

familiar stranger

Super Reviewer

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Latest News for Zero Effect

December 29, 2006:

Kasdan, Apatow & John C. Reilly to Introduce "Dewey Cox"
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