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.
liked it
Average Rating: 3.5/5
User Ratings: 7,310
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
Jun 1, 1997 Wide
Jul 7, 1998
Warner Home Video
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.
Both Mr. Pullman and the slyly restrained Mr. Stiller keep their characters entertaining even when Mr. Kasdan's interest is elsewhere.
It turns out to be disappointingly ordinary.
Try as it might, "Zero Effect" just doesn't amount to much.
Kasdan's is a very promising debut, its own dearth of feeling offset by able writing, engaging playing and a sure sense of pace.
A strong debut, and a very fun movie.
Daryl Zero is a movie character for the ages.
A hidden gem.
A charmingly off-center little film with intriguing plot twists and engaging characters.
Awesome mystery with quirky characters and great twists.
An inspired and off-kilter crime caper that wears its infectious quirkiness like a badge of honor
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
Starts off a little slow but once it gets going, it really goes. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
May 2, 2011Super Reviewer
A satisfactory entertainer in the veins of Sherlock Holmes.
February 8, 2011Super Reviewer
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