From Deseret News archives:
Zero Effect
Film review
Sure, it's too hip by half, its original inspiration goes uncredited and it's hardly groundbreaking work, but there's something very appealing about "Zero Effect."
Maybe it's the talented cast (which includes Bill Pullman, Ben Stiller and Ryan O'Neal). Or maybe it's the notion that someone could take Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson and update them for the '90s.
For whatever reason, this blackly comedic mystery/thriller works a lot more often than it fails. At the very least it oozes more earnestness than other recent movie mysteries. And though it's not as good as "Grosse Pointe Blank," which it recalls at times, it's certainly a refreshing debut from writer/director Jake Kasdan.
The Holmes tale this talented newcomer (son of screenwriter and filmmaker Lawrence Kasdan), has adapted in his own peculiar way is "A Scandal in Bohemia," and his Holmes is agoraphobic P.I. Daryl Zero (Pullman).
Playing Watson to this drug-addicted and psychotic yet brilliant mess is Steve Arlo (Stiller), who serves as frontman for him and has to do much of the dirty work. Their newest client is Gregory Stark (Ryan O'Neal), an Oregon timber tycoon who is being blackmailed.
Stark hires the two to find the keys to a safe-deposit box that contains incriminating evidence. And, posing as an accountant who works out in the same gym as Stark, Daryl quickly finds the culprit, a pretty paramedic named Gloria Sullivan (Kim Dickens).
But as he delves into Gloria's past, the ever-observant and equally objective detective also begins to have feelings for her (gulp!). Meanwhile, the long-suffering Arlo finally decides he's had enough and tries to summon the force of will to quit.
What happens next probably won't surprise many audiences, but at least it's a pretty wild ride getting there though the film is at least 10 minutes too long.
As for the cast, Pullman is great as he changes gears from loony to normal, and Stiller is equally good playing straightman for a change. Even O'Neal is effective, playing a heavy.
"Zero Effect" is rated R for prevalent use of profane language, fist fights and some gunfire, a brief sex scene, brief partial male nudity and brief glimpses at some gory crime scene photos.
Recent comments
A wonderful, off-beat surprise. THE ZERO EFFECT takes one by...
Jack Sommersby | Feb. 21, 1999 at 3:30 p.m.
Cast: Bill Pullman, Ben Stiller, Kim Dickens, Ryan O'Neal; written and directed by Jake Kasdan
Find a Movie Theater
- Holiday television program listings 1:02 a.m.
- Williams, Rose celebrate by playing 12:46 a.m.
- Utes to get tested by Illinois 12:40 a.m.
- Cougs to host Weber St. 12:39 a.m.
- Efforts to save a life praised 12:29 a.m.
- Settle fights, set tone of marriage 12:28 a.m.
- Clearfield balking at UTA plan 12:26 a.m.
- New administration bldg for Davis 12:26 a.m.
- Gallery: Thanksgiving in Utah 12:14 a.m.
- National news briefs 12:12 a.m.
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
- Rivalry has had some 'turkeys'
- Holiday television program listings
- Highland players make special friend
- Salt Lake City woman shot
- Matt Reynolds vs. Koa Misi
- Temple Square to use LEDs
- Provo star leads Bulldogs to win
- Missions teach players perseverance
- Jazz part of new holiday tradition?
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
262 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
211 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
139 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
132 - Boys basketball rankings
117 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
112 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
98
Can someone please tell me which top 10 team Max has won? I hope the Jeff...
The old recipie for good economy is to just cut taxes to spur investment and...
Respect? Why show respect for another human being who's opinions and...
The problem is, Sarah Palin ist not a competent politician. She begs to be...
Please do tell which of his facts were stupid? Your best ever got smocked at...
Honestly. Kyle cannot be moved with the contract. I would rather see CJ<...
So many conclusions, based on false assumptions, so many haters, with...
If Carlos continues to play like this instead of hearing "boo" at ESA, maybe...
With all that tradition they can't seem to compete on the national stage....
Hint: You notice (like I predicted) no mention of any Jazz interest in...



