*Stranger Than Fiction* is A HIDDEN GEM😭🥹

[@Timbo420]

As far as I’m concerned this is Will Ferrel’s Truman show. It’s bloody brilliant. The writing, the acting, the concept, all superb.

[@dustinwilson4017]

I thought a little more "Yes Man" instead of Truman Show but I get your comparison too. In Yes Man he started doing things he normally wouldn't and found joy in things he was missing

[@halfrocanadianv5086]

Totally agreed, he's so good in this, and it was such a big turn for him

[@RandomNonsense1985]

It’s Ferrell’s Truman Show, his Punch Drunk Love, his Lost In Translation, his Dead Poet’s Society…

[@yhctower]

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. As somewhat of an introvert I relate to Will's character in this movie so much. I rewatch it at least once a year. One of the few DVDs I still have. Thank you so much for reacting to this movie and shining a spotlight on a movie that deserves more attention!

[@tomre2769]

Just what I wanted to say :-) Brilliant

[@danholmesfilm]

Apple dvd :)

[@apatternedhorizon]

Love this movie. And the Wreckless Eric song fits perfectly.

[@Pupalah]

Same.

[@cheknis]

Such an underrated film! Definitely a favorite of mine. Own it on DVD as well.

[@kristinebaroa1564]

I always thought the most romantic scene ever was him bring her the flours. Something about the antagonizing she is bringing, his contrite little “flours,” and the way she just melts. Love that you reacted to this one!

[@thorketil1671]

This was like my 20th time watching this movie and I finally understand that part. I naively assumed New York had some weird system where flowers were paper bagged and then put together by the recipient. Total facepalm lol. Now I get to enjoy this movie even more.

[@dougbank107]

That’s hilarious!

[@Dryltd]

It was my fifth time watching looking at the little details when I realized the Flour scene. So silly of me.

[@alvarhanso6310]

Their clever and witty banter back and forth makes their love story one of my very favorites. And the flours scene takes the cake. Sorry. I have always thought it was so clever, but also so sweet. One of the best, and most inventive films of the last 40 years.

[@edmo922]

Such an underrated gem of a movie. The screenplay is top notch. Also, the two guys who are always asking him the multiplication problems are the two guys in the car in those Sonic commercials.

[@danielhoehne801]

SO glad someone finally reacted to this hidden gem of a movie. I've been suggesting it to every reactor I'm subscribed to. Such an insanely great movie. Oh, and a little nugget...this was actually set in Chicago, they just didn't shoot any of the traditional city landmarks or buildings. Hopefully this could start a wave of others reacting to it.

[@BasedNate]

Most of the reactors have the same few people as their top supporters on Patreon so that's why you notice a lot of reactors put out a reaction to the same movie within a close period. I say that to say, that if the top supporters choose this as the movie they want them to react to, you will see a wave of others reacting to it. Otherwise, it is not likely, unfortunately.

[@mena94x3]

Me too! I suggest it to everyone!

[@RandomNonsense1985]

I did recognize Will Ferrell’s apartment building as being the same one in the album cover for Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.

[@CBDuRietz]

This is probably one of the most under-rated movies. It's a shame it's seems to be missed out by most people. It's a real gem.

[@paulhewes7333]

This is a tremendous movie. Maggie Gyllenhaal is not a traditional beauty, but she is tremendous in her own way. Will and Dustin and Emma and Queen Latifah all killed their roles. The soundtrack is also brilliant. Spoon was very good.

[@grundelfish4256]

Easily my favorite Will Ferrell movie, and a spectacular look at the value of art (which could live forever) vs. the value of human life (which will always end). Fantastic shit!

[@jamesbarels469]

It is his best role, imo. Just a fantastic performance. He is really great as the straight man in this very quirky comedy.

[@IDiggPattyMayonnaise]

By far my favorite Will Ferrell movie because of the scene at the end when tells the writer that she has to kill him.

[@Dontjudgeme420]

33:50 I feel that was the point. Harold was just a boring person who thought he was just supposed to be alone. And then something so seemingly innocuous as setting his watch 3 minutes early brought him together with those people so he could save that annoying little boy. It didn't matter how hard he tried to run or how much he'd grown or that he'd fallen in love. Harold could not escape death. And the heartbreaking part of it all, as this book was meant to be a Tragedy, is that he did get to experience a better life than what he had and it was all going to be snatched from him. This is my favorite movie and I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@lordrahl2345]

I'm glad you mentioned Eternal Sunshine because that movie, Stranger Than Fiction & The Secret Life of Walter Mitty are all extremely underrated films of the last 20 years and are all similarly moving. Great reaction as always.

[@TCrimson05t]

You have good taste and I completely agree about the secret life of Walter Mitty

[@Rubes-be7qd]

Me when I was putting them all together as some of my favorite films. No original thoughts lmao

[@Fiola-6]

Ah, I love the 3 of them

[@valetboy21]

The fact that Will Ferrell goes toe to toe with heavyweights like Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thomspon is a testament to just how good he is in this film. One of my favorite movies. Thank you for sharing it with your audience. I have been waiting for some reaction channel to finally stumble upon this nearly forgotten masterpiece.

[@dudermcdudeface3674]

Another bizarro concept comedy worth seeing: "I Heart Huckabees." Stacked cast and some of the most subversive writing you're ever likely to see.

[@angelagraves865]

Yes!! That's a great movie!

[@ethanvilla4418]

FINALLY someone reacts to this movie. It's one of the most underrated obscure classics ever.

[@richiecabral3602]

Love this flick. I like how straight Will Ferrell plays this character. There's even a couple times when the story would've allowed him getting a little wacky, but he didn't, and I think that's great. Now I'm very curious about what this surf movie you referred to is.

[@LordVolkov]

Comedians make some of the best dramatic actors. Will gives an incredible performance here.

[@MomentoMarty]

Definetly one of the most underrated Will Farrell movies. It's rare to find many of his more serious rolls (especially since Talladega Nights came out in the same year) and he kills it, but I think people have such an expectation for his characters that the beauty in this one is lost on them

[@GeekMasterGames]

LITERALLY my favorite (non-animated) movie of all time. I love, love, love this movie. So glad you got to see it.

[@O_Towne_Bear]

Give "Synecdoche, New York" (2008) a try. It's a bit more mind bendy but well worth it. Philip Seymour Hoffman leads an amazing cast.

[@stackels97]

Same.

[@maximillianosaben]

Stranger Than Fiction and The Number 23 were released around the same time. Wildly different movies, both starring well known funny people in considerably more dramatic roles (especially Jim Carrey in the latter), but also rather similar given the surreal nature of their plots.

[@T_Baloney]

This is Will Ferrell's best movie, and it isn't close. I love this movie. It's so well written. I love how he changes throughout the movie and finds love. I love seeing Emma Thompson contemplate all the people she's possibly killed and the regret she feels. Glad that you were able to experience this movie.

[@decusq]

This is one of my favorite films of Will Ferrel's and of all time. The film has such a simple but beautiful concept about life and the little things about it that make it better for as long as we're here.

[@quixote6942]

This was the most UNDER-APPRECIATED Movie of all time! I've watch it several times over the past several years, And I'd never think it would make it on a reaction channel! Thank You for reacting to it! The Beauty of the Movie was that ALL her characters were ordinary, mundane People that broke free and didn't truly live until just before they Died! It didn't try to answer all it's questions, which is how life really is... And that's what was so immersive about it!

[@miriam8376]

“He can either make his life a comedy or a tragedy depending on how he reacts.” You just described existentialism in its most real-life application.

[@zof31091]

If you loved those movies I think you are going to love Hector and the search for happiness

[@resonantstorm771]

The flours. Those damn flours. Easily one of my top 5 favorite romantic gestures in all of film history. Such a fun and beautiful film.

[@TheHcjfctc]

This was the first Will Farrell movie I actually enjoyed. I forgot how much I loved this movie. Thanks for reacting.

[@calliope720]

Fun fact, the original release of this film had, instead of the demolition claw, a giant wrecking ball crash through his apartment - and there was no warning, you didn't see the machinery approaching through the window first, like in this version. The wrecking ball was such a huge and unexpected jump scare for the type of movie this is, the entire theater freaked out (I went to see it when it opened). I actually had no idea they replaced the wrecking ball scene later until I watched your reaction. Interestingly, elsewhere in the movie the characters still reference the "wrecking ball."

[@noctambule5726]

This is one of those unknown gems that turns out to be absolute masterpieces

[@gwivongalois6169]

As someone who usually is like "Will Ferrelis in it? No thx." this movie had me surprised and ensnared. The charming member of an anarchist society Maggy Gyllenhall did also help.

[@genghisg]

My interpretation has always been that the story we are watching is already Karen Eiffel's rewrite, which explains why many of the things that change his life are him reacting to the original story being written and the voice(which wouldn't make sense since he isn't supposed to be hearing her voice in the original story) and why Karen says she'll have to go back and change a few things to make it work.

[@apatternedhorizon]

I have been waiting SO LONG for someone to react to this movie. It's literally Will Ferrell's best role. The scene where he sings wreckless eric to Maggie is perfect.

[@88balloonsonthewall70]

My favourite scene in this movie is when hes on the bus, knowing hes gonna die, the camera zooms in on a hand gripping a pole in the bus... and then it releases it. Showing the moment he accepts his fate in a very poetic way.

[@smavtmb2196]

I own a copy of this. A fantastic and unique movie. I love how Ana and Harold relationship starts so awkward but they grow on each other as Ana gets him to open up and try new things. It's heartwarming

[@monygemini88]

This is such an underrated, under appreciated movie! I wish more reactors would react to it. I'm so glad you did!

[@zacharymeinecke7764]

Eternal sunshine and stranger than fiction both star typical comedic actors in a dramatic role who freaking nail it. I can always rewatch them.

[@mattnastasi1382]

Your reaction at the end was priceless. This film has been a favorite of mine since I saw it back when it was released. The last line about the little things being put here to save our lives resonates - it changed the way I look at everything. I guess that means this film is one of those little things put here to save our lives, too.

[@anieeina]

This movie will forever be one of my fave movie. Always in my top 5. May i suggest Secondhand Lions? Another underrated movie that most people needs to see

[@davidmcleod5133]

Maggie Gyllenhaal was my celebrity crush for MANY years! You should watch The Secretary with her and James Spader sometime. Completely changed my outlook on life and relationships.

[@andrewgrossman4982]

That film is just called *Secretary* and yes, it came out while I was in college and is about a quadrillion times more interesting / better than 50 Shades.

[@RustyChilders]

I love this movie. Thank you for watching it! You are the only reactor I know who has done so. Magical Realism is the literary genre this fits into. Good stuff.

[@TCrimson05t]

Ikr? I need more reactions for this film.

[@TheLouisvilleJedi]

That commonality you discussed between "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and "Stranger Than Fiction" is because they're both playing into (or depending your view, subverting) this trope: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manic_Pixie_Dream_Girl BTW, if you haven't seen it, please do a reaction to "Midnight in Paris"!

[@dan_hitchman007]

Will Farrell should do more dramas and dramedies. He's really good at it.

[@evergreenforestwitch]

Love this movie! So glad you watched it. A cool art direction thing they do is that in the beginning, Harold is always framed in squares and rectangles - architecture, windows, furniture etc almost always has him boxed in. Anna is always in circles. The windows in her shop, the arches in her apartment. As he transforms, Harold stops being surrounded by only right angles and it's quite impactful. The writing, acting and art direction (and probably direction direction but Idk honestly understand what directors and producers do so....) really make this move amazing IMO

[@adamclifton29]

This is the best Will Ferrell movie. It's his Truman Show. Truman Show is Jim Carrey's best movie, Stranger Than Fiction is Will Ferrell's best movie

[@Tonyblack261]

And thus, Professor Trelawney's predictions, finally came true.

[@LeonardoKlotz]

I like how they use brutalist architecture in this movie It perfectly represents a world where free will is absent

[@gastronomist]

You should watch "Lost in Translation". That's another movie that's been forgotten.

[@TedwardsTube]

Oh my god, I love this movie! I’ve watched it a million times and never get tired of it, yet I haven’t seen any of the other reaction channels do it. Thank you for picking something fresh! I don’t know why most reaction channels just watch the same movies that every other reaction channel has already done.

[@AspieKing26]

A lot of people didn't see this because most people like Will Ferrell's Doofus Americanus roles more than one where he actually shows his acting chops and skills. All things being equal, this is unequivocally Will Ferrell's BEST work, hands down. And as always I enjoyed your review of it.

[@lindalee5866]

This is all so true! Another good (light drama) film of Will's is Everything Must Go.

[@RandomNonsense1985]

And people think I’m weird when I tell them this is my favorite Will Ferrell movie.

[@jasoncaldwell5627]

The best part for me is how Harold's struggle gave all the other characters a second lease on life as well. His pal got to go to Space camp. The literature professor went from being a lifeguard to actually swimming with people. The writer got on the nicotine patch... And, of course, the kid didn't get hurt.

[@Lythea]

This is definitely one of my favorite movies, and I very much enjoyed watching you appreciate it!

[@gregmcdougall4773]

You also need to watch Everything Must Go (2010). Another Will Farrell in a dramatic role movie. Also a fantastic movie nobody's ever seen.

[@gabsrants]

finally someone is reacting to this - this movie is genius

[@KaineNiteStkr]

One of my favourites. Was shocked to actually see someone react to it.

[@paulbauer8234]

If you liked eternal sunshine, truman show, and stranger than fiction, I have another suggestion for you starring a comedic actor in a dramatic role. Punch Drunk Love with Adam Sandler.

[@jimpreston3487]

"Oh my god, "Don't worry about it, crazy... pear-man," is one of the funniest, *meanest* things I think I've ever heard. 🤣🤣🤣 I had to pause the video to collect myself.

[@ANDI3niable]

Finally! Someone reacting to this film! Sorry five months late. I've been waiting for someone to react to this film like a year ago, but this film didn't get much attention.

[@cctomcat321]

I'd also recommend Everything Must Go for another serious Will Farrell movie.

[@bluris1711]

It is one of the most underrated movies I ever watched for sure. I don't like Will Farrell, but he was perfect in this role.

[@robertlopez628]

I love this movie. The concept of this story is awesome. How a writer might actually be writing about a real person and not know it. This movie needs to be viewed more. I love your reaction to it.

[@BeckyLStoutWriter]

You have earned a new subscriber, because I love this movie and I think you are the only person on KZbin who has reacted to it. A trailblazer you are! 👍

[@chefskiss6179]

To put it quite simply, thank you for this. While I did have you already bookmarked... I am now officially subscribing. This little beauty is on a tier level that I have just stopped bringing up a long time ago, so many other suggestions that get lost in the wind or whatever, I can't even write properly I am just so happy you're getting to this right now :) p.s. Emma and Dustin had so much fun in the brief scene they had they decided to find a project to work together again (Last Chance Harvey / 2008). It doesn't hit you over your head but is still a good flick.

[@Tribdinosaur]

"Fantastical realism" is a perfect way to sum it up!! I'd like to borrow that phrase now. I absolutely love Stranger Than Fiction; it's been so many years since I last saw it, but I used to watch this every so often.

[@Deach365]

If you like this please watch - Jeff, Who Lives at Home. with Jason Segel and Judy Greer. See him in a completely different way.

[@dougbank107]

This is one of my favorite movies and I have been waiting forever for someone to react to it. Thank you so much for making the effort. I have no idea why it is so hard to find online. There must be an explanation, but I have no idea what the justification could be. Great stars. Great acting. Great plot. And a great reaction too! By the way, the city is Chicago!

[@simonfrederiksen104]

Secretary (2002) Very Stranger Than Fiction

[@jr49022]

I'm here a year late, this is my third favorite movie and I can't understand why everyone hasn't seen this movie, it's so odd that it's great. The only thing I can think of is that it just wasn't promoted, or they couldn't figure out who their target audience is, something like that. It's probably not a movie for everyone, but for most this is an incredible movie. Thank you for reacting to this and I think you did a great job. I've probably watched this 30 times, I still cry in some parts!

[@JDP5127]

I love seeing comedic actors at least test the waters with a serious role. It often gives us delightful films like this. I had seen this YEARS ago, and then forgotten that it existed until about half way through this video.

[@mariannafarris6014]

Finally somebody reacted to this movie!!! It is such a good one!!!! great story and great cast! thank you :)

[@kelvinw.1384]

Also about the architecture. It has a deeper meaning in the background. In the start of the movie you see all the square shapes and measurements. The director even mentioned he picked chicago and the federal building is 100% square and perpendicular. Representing how square and boring and orderly his life is. When his life begins to change more color and shapes, such as the round marina city apartments or the colors in his GF apartment.

[@jimjohnson5739]

I love this movie & have watched it many times. I've come to believe that the writer Karen Eiffel was (like Harold Crick) also living a life she had grown beyond. She was a writer of tragedies and a very successful one, but that was no longer who she wanted to be. She had come to want more than tragedy for her life just as Harold had come to want more than order. That was why she had writer's block. The events of the movie depict both Harold and Karen moving from safe familiar lives to scary but fulfilling ones.

[@heyitsthatmoviedude1627]

Funnily enough, the movie was originally going to go with the book ending within the movie, kind of like the saying that's recently gained traction - "not all heros wear capes". He might've been a boring character who's just discovering life and its beautiful luxuries, but he was still willing to put others before himself, even when faced with the end. It's an incredible movie that deserves so much more recognition.

[@stackels97]

Omg so glad someone has reacted to this film. Such an underappreciated piece of art

[@captainsplifford]

"Aren't you relieved to know you're not a golem?" is one of my favorite lines of dialogue in any movie ever.

[@josethemexican24]

Out of all the fantastic movies out there, this one is hands down my favorite. I even have Harold’s guitar tattooed on me. Every time Harold steps in front of the bus my eyes well up, the adult space camp gift gets me too. So glad you enjoyed it as well, another one that gets me is Atonement.

[@arikolson3722]

This is one of my favorites and one that doesn't get it's appreciation. Very underrated.

[@lyleandrew6891]

This is my favorite Will Ferell movie. He does a great job here.

[@l00d3r]

It is one of my favorite Will Farrell movies. You nailed it when you said it was fantastical realism. The movement is particulary huge in Spanish literature, where it is called Realismo Magico. Another movie in this literary movement that I like a lot is Pan's Labyrinth.

[@jamiebollenbacher4762]

I love that you react to such a wide variety; I've never understood why so many people skip on this movie! It is, as you put it, a hidden gem. Keep it up!

[@twofacetoo75]

The point about Harold's death is that he was fortunate enough to have a death planned out for him. It wasn't going to come out of nowhere and ruin his day, he'd know the precise SECOND it was going to happen, and it was going to be done in an act of heroism and courage. Yeah, him dying sucks, but the point is he gets a GOOD death, probably better than anyone else in the world has ever had. It still sucks, but that's the point they were making, it wasn't just because 'it's a good book', it's because his death could actually be a good thing.

[@ramblinevilmushroom]

This movie introduced me to the music of "spoon" The album "Gimmie fiction" is still one of my favorite albums, even all these years later.

[@ghostsurfer23]

I slept on this movie until a couple years ago. I'm a writer, and this movie was so beautifully resonant with me. The fact that it's so much more than just "Harold knows he's going to die," that it's "the book is a masterpiece, which means Harold's life is a masterpiece, but only if he dies" is such a unique and specific dilemma and it destroyed me. It helps that I adore Dennis Hoffman, so the fact that we sort of come to understand what the movie is really about through him really sells it for me. Oh, also Emma Thompson is amazing.

[@AKCFTW]

“I’ve grown up around guitars. I’m not like other girls.”

[@AndrewCBateman]

He has another movie where he plays a more serious, dramatic role called "Everything Must Go". It's not the narrative gem that this one is, but it is also a really good movie that most people haven't seen.

[@olly8453]

This film is a favorite of mine and is an absolutely underrated masterpiece. The film has incredible depth, is extremely well written, acted, and directed. There are numerous philosophical themes at play, worthy of lengthy critical analysis in its own right.

[@dalemundy2279]

This is one of my favorite movies, and like you I had not heard of it when it was released. Dustin Hoffman is one of my favorite actors and I came across a KZbin interview where he talked about this movie. I thought Hoffman & Farrell would be the drivers for this, but for me it was the acting of Emma Thompson & Maggie Gyllenhaal that really made this movie for me!

[@CarlHungus]

this is one of my all time favorites. couple things: that wristwatch was real, i had one, obviously it doesn't alert you when the love of your life is nearby. and, if you wanna see Will Ferrell in one more well-done serious role, check out Everything Must Go.

[@blitzgirl6522]

So glad to see someone reacting to this! Such an underrated gem. I hold this and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" side by side as quirky favorites. 🥰

[@po5283]

Awesome film, so glad to see someone reacting to this wonderful hidden gem, that doesn't get nearly enough attention!!! Another perfect example of how amazing comedic actors can be in more dramatic and straight laced roles. Speaking of which, after double checking to make sure on your page, unless you've seen them on your own or the videos were taken down, you are absolutely missing out not watching, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind with Jim Carrey, Good Will Hunting with Robin Williams and The Invention of Lying with Ricky Gervais. Lastly two other films to definitely watch, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, great cast and wonderfully eccentric and fun story and characters; and the hidden gem Grosse Pointe Blank, a brilliant black comedy, with an amazing cast, excellent writing and epic soundtrack.

[@mishmash3927]

This is one of my all-time favourite movies. The world just wasn’t ready for this one when it came out.

[@t1ydot]

This is my favorite role will Ferrell ever played. Nice balance of humor and seriousness

[@danielberg7644]

"Everything Must Go" is another good Will Ferrell movie in a serious roll.

[@LordVolkov]

"Dear imperialist swine," I think Stranger Than Fiction is Maggie Gyllenhaal at her most beautiful. I adore her.

[@michaelw8262]

Punch Drunk Love is not really all that similar to this, but it also stars a comedic actor in a dramatic role. It's directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, so it's more aggressively quirky, but it's very good.

[@MrSuperHappyPants]

I'm glad you enjoyed this, and I too dearly love Eternal Sunshine. Dearly. Next up for you, given our shared opinion here: I Heart Huckabees. I'm sure others have suggested it in comments already, I just felt it necessary to toss another vote in. I can't imagine a universe in which you don't enjoy it and pause to reflect on what's really important in life. It's a hoot. A hoot with big questions to ponder. It doesn't seem to get much acclaim, but that's because, well, you know. The same reason that Stranger than Fiction isn't on people's radar. It isn't made with the intention of being a blockbuster, it's actually a work of art. Broken Flowers, too. Love your channel.

[@lucky2213]

One of my college professors used this movie as a test where you had to point out all the different literary types.. its an amazing movie i love it so much

[@robertschneider1977]

This is one of those criminally unknown movies. I remember coming across it on TV and just thinking it was an another Will Ferrel movie when it started. Then it turned out to be one of the most creative and engrossing things I'd watched and nothing I expected from a Will Ferrell movie. Hopefully your reaction will spawn more reactions and a new appreciation of this film.

[@ImAlsoMerobiba]

It seriously is! They finally added it back to streaming now, but it was truly hard to find like vkunia said.

[@jamesb8818]

this is for sure one of my favorite movies of all time. the problem is that everyone saw will ferrel and at the time they assumed it was going to be stupid and goofy. he should have won awards for this role.

[@Shadi092986]

Sometimes I still interchange Stranger Than Fiction, Strangers With Candy, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. 🤣

[@JCG52577]

This is probably my favorite film of his because it shows he can actually act and not just be a goof.

[@crashtesteryo]

I hate to not comment more substantially, but this is my #1 Will Ferrell movie of all time. I try to make everyone watch this one and generally fail. Thank you for the validation. 😀

[@schuettjoel]

I have always found the flour's scene completely adorable.

[@davidbarker77]

One of my favourite movies. In plays in your mind for weeks after. Brilliant performances by Will, Emma, Dustin and Maggie. The flours scene is one of my all-time favourite scenes.

[@JJ-nq3ll]

Awesome movie 🍿 There’s no coincidence in life, life will guide you in ways that make no sense at the moment but later reveals itself in blossoms. It is a Masterpiece! 🐺🐺

[@Tamalan]

A lost Gem and one of my all time underrated films. I could watch this over and over. Thank you for reacting to the perfect story.