Dedication
Mandy Moore (A Walk to Remember and Billy Crudup (Almost Famous) star in this uplifting romantic comedy about life and love in the big city. Crudup is Henry Roth, a successful children's writer more comfortable with fiction than real people. When his only friend and collaborator (Oscar nominee Tom Wilkinson) passes away, Henry must team with Lucy (Moore) - a beautiful-but-sassy illustrator who drives him crazy before eventually melting his gruff heart. Featuring Oscar winner Dianne Wiest and Bob Balaban in hilarious supporting roles.
Member Reviews
This is dedicated to the one I loathe - luminol
A children's book author needs a new illustrator, due to circumstances beyond his control his last one is now unavailable. Henry Roth (Billy Crudup) hit it out of the park with his last book; although the only evidence to this winfall in his loft, is an upgrade from an old box TV to a shiny new plasma screen. His publisher envisions this book as a tent pole franchise. So the pressure is on to duplicate the phenomenon. Unfortunately his edgy, mean spirited humour tends to send everyone packing. so finding a replacement who is going to stand him long enough to supply the accompanying drawings is going to prove daunting.
Although Dianne Wiest and Mandy Moore only have two scenes together, the quick chemistry between them gets one star. I'm a sucker for the Kohl underliner school of acting (Check out Gynweth Paltrow from "The Royal Tenenbaums") so add another star. And one star for the hyphenate Justin Theroux who seems to be bursting with talent. Although as the Producer and first time Director he should have pushed for just one more pass on the screenplay. Simply beginning at the 16 minute mark of the film and incorporating those opening scenes as individual flashbacks would have deepened the material; giving Tom Wilkinson an arc; planting jokes that would have paid off later, etc, etc.
A light romance---although slightly formulaic: You put one cynical curmugeon next to any woman resembling Mandy Moore in a stare contest, and it's no mystery who blinks first.Pleasantly surprised - camillei
I love Mandy Moore, so I rented this movie on that basis alone. I was completely ready for a totally bubblegum chick flick kind of thing. From the description, you might expect the same. Actually, Dedication is a fun romantic comedy, yes, but with a backbone. The characters are refreshing and quirky, yes, but not so quirky that you're wondering if the writer just pulled personality traits out of a hat. I loved it.Romance with Brains! - alexao
What a treat!
I love Billy Crudup, not sure about Mandy Moore but decided to give this a go...
It is wonderful. Not only did Miss Moore prove she has a decent amount of acting ability but she set up Billy Crudup in this wonderful movie.
With a difficult story line, it is handled with some dark moments, some comedy and ultimately beauty. It is shot beautifully. Wonderful acting, great locations...
I cannot recommend this enough.
Member Reviews
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This is dedicated to the one I loathe - luminol
A children's book author needs a new illustrator, due to circumstances beyond his control his last one is now unavailable. Henry Roth (Billy Crudup) hit it out of the park with his last book; although the only evidence to this winfall in his loft, is an upgrade ...Pleasantly surprised - camillei
I love Mandy Moore, so I rented this movie on that basis alone. I was completely ready for a totally bubblegum chick flick kind of thing. From the description, you might expect the same. Actually, Dedication is a fun romantic comedy, yes, but with a backbone. ...Romance with Brains! - alexao
What a treat!
I love Billy Crudup, not sure about Mandy Moore but decided to give this a go...
It is wonderful. Not only did Miss Moore prove she has a decent amount of acting ability but she set up Billy Crudup in this wonderful movie.
With ...