For an unpredictable movie it was rather predictable. The actors and acting were very good. It must have played well in the theatres and for the fans. Of course you had to look past the stupid plot. Maybe in the US there are enough crack heads and dreamers to think the plot could happen. After all 1/3rd of the Us is either high on something or on prescription drugs. So I can see the irrational hype on RT. Should have been more like 30 for the critics and 60 for the fans. Fans are going to over look the plot and critics are afraid to declare this one stupid. I rate movies on if I would ever watch it again. No, I am more than done with this bird poop.

A great Movie! Classic! OMG Will, Maggie! Whole Wide World.

Every comedian does a thinker movie. A movie that's deep and really makes you think about things in a psychological way. Or has a deep meaningful plot. That makes you examine life in somewhat comical way. This movie is definitely one of them. In the film the character of Harold is a creature of habit. throughout the film he's getting the funny feeling that his life is being narrated. All of a sudden one day his watch stops and he realizes it's time to reexamine his life. He is told by the narrator that his death is imminent. The storyline is highly imaginative. It's good to see that Hollywood has somewhat of an imagination still. Will ferrell, Dustin hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emma Thompson, & Dana Owens are in the movie. It's a very eclectic cast. For a very eclectic movie. It's surprisingly good.

Loved it. It’s nothing particularly amazing but with so many films recycling the same hashed out plots over and over, Stranger Than Fiction gets 5 stars for it’s originality and non-formulaic plot.

LOVED. Will watch again. Well-written and directed. The cast - oh my greatness. All wonderful. Loved the bits of business from Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman. I was surprised to see some negative reviews above. It's hard to grasp that some professional critics just didn't (grasp it).

This was a fabulous movie , I can't believe I had not even heard of it until now . So well written to perfection with warmth, feelings and emotion, comedy , mystery, it really has it all . I wish everyone who has feelings could watch this and enjoy it as much as me and my wife did . Will Ferrell is a genius and pulled this off masterfully. The whole cast made this a masterpiece. Thank you all for this wonderful gift of a movie.

I liked a ton of this movie, but couldn't get past some of the ending. I thought the idea of the movie was very interesting and enjoyed it for the most part. Good film.

There are some inconsistencies maybe, but the message to live the life the deepest part of you aches for, is portrayed fantastically. There are numerous scenes that I would consider cinematic masterpieces. It is a great romantic story, contains pieces of comedy, and overall an original poetic immersive motion picture.

A very creative premise about an IRS accountant slowly realizing he’s a fictional character in an author’s novel. The meta-textural themes are very thought provoking and give a great deal of insight on deconstructing fictional literature and how it often relates to how we can find meaning in our everyday lives. Will Ferrell gives a surprisingly mature and restrained performance, with enough humor seeping through his sympathetic character to make this a bittersweet performance. Dustin Hoffman is also terrific as the passionately blunt literature professor who guides Will Ferrell through his meta-textual existential crisis. Emma Thompson is a great deal of fun to watch as the eccentric author, whose eccentric mannerisms and unaware narration of her character’s life is a joy to watch. While the pacing can be a bit slow at times and the romance is a tad rushed (albeit in a satirical way), the stylish presentation and intriguing unfolding narrative more than make up for this. Definitely an underrated gem in Will Ferrell’s filmography.

A surprising performance from Farrell makes this whimsical and witty tale work as he expertly combines drama and comedy with utter sincerity, making it impossible not to connect with his character. The ending wasn't as good as it could've been, but the movie remains very enjoyable.

I finally got to see this movie for free on Tubi, in my never ending quest to find movies about writers. I never thought I would call a Will Ferrell movie deep. We always see him in goofy comedies, so I was pleasantly surprised to see him as a straight man. The premise involves a writer Ana Pascal (Maggie Gyllenhaal) a chain-smoking reculse who always kills off her protagonist in her books and hasn't turned anything in, in ten years (ouch!). And once again, may I add that we writers are actually decent and levelheaded people. Why Hollywood doesn't get this, I'll never know. But back to the story, her character Harold Crick (Will Ferrell) can suddenly hear Ana's narration. How this comes about is never explained, but it's fine. The movie focuses on Harold desperately trying to figure out what's going on while having to deal with many changes in his life. I teared up a bit at the end but unlike Dr. Jules Hilbert (Dustin Hoffman) saying it was Ana's finished book was, "OK, not great." I thought the story ended perfectly.

I absolutely love Will Ferrell. My favorite comedian by far. And I think this is my favorite movie of his. Its not at all like the typical Will Ferrell movie. Its quiet, profound, & thought provoking. I almost want to use the words delicate, tender, & modest. Theres a softness & an earnestness to this movie that I find altogether endearing. It works on a whole different level from his usual movies.

Rating: 7/10. 70/100

Stranger Than Fiction is a refreshing blend of comedy, drama, and existential inquiry, elevated by Will Ferrell’s surprisingly nuanced performance. He plays an IRS agent whose structured life unravels when he hears an author narrating his every move. His transformation from rigid routine to heartfelt self-discovery is both believable and moving. The film’s storytelling is sharp and inventive, balancing humor with profound questions about free will and creativity. I love how the movie is enhanced with dynamic visual elements, including striking on-screen graphics that mirror Harold’s analytical mind. These clean, modern overlays not only add flair but deepen the audience's connection to the character’s world. Emma Thompson shines as the neurotic yet brilliant narrator Karen Eiffel, and the supporting cast—Maggie Gyllenhaal and Dustin Hoffman—adds warmth and charm. The cinematography and Britt Daniel’s score further amplify the film’s mix of whimsy and poignancy. With its inventive visuals, heartfelt performances, and thoughtful narrative, Stranger Than Fiction is a rare cinematic gem that’s both entertaining and deeply resonant.

What an underrated film!!! The acting is superb, the plot is layered and refreshing, and the editing is great. Tackling themes like predestination, doing what is right over how you feel, and allowing reality to dictate your decisions instead of your preferences, it is no wonder why so many today "just don't get it". This is one of those rarified films that make you a better human. I watch it when I need to be cured once again of taking the good things in my for granted that I should be cultivating gratitude for instead. One of my top 5 movies of all time.

One of the most underrated films of all time, simply because everyone expected Will Ferrell to be the same Will Ferrell he is in every other movie.

One of my most favorite films.

Enjoyable, though anyone who believes the core concept to be truly original must check out Vonnegut's "Breakfast of Champions." This merely riffs on that work. And though he's a lot more "serious" in this than usual, and yes I enjoy some of his other movies (especially "Talladega Nights") I think Ferrell has yet to pivot to completely "genuine" in a role.

It's safe to say I'm not a huge fan of Will Farrell movies. In fact that would be a gross understatement. You'd pretty much have to hold a loaded gun to my head to get me to sit through Elf. So it deeply surprised me, and continues to surprise me, just how much I love his 2006 film Stranger Than Fiction. Maybe it's because I am a writer, that I asked not dissimilar plot questions when I was 8, or maybe it's just it's lovely lilting writing and mood, maybe it's its impeccable and perfect casting. All I know is that I continue to be delighted with this movie each time I've seen it. The ending might be a bit over explained and drawn out..... but it really doesn't distract it from being a really interesting film that speaks to really deeply personal places to this author

"Stranger Than Fiction" is an absolute gem that shines brightly with its amazing plot and superb acting. The film's storyline is refreshingly unique, blending elements of comedy, drama, and fantasy in a way that feels both original and deeply engaging. Will Ferrell delivers a standout performance, showcasing his range as an actor and proving he can handle serious roles just as well as his comedic ones. The supporting cast, including Emma Thompson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Dustin Hoffman, is equally impressive, each bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. The cinematography is well-executed, capturing the essence of the story without being overly visually stimulating. It complements the narrative perfectly, focusing on the characters and their interactions rather than relying on flashy visuals. This approach allows the plot and performances to take center stage, drawing the audience into the film's intriguing and thought-provoking world. "Stranger Than Fiction" is a beautifully crafted film that excels in every aspect, from its engaging storyline to its top-notch acting and subtle yet effective cinematography. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-told story and outstanding performances.