DVD Review: No Such Thing (B)

No Such Thing (2001)
Directed by Hal Hartley
Starring Sarah Polley, Robert John Burke, Julie Christie and Helen Mirren
MPAA: R
Grade: B

Review by Scott Standish

Hal Hartley is known for quirky independent comedies and No Such Thing certainly fits nicely into that category. There are stabs at the media, at how we view ourselves (and others) that are right on target. At the same time No Such Thing is a silly, right mindedcomedy that refuses to take itself too seriously. I like that.

A young journalist (Sarah Polley) is sent to Iceland to find out what happened to her fiance. She discovers that there is a mysterious monster ravaging the land, killing people and destroying houses. She boldy demands to meet the monster and instead of attacking him she decides to bring him back to society in order to make him a star. It's a bit like King Kong, but with a guy in a dorky monster suit.

Some nice acting work propels No Such Thing forward and keeps everything together. Helen Mirren makes a great appearance as the newspaper editor and Julie Christie also has an excellent turn as a scientist trying to help.

No Such Thing is a biting satirical comedy that, if you are willing to lower your expectations a bit, succeeds quite well. Give this one a shot.

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