Notebook Reviews: ZERO EFFECT

Jake Kasdan – 1998.

Zero Effect is an entertaining comedy-thriller with good characters and some intriguing plot developments. It’s a strong writing and directing debut for Jake Kasdan – son of the great Lawrence Kasdan. This is an off-beat affair with good performances from Ben Stiller and Bill Pullman.

A quirky mystery that meanders along, Zero Effect isn’t one for those who like their films fast-paced or actioned-fuelled. This is as as much about the characters as it is about the central story and that’s where Kasdan’s film really shines. Zero Effect is no classic – but it’s good enough.