Zero Effect (1998)
Comedy | Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline: The world's most private detective.

The World's Most Private Detective Steve Arlo. Daryl Zero. They've got private investigation covered from A to Z. Solving a murder is easy. Living - being a functioning person away from the job - that's hard. Bill Pullman is Zero: a genius on the job, a basket case in life. Ben Stiller is Arlo, Zero's frustrated front man. Their new case: find a shady tycoon's missing keys, a search unlocking a Pandora's Box of blackmail, revenge and murder. But when love zeroes in on Zero, the world's best detective suddenly hasn't got a clue.

Storyline: Daryl Zero is a private investigator. Along with his assistant, Steve Arlo he solves impossible crimes and puzzles. Though a master investigator, when he is not working, Zero doesn't know what to do with himself. He has no social skills, writes bad music, and drives Arlo crazy. In his latest case, Zero must find out who is blackmailing a rich executive, and when his client won't tell him, why. The only problem with this case is Zero has done something he's never done before: got emotionally involved. Written by MartianWax

User Comment: Tito-8 from North Bay, Ontario, 21 April 2000 • This was a really pleasant surprise. I didn't know what to expect before watching this film, but what I got was a great movie that featured some really good performances. Stiller and O'Neal are solid, but the always-likeable Bill Pullman is the real standout here. There are lots of great moments in this film, many of them comedic, and except for an occasionally slow pace during the second half, I was greatly entertained throughout. Definitely worth checking out this movie.

Summary: Terrific movie.

User Comment: the amorphousmachine from Australia, 20 September 2000 • Bill Pullman is a very underrated actor, and this film he totally steals the show as the reclusive, quirky but 'greatest detective in the world', Daryl Zero. He certainly suited the part in Zero Effect!

Ben Stiller, Ryan O'Neal and Kim Dickens all provide great support in this different but interesting comedy. It had a very good story, some interesting social commentary and observation. Not quite a thriller but for its acute observation, realistic characters and storyline,

Summary: Very cool...

[CSW] -3.6- Mr. Zero seems to be an amalgam of several of the world's most famous private eyes of fiction along with all their personality quirks. From Holmes' addiction via "the 7% Solution" and his penchant for creating horrible music to Nero W.'s erratic social behavior and mannerisms. Pullman and Stiller are excellent and do the roles justice. The female lead is played a little stiff on purpose, but it doesn't detract in the least from a very good flick that kept me watching from beginning to end with great interest. Lots of plot twists handled very well keep you guessing all the way.

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