Wonder Boys isn't merely a film dealing with Tripp's search for his true self, nor is it really about James' search for a family and acceptance.  Wonder Boys delves deep within these two characters and is more than just plot combined with acting, but as we watch the film, we see them progress.  The character development that takes place is hard to describe, for it is so exact and significant in the lives of these two men.   Director Chris Hanson has done well in his highly anticipated follow up to L.A. Confidential (one of my personal favorite films).  He is able to masterfully direct not only Douglas and Maguire through their deep characters and twisted plot, but also manages to fit in a perfect Frances McDormand as the chancellor/lover of Tripp and Katie Holmes as Hannah, another - and quite possibly the only other - gifted student in Tripp's class.  Hanson is able to manage all of these characters flawlessly and combine these with witty and funny dialogue into a cohesive and generally enjoyable movie.

Once you get past the fact that you may never know what a "Wonder Boy" is and get further into the movie, you discover much more that you thought you would.   Including Michael Douglas' best performance of recent memory and another performance of Tobey Maguire, following his role in The Cider House Rules, Wonder Boys has much more to offer than the commercials can every display.  If you can, try and get out and see this one.  You might actually enjoy an intelligent, sharp, and sophisticated movie for once rather than the useless drivel Hollywood has been putting out lately.

Click here to see scans of the sneak preview ticket.