THE PLOT: Based on movie mogul Art Linson’s memoirs, this satire explores the inner workings of Hollywood through the eyes of a middle-aged producer suffering a crisis of confidence.The man in question is Ben (Robert De Niro) who, when he’s not locked in a war of words with his screen stars, is taking part in therapy sessions with ex-wife Kelly (Robin Wright Penn), whom he still loves.

He’s desperate to win Kelly back and to bond with teenage daughter Zoe (Kristen Stewart), but work keeps getting in the way.

His latest gangster flick is in trouble – studio chief Lou (Catherine Keener) has taken a dislike to the downbeat ending and wants it changed, and it’s up to Ben to break the news to unhinged and unpredictable director Jeremy (Michael Wincott) that he’s got to re-cut his masterpiece.

THE VERDICT: It’s been a while since De Niro has had a critically acclaimed hit – and this meandering tale does little to change the situation. There are a few chuckles but no real laugh-out-loud moments as we follow the world weary fighter’s battle to cling to the last vestiges of his sanity.

The story is bogged down by too many slow-paced chapters, while bizarre cameos from Sean Penn and Bruce Willis – both playing themselves and the latter fighting an image issue over his desire to grow a beard – fall flat.

Studio heads are painted as money-grabbers who strangle artistic freedom to wring another dollar out of thrill-seeking audiences, and it’s strongly suggested that most Hollywood stars are little more than bullies on a massive ego-trip.

Hardly a recipe to make us fall in love with the key players in the cast.

Carl Jones’ rating: 6/10

• Release Date: Friday 28 November 2008
• Certificate: 15
• Runtime: 102mins

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