Zero Effect is a movie that when you are done watching it, you will be hard-pressed to come up with a parallel film to compare it to. It truly is unique. Its blend of comedy, crime and drama is outstanding.For people who like unusual characters, the main character, Daryl Zero, is detached from much of life but is a brilliant private investigator. For those of you who may be curious about what is really going on with him, I would say that he could be diagnosed with Schizoid Personality Disorder (though he also has some Obsessive Compulsive Disorder traits).There are plenty of twists and turns throughout the film, many of which are totally unexpected. The acting is very well done and the script seems to move the story along at a nice pace.I believe the opening ten minutes may be one of the best lead-ins to introduce a character.As I write this, I think the only film that I can come up with that may be similar is "Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang." If you enjoyed "Zero Effect" you will likely enjoy "Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang" as well.

Charming, Quirky, and Modern Retelling of Sherlock Holmes. A Reincarnation of one Daryl Zero, "The World's Most Private Detective". Bill Pullman and Ben Stiller are the Homes and Watson of this Bizarre Cult Favorite that was a Surprise from First Time Director/Writer Jake Kasdan.The Dialog, or the Words are what Moves this Rather Complex Story from A to B. The Best Stuff comes from the Voice Overs and Explanations that Define the Detective and His Methods. The Performances from the Main Actors are also Worthy and Effective. The Story Itself maybe too Complicated by a Half and the Film may be just a Little too Long for its Own Zeitgeist, but it is Better by Far than a Lot of so called Hip Comedies and Manages to Combine Wit and Personality to take the Movie on an Offbeat Path and Therein Lies the Appeal.It is Character Driven to Say the Least and the Mystery is kind of a Letdown in the End but the Road Taken is Filled with a Number of Pit Stops that are Both Intriguing and Intellectual Enough to make this a Sleeper Worthy of a Watch, and Maybe Even at this Late Date, A Sequel.

The big budget films that Bill Pullman and Ben Stiller get leave me unimpressed. The films a lark, but who are these guys? Can they act? Given an interesting script and a good director, Bill Pullman and Ben Stiller certainly can act.This is no comedy, although there are moments where you will laugh.This is not a derivative version of a Sherlock Holmes story, although there are interesting comparisons.I had not heard of this movie when I bought a VHS copy in a close-out bin. Since then, I have watched it every few years. It is the best work I have seen them do.

This is a nifty little character study, character play, if you like.The overall plot is simple enough: a recluse is great detective, and is hired to find out two things: where a set of keys is and who is blackmailing someone. Ben Stiller plays his public face, downplaying his usual uncomfortable shtick some here.Bill Pullman plays Daryl Zero, the detective, and does so as he often does in his character roles -- very well. And, Kim Pickens -- very good in a piquant role -- also has an important part of the plot, particularly as some one Zero falls in love with. Ryan O'Neal has a small part, which he does fine enough, as the client.The movie is laid back and some might be turned off by that, since it takes it time and doesn't try to do too much. But, to me, given I liked the characters and all, it works for me. Nice ending too.