rooprect "Dummy" is an impressive movie for many reasons, but let's start with the show stealer... Milla Jovovich. Her character is something like a female Beavis & Butthead rolled into one but with great character development and evolution which pays off with her riveting singing performance at the story's climax. Her scenes alone (which some appreciative youtubers have strung together for our enjoyment) are worth the price of admission.Not to be overshadowed is Adrian Brody who plays a nerdy ventriloquist (whose only friend is Milla). And in case you're wondering, yes, he operated the puppet and did all the ventriloquism himself according to the credits at the end.The story: a nerdy ventriloquist wannabe (Brody), who is living at home at age 30-something because he can't keep a real job, pairs up with his high school pal (Jovovich) to chase his dreams and simultaneously win the love of a girl he's stalking. The humor is that the two of them, Brody & Jovovich, play characters who are so socially stunted that they'd be lucky if they could ride a bus downtown, let alone achieve their dreams of glory. By the way, Milla's dream is to be a punk rocker, but she keeps getting waylaid by the fact that her guitarist can never seem to get the right "reeear-weew-breeer-woow" (that's a quote). Until they switch to a bizarre new music genre which I won't spoil, you just gotta check it out and you WON'T be disappointed.There's a simultaneous subplot involving our hero's sister (played by the hilarious Illeana Douglas) who is a failed-singer-turned-wedding-planner also living at home at age 30-something whist being stalked by an alcoholic accountant who does community theater in his spare time.Perhaps you've figured it out from my description; this is a film about people who have failed in various degrees to achieve their dreams, and now solidly rooted in mediocrity, they make their way through life on the line of sanity. And frequently tripping over said line."Dummy" is a true gem of quirky excellence. The comedic timing between Brody's subdued character and Jovovich's hyper manic character is impeccable. Not to mention other supporting characters like the mother, father and of course Brody's love interest who each play memorable roles that contribute greatly to the humor. "Dummy" is an all round solid comedy that deserves a respectable cult following. Definitely not a wooden performance. Har har.

disdressed12 "Dummy" is basically the story of a shy man who takes up ventriloquism and gains confidence in life.his friend is an unestablished singer in a band who dreams of making it big.Steven(Brody) still lives at home with his parents and his sister Heid.i(Illeana Douglas)to say his family is dysfunctional is an understatement.Milla Jovovvich plays Fangora Steven's friend and aspiring singer.she lives with her mother,who is a total b**ch and seems to think the only reason Fangora is around is to run errands for her.Vera Farmiga plays Lorena,who works in the employment office where Steven Shows up one day after being fired from his job.Farmiga puts in another great performance.She has built a career out of small,sometimes supporting character roles.regardless,she is possibly the most underrated actress out there.as for Jovovich,she is barely recognizable in a very unglamorous,tomboy kind of role,but she pulls it off convincingly.overall this movie is a real gem and should not be missed.if you haven't seen it,you should do so. a very strong 8/10

ResidentHazard Adrien Brody and Milla Jovovich star in this film about a group of people that are, for lack of a better term, a bunch of losers. Adrian Brody is an awkward person who chooses the ultimate career of the loser. One of a ventriloquist—complete with frightful dummy and a personality which can generally only be seen only when he speaks through said dummy. Milla Jovovich is a singer in a punk band that excels at maintaining constant failure. Each of our "heroes" still live with their respective parents—and their 10-year High School Reunion is around the bend (not part of the story except to give us the idea that, holy hell, these people are way too old to still be living at home!). Adrien's sister is a failed wedding planner who's latest wedding is for a Jewish family, a culture which she largely knows nothing about. Adrien Brody becomes attracted to the woman at the employment agency trying to help him find work, er, as a ventriloquist. He initially scares the hell out of her, but he of course, gradually convinces her of his worth, but only by speaking through his dummy, which for a large portion of the film, is the only way he can accurately or easily convey his thoughts to others. The film follows three distinct stories, Adrien Brody's, Milla Jovovich's, and Illeana Douglas' characters (Brody's sister)—all of which come together rather nicely.Here's the breakdown:The Good:--The acting is great and the characters are fascinating—each with their own level of depth, quirks, and loads of problems.--The movie looks and feels like an independent film, which I personally liked.--Great drama, great humor--but it's a quirky and weird humor.--A lot of character development and growth.Didn't Hurt It, Didn't Help:--Pretty much all the characters are losers or failures of some sort, so they're not easily likable. But the very human quality of the characters allows them to really grow on you.--Adrien Brody's dummy is smarter and a smoother talker than he is, but then again, that's a character trait…The Bad:--I suppose, if you hate watching people speak through dummies, you'll have a real problem with this. Otherwise, there is little wrong with this picture.--It's got kind of a "weird" vibe about it throughout, it's not painfully strong, but it hovers around there--the weirdness--which may be off-putting for some people.The Ugly:--Adrien Brody's father assembles model warships… while watching porn.Memorable Scene:--Adrien Brody's thank you "letter" to his employment case-worker--classy.Acting: 8/10 Story: 8/10 Atmosphere: 7/10 Cinematography: 7/10 Character Development: 10/10 Special Effects/Make-up: 0/10 (there was none) Nudity/Sexuality: 2/10 Violence/Gore: 1/10 (really wasn't any) Music: 8/10 Direction: 8/10Cheesiness: 3/10 Crappiness: 0/10Overall: 8/10A nice "dramedy" that makes you feel good when it ends. Good for anyone except people that hate that kind of stuff… Or those who fear ventriloquist dummies—you know who you are, you weirdoes. ( www.ResidentHazard.com ) ( http://bartboard.proboards3.com/index.cgi )

blackitty2 It's a pity that Brody's award winning acting in "The Pianist" overshadowed what I think was the best performance of his career so far, as the romantically clueless and vocationally strange Steven in "Dummy". The film is just as captivating as "The Pianist", but in totally different ways. Brody completely inhabits of the body, mind, and soul of Steven -- and his dummy -- surrounded by an amazing cast that seems tailor made for each part. The film also includes some of the most subtle and hilarious comedic situations ever. (If you enjoy Wes Anderson or Coen Brothers style humor, then this will be a treat). Brody's Steven is sweet, disturbing, funny, shy and sometimes brave with amazing skill and believability. You feel yourself rooting for him despite all odds. He's a lovable loser that you want to win the girl at last, and I promise he'll be your favorite ventriloquist by the end of the film. If you have an appetite for a unique, well-made movie to restore your faith in movies (and actors) rent "Dummy" tonight.