Zero Effect (1998)

The set-up for Zero Effect is promising: A hermetic genius solves mysteries with his Sherlock-like powers of observation and the help of his increasingly embittered sidekick. Though the film ends up falling just a little short of its potential, it provides a fresh take on the detective genre. The mystery is chock-full of twists and turns, including a high-spirited and atypical love-interest Kim Dickens who may be more than she appears. Daryl Zero's reclusiveness and curiosity make for some original and amusing scenes, as when he gets on a treadmill next to his client, who has no idea that Zero is the rarely-seen mastermind he's hired. The relationship between Zero and Arlo is also pleasingly unique, one of mutual admiration, friendship and, for Arlo, sheer frustration -- emotions that suit Ben Stiller's comic edge very well. Occasionally the film is a little flat, taking too much time between laughs or surprises. Zero Effect was written and directed by the then 22-year-old Jake Kasdan, son of veteran filmmaker Lawrence Kasdan, and there is much here to assert the younger Kasdan's promise. ~ Matthew Doberman, All Movie Guide