| Novelist Nick Hornby understands the self-centred, narcissistic psyche of infantilized men. In other words: He gets guys. And the previous film versions of his novels showcased the author’s flair for delivering despicable heroes who are a little more nuanced and lovable than they first appeared.
From the snobby record store owner John Cusack played in High Fidelity to the self-absorbed, independently wealthy louse Hugh Grant played in About A Boy, Hornby’s characters are typified by their inability to appreciate their all-too-perfect lives and their all-too-perfect girlfriends. And Fever Pitch, Hornby’s novel about an obsessed British soccer (rather, football) fan whose infatuation with the game compromises his relationships with women, seemed to provide an ideal plot for an intelligent, funny Hollywood romantic comedy. Sadly, the film version of Fever Pitch is the most disappointing adaptation of Hornby to date. Directed by the Farrelly brothers and starring Jimmy Fallon as a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, the movie is a lifeless take on obsession and the price of fandom.
Fallon, fresh from the abysmal Taxi and his lengthy run on Saturday Night Live, has the acting ability of the bastard son of Jerry Seinfeld. Like Seinfeld, who was notorious for smirking during episodes of his TV show, Fallon looks like he’s trying to squash an impending laugh throughout most of the film. While that shortcoming didn’t hurt him on Saturday Night Live, it’s not a pleasant quality for an actor who’s expected to carry an 80-minute film. And Fallon, cute as he is, has all the charisma of a snail.
Even more frustrating than Fallon’s irksome presence is the Farrellys’ writing and direction. Fever Pitch feels like a low-brow comedy that’s been drained of its idiotic humour. Although the brothers try to insert the occasional gastronomic punchline – Fallon’s kind-hearted schoolteacher shows up for his first date with Lindsey (Drew Barrymore) to find that she’s suffering from food poisoning, and vomit gags ensue – there’s little in the way of actual comedy propelling the movie. Left without handicapped people to mock or an oddball premise, the Farrellys have no idea what to do with characters and a storyline that require development.
Though Fever Pitch is saved from striking out by its winning plot line, the film is much more bland and disappointing than it should have been. While it was a stroke of genius to convert the hero from a beleaguered British football fan into the most pathetic sports fanatic of all, a Red Sox fan – and to luck into having the Red Sox play out their most dramatic season in years as a backdrop – the Farrellys never manage to humanize their characters or their situation. It’s a shame that Hornby’s book couldn’t have fallen into the hands of a more capable team, with a more charismatic lead, because it certainly had the potential to be so much more. |
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