Cast member Will Ferrell at the premiere of 'Stranger Than Fiction' at the Mann Village theatre in Los Angeles on October 30, 2006. The movie tells the story of novelist Karen Effiel (Emma Thompson) who finds out that the character of her latest novel, Harold Crick (Ferrell), is real.- Reuters

(AP):

An IRS agent (Will Ferrell) wakes up one morning and realises that his monotonous, meticulous life is being narrated. The voice in his head is articulate, descriptive and British (Emma Thompson as a morose novelist struggling to finish her latest book).

At first, he thinks he's going crazy because no one else can hear it, but then when the woman alludes to his imminent death, he understandably grows a tad more concerned.

In toying with the ideas of fiction vs. reality and the struggle to create in such topsy-turvy, self-aware fashion, Stranger Than Fiction probably sounds like something you've seen before: The Truman Show or Adaptation, perhaps.

What sets this film apart, though, is the sweet, subtle way in which director Marc Forster and writer Zach Helm present a potentially-preachy message (live each day to its fullest) and the universally-outstanding performances from an eclectic cast.

Cast

Ferrell is a marvel in a completely unexpected, understated role. Thompson is lovely as always, even when she's a wreck. And Dustin Hoffman is at his richly voiced, deadpan best as the literature professor who tries to help Ferrell determine whether he's the protagonist in a comedy or a tragedy. And yes, the structure is clever, very, very clever.

This film is rated PG-13 for some disturbing images, sexuality, language and nudity. 110 min.