Whatever bit of advice, technique or skill helped Jim Carrey successfully transition from The Mask to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was lost on Will Ferrell. Some actors are able to believably make the quantum leap from slapstick, ridiculous comedy to drama; but, sadly, Stranger Than Fiction proves that Will Ferrell will never be considered one of these actors.

Ferrell plays Harold Crick, an IRS agent whose routine and solitary existence is suddenly disrupted when he realizes that his life is the basis of a novel. He begins to hear a woman’s voice narrating his every move and thought as the author continues to write. When the narrator discloses that Ferrell’s death is near, he must quickly figure out how to contact the author and convince her to keep his character alive.

Though the constant narration quickly becomes irritating, the plot itself is intriguing and well-developed throughout the movie. The supporting cast bolsters Ferrell’s performance and provides the necessary comic relief. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays a quirky and utterly adorable baker who becomes Ferrell’s love interest. Their relationship supposedly transforms him from straight-laced to fun-loving, though the change is difficult to distinguish in Ferrell’s performance.

It is hard to say whether Will Ferrell is just unconvincing as a serious actor, or whether audiences have watched Anchorman too many times to believe him as anyone else but Ron Burgundy. Ferrell seems to play the same character in all of his previous movies, and such a deviation is a little jarring.

Die-hard Old School or Elf fans will most likely feel disappointed with his latest endeavor, but the movie itself is entertaining and the supporting cast is impressive. Just don’t expect to be quoting this one for the next year. Will Ferrell might be “kind of a big deal,” but he won’t be remembered for this performance.

-Kate Bernot

Grade: B-