What makes it different from others?

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

Boring, boring, boring movie. There was one scene where I cracked up laughing: "No, it's called a W2 form. WW2 was a war!" Altogether, this was a very slow melodrama. It plays out simple and intricate as well. That is, you can make this as complex as you want, or as simple as you want. The romance and body chemistry between Zero and his love work extremely well. It's too bad nothing else here does. It's a mystery that you don't care gets solved or not, you just want the film to end. Strong efforts from Pullman support the film, as does the love scenes, but not enough to justify why this was a major motion picture. Bombed at the box office, so unfortunately, it was nothing major. There were a few confusing moments, and I have to admit I was lost, but its nothing I can say here without spoiling the premise of the film. ( Hopes that none of the other reviews have, either. This is one of those movies where the less you know, the more you will be surprised.) The WOW factor is used once. No more. That is, you've seen this once, and that's more then enough. Not bad, but not good. Six out of 10 stars! Shine on, Bill !

Zero Effect is a movie that when you are done watching it, you will be hard-pressed to come up with a parallel film to compare it to. It truly is unique. Its blend of comedy, crime and drama is outstanding.For people who like unusual characters, the main character, Daryl Zero, is detached from much of life but is a brilliant private investigator. For those of you who may be curious about what is really going on with him, I would say that he could be diagnosed with Schizoid Personality Disorder (though he also has some Obsessive Compulsive Disorder traits).There are plenty of twists and turns throughout the film, many of which are totally unexpected. The acting is very well done and the script seems to move the story along at a nice pace.I believe the opening ten minutes may be one of the best lead-ins to introduce a character.As I write this, I think the only film that I can come up with that may be similar is "Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang." If you enjoyed "Zero Effect" you will likely enjoy "Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang" as well.

This is a nifty little character study, character play, if you like.The overall plot is simple enough: a recluse is great detective, and is hired to find out two things: where a set of keys is and who is blackmailing someone. Ben Stiller plays his public face, downplaying his usual uncomfortable shtick some here.Bill Pullman plays Daryl Zero, the detective, and does so as he often does in his character roles -- very well. And, Kim Pickens -- very good in a piquant role -- also has an important part of the plot, particularly as some one Zero falls in love with. Ryan O'Neal has a small part, which he does fine enough, as the client.The movie is laid back and some might be turned off by that, since it takes it time and doesn't try to do too much. But, to me, given I liked the characters and all, it works for me. Nice ending too.

The Daryl Zero character is an obvious parody of Sherlock Holmes, with Steve Arlo as an obvious Watson. The eccentric genius worshiped in the 19th century is of course totally insane in a late 20th century setting – the more as 'Watson's bourgeois virtues are accentuated. The plot is heavily based on the Holmes story 'A Scandal in Bohemia'. Actually you can identify most of the film's character from the short story, as well as the main conflicts – though the father-daughter aspect is original. 'Zero Effect' might be seen as an example of 'post-modernism' in film, with the many levels of references to literature, genre and popular culture. Knowledge of the sources of intertextuality makes the film the more enjoyable. If you love the Works of the Coen brothers, chances are you'll love this one too.