Watch Meet Bill For Free

Simply A Masterpiece

Good movie but grossly overrated

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

I found myself inadvertently drawn into this film while flicking through T.V. channels. Aaron Eckhart plays the tile lead "Bill", and he is obviously going through some kind of middle aged crisis right from the get-go. His wife Jess, played by the gorgeous Elizabeth Banks, is having an affair with local T.V. journalist and all-round narcissistic asshole Chip Johnson, played by Todd Louiso. In the midst of this depressing scenario, Bill finds himself suddenly committed to mentoring a 15 year old boy, played brilliantly by Logan Lerman at his former prep school. Added to this there is Sales Assistant Lucy, played charmingly by the delightful Jessica Alba. The latter 2 play a key role in the transformation of a steadily faltering character, in Bill. With lots of potential here the script doesn't quite follow suit as the film seems to end too quickly and we have some unresolved relationships which end up in having us guess in an unsatisfied fashion.

Bill has married into a family with money. His reward is a position in the bank owned by his father-in-law, where he does not have anything of importance to do. His wife Jessica, Bill discovers, is having an affair with an oily television reporter, more interested in his looks, than anything else. When Bill realizes the deception, he moves away to the home of his brother, a gay man, living with his lover.Before he knows about his wife's cheating, Bill has been eating candy bars secretly; he has a big belly to show for his new habit. Through the connections of his father-in-law, Bill enters a program at the St. Albans School, where he becomes a mentor of one teenager from a prep school. Bill, who recognizes his life is going nowhere, decides to make it on his own by getting a donut franchise, much like Krispy Kreme, he is afraid of Jessica's disapproval.The boy Bill mentors, is wiser in things that his bigger mentor is not. Despite his misgivings, the "Kid", as he is known, is able to steer Bill into doing fun things, including moving into a big tent pitched in his brother's backyard, and entertaining Lucy, their friendly sales lady and another hot lady in his new home. Bill realizes what is wrong in his life and decides to lose all the extra weight he has been carrying. Doing that, he is able to win Jessica, and the franchise that means his independence.This comedy about a somewhat middle age crisis, was conceived by Melisa Wallack, who co-directed with Bernie Goldmann. Neither partner show any experience in taking the helm in a motion picture before, although Mr. Goldmann has long been associated as a producer, that is why the results are mixed. As a comedy, "Bill" misses its opportunity to be funny because of a screenplay that goes nowhere and satisfies no one.Aaron Eckhart is a good actor, but like some of his fellow players, he needs to have someone strong behind him when it comes time to choose what project to take. His Bill will not add much to his otherwise good movie career. Elizabeth Banks is a beautiful presence, no matter in what role, her Jessica makes no sense at all. Jessica Alba's Lucy is more of an adornment in the picture, for she has not much to do. Logan Lerman, on the other hand, is perfect as the naughty rich boy used to getting his own way.

Aaron Eckhart is Bill, a guy with some problems who is lost within a life the chose him rather than him choosing it for himself. He's tired of not doing what he wishes to do. He wants change and finally gets around to it in this film.With Jessica Alba & Elizabeth Banks, this is a pleasant film with some light hearted moments. Trouble is is never rises much above a certain level which is a middle of the road effort by the film makers. No scenes are memorable enough to really latch on to the viewer in this one.We are all left with a feel good ending where meeting Bill and seeing that he is finally headed in the direction he wants to go is OK. There is nothing in the story that makes you wish to go any more into it. At least the film is pretty short as length would not help this.This movie is OK but nothing to write home about.

I rarely comment on movies, but the previous reviewer seemed like a blathering idiot. This movie is excellent, not only acting-wise(Eckhart's transformation is amazing, and keep an eye on that kid) but the story is very real. It contains just enough over the top to remind us that it is, indeed, a dark comedy. But it definitely puts the humor in the right places. The film has a serious message, but a subtly hilarious tone. Though way out from mainstream "succesful" films it is splendidly done, and the ending leaves us inspired to action to better our own lives. Be who you want, and not what others expect. In the end, everyone respects him more for it.