Bill Pullman, Ben Stiller, Kim Dickens

The world's greatest detective Daryl Zero aided by his associate Steve Arlo investigates a complex and mysterious case of blackmail and missing keys for shady tycoon Gregory Stark who is less than for...( read more  read more... )thcoming about what is really happening!

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76% liked it

6,518 ratings

Critics

68% liked it

37 critics

R, 116 min.

Directed by: Jake Kasdan

Release Date: June 1, 1997

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DVD Release Date: July 7, 1998

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Stats: 366 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (366)


  • February 3, 2008
    An obscure but very original and interesting film. Ben Stiller is not an annoying ham yet, and Bill Pullman pulls off a very uncharacteristic and offbeat performance.
  • July 19, 2007
    Little seen gem, this sleeper phenom is simply a must watch. Pullman is at his best and the character he creates is simply wonderful to behold. Great performances. Excellent brain teaser. Funny. Intriguing. Watch this movie,...NOW.
  • July 8, 2007
    Steve Arlo: Why are we talking on the phone?
    Daryl Zero: I told you. We can't be too careful. Two guys in an airport... talking? It's a little fishy.

    Very cool comedy-noir film.

    Bill Pullman stars as Daryl Zero, a detective that predates Monk in being a very quirky detective,...( read more) when on the job he is amazing. He is very smooth, knows exactly what he is doing, and follows his methods. When put into other situations, he has problems keeping that cool. He is somewhat socially awkward, does drugs, and doesn't really go outside.

    Ben Stiller also stars as his sidekick/representative. This was back in the 90s when Ben Stiller was playing in more low budget flicks as smart characters, opposed to the whole neurotic guy thing he's become more known for.

    The movie itself is a quirky character comedy with some romantic and dramatic moments, but it is also a good detective story with a well written mystery plot.

    The soundtrack is particularly good, combining some choice tunes with a nice and fitting score for the detective theme.

    Its a lot of fun just to watch the interplay between Pullman and Stiller, but when Pullman reveals a little more about himself, its great to see a real believable character from another angle.

    The plot itself is more something that needs to be seen, so as not to reveal too much of what actually happens, but suffice it to say that the twists unfold rather nicely and in a witty way.

    If there is any problem, it is that the movie starts to move slower and focus more on some of the dramatic angles of the story about halfway through, but that doesn't stop this from being a well made, witty detective story, with good characters.

    Gregory Stark: Is this your kid?
    Steve Arlo: Nope. Just a rental.
  • October 27, 2006
    Started off pretty well, but lost it's oddness as it went on.
  • June 23, 2007
    Constantly compelling mystery, courtesy of Pullman's brilliant recluse.
  • October 6, 2009
    Bill Pullman rules and should be more popular. I like Ben Stiller in this movie too.
    It's quirky, different and interesting, and it's cool that it mostly takes place in Portland.
  • October 1, 2009
    Had some good bits in it but overall was kind of lame. Bill Paulmans character was pretty good with all the P.I stuff and figuring out his case, Ben stiller really didnt do anything to great.
  • July 28, 2009
    it was alright. some funny moments, a beautiful woman.
  • June 6, 2009
    S'il n'avait pas été sur une cassette chez nous, je l'aurais jamais écouté jusqu'à la fin... J'aime bien les deux acteurs principaux, mais les deux avaient des rôles bizarres, mal faits. Les réflexions de Zero étaient plates... Bah, regardez autre chose!
  • May 13, 2009
    Really cool little movie. If you need cheering up this ought to do it.

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Zero Effect : Watch Free on TV


Zero Effect Trivia


  • Which movie has NOTHING to do with an end of the world scenario ?  Answer »
  • In the Zero Effect, Darryl Zero (Bill Pullman) is:  Answer »
  • "A few words here about following people. People know they are being followed when they turn around and see someone following them. They can't tell they're being followed if you get there first."   Answer »
  • Who plays the world's greatest living private detective in "Zero Effect"?   Answer »

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