Envy

Ben Stiller. Jack Black. In a comedy. Directed by Barry Levinson. What could possibly go wrong? Quite a lot as the dreadfully misguided Envy proves. Jack Black plays Nick Vanderpark, an inventor who develops Vapoorizer, an aerosol spray that, when applied to dog poo immediately solves the problem. Needless to say, this patented invention makes him an instant millionaire and Nick proceeds to enjoy his wonga. Investing some of his huge wealth in a hideous gaff in a wealthy district of LA, Nick seems to have it all. Of course, not everyone is quite so happy about his instant success - take a neighbour across the street Tim Dingman (Ben Stiller), his best mate and former co-worker. Tim had the chance to get on Vapoorizer at ground level with Nick but decided not to risk much cash, leading to envy, which is growing to near pathological levels. So far, so good. Unfortunately it doesn't stay that way for very long as a plot twist which borders on the most ridiculous this reviewer has ever seen (and he's seen many ridiculous plot twists) sneaks out of nowhere and dictates matters right through to their sorrowful conclusion. One would hope that both Black and Stiller committed to this project under the auspices of working with each before seeing the script, for there's nothing in the script that excuses their participation. It's a badly organised collection of increasingly banal gags which bears no semblance of continuity. Stiller and Black do their best to escape the mess with their dignity intact. But that two such solid comedic performers fail miserably says more about Envy than any cheap wisecrack.