What Just Happened

Based on the 2002 book What Just Happened: Bitter Hollywood Tales From the Front Line by film producer Art Linson (The Untouchables, Into the Wild), this Barry Levinson-directed comedy stars Robert De Niro as Ben, a big Hollywood producer at a crossroads in his career and life. While trying to put together his latest film, Ben must deal with an unpredictable director (Michael Wincott), a wacky actor (Bruce Willis playing himself but channeling Alec Baldwin), a no-nonsense studio executive (Catherine Keener) and Ben’s spoiled ex-wife (Robin Wright Penn). The top-notch cast—which also includes John Turturro and Twilight star Kristen Stewart—is fine, but the biting script about the goings-on of modern Hollywood is uneven at best, though there are some good laughs to be had.

Shelf Talk: What Just Happened premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival to much fanfare, but it received a lukewarm response despite the A-list talent involved. After releasing the film in theaters on a limited basis, Magnolia has loaded the DVD with nifty extras that should appeal to film fans. The company appears to be taking a much more aggressive approach to the home market, emphasizing TV, online and radio promotion.