2001, PG-13, 101 minutes

The idea of combining the quirky talents of Jack Black and Steve Zahn is absolutely genius. Both of these actors have a certain way about them, a unique and carefree style that is equally hilarious and compelling. On the other hand, there isn't much point in casting them if you're to put them in a film that is choppy, amateurish, and so far over the top that it loses itself in a void of stupidity.

Perhaps what's most disappointing about Saving Silverman is that between the cast and the story's basic premise, it had the potential to be a pretty good film. The title character -- Darren Silverman (Jason Biggs) -- is basically a sensitive and undemanding guy who enters a relationship with a beautiful but dominating woman named Judith (Amanda Peet). She controls him in every conceivable way, and put simply: she's a real bitch. When she goes so far as to say that he can't be associated with his friends JD (Jack Black) and Wayne (Steve Zahn), Darren complies, much to the dismay of his two obnoxious buddies. From there the story focuses on JD and Wayne, as they are willing to do just about anything in order to save their friend from a horrid relationship.

If nothing else, Saving Silverman is a bad film that happens to include a few worthwhile moments. From the get-go you can tell it's going to be a sloppy and disjointed picture, but for the first 45-minutes to an hour it isn't half bad. Feeding off of the inherent energy of the desperate, idiotic duo of Wayne and JD, it begins as a quirky and fun experience (even though it's a complete mess), but after awhile my patience began to wear thin. What left a particularly bad taste in my mouth was the last twenty minutes, which is a real waste of celluloid and a disgrace to the art of filmmaking. It's contrived and too illogical for its own good, and the inclusion of a Neil Diamond sub-plot reeks of an Adam Sandler rip-off -- not the best source of inspiration. The film does have a few redeemable traits, but a couple of good laughs and Amanda Peet's cleavage are hardly enough to make up for its problems.

What I still can't figure out is why the people who made this film felt it had to be so senseless and goofy. While the screenplay written by Hank Nelken and Greg DePaul isn't exactly something Shakespeare would give his stamp of approval, Dennis Dugan's inadequate skills as a director are what really holds it back. Steve Zahn and Jack Black are going to be a funny combination no matter what, but when everything around them is just as insane, it detracts from what makes them so much fun to watch (like the way Black steals scene after scene in High Fidelity). If Dugan had only used a little restraint and given this film more of a serious look and feel, the antics of its two stars would've been emphasized and the rest of the cast wouldn't be stuck portraying a group of caricatures.

On the surface, Saving Silverman has all of the necessary elements required for a good, light-hearted comedy. Unfortunately, the execution leaves plenty to be desired, as a good cast and a decent premise are put to waste.