It’s hard to hate The Deal. It’s a harmless romantic comedy set around the film business, with fine performances and tone. It’s a movie that never seems to get off the ground or gain momentum, at least enough to see it through to the end.
William H. Macy is the show stealer here, playing a suicidal, desperate, and loony film producer who hasn’t found work in a while. When his nephew produces a script, he’ll do anything to get the film made, even changing the script into the stupidest Hollywood action film ever created. This leads to some absolutely hilarious scenes of L.L. Cool J playing historic Jewish figure Benjamin Disraeli, running through buildings with assault rifles and blowing things up.
Unfortunately, L.L. Cool J appears just as quickly as he disappears. His insertion into the script is purely one of a contrived plot point to seal the ending off with a nice red bow. He feels wasted.
Macy ends up falling in love with Meg Ryan, who for the most part, does her usual thing as Meg Ryan. She’s a quirky, likeable, and hard-to-get woman who fits right in with Macy’s character. As a studio executive, her decisions are influenced by Macy, including the approval of the absurd action script. Everything is set up to further their relationship, but not the point where the ending is saved from the usual romantic save before the credits roll. At the very least, the final shot of the film is not a wedding.
There are laughs beyond the movie-set sequences. Dialogue can be sharp and witty, though typically reserved for Macy. Some of the rants from L.L. Cool J are also especially fun, not to mention explicit. Then, the movie begins reaching for its laughs, including an embarrassing karaoke sequence that’s incredibly forced.
The Deal is more or less a film (based on a book of the same name) that can’t break free from the laughs generated during a couple of scenes. Had the crew stuck with their absurd action movie, it might have worked as a straight Hollywood satire, but the ending is soft and it loses its edge. Still, as a harmless comedy and a way to kill 90 minutes, you could do worse. 
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Article comments
1 - brian
i enjoyed this movie, i mean ll cool j is a jewish action film star whats not to like. but really it was a good movie for this genre. The humor directed at the film industry was exceptionally humorous. i recommend those to atleast rent this dvd.
2 - Juan A
The Deal is a wonderful film that deserved a theatrical release. Luckily, it's now available on DVD and Blu ray. The movie has a great cast with William H Macy, Meg Ryan, and a hilarious performance from LL Cool J. It's worth checking out.