I've always been a huge fan of actor/writer/director Albert Brooks. I loved Defending Your Life and Lost In America, but felt a little let down by his previous film Mother. In this new film, he gives insight into the world of screenwriting.

Brooks plays a screenwriter who has seemed to lost his edge. At the request of a friend, he seeks out the help of a muse (played by Sharon Stone). A muse is a mythical character known that was known to inspire people. Brooks soon finds his life turned upside down as Stone seems to inspire everyone but him.

Brooks has included some hilarious cameos from celebrities including: Martin Scorcese, James Cameron, Wolfgang Puck, and Steven Wright. In fact, the film's many inside jokes are what make the film work. unfortunately, it falters in other areas and doesn't seem to have a concrete focus.

I guess what Brooks is trying to show are the ups and downs in the turbulent world of filmmaking. Much of the dialogue is sharp and the performances, particularly Stone, are strong, but the plot lacks consistency. The strange thing is that this film has a lot in common with Bowfinger, a film that benefits more from a straight forward slapstick approach.

The Muse isn't a bad film, but it should have been better. Brooks has proven to be quite talented, but has slightly missed the mark. Still, this is a movie with some very funny moments, and it was better than Mother.