Released earlier this year to critical acclaim and box office neglect, Paramount Pictures has deemed it wise to release Wonder Boys once again. I hope it catches on this time out, because it's high among the best films of the year. Director Curtis Hanson follows up the brilliant L.A. Confidential, with this wonderfully quirky character study with a stunning screenplay by Steve Kloves (Flesh and Bone).

In Wonder Boys, Michael Douglas plays an aging novelist/college professor who's desperately trying to complete a new book. Through this terrific offbeat story, we're introduced to several engaging and interesting characters including; Tobey Maguire (Cider House Rules) as a timid, yet highly intelligent student, a radiant Frances McDormand (Fargo) as Douglas' love interest, Robert Downey Jr. (Chaplin) as a down-on-his luck book editor, and cute Katie Holmes (Dawson's Creek) as another one of Douglas' provocative students.

Holding the cast together, of course, is Douglas--who turns in one of the best performances of his career. Not only does he play a man under extreme pressure, but one that is navigating his way through a major mid-life crisis.

What a terrific move on the part of Hanson. Rather than do a big epic, he opts to do something smaller, but every bit as big in character. Again, much credit should go to Kloves for his stellar adaptation of the novel. Wonder Boys is an unexpected treasure--go see it this time.