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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Nell Minow

In THE MUSE, writer/director/actor Albert Brooks portrays Steven Phillips, a Hollywood screenwriter who is let go by the studio when a young, arrogant executive tells him he has lost his "edge." On the advice of a friend, he seeks inspiration from a muse (Sharon Stone), the daughter of Zeus, who now lives in Los Angeles under the name "Sarah." Sarah does indeed work miracles for Steven, inspiring him to write a successful script. But Sarah is demanding. She insists on lavish gifts and constant attention. And she is frustrating. Steven wants her full-time dedication, but she is busy inspiring his wife to start a cookie business and Titanic writer/director James Cameron to make something other than a sequel.

Is It Any Good?

3

This movie's satire and Hollywood in-jokes will have little appeal to kids, but Stone's performance as the ravishing, maddening, and truly inspiring muse is wildly funny and can lead to family discussions about art and about relationships. Kids may also want to look up the mythological muses and talk about the costs and benefits of being inspired.

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