Rating: R | Runtime: 103 minutes
Release Date: October 24th, 1997 (UK/USA)
Studio: PolyGram Filmed Entertainment / Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
Director(s): Danny Boyle
Writer(s): John Hodge

I thought we agreed there’d be no clichés.

I always heard good things about this film, but never had the chance to check it out despite being a fan of Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting and 28 Days Later. A Life Less Ordinary includes a lot of aspects Boyle later used in his child fairy-tale Millions from inventive camera tricks to a melding of fantasy with reality.

The main takeaway, however, is the tragedy that Ewan McGregor and Boyle may never work together again. Ewan does some of his best work with his old friend and producing partner, so it’s a shame that their differences stemming from Boyle’s casting of Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach caused such a fracture. At least we still have some great films to show for it.

McGregor’s and Cameron Diaz’s characters are fated to fall in love. God deemed it so and the chief of police in Heaven puts his best team on the job. That includes the hysterical Delroy Lindo and Holly Hunter, who, if they fail to get these two together, must stay on Earth forever. Let’s just say they think outside of the box to do everything in their power to foster romance.

After a botched power-trip turns into a kidnapping, McGregor discovers his victim (Diaz) is calling the shots to ensure the crime proves successful. Comedy ensues as the two attempt to get back at her rich father and make some money in the process. Whether their time together results in a Cupid’s arrow bull’s-eye remains to be seen, but we get to enjoy the ride as they orchestrate the crime within the constraints of angels’ manipulations.

Boyle utilizes a sprawling cast of great actors to surround this quartet. Stanley Tucci is fantastic. Tony Shalhoub entertains in a role that seemed unbelievably wasted before a poignant and funny eleventh hour anecdote necessary to continue the plot a la Silent Bob in Chasing Amy. And even Timothy Olyphant supplies a welcome, humorous face in a very bit part. Maury Chaykin also deserves singling out as the hick country man whose simple mind adds numerous laughs—including a Beyond the Sea song and dance number that he cajoles McGregor and Diaz into singing.

While filled with clichés and homage, the film moves at a fast pace with every aspect feeding into its satire on both the kidnap and romantic comedy genres. We’re even treated to a goof on the memorable Tim Roth/Harvey Keitel getaway scene from Reservoir Dogs. The pitch-perfect timing and tongue-in-cheek acting mix with authentic emption when called upon and the soundtrack always enhances the visuals—especially a nicely placed REM tune at a moment of peril. Even the claymation end credit sequence is a joy.

Boyle refuses to be typecast. Whether gritty drug lifestyle drama, socially conscious zombie killing spree, family-friendly morality tale, or rom-com, he does it all. And those are just the ones I’ve seen, so I’m excited to watch what’s coming next. Hopefully his first foray into science fiction follow suits when Sunshine releases in the coming months. He and McGregor had a great run and we can always hope they’ll reconcile and deliver the sequel to Trainspotting the rumor mill loves to bandy about.

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Ewan McGregor and Cameron Diaz in A LIFE LESS ORDINARY.