Along
with heat, humidity, showers in the afternoon, blockbusters, 3D
pictures there is, also, in the summertime, 'small', independent movies
that usually surprise the public such as last month's "The Children Are
All Right".  In that category is "The Extra Man" which tells people
about a New York they may not know like characters in movies about NYC
never have a hard time finding a lot of parking spots in Manhattan at
any time of the day or night!

There
is no surprise in the fact that Kevin Kline gives an excellent
performance because he usually does but it may come as a surprise that
as a professor in New York he has to advertise for a roommate, that he
puts black polish on his ankles and calves because his socks are threadworn and that he has a car that belongs in a junk pile. Just teh fact that he has a car in mid-Manhattan is a surprise because he certainly doesn't earn enough money to have one.

He supplements his living with meals, wine and stays in West Palm Beach provided by 'walking' old, wealthy, usually widowed women such as Marian Seldes to parties, dinners and various events. There doesn't seem to be money or sex exchanged.
Without a woman to pay for the tickets he shows his new roommate how to
get into the opera. Somethings never change as this is a ruse that has
been used for years though back then you didn't have to show stubs to
get in after the intermission.

His new roommate is Paul Dano who has come to Manhattan to 'find himself' as millions have before
him. He quickly finds a job and a female co-worker to pursue played
efficiently by Katie Holmes. Not giving much away he does steal a piece
of black lingerie she had bought to wear for her boyfriend that night.

There are two surprises in the film and neither are good, both being in the acting department.  I don't believe a good director--in
this case there are two directors--would have let the actors get away with their choices IF it was their choices. Dano is miscast and no match for Kline, especially, if as hinted, he will be
the walker of tomorrow. John C. Reilly is a mess in the way he looks
and why he uses the voice he does makes absolutely no sense.

As
in many independent films there are recognizable actors in small roles
who are always a pleasure to see such as, in this film,  Dan Hedaya and  Patti D'Arbanville.

The
main reason to see this film is Kevin Kline and to see a part of New
York not usually portrayed in film. The photography of the city in
excellent including the shots of the pigeons!

By the way I learned a new word that really took me by surprise. I didn't know what, or have I ever heard of the word before, bisextile meant. It is another word for Leap Year and I am a Leap Year baby having been born on February 29th!