Roger Dodger

Released 2002
Stars Campbell Scott, Jesse Eisenberg, Isabella Rossellini, Elizabeth Berkley, Jennifer Beals
Directed by Dylan Kidd

Roger Swanson (Campbell Scott) is a single, late-thirties resident of modern-day Manhattan. Professionally and personally, Roger coasts through life thanks to a sharp wit and a skilful use of the English language. During the day, he excels as an advertising copywriter, “thinking up ways to make people feel bad”. In the evening, Roger takes his quick mind and silver tongue out into New York’s singles scene. In Roger’s mind, there’s no grander pursuit than short-term seduction, whether it be of consumers or single women. However, Roger’s run of seductive success is about to be challenged.

In addition to his regular jaunts out on the town in pursuit of sex, Roger has been enjoying an on-again off-again affair with his sexually confident 50-ish boss, Joyce (Isabella Rossellini). It’s an arrangement that Roger’s ego enjoys immensely, as not only does it smooth his way at work, but also allows him to bask in his own perception of being a toyboy. However, when Joyce tires of the younger man’s charms and suddenly calls the tryst off, our Roger finds it difficult to cope. Whilst his ego is in free-fall, Roger’s life is subject to a further complication. Arriving from Ohio is nephew Nick (Jesse Eisenberg), who has a pressing need to learn the womanizing ropes. With a reputation to maintain, Roger is forced to summon up what’s left of his ego and guide the young Nick on an all night ‘educational’ adventure on the town. The results are very entertaining and often unexpected.

Summary from efilmcritic.com

This is a darker version of About a Boy, and, unfortunately, it's less entertaining as well. It's about a despicable cad, who is entertaining at times but not all the time. He seems to be distraught over his breakup with his boss, but we don't really know why. She's 20 years older than him, and that's not really what a shallow ladies' man dreams about. He has the meltdown at the party, but then he's fine. Other than a quick synopsis that hints at issues with his mother, the movie doesn't take the time to explain why he became emotionally attached to this woman. His observation about women not knowing where North is made me laugh out loud (my wife has never known which way North was in her life), but overall the movie didn't amount to anything. Also, I didn't appreciate Roger giving away all our secrets about chicks. --Bill Alward, November 11, 2003