Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: The Verge

"What Just Happened," starring Robert De Niro, will have everyone asking themselves that exact question.

This independent film, which was released on DVD Feb. 24, is based off of a book by Art Linson titled "What Just Happened? Bitter Hollywood Tales from the Front Line."

The story is about Linson's first-hand Hollywood experiences as a producer.

The movie is about a film producer, Ben (De Niro), who has just hosted a below par test screening for his latest movie, "Fiercely."

This poor response is because of the audience's reaction to the final scene of the movie when Sean Penn (playing himself) is shot to death, along with his pet dog.

The studio threatens to stop the production of the movie unless the final scene is edited.

This would be resolved easily except for the fact that the director of the movie likes the ending the way it is because of the artistic feel it holds.

Meanwhile, Ben is also having problems outside of the office with his ex-wife - both are having a difficult time cutting off their sexual ties with each other.

Ben then finds evidence she is also sleeping with another man who happens to be a married agent, Scott Solomon (Stanley Tucci), with whom he has worked with on previous projects.

Adding to Ben's set backs, Bruce Willis (playing himself), who is starring in Ben's next movie, won't shave his beard, causing an uproar from the studio.

If Willis won't shave his beard the movie will be pulled, which will indirectly end Ben's career.

While Ben deals with all of these dilemmas, satire is used to show an immature and egotistical side of Hollywood.

Even with a full cast of top names and actors, this movie is still very slow paced.

It is hard to relate to the characters, which lack emotion throughout most of the movie, or have exaggerated reactions.

I found myself counting down the long 104 minutes of slow build up and shallow plot.

This supposed satire-comedy lacks the punch that would have taken this film to the next level.

Small comedic relief from the mundane tone of the movie made it possible to sit through, yet when the credits start to roll, many will undoubtedly be wondering "What just happened?"

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