Michael Douglas shines in the newly released 'Wonder Boys'

In the first 20 minutes of Chris Hanson's new movie Wonder Boys, a cute little dog gets shot, a rare Marilyn Monroe jacket gets stolen, and we meet a six-and-a-half foot tuba-playing transvestite - all are early indications that Wonder Boys is something fresh. However, if you strip away the wacky exterior, we are left with the typical old story about a misguided man who finds direction with help from a group of quirky characters. That is not to say Wonder Boys isn't entertaining - it is well acted and, at times, very funny, plus there are enough off-the-wall moments to make you forget that you've heard the story countless times before.