 Reviewer Martin Morrow felt that the film "cuts, combines or perversely twists the book's characters, drops some of the best scenes, skimps on the sex and – unbelievably – substitutes Thurber's leaden writing for Chabon's wit", where the original novel was "just as camera-ready" as "Wonder Boys", which had been adapted into a film in 2000.Morrow was also critical of Thurber's "timid" take on Art's sexual revelation, and Foster's acting.He described Cleveland as a "perfect role" for Sarsgaard, and was praising of Sarsgaard's acting, but felt the character's humour was missing.