Brilliant, paranoid, amphetamine-popping private detective Daryl Zero (Pullman) and his leg man Steve Arlo (Stiller) are employed by millionaire Stark (O'Neal) to find his missing keys. The case quickly develops into something much more sinister, involving blackmail, kidnapping and murder, and is further complicated when Zero falls in love.

Written and directed by Jake Kasdan (son of Lawrence Empire Strikes Back Kasdan) Zero Effect is more character- than plot- driven, and if you like the characters, particularly Pullman and his quirky, mannered performance as Zero, you'll probably like the film. Stiller is also very good as Arlo, increasingly fed up as he juggles life with his girlfriend with Zero's bizarre assignments.