There was once a time when you couldn't miss when a movie starring an SNL alum was being released, it would either feel like a skit or an original. With that said, how was The House released without me noticing, especially since it stars two known SNL members, Ferrell and Poehler. Although I knew nothing about it, I decided to watch it anyway.
Scott and Kate Johansen (Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler) have been planning for years for the day their daughter goes off to college. However, when she gets accepted to a school, they are faced with the dilemma of how to pay for it. When the scholarship money falls through, they have to think of something quick, with the help of their neighbor and buddy Frank (Jason Mantzoukas), the three brainstorm a crazy idea that may actually work - to form an underground casino, after all the house always wins -right? Unfortunately for these two, they have something resembling responsibilities, making a casino a much more dangerous and scary place than they could ever imagine.
It's crazy to think that a comedy with two of the funniest, talents surrounded by others in the game could result in such a dud, but unfortunately, that is what happened. Just like many comedies released these days, this one neglects to follow a coherent story. It's simply just a movie starring a couple mediocre at best funny actors just everything up as they go along. Even the jokes, which I kid you not appeared to be reworded over and over again, weren't very funny. For a movie that was as short as this, coming in at just over 80 minutes, it felt like it was much longer, it just dragged on and on.
Hey, at least we've got Daddy's Home 2 to look forward to, right? Never mind.
Robin Williams is best described as a comedic genius, at least early in his movie career. One of his best movies is the glorious "Good Morning, Vietnam" which not only allowed him to shoot off wise crack after wise crack but also deliver a touching story about what life in Saigon was like during the Vietnam War.
Live wire disc jockey Adrian Cronauer (Robin Williams) is shipped to Saigon to boost troop morale with a new radio show. With his witty remarks and love of modern music he soon becomes a hit with the troops but runs afoul with his superiors who are less than impressed with his disregard for the rules and protocol. While posted in Saigon he gets to know the locals especially a young girl and her brother as well as experiencing the war at first hand.
On face value, this film may appear to be about an unorthodox approach to radio broadcasting which comes across unsettling to his immediate superiors. Look into the film at a deeper level and it's not just about a man bringing joy to the troops but also a man who hides behind jokes yet has to face reality. What is surprising is while "Good Morning, Vietnam" is set during the Vietnam War, it really isn't about war, it merely provides a backdrop more than anything and never encroaches on the main storyline.
Overall: With a superb cast (Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker, J.T. Walsh, among others) and a lot of hilarious one liners and an awesome sound track, this is a movie you don't want to miss. It's set during the Vietnam War, but it's not an actual war movie.
Directed by: Craig Johnson Starring: Woody Harrelson, Laura Dern, Judy Greer MPAA Rating: Rated R for language throughout and some sexuality Run Time: 94 Minutes
Wilson(Woody Harrelson) is a neurotic middle aged man who has lived alone most of his life. He loves to talk, to anyone, about anything even if nobody really cares to what he has to say. When his father passes away, he returns to his hometown for the funeral and decides to track down Pippi (Laura Dern), his ex-girlfriend who left him seventeen years ago. While they reconnect and everything seemed to be going great and wonderful, Wilson learns that they had a child together, in the form of Claire (Isabella Amara). Although Pippi put Claire up for adoption when she was born, Wilson takes it upon himself to find her and striking a sort of relationship that they clearly missed out on.
Rating: 3.5/5Wilson has a mixture of comedy and drama but mostly, it's a sad attempt to string together a bunch of characters and ideas.
Ah, the American suburbia, where your social status means everything and your status improves by the amount of money you have or the material goods you buy. Back in the day, neighborhoods like the one in the movie were close-knit communities, today it seems like the most you'll get out of your neighbor is a friendly nod.
The Gaffneys had a good life. Jeff (Zach Galifianakis) works as an human resources director at a big defense plant. He's an average guy who hasn't met a problem that couldn't be solved with a stress ball. His wife, Karen (Isla Fisher) is an interior decorator who took some time off to raise their kids. On the surface everything appears to be normal, however it feels like something is missing in their lives, especially now that they're kids are away for the summer.
That is, until the Joneses' family moves in across the street. Natalie (Gal Gadot) is super sexy, who excels at everything she does and Tim (Jon Hamm) is an handsome, accomplished travel writer. Tim and Jeff hit it off immediately, while Karen is a bit hesitant to connect with the ever-so-suspicious Natalie. As it turns out, the Joneses' moved in next door for a purpose, they are spies and have their eyes set on Jeff's place of employment. It involves a mole within the company, a vicious arms dealer who is only known as "Scorpion."
Let's face it, espionage movies involving ordinary people have been done many times over the years. Similarities include, but are not limited to, Spy, True Lies, Mr and Mrs Smith, among others. Keeping up with the Joneses isn't any different, actually truthfully it may be one of the worst of the aforementioned titles.
RATING: 2/5 A movie to watch if you're really, really bored and have a buck-fifty burning a hole in your pocket but don't expect anything close to a masterpiece. Directed by: Greg Mottola Starring: Zach Galifianakis, Isla Fisher, Jon Hamm, Patton Oswalt MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sexual content, action/violence and brief strong language Run Time: 105 Minutes
High school can be the best or the worst time of your life. For many, it's a wonder how anyone survives this awkward time. For Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld), she's earned the label. Over the course of the movie, which tracks during her junior year, she learns that the path of survival has less to do with doing homework, losing her virginity, or making friends than it does with becoming comfortable with herself.
Nadine is conflicted with one the most catastrophic ailments any nerd-leaning child can have: a popular sibling. Her brother, Darian (Blake Jenner) is beloved by the entire student body, but worse is he's always had more love and support from their mother, while Hailee's always been the black sheep of the family. Despite feeling isolated since the death of her father, Nadine has found solace in the friendship of Krista (Haley Lu Richardson), the sister-figure she never had. Krista isn’t just her best friend, however, she’s her only friend.
This isn’t a romance (although there are romantic aspects); it’s a coming-of-age drama. Hailee Steinfeld portrays Nadine as an awkward student, supported by a best friend-turned-brother's-girlfriend, a absent-minded mother, a loving but recently departed father, and Woody Harrelson: a teacher we all wished we had in high school. The screenplay presents life through Nadine's perspective and, as circumstances force her to grow and change, we see things more clearly: betrayals that aren’t really betrayals, “perfect” lives that aren’t quite so perfect, and people hurt by her actions who don’t deserve the pain.
RATING: 4/5
Director: Kelly Fremon Craig Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Haley Lu Richardson, Blake Jenner, Woody Harrelson MPAA Rating: R for sexual content, language and some drinking - all involving teens Run Time: 104 Minutes
Directed by: John Hughes Starring: John Candy, Steve Martin
So here we are, Thanksgiving Day in America, and what better way to celebrate than with a traditional viewing of one of John Hughes' best! Planes, Trains & Automobiles is about a man, Neil Page (Steve Martin) who is trying to make it to his suburbia home in Chicago. Along the way he meets this obnoxious salesman, Dell Griffith played by none other than the comic genius John Candy.
You never know what the holidays may bring, for Neil all he wanted to do was make it home for Thanksgiving dinner. Dell, however had no body to spend the holidays with, after losing his late wife and taking to the road.
For many years I avoided this film because I thought it was going to be just another road trip flick. I was pleasantly surprised, yes they're on a road trip, but also includes so much dramatic, emotional and truthful subtext. This has since turned into one of my favorite holiday comedies.
Directed by: Ken Scott Starring: Vince Vaughn, Dave Franco, Tom Wilkinson
The Movie:
Upon feeling unappreciated at a big corporation, a hardworking salesman decides to break off and form his own business. After a slow year on the business front, he and his two associates travel to Europe to close the most important deal of their lives. What began as a routine trip, ends up being a battle against finding out what is truly important.
Review:
After watching this, I decided to double take what appropriate rating this deserved. I opted to go with a solid 7 out of 10, why? Well, despite it's attempt at humor weren't much more than crude sexual jokes, I did find myself laughing throughout this movie. It's not Academy Award quality, but come on, ask yourself when the last time Vince Vaughn or Dave Franco was in a Oscar winning film...right, never.
Bullying seems to be a hot topic these days, not just in schools but in life. It is because of this that the writers intuitively included a back story involving an bullying issue with Vaughn's two kids, in an attempt to grab some emotion from the viewer. Not only the kids, but we saw how bullying is involved in the real world as well. Dan Trunkman and his two colleagues were counting on this important deal to keep their business, the company they were meeting with knew this and in the words of Tom Wilkinson, used them as to fluffers. They knew they were going to hire the bigger and more experienced company way before meeting with Trunkman's company, but insisted on wanting them to travel half way across the world anyway.
Upon first arriving in Europe, the three unlikely businessmen find themselves already off to a bad start, there were no hotel vacancies. Good news for Franco, there was a youth hostel with a vacancy and although Wilkinson may be youthful at heart, but let's face it he hasn't been a youth in many decades, but the owner of the hostel showed him some pity and allowed him to stay in the hostel's business center. Trunkman lucked out and scored a suite at a museum, or did he? Little did he realize that suite was actually an exhibit, an American Businessman exhibit, so he was being watched by the public all day long. To make matters worse, he had a routine running schedule and allowed his daughter to pack his running clothes...which she did, by the way, his wife's workout clothes. Still a routine is a routine, he put on the jogging bra and short shorts and hit the road.
Once realizing they were what they were afraid of, they could've left Europe and moved on with their lives, but they didn't. They had unfinished business to attend to, and although Trunkman had possibly a bigger problem at home they stuck around to get what they traveled thousands of miles for. RATING: 7/10 (Worth a rent.)
Directed by: Chris Columbus Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan
The Movie:
As kids in the 1980s, Sam Brenner, Will Cooper, Ludlow Lamonsoff, and Eddie "The Fire Blaster" Plant saved the world thousands of times - at 25 cents a game in the video arcades. Now, they're going to have to do it for real. When intergalactic aliens discover video feeds of classic arcade games and misinterpret them as a declaration of war, they attack the Earth, using the video games as the models for their assaults -- and now-U.S. President Cooper must call on his old-school arcade friends to save the world from being destroyed by PAC-MAN, Donkey Kong, Galaga, Centipede, and Space Invaders. Joining them is Lt. Col. Violet Van Patten, a specialist supplying the arcaders with unique weapons to fight the aliens.
Review:
So, to be honest, I wasn't expecting much when I went into this one. After all, I came to expect a lot of crap out of Sandler's latest. The man hasn't done a good comedy since what, Happy Gilmore? Nonetheless, growing up I loved going to the arcade - playing classics like Pac-Man, Asteroids, Donkey Kong, and the like - so I actually wanted to see this one. I think it's been at least ten years since I was last in an arcade, do they even still exist? I'm convinced kids today wouldn't even know what a arcade console looks like, with the modern advancements of home entertainment systems.
After losing the national Donkey Kong championship in the 80s, Brenner, played by Sandler becomes a tech support guru while his childhood best friend Cooper, played by James is the President of the U.S. When the world is invaded by the characters in those 80s video games, President Cooper calls upon gamer Brenner to save it.
This movie isn't meant to be taken serious, it's a fun flick remembering arcade games of the 80s. Sure, there's a fair mixture of poor casting and over generated computer graphics, but it doesn't deserve the hatred it's received across the boards.
Directed by: Rob Minkoff Starring: Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Stephen Colbert
We could all learn a thing or two from our dogs. Things like how to greet others by sniffing butts, where to relieve ourselves on that bright red space ship on the curb, oh and using a time machine to learn about historical events first hand... Wait, what?
Dreamworks brings us yet another animated feature based on a childhood cartoon, Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014). In case you're living under a rock or otherwise can't figure it out, Mr. Peabody (voiced by Ty Burrell) is the dog decked out in big framed glasses and bright red bow tie. He's unlike your ordinary dog in the sense that he walks on his hind legs, and has an IQ of a gazillion +1. As a pup, he knew he was different than his brothers and sisters at the pound, rather than fetch a stick he chose to do math problems and make science experiments. One day upon walking down the street alone, he stumbled upon a crying basket sitting in an alley, inside the basket as one would guess was a baby similar to his physique. That day forward, Mr Peabody knew he had to take him in, naming him Sherman (voiced by Max Charles) and proving to a judge that he could be a parent.
Who knew dogs could drive?
On the first day of school, the slightly geeky Sherman found himself bullied by a girl named Penny (voiced by Ariel Winter). When she stole his dog whistle, he retaliated by biting her. This resulted in a visit to the principal's office for Mr Peabody, as well as a threat from the indifferent child services representative Ms. Grunion (voiced by Allison Janney). Upon trying to show Ms Grunion he is a fit parent, Mr. Peabody decides to host Penny and her family for dinner on the same night Ms Grunion comes over to continue her investigation.
Everyone knows when you tell your child not to do something, they're going to try to do it anyway. For Sherman and Penny, it's using the Wayback machine even after Mr Peabody distinctly tells them not to. When Sherman uses the machine to prove to Penny that he truly saw and spoke with George Washington, she decides to use the machine as a toy rather than a tool and goes back to ancient Egypt. Upon rescuing her from nearly being married to king Tut and mummified, the Wayback machine malfunctions and lands them in France around the time Leonardo da Vinci (Stanley Tucci) painted the Mona Lisa. Following the repair of the Wayback they get into a panic and drops into The Trojan War, in ancient Greece.
What an adorable couple!
This movie was filled with emotions and conflicts. The time travel, like any other movie can get a little hectic and may be off a tad, but if you just sit back and relax you will enjoy this flick. Let's face it, any movie regarding time travel will have it's plot holes, even masterpieces like Back to the Future.
In the end we see the relationship between Mr Peabody and Sherman mature. This is simply not only a "kids movie." Sherman and Penny grow closer together, so much that upon returning to present day they're the best of friends. Even the hideous Ms Grunion meets the man of her dreams, as she is pulled into the past by a Greek soldier. Needless to say, "Mr. Peabody and Sherman" is a beautiful, funny, and most importantly probably the most entertaining flick Dreamworks has produced since Shrek.
Directed by: Vicky Jenson Starring: Alexis Bledel, Michael Keaton, Jane Lynch
The Movie: Ryden Malby (Alexis Bledel) has a master plan, Graduate college, get a great job, hang out with her best friend (Zach Gilford) and find the perfect guy. But her plan spins hilariously out of control when she's forced to move back home with her eccentric family. By the time she lands her dream job, Ryden realizes it's meaningless without the man of her dreams...and the people she loves.
Review:
I didn't go to college, but I know many who did. Many of whom, spent months even years after graduating unemployed or stuck in the fast food or retail industry which of course they hated. Rather than start life out with tens of thousands of dollars in debt, I decided to go out into the workforce right after high school - working up from a $7.50 minimum wage job to making over $50,000 annually. Maybe I was just luckier than most.
In this story, Ryden thinks she has her life all figured out - fresh out of college with an English degree, she assumes this guarantees her the job she has always dreamed of having, at a large reputable publishing firm. Unfortunately during an economic crisis, she's not the only one looking for work thus being one of a dozen also qualified candidates, including the class valedictorian who believes herself to be on top of the world.
The job is just her least concern at the moment, she also has relationship issues. Her best friend obviously likes her, while she notoriously keeps him in the 'friend zone' while she chases the older, European hunk next door. When she finally gets the job she's always wanted, her neighbor decides to move back to Europe and her best friend decides to move 5000 miles away to go to law school she realizes a good job isn't everything in life.
I'll be honest here, I'm a dude and I liked the show Gilmore Girls, it's over dramatic themed episodes were clearly not meant for everyone and I didn't always agree with what was going on or how the show ended after seven seasons but I never thought about turning it off and have watched it many times over since. That said, Alexis Bledel wasn't my favorite character - neither was Lauren Graham for that matter. Her acting was a over ambitious, like she was trying too hard to impress someone. It's obvious this carried over into her film castings. I'm not saying she's a bad actress, I enjoyed her roles in the budget film The Brass Teapot and especially Disney's Tuck Everlasting.
There are many similarities between Gilmore Girls and Post Grad, both we see a do-good teenager get into a prestigious college and think everything from there will automatically fall into place. Sure enough, in both cases, they actually do. The movie much like the sitcom was extremely superficial which makes for a undesirable viewing. No reason to lie, the only reason I watched it in the first place was for Michael Keaton's involvement, and that's saying a lot as it seems like lately he'll take any job offered even if it's bad.
The Movie:
During a zombie apocalypse, there are only four survivors, all nicknamed of the city they are from. There's Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), a shy college student in Texas who's obsessed with his 30 rules such as: "look in the back seat," "double-tap," "avoid public restrooms." There's the good-old boy from Florida, on the road to kill some zombies and hunt down a Twinkie, Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson). The two soon approach a girl, Wichita (Emma Stone), and her sister Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) who are both on their way to a Los Angeles amusement park that they've heard is zombie-free.
Review:
Having disliked most of what comprises of Jesse Eisenberg's filmography, I was a little hesitant to watch Zombieland. However, reading that it also stars Woody Harrelson who is well-known from the TV-series "Cheers" and the gorgeous Emma Stone I decided to give it a shot anyway. I'm so glad I did, this movie has opened my interest for other zombie-related films like Night of the Living Dead for instance.
This movie starts out in a town in Texas, where Eisenberg can be found in his college dorm room playing World of Warcraft (did people really still play this game in 2009?) when his neighbor, 406 (Amber Heard) frantically knocks on his door. He has had a crush on her since he first saw her, but due to his anti-social behavior and special rules he never made a move and now he finds out it's too late. 406 was his first encounter with zombies. The rules he has include common sense things like "Always wear your seat belt" down to ridiculous statements like "Never use a public bathroom" After his encounter with 406, he packs up and decides to head home, to Columbus Ohio to see if his family is still alive, when he comes across a zombie hunter and Twinkie fan from Tallahassee Florida (Woody Harrelson). Along the way, at a grocery store stop in search of Twinkies they come across two con-artist sisters out to survive on their own with trust issues, there's Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), both on their way to Pacific Playland in Los Angeles, CA, where they suspect is zombie-free. Against all odds, they form a group and head to California together. Once they arrive in LA, the first stop they decide to make is the legendary Bill Murray's estate. While the rest of the town was turned undead, Bill (played by himself) dressed and acted as a zombie to fit in. His acting may be too good, since he tried spooking Columbus and ended up being shot and killed with a double barrel shotgun. The next day, the group splits up again, as the girls head to the amusement park only to find it's not as zombie-free as they had hoped for. Getting trapped on a ride, they must now do what they've never done before, and rely on the guys to help them.
This movie had it's flaws and wasn't by far a serious movie to watch, but it'll make for an enjoyable Friday night with a bowl of popcorn. My opinion for Jesse Eisenberg didn't change after viewing this, I still don't like his 'type' of acting but I will probably give a couple of other movies he starred in a chance.
Favorite quote:"Believe it or not, Twinkies do have an expiration date." - Tallahassee, Woody Harrelson
Many of us watched the Academy Awards last weekend, and in light of the big update to this site I decided I wanted to kick it off with something special. As you may know I have seen hundreds if not thousands of movies, so it should come to no surprise that I've seen some really bad movies. I'm not talking about movies that are so bad, that they're good. Those I consider guilty pleasures which I'll save for another time. I'm referring to something that I actually suffered through, something I actually had to ask myself; "Can I have that hour and a half of my life back?" I'm sure we've all been there at one point or another, maybe more than once even.
Sadly this has happened to me on more than one occasion. Even sadder, I can guarantee I still own those movies in question. Anyway, I could easily point out a Tyler Perry flick or a direct-to-video release starring Nicholas Cage but considering we all know going into such a movie that it's going to bad, I won't say they deserve the worst movie award. The movie, I think deserves this award just happens to be one I watched in theaters when it was first released, nearly falling asleep multiple times, and yet still bought it on DVD during a video store closeout sale a few years back.....
Jack Black is Ignacio, a monastery cook who feeds orphan children by day and by night transforms himself into Nacho Libre, a notorious Luchador in stretchy pants. Spurred on by Esqueleto "The Skeleton," a street peasant turned sidekick, Nacho challenges Mexico's most fearsome wrestlers as he fights to save the children and win the affections of Sister Encarnacion, his inspiration and forbidden love.
Review:
When a movie starts off funny, it doesn't take long before it becomes tedious. You can actually see some similarities in this and Hess' other comedy, Napoleon Dynamite. Both films are about outsiders, and both main characters have bizarre best friends. Difference is, Nacho is a lovable character while the main character in Napoleon Dynamite was an unpleasant individual. It's obvious by the script that we were supposed to like Nacho, but Jack Black's performance came off more irritating than endearing.
Nacho grew up in a monastery, and is now the cook. He has a secret love, wrestling, which he can't admit because monks think it's the work of the devil. Even the newly arrived nun, Sister Encarnacion agrees wrestling is bad. This concerns Nacho, but it doesn't stop him from secretly starting a career of it behind a mask, alongside his skinny, also amateur sidekick Esqueleto (Hector Jimenez). Despite never winning, Nacho gains some popularity and eventually earns the chance to fight the king of wrestling, Ramses (Cesar Gonzalez) in an exhibition match.
Quite frankly, this movie will only interest those who are fans of Jack Black. It's only around ninety minutes long, but to me it felt much longer. The film dragged on, I may have laughed once or twice but not nearly enough to be able to rate this higher than a 2/10. Yeah, it was that bad.
So there you have it, one of the WORST movies I have ever seen. Whats the worst movie you've seen?
Director: Paul Feig Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Jude Law, Jason Statham
Synopsis: Susan Cooper, played by the witty Melissa McCarthy has always been told she didn't have what it takes to be a field agent, but when her partner is allegedly killed by a deadly arms dealer and another top agent is compromised, she volunteers to go deep undercover to prevent a global crisis.
Reviewing movies still in theaters is so cliche that I rarely do it, actually I rarely watch movies in the theater period. However over the weekend I had the opportunity to see a double bill of Jurassic World and Spy, two of the year's current top movies at the box office.
As a long time fan of Melissa McCarthy, well before she started appearing in movies, I was looking forward to seeing Spy sooner or later. Reuniting McCarthy with Rose Byrne on the big screen, since Bridesmaids was such a treat. The plot brings us a James Bond type film, with the novelty factor of interesting characters of it's own - creating a one of a kind spy adventure with some seriousness one would find in a Bond film.
Spy is an action comedy, whether you view it as a action or a comedy is up to you. Personally I found it hilarious from the first minute it flashed on the screen to the very end of the credits. If you're not laughing at the jokes, you're laughing at the over-the-top action sequences.
The characters each have their own way of being likable, not just Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law, or Statham but also the supporting cast. For instance, Miranda Hart plays Susan Cooper's goofy friend and colleague who does some dumb things with the right intentions, Rose Byrne plays the daughter of a deadly arms dealer and exchanges some hilarious one liners with Cooper throughout the film, and Peter Serafinowicz who plays Aldo, the sleazy Frenchman who loves women and everything about them. The leading cast includes Melissa McCarthy is one of her funniest roles since The Heat. Her witty humor and snarky personality makes her a perfect undercover CIA agent. Next brings us Jude Law, this man could very well become the next James Bond, as scary as that may sound. Finally, our last lead actor is a recent action hero who requires no introduction, Jason Statham. Personally I believe he was trying too hard to steal the show in this movie, his jokes was uncanny and even the action sequences he was involved with seemed a bit washed up. That's not to say he's a bad actor, he just should stand clear of comedic roles of which he does not belong.
Spy was everything I expected plus some, directed by Paul Feig proves he clearly knows how to join the right amount of comedy and action to make a blockbuster worth watching. It's not Oscar-worthy, but I believe it was only aimed to be a campy fun Bond-esque flick, nothing more or less. A movie I would recommend if you are looking for a fun movie night.
Director: Luke Greenfield Starring: Jake Johnson, Damon Wayans Jr., Rob Riggle
Two friends from Ohio move to Los Angeles in search of a better life for each other. Ryan (Jake Johnson) is a former high school football star who is interested in becoming an actor after starring in a herpes commercial. Justin (Damon Wayans Jr.) is a video game designer who designed a game in which the player ia a police officer. When this idea was shot down by the production company in which he works at he considers moving back to Ohio, the only problem is Ryan won't let him. When the struggling duo mistakenly dress as cops to a masquerade ball, they learn first hand that not only do L.A. cops get away with everything, they also had women running to them-something they never experienced before.
Ryan enjoys the special treatment and takes the game to the next level, even going as far as buying a stolen police cruiser on eBay. Although Justin is shown as someone who just wants to live a normal adult life, he's fed up with being more a company pawn than a creative mind, so he hops on board, I'm sure the pretty girl in the diner helps him make this decision. The two eventually get good enough to deceive the L.A.P.D.and goes on a real case against the Russian mafia.
When I saw the trailer for this movie I thought it was actually going to be funny. Maybe not as hilarious as similar buddy cop comedies like the 21/22 Jump Street movies but at least have some cheesy Wayans Bros humor to keep me interested. It failed in all retrospect, the characters were unbelievable and the plot seemed to go nowhere. It was a complete waste of one hundred minutes. To think Rob Riggie was the highlight of this cast makes me believe the studios weren't even trying, he seems to have that annoying feature that no one likes, y'know that kind where the punchline of a joke is said more than once and still doesn't make it funny
To sum up this short review, I'm just going to say it was horrible but watchable if you come across it for a deep bargained price - a free rental from Redbox for instance.
Director: Walt Becker Starring: Robin Williams, John Travolta, Seth Green Running Time: 88 Minutes
Charlie (John Travolta) and Dan (Robin Williams) are business partners and close friends. Their lives are turned upside down when Dan receives a letter from his ex-wife (annulled marriage) letting him know he is the father of seven-year old fraternal twins. Although he generally hates kids and is clueless on how to raise them, he volunteers to care for them while she is away, at the same time as a their business is at the verge of a huge deal with a Japanese company. With Charlie's help is there any way they can be dad and uncle, meet the kids' expectations, and still land the business deal?
This movie didn't feature Robin Williams as his most comical self, it almost seemed like this was a movie he didn't want any part of and only involved for the paycheck. Sure his quality of work had been slacking in recent years, see Night at the Museum a movie where he plays a museum statue of Theodore Roosevelt, but he still manages to make me smile whenever I watch him. John Travolta in Old Dogs was similar to anything else he's been in, he seems to love being the center of attention and the more he ages the more he wants to see his name in print. Anyone notice that? Anyway I'm rambling on, the plot of this movie was to show how close these two old friends are. When one is in trouble, the other has his back always. When Dan has to take care of his kids, Charlie offers a hand. Reluctantly Charlie also has to open his one-of-a-kind bachelor pad to the three of them.
This movie receives some slack on big movie critic websites, but let's face it, what really makes a good movie? In my humble opinion if a comedy makes you laugh, if a suspenseful thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat, or if a drama makes you tear up... then they are good movies. Old Dogs is a comedy that did it's job, it made me chuckle from time to time. I guarantee as with many movies, there are faults.
Luis Guzman, why is this guy still starring in movies? He has no acting talent, he stumbles in everything he has ever worked on. If anyone can be worse than him, it's got to be Dax Shepard, Gary-the-Child-Proofer(also played Vince on Employee of the Month). Even a new parent would know you don't have to childproof everything in the house for 7-year-olds, but I regress. At least we see some worthy faces; such as Bernie Mac, Ann Margaret, Matt Dillon, and Lori Loughlin.
Consensus: I stand behind this movie, regardless of how many times it's slammed by movie critics across the board. It's a leave-your-brain at the door, sit back, and relax type of movie all the way through. It's less than 90 minutes in length, watch it yourself instead of letting the critics think for you.
Director: Chris Columbus Starring: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan Running Time: 125 Minutes
"We're his god damn kids too!"
When loveable and perhaps neurotic Daniel (Robin Williams) decides to throw his son an extravagant 14th birthday party, it's the last straw for workaholic-mom Miranda (Sally Field). His kids mean the world to him, so following a custody battle that he knows up-front always sides with the mother, Daniel decides to do whatever it takes to stay close to them, even if that means dressing up like a sixty-year old woman. Putting together some headlines on the front page of the local newspaper to form the nanny's name: Doubt Fire, Mrs. Doubtfire.
This story of deception goes to show just how much Daniel loves his children. It all goes well for awhile, Mrs Doubtfire becomes a useful asset to the Hillard home, the kids start succeeding in school, the house becomes spotless, and Miranda actually seems unnaturally happy for once in her life. When she starts dating again, to the rich and witty Stu (Pierce Brosnan), the green eyes of jealousy starts popping up which should set off some alarms that something isn't right with her nanny-but it doesn't, she gets in too deep and becomes oblivious to what happens around her, until her birthday dinner that is. That's where everything comes to a screeching halt.
Although Daniel met every single condition the judge told him he had to meet, his recent behavior found him to be unfit to take custody of his children. While this saddened the mood of the ending, the TV station director saw potential in the great Mrs. Doubtfire and offered Daniel the leading role-after all who else should play her except for the man who created her? At least now his kids can see him daily, and he can entertain the others like he was intended to do. A couple subliminal messages later, not necessarily directed towards her, Miranda finally gave in and let Daniel see his kids on a regular basis - although life as a couple was long over.
In my opinion, this movie was Robin Williams' best performance ever. Of the few films I've seen regarding custody battles, this one always stands out as one with the highest probability of being re-watched. Sometimes parents just don't belong together, they try piecing together a life for the best interest of their children. This can only go on for so long before they get tired of the same nonsense day after day. Would Daniel and Miranda be better suited if they didn't have children at all? It's quite possible that if this movie was rewritten or a prequel was written to before they had the kids, they wouldn't be married and would likely live a happier lifestyle. This is all speculation though since they were married and had three kids.
Consensus: If you haven't seen this movie yet (shame on you), run out to any store that sells movies and buy it immediately. You won't be disappointed with this story. If you liked Kramer vs Kramer (1979) and enjoy comedies based on a similar story, I guarantee you'll like this one too...and hey, if you don't, at least you can cross off another film from the late Robin Williams' filmography. He brought joy to his audience, it's unfortunate he couldn't have that joy in his own life. RIP, Mr Williams. July 21, 1951 - August 11, 2014
"I am not a crook!"
My Rating: 10/10 -- Buy it, own and cherish it forever!!
Directed by: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube Running Time: 109 Minutes
A pair of unlikely cops, Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) are taken off the streets and into a classroom after not following proper police procedure regarding a certain gang of drug dealers. The assignment given down by Captain Dickson, played by Ice Cube is a last chance undercover job to target and seize a new synthetic drug that is making it's way through a local high school. Along the way, these two make a ton of mistakes, starting with getting their identities switched and it all goes down hill from there. High school has changed a lot since they were there. What once was considered cool is now not. Back when they were in school, Jenko was the popular kid-the jock, and Schmidt as you could guess was the nerd. Now Schmidt's hanging out with the cool crowd and Jenko's inviting the AP Chemistry nerds to a party they're throwing.
Jonah Hill has yet to disappoint, though I was a little worried about Channing Tatum after that train wreck that was Magic Mike. Buddy cop movies have been hit or miss lately, see my review of Ride Along. This movie was well directed and portrayed though, for a movie based on a television series set back in the late 1980s. I guess the only quirks I had with this movie was the gym teacher (Rob Riggle) and of course Ice Cube himself, who I've had a problem understanding why he's still making movies after that horrendous Are We Done Yet? We get it Rob Riggle loves a good dick joke, this movie had plenty of them mostly all by him. It got old really quick for anyone with a taste for comedy. As for Ice Cube, he was definitely not the worst thing to happen to this movie and some of his responses at the meeting with Schmidt and Jenko were surprisingly pretty funny. Most of the humor, the chemistry that Tatum and Hill forms together in this are unbeatable in a movie. It'll make a perfect movie night with your friends and a bucket of popcorn. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the boys in college, 22 Jump Street!
Directed by: Frank Coraci Starring: Kevin James, Henry Winkler, Salma Hayek Running Time: 105 Minutes
Synopsis: Former collegiate wrestler Scott Voss (Kevin James) is a 42-year-old, apathetic high school teacher. When budget cutbacks threaten to cancel some of the school's programs and lay off its music teacher (Henry Winkler), Scott creates a scheme to raise money by moonlighting as a mixed martial arts fighter. Everyone thinks Scott is crazy-most of all the school nurse, Bella (Salma Hayek). In his quest, Scott gains something he never expected as he inspires his students and becomes a sensation that rallies the entire school.
Review: Unfortunately this is an ongoing issue for schools across the nation. School programs are being cut due to financial reasons regardless of popularity and usefulness. Here Comes the Boom is about a determined biology teacher, Scott (Kevin James) who takes it upon himself to raise $48,000 to save the music department at the public high school he teaches at. Beginning with a second job teaching English to immigrants, he learns how fast he could raise the money if he becomes a martial arts fighter. After a series of fights, a roller coaster of wins and losses he becomes determined to fight to inspire his students - something he gave up years ago.
The big surprise here is that there was so much more involved than just another stupid comedy, a rarity for Happy Madison Productions. The story was your typical underdog story (Dodgeball, anyone?) with a hint of heart which keeps you rooting for Scott to the end. It delivered a fun, popcorn flick that can be endured by all. Kevin James was no longer the trying-too-hard-to-be-funny fat guy we all knew him as from his television debut on The King of Queens he had a purpose here.
The plot was very predictable, the stars could've been chosen differently- for instance Kevin James is the last actor I would ever imagine as a tough fighter. The last fight was unrealistic, as Scott is taking a beating the first couple rounds and bounces back and takes down his opponent in the third and last round, with one punch. Seriously? How did the producer of this movie not expect anyone to catch that?
Upon reading other reviews and forum discussions, I see many claiming Henry Winkler, who played the music instructor-Marty Streb-stole the show from Kevin James. I don't feel this is true, this movie was focused on Scott as he was the fighter though the story was based on Marty, as he was the one losing his job and tenure status. Winkler was a overzealous supporting actor for sure, but from my viewpoint, that only kept Kevin James from derailing the movie.
Consensus: It's a Happy Madison production that didn't involve fat jokes or Jewish jokes, a honorable underdog boxing story with a touch of comedy. Pop some 'corn and enjoy!
Directed by: Will Gluck Starring: Emma Stone, Amanda Bynes, Thomas Haden Church Running Time: 92 minutes
Synopsis: In this charming, critically acclaimed tale of rumors and reputation, Olive (Emma Stone), an average high school student, sees her below-the-radar existence turn around overnight once she decides to use the school's gossip grapevine to advance er social standing. Now her classmates (Amanda Bynes, Aly Michalka) are turning against her and the school board is becoming concerned, including her favorite teacher (Thomas Haden Church) and the distracted guidance counselor (Lisa Kudrow). With the support of her hilariously idiosyncratic parents (Stanley Tucci, Patricia Clarkson) and a little help from a long time crush (Penn Badgley) Olive attempts to take on her notorious new identity and crush the rumor mill once and for all.
If you've read or seen The Scarlet Letter, than you will most likely know what this movie's all about. Olive Pendergast is an outcast in high school, an average student who, up to this point has only blended in. Until one day she makes up losing her virginity to her best friend when class president and religious nut Marianne (Amanda Bynes) overhears and spreads it around the school. Now she is known as the school slut, in a matter of defense she ends up in detention with a ridiculed homosexual student Brandon (Dan Byrd) whom she admits to that she made up the rumor. Now he thinks of a way he can get the bullies off his back by telling everyone he slept with Olive, with her permission of course, this follows a little overzealous staged "show" for all of her classmates at a party. That show, albeit artificial, begins the first of many ugly rumors pertaining to Olive's sexual and social status. Now any kid who was once bullied comes to her for permission on if they could tell everyone they hooked up even though they didn't.
It was going well at first, she was helping her peers and scoring free gift cards to random stores in return. But it didn't take long for a certain high school clique to intervene and turn against her. This is tthe type of rumor she never asked for, walking around with a proverbial 'A' marked on her, 'A' for adultery. She's the fall-girl when the oldest living senior who was having an affair with the truly slutty guidance counselor comes down with chlamydia She confesses to have made the entire thing up to her English teacher and announces that his wife is cheating on him with a student and used the rumors to save her job. In an effort to reverse the rumors, she decides to start a web show to release the lies. Explaining how she only wanted to help one ridiculed kid, with no intentions on alienating everyone and becoming the community whore.
Chances are you've seen this movie, but if not, it's definitely worth checking out. Emma Stone's filmography has been growing over the last few years, although there are some duds most of her work is pretty decent for modern drama comedies It's not worth owning, as its not something I would see anyone watching over and over again, as it is just a mindless dram-com(drama+comedy) but it's perfect for a late date night flick as most of Emma's filmography is.
Directed by: Tim Story Starring: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Laurence Fishburne Running Time: 99 Minutes
Synopsis: For the past two years, high-school security guard Ben has been trying to show decorated APD detective James that he's more than just a video-game junkie who's unworthy of James' sister, Angela. When Ben finally gets accepted into the academy, he thinks he's earned the seasoned policeman's respect and asks for his blessing to marry Angela. Knowing that a ride-along will demonstrate if Ben has what it takes to take care of his sister, James invites him on a shift designed to scare the heck out of the trainee. But when the wild night leads them to the most notorious criminal in the city, James will find that his new partner's rapid-fire mouth is just as dangerous as the bullets speeding at it.
So, does anyone know whether this was supposed to be an action flick or a comedy? According to IMDb, a highly used resource, it's classified as both. A buddy cop movie starring comedian genius Kevin Hart, and the sub-par actor Ice Cube screams "check this out!" Since I first heard about this movie I was interested in seeing it...then the reviews started coming in, including this one over at Two Dollar Cinema. Against all odds, I had decided that I would just see for myself with the next free promo code I got from Redbox. After all, we all have different tastes in movies, right?
So late last night, I popped some popcorn and sat down for this ninety-some minute movie of cheesy laughs and horrible action scenes. Ice Cube played his same old "my shit don't stink" character alongside his sister's boyfriend and career video gamer played by Kevin Hart. Honestly, I never found Ice Cube to be funny or memorable in any way. That said, I was hoping Kevin Hart, who I've seen many times on Comedy Central, would save this movie from being a complete disaster.
A few things I "learned" from this film:
A Prius is not ideal to chase down a BMW..or anything for that matter
If you're white, you can't and should not fight
Kevin Hart's bad ass at video games, but give him a real gun and he wouldn't know what to do with it
Ice Cube likes to see himself on camera. He seemed to steal as much camera time in this as possible
Police code 126 stands for a bullshit call that nobody else wants
Movies like this always involves a corrupt cop or two
I can't believe there's a sequel in the works to be released in 2016. This movie was a flop and I guarantee a sequel will be even worse. As a comedy, this was fairly okay...a few chuckles here and there, but it's obvious Story tried too hard to make this an action movie that he neglected some of the jokes. I usually find something good about every movie I watch, but this one was a atrocious.
Overall this movie was worth what I paid, but it isn't even worth the $1.50 Redbox rental. As any follower of this blog should already know, Redbox sends out free rental codes routinely so there's no reason to pay to see shitty movies like this.
(Crap.If you must see this, rent it with a free rental promo code or borrow it from your public library.)
