I went with high hopes. I went prepared to laugh. I went ready to laugh so hard I could spit popcorn all over the row in front of me. I left ready to spit popcorn all over Jack Black. Ok Jack...where's the genius because it's not in Year One!
Year One stars Jack Black and Michael Cera (Arrested Development, Superbad) as cavemen on the run after being banished from their tribe when Black eats fruit from the forbidden tree of knowledge. The antics are SUPPOSED to begin there but the plot never really flows or develops enough to deliver solid laughs.
Seriously..where was the "ACTING"? Jack Black was mildly humorous in scenes by himself but when paired with his sidekick (Michael Cera) there was very little chemistry. They were unbelievable as bosom buddies. I didn't feel the duo related well to each other at all. That was my major issue with this film. I maybe could have overlooked the sophomoric jokes and obvious predictable set ups if only this duo could have pulled off a convincing partnership. The age difference beetween these characters seemed odd to me. I know if I was a twenty something cave chick I wouldn't have been hanging out in the local Cougar Pond. The pairing wasn't beleivable even in that regard. I should really write a letter to the casting agent on this one.
Larry said it had a 50% chance of being funny. He was right! Basically this film gives up all the goods it has to offer in the previews and commercials. Take it from me and don't bother with the $10.00 movie ticket. Just watch the previews a couple of times and you've got the idea. The other disappointing factor is just when you think, "well...ok...maybe it was at least fun to make. Maybe the out takes will make up for what I've just endured...." they don't and you're just disappointed again.
Boo Jack Black. And it seemed like the next fun, cultish, quotable flick....
Cast: Jack Black, Michael Cera, Hank Azaria, David Cross, Olivia Wilde
Directed by: Harlold Ramis
Rating: PG-13
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Steph Says Hell Yes on The Hangover
Let's start with the basics. Title: The Hangover. Rating: R. Cast: Somewhat unknown except for the singing Mike Tyson. End Result: I think I peed a little!
Good. Now that we have that out of the way let's get started! A hangover. We've all had one. BUT, have we had one in Las Vegas? Have we had one in Vegas to the point where we wake up to a smashed room which will undoubtedly cost our credit card on file thousands of $$$? Is there an unexplained tiger in the bathroom, a buddy missing a tooth, and a buddy ....well...just plain missing? I think not! But these guys have!
The Hangover is one funny summer movie that is worth the price of admission AND the popcorn/coke. There are no huge stars to carry you through the laughs so director Todd Phillips (Old School and Starsky and Hutch) does it the old fashioned way. He relies on the cast's wonderful chemistry and great writing that is sometimes a little more than just weird. As I mentioned the cast is largely unknown. This being said, there isn't a "Personality" or "Star Ego" in the mix so these guys truly come off like just a bunch of regular joes who get into WAY too much trouble in Vegas while celebrating their best friends' last few days of bachelorhood. Along the way the bunch runs into an Asian gangster (Ken Jeong from Role Models and Knocked Up), a stripper with a heart of gold (Heather Graham), one abandoned baby, a tiger, and Mike Tyson. On top of this they find a way to lose the groom. Hmmm....let the shennanigans begin!
To be fair it's not the first go round for most of the cast. Ed Helms is recognized from his role on The Office and Bradley Cooper previously graced the big screen in films such as Wedding Crashers and Yes Man. Of course, Heather Graham...can we say YEAH BABY??? ;)
Perhaps the shining breakout star of this fim is the ever refreshing and hysterically brilliant Zach Galifianakis. The characters are established early on in the film. Helms portrays the responsible straight man of the group and Cooper is instantly recognized as the unfailing frat boy. But Galifianakis is introduced as an outsider to the group...a newbie claiming his rights to the boys club because he is the bride's brother. Viewers may expect the typical Jack Black fat boy delivery but Galifianakis turns this idea upside down with his intelligent humor and often times soft spoken and WEIRD delivery. Remember this guy's name. You WILL see him again.
The Hangover is a great summer comedy to see with your crew. The cinematoghraphy and soundtrack I would classify as average. You won't get any epic shots or sweeping violins but the humor and sometimes offbeat writing keep you involved long enough to find the laughs where you are supposed to. Stay for the end credits. They are legendary and you will get to see MORE of Mr. Galifianakis if you know what I mean. ;)
CAST: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, Jeffrey Tambor, Justin Bartha, Mike Tyson, Ken Jeong
Rating: R
Good. Now that we have that out of the way let's get started! A hangover. We've all had one. BUT, have we had one in Las Vegas? Have we had one in Vegas to the point where we wake up to a smashed room which will undoubtedly cost our credit card on file thousands of $$$? Is there an unexplained tiger in the bathroom, a buddy missing a tooth, and a buddy ....well...just plain missing? I think not! But these guys have!
The Hangover is one funny summer movie that is worth the price of admission AND the popcorn/coke. There are no huge stars to carry you through the laughs so director Todd Phillips (Old School and Starsky and Hutch) does it the old fashioned way. He relies on the cast's wonderful chemistry and great writing that is sometimes a little more than just weird. As I mentioned the cast is largely unknown. This being said, there isn't a "Personality" or "Star Ego" in the mix so these guys truly come off like just a bunch of regular joes who get into WAY too much trouble in Vegas while celebrating their best friends' last few days of bachelorhood. Along the way the bunch runs into an Asian gangster (Ken Jeong from Role Models and Knocked Up), a stripper with a heart of gold (Heather Graham), one abandoned baby, a tiger, and Mike Tyson. On top of this they find a way to lose the groom. Hmmm....let the shennanigans begin!
To be fair it's not the first go round for most of the cast. Ed Helms is recognized from his role on The Office and Bradley Cooper previously graced the big screen in films such as Wedding Crashers and Yes Man. Of course, Heather Graham...can we say YEAH BABY??? ;)
Perhaps the shining breakout star of this fim is the ever refreshing and hysterically brilliant Zach Galifianakis. The characters are established early on in the film. Helms portrays the responsible straight man of the group and Cooper is instantly recognized as the unfailing frat boy. But Galifianakis is introduced as an outsider to the group...a newbie claiming his rights to the boys club because he is the bride's brother. Viewers may expect the typical Jack Black fat boy delivery but Galifianakis turns this idea upside down with his intelligent humor and often times soft spoken and WEIRD delivery. Remember this guy's name. You WILL see him again.
The Hangover is a great summer comedy to see with your crew. The cinematoghraphy and soundtrack I would classify as average. You won't get any epic shots or sweeping violins but the humor and sometimes offbeat writing keep you involved long enough to find the laughs where you are supposed to. Stay for the end credits. They are legendary and you will get to see MORE of Mr. Galifianakis if you know what I mean. ;)
CAST: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, Jeffrey Tambor, Justin Bartha, Mike Tyson, Ken Jeong
Rating: R
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Big Bad Steph Says Netflix It! (Or Don't)
It's only June and it's already in the 90s...you're sunburned, lazy, and beered out. What's a kid to do? I'll tell you what to do. Netflix the HELL out of your summer! We can't be drunk at the lake EVERY day, right? Wait, don't answer that. ;) But let's face it. We're in one hell of a recession so let me save you a few $$$ on your crappy blockbuster card. Here's what to look for and maybe a few things you've missed. Oh, and here's what NOT to look for and things you should be HAPPY you missed!
1. Paul Blart Mall Cop - (MISS IT) For my money it was NOT that funny. It's predictable and the chick love interest isn't even all that hot. I won't even give you the plot. It's basically Paul Blart (Kevin James) being a loser mall cop riding a segway. There are a few rare laughs but Kevin James is best left on the small screen doing fat guy jokes there. They don't translate well on the big screen. I say miss it. Unless you want to waste a rental fee. If you like throwing away your hard earned cash then go ahead. BUT, please get five of your fat guy buddies, a case of beer, and a playboy to look at during the scenes when you just can't take the predictability and bad writing. It's really the only way to enjoy this flop. :)
RATED PG-13
2. Taken - (GET IT) Oh yeah. I'm into this one. Every once in a while a good kick ass REVENGE movie is made and this is one of them. If you're into Liam Neeson kicking all kinds of foreign ass for the purpose of finding and freeing his daughter from the seedy sex slave industry then THIS is your movie. Neeson plays a former CIA agent who uses his years of torture experience when his daughter gets "Taken" while on vacation with her hottie blonde gf in Paris. Of course we all know that good will overcome...sorry if I just ruined the ending but along they way you get to see Neeson kill with his bare hands a la James Bond style. Now, don't get me wrong...it's not the BEST revenge flick out there (there could have been a little more graphic violence for my taste) but so far it's stayed in my top ten this rental season.
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, disturbing thematic material, sexual content, some drug references, and language (All things Big Bad Steph really likes)
3. DEFIANCE - (GET IT) Speaking of revenge movies...this is the ultimate. Screw revenge on one person...let's get revenge on a whole group of bad guys! Inspired by a true story, this WW II drama tells of three Jewish Eastern European brothers (Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, and Jamie Bell) fighting to save themselves, their race, and each other while seeking to avenge the death of their family at the hands of the Nazis. Tuvia (Craig), Zus (Schreiber), and Asael (Bell) turn to the Belarussian forest for sanctuary and survival. As word spreads that there is survival opportunities with these brothers many join them and suddenly three become hundreds and survival becomes a movement for revenge and freedom from the Nazi Regime. Tuvia becomes the leader of the group and the plot takes its veiwers on an emotional roller coaster of good and evil. Based on true events, you really get attached to these characters and you WANT them to survive and find peace once more in a really difficult time of violence and darkness. We all know how the War ended but it's really worth the rental $$$ to find out how it ended for these brothers. There's some true life info at the end (as all historical movies tend to do) about their life afterward. Defiance is full of action with tons of heart, courage, and a little bit o lovin (hey, sex is the best medicine in bad conditions...or it seems that way for Daniel Craig).
Rated R for violence, language, and nudity
Releasing Soon
The International (R)
Gran Torino (R)
Strike (NR)
Body Armour (R)
Born (R)
Medea Goes to Jail (PG 13)
The Pink Panther 2 (PG 13)
1. Paul Blart Mall Cop - (MISS IT) For my money it was NOT that funny. It's predictable and the chick love interest isn't even all that hot. I won't even give you the plot. It's basically Paul Blart (Kevin James) being a loser mall cop riding a segway. There are a few rare laughs but Kevin James is best left on the small screen doing fat guy jokes there. They don't translate well on the big screen. I say miss it. Unless you want to waste a rental fee. If you like throwing away your hard earned cash then go ahead. BUT, please get five of your fat guy buddies, a case of beer, and a playboy to look at during the scenes when you just can't take the predictability and bad writing. It's really the only way to enjoy this flop. :)
RATED PG-13
2. Taken - (GET IT) Oh yeah. I'm into this one. Every once in a while a good kick ass REVENGE movie is made and this is one of them. If you're into Liam Neeson kicking all kinds of foreign ass for the purpose of finding and freeing his daughter from the seedy sex slave industry then THIS is your movie. Neeson plays a former CIA agent who uses his years of torture experience when his daughter gets "Taken" while on vacation with her hottie blonde gf in Paris. Of course we all know that good will overcome...sorry if I just ruined the ending but along they way you get to see Neeson kill with his bare hands a la James Bond style. Now, don't get me wrong...it's not the BEST revenge flick out there (there could have been a little more graphic violence for my taste) but so far it's stayed in my top ten this rental season.
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, disturbing thematic material, sexual content, some drug references, and language (All things Big Bad Steph really likes)
3. DEFIANCE - (GET IT) Speaking of revenge movies...this is the ultimate. Screw revenge on one person...let's get revenge on a whole group of bad guys! Inspired by a true story, this WW II drama tells of three Jewish Eastern European brothers (Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, and Jamie Bell) fighting to save themselves, their race, and each other while seeking to avenge the death of their family at the hands of the Nazis. Tuvia (Craig), Zus (Schreiber), and Asael (Bell) turn to the Belarussian forest for sanctuary and survival. As word spreads that there is survival opportunities with these brothers many join them and suddenly three become hundreds and survival becomes a movement for revenge and freedom from the Nazi Regime. Tuvia becomes the leader of the group and the plot takes its veiwers on an emotional roller coaster of good and evil. Based on true events, you really get attached to these characters and you WANT them to survive and find peace once more in a really difficult time of violence and darkness. We all know how the War ended but it's really worth the rental $$$ to find out how it ended for these brothers. There's some true life info at the end (as all historical movies tend to do) about their life afterward. Defiance is full of action with tons of heart, courage, and a little bit o lovin (hey, sex is the best medicine in bad conditions...or it seems that way for Daniel Craig).
Rated R for violence, language, and nudity
Releasing Soon
The International (R)
Gran Torino (R)
Strike (NR)
Body Armour (R)
Born (R)
Medea Goes to Jail (PG 13)
The Pink Panther 2 (PG 13)
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Drag Me to Hell (2009)
Drag Me to Hell is Sam Raimi at his best....BEFORE he went all "Hollywood". The film offers a Retro Raimi feel that takes you back to the glorious days of the 1980's when Evil Dead and Army of Darkness reigned the Horror scene. Of course it IS Sam Raimi so when I say horror scene what I really mean is SLAPSTICK horror! Yes, Raimi has updated his style and added some steroids to his predictable jack-in-the box scares, but there is still that good ol' chuckle factor that we haven't seen in a good horror flick in a while.
The plot is largely weak and predictable and the acting is mediocre but that's not the point. It's FUN. Christopher Young's score sets us up in the opening credits with screeching violins and creepy images of goat demons dragging innocent victims to hell throughout the ages. He continues to punch us in the gut at every turn, keeping us on edge and ready for that next shadow to appear, door to creak, light to go out...oh yeah and for pretty little Alison Lohman to get thrown across the room by some unseen force.
After the music dies down we meet Christine Brown (Lohman), a quiet and hapless blonde just trying to make it big in the boring world of banking. She's in competition for a promotion; trying to show the boss she can be tough. This tough girl attitude doesn't sit well for Mrs. Ganush (Lorna Raver) the creepiest gypsy you'll ever meet while cashing your check on payday. Ganush comes in to ask for an extension on her mortgage and is turned down by Christine. Whoops....Christine spends the rest of the film fighting off a pretty badass gypsy curse. For three days she will be tormented by an evil demon spirit until it becomes strong enough to what??? You guessed it..Drag her to hell. I must say for a frail looking old hag who can't seem to keep her teeth in her mouth - or any of her body fluids for that matter (they always seem to end up either on or IN Lohman), she fights like a champ!
Drag Me to Hell is full of cliche horror moments that have you both jumping and smiling. Full of long knowing glances, shadowy figures, one side kick fortune teller, one skeptic bumbling boyfriend (Justin Long) one dancing demon, one talking devil goat, and one Mexican Mystic (charged with banishing the curse), Drag Me provides the typical cast of characters of good and evil. As for actual scares, the best part of the film is the gross out factor due to the gratuitous amounts of goo Lohman ingests while fighting off creepy gypsy lady. From bugs and blood to mud and embalming fluid, Lohman takes it like a champ all while keeping her angelic blond sensuality in tact.
I will admit that I actually closed my eyes twice! I can honestly say that Raimi, along with one very happy foley artist, did a damn good job building suspense.
The "twist" at the end can be seen by a blind man but again..it's all in good classic horror fun. You KNOW it's coming but you still jump when it happens!
In short, Drag Me is the perfect scary summer flick. Raimi provides plenty of sucker punch scary moments complete with a little bit of fluidy gore, classic horror cinematography, and just enough giggles to get you through it. This movie is best enjoyed by an audience who knows what they're going for. Don't expect serious thrills, blood curdling screams, and unecessary titty shots. This is not THAT kind of horror film. Go for fun, a couple of scares, and a few laughs.
Oh, and see how many MAC products you spot every time Justin Long appears on screen.....
Cast: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, David Paymer
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