Author: jbg

THE MAIN EVENT (1979)

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Directed By: Howard Zieff 

Written By: Gail Parent and Andrew Smith 

Cinematography: Mario Tosi 

Editor: Edward Warschilka 

Cast: Barbara Streisand, Ryan O’Neal, Paul Sand, Whitman Mayo, Patti D’Arbanville, Richard Lawson, Chu Chu Malave, James Gregory, Earl Boen

A bankrupt entrepreneur attempts to recoup some of her losses by getting a washed-out boxer she picked up as a tax loss back into the ring – an idea her protégé isn’t fond of.

Don’t get me wrong. I am a huge Barbra Streisand fan of music and movies, though I have to say this film is a major dud. 

As it is so by the numbers and feels or put together by a studio, looking to make a star film rather than a film. That reason Streisand usually stars in more romantic films, She just needs to find the right leading man, and the film, or at least the chemistry will entertain and and practically write itself.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen as Ryan O’Neal her leading man is never believable as a boxer. He can be quite charming and isn’t a bad romantic lead. He’s not a strong one either it doesn’t help that the two have no chemistry.

It doesn’t help that he comes across as prettier and more of a primadonna than she does in the film. who could have been used to comedic effect and helped the movie. Unfortunately, it’s never acknowledged or used. 

The film isn’t even basic. It’s just disappointing where the most memorable thing is Miss Streisand‘s distracting hairdo which seems to look like an Afro. That makes her appear more clownish.

The film even has an inventive introduction for her character, using her profile which she is known physically at the time

The film is never quite believable and not really funny. Despite the many jokes used

The film tries to feel like a 1940s-type romantic comedy of backing forth to find success when there are plenty of challenges, but by 1979 the film comes across as two chased in lightweight. A wanna be Tracy-Hepburn-type film

The film was made. Wow, Barbra Streisand was dating her manager John Peters and it seemed when they made films together. She went from working with classic directors of yesteryear. To more modern upstarts, who didn’t have as much gravitas or flare who are easier to control, even if they had notable credits beforehand. It seems to be the same route Jennifer Lopez the actress and singer was trying to emulate.

The film is lightweight and instantly forgettable, never develops a rhythm, and becomes quite boring very fast. The stars of the film never seem to have any hard-fought victories. Everything falls into their lap with the least amount of ambition or work. 

GRADE: D

HOT STUFF (1979)

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Directed By: Dom Deluise 

Written By: Donald E. Westlake and Michael Kane

Cinematography: James Pergola 

Editor: Neil Travis 

Cast: Dom Deluise, Jerry Reed, Suzanne Pleshette, Ossie Davis, Luis Avalos, Marc Lawrence, Richard Davalos, Alfie Wise, Barney Martin, Sydney Lassick, Bill McCutcheon, Pat McCormick 

Three cops try to set up a sting by establishing their own Fencing operation. They have less than complete support from above and as they begin mingling more and more with the underworld elements decide to finance the operation through re-selling some of the proceeds.

Watching this movie is the equivalent of watching an old failed sitcom. As this unfortunately is a very disposable movie. 

As soon as you are finished watching. It’s easily forgettable. It would be a streaming original these days.

It has an eclectic yet noteworthy cast and a plot that is cute but hardly noteworthy. Which is a shame as it is one of the few movies lead actor Dominique Deluise not only starred in but has his kids in.

It’s rare to see Jerry Reed in a movie where he gets the girl. Other than that the movie is supposed to be of its own time though seems even corny and behind for when it was released or way too comfortable with a studio comedy that plays more like a TV movie.

There is truly only one memorable scene in the whole film and it’s when Don’s character tries marijuana for the first time.

As a fan of Dom DeLuise, one of my favorite comedic actors. It feels like never got the proper respect or the right projects to truly show his brilliance. Even as he seems to have said yes, to way too many projects, unworthy of his true talents, and hoping for a breakthrough he still gave his all. Unfortunately, this led to watering down his own brand.

Unfortunately, this film isn’t one of the better projects, even though he directed this project as he gets his moments, but this film seems more devoted to other actors and characters throughout the film.

It feels a bit like a home video. This feels like a film that was much more fun to make and have fun with behind the scenes. Then what is on the screen. Dom Deluise even cast his real-life wife and children at the time as his family and various roles. 

The film has truly over-the-top performances at times while others are understated and it’s quite a product of its time includes a big set piece at the end that tries to make up for all of the shortcomings and include most of the characters we have seen throughout.

This is a caper comedy where much of the enjoyment of the film is centered around the camaraderie of the characters and the quirky characters that come in and out of the shop and they form a relationships with. There is a little action. Everything here feels a bit familiar good for the times, but watching it now is a little bit out of date but it tries. As it’s just silly

Grade: C

ENTER LAUGHING (1969)

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Directed By: Carl Reiner 

Written By: Carl Reiner and Joseph Stein

Based on the Novel by: Carl Reiner

Based on the play By: Joseph Stein 

Cinematography: Joseph Biroc

Editor: Charles Nelson 

Cast: Reni Santoni, Elaine May, Jose Ferrer, Shirley Winters, Janet Margolin, Jack Gilford, Michael J. Pollard, Rob Reiner, Don Rickles, Nancy Kovack, David Opatoshu 

A young would-be actor seeks his first break.

This is the directorial debut of Carl Reiner after a long career intelligence. Based upon the play of the same name, this is a coming-of-age story that has screwball comedic elements at times but mostly stays on that fine line of comedy and trauma, though a little more lighthearted

Watching it under a modern lens, it feels a little flat, but it constantly has jokes a mile a minute and the film does have highlights. It’s quite a production.

It has a strong cast. Elaine May is sexy and hilarious one of the bigger and more memorable roles that she has played where she’s usually hilarious but this is one of a few times where she has truly lit up the screen and been sexy, sensual, goofy, and nice. A lead actress in the play hires the kid because she is attracted to him even though she knows he’s a horrible actor, she has a soft spot for him.

The lead is played by Renni Santoni, these days a well-known character actor, but then just starting out, and while he does look a little long in the tooth for the main role, who is supposed to be someone just out of high school he role out in the best of ways.

Don Rickles steals his brief scenes as he is fun and full of spirit not necessarily insulting as much as anything man does it is believable.

Jose Ferrer is also a stand-out as he is yet can be funny and is just a master of the dead. This is one of the first of his where one truly remembers him and he truly stands out.

The film leaves a long build-up that is worth it as the second half is where the film comes alive in the play that it builds up to that the characters performing in is a hilarious comedy of errors. 

It reminds one of the movies, We used to see on the cable channel Flix, which showed films from yesterday that weren’t necessarily well-known cinematic classics but are actually hidden gems that you can appreciate watching now.

In the end, the film is kind of sacred, and might find it corny or too safe humor and it’s not as funny as expected, especially with all the talent involved, but it is enjoyable and has a sweetness to it.

Though at heart contains that wild spirit of youth to make your future. Only having at times to come back down to earth when it comes to responsibilities. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t be a meaningful ride. 

Grade: C+

BABES (2024)

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Directed By: Pamela Adlon 

Written By: Ilana Glazer and Josh Rabinowitz 

Cinematography: Jeffrey Kim 

Editor: Elizabeth Merrick and Annie Eifright

Cast: Ilana Glazer, Michelle Buteau, Hassan Minhaj, John Carroll Lynch, Stephen James, Oliver Platt, Sandra Bernhard, Elena Ouspenskaia 

Lifelong friends Eden and Dawn, one single and wanting a baby, the other already a mother, navigate challenges to their bond when Eden pursues pregnancy alone after a one-night stand.

This film should have been a slam dunk but it seems like there are two forces working against each other throughout. Where on the one hand you have more raunchy comedy and outlandish moments. That is more par for the course when it comes to star Ilana Glazer. The film carries that sensibility. Which works but at times seems more shocking at times and somewhat truthful.

Yet the direction and tone of the movie fits director Pamela Adlon’s series BETTER THINGS. Which can be funny and humorous as well as truthful. It mixed in with a dark tone with sentimentality. Works half the time but then at other times seem to be battling each other.

The film does manage to entertain the audience and get them to care and even feel emotional in the third act. 

This film works better than Ilana Glazer’s last starring role FALSE POSITIVE. Here she is charming and slowly coming into her own. Though wish the film could be as hilarious as its trailer seemed. Though it seems to soften quickly. 

Michelle Buteau is solid, believable, and funny as always. 

The film isn’t bad. It will get you teary towards the end, and it really drives home there. Where it offers a look at motherhood and single motherhood. That would also feel like a bunch of downtown comedians got together and tried to make a film, though with more heart but plenty of comedy.

It would have been nice if we could have spent more time with the baby’s father and his fate was handled better, rather than just kind of a joke. 

While this might seem like a harsh review. I will admit that I am not the ideal audience for this film, but like many who will watch it. It does remind one of those special close friendships. 

Grade: C

SPREAD (2024)

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Directed By: Ellie Kanner 

Written By: Buffy Charlet 

Cinematography: Corey MacGregor 

Editor: Jason Dale and Freddie DeLaVega

Cast: Elizabeth Gillies, Harvey Keitel, Diedrich Bader, Doira Bird, Teri Polo, Keith Walker, Dia Frampton, Bryan Craig, Blake Harrison, Jonah Platt

To make ends meet, an aspiring journalist is forced to take a job at the world’s largest porn magazine-beginning her journey to change her life, and the porn industry, forever.

I will admit I didn’t know what to expect from this film as at first when I saw the trailer I thought it was for a comedic series, not a movie. 

The movie does at times feel more like a pilot for a series. As it has a similar foundation to a workplace comedy that mixes in with life. The quirky coworkers, the love interest, the interesting characters that are more comedic that they do business with or come into contact with.

At heart, this is a raunchy sex comedy that luckily exploited and is a bit clean-cut as there is barely any nudity nor that many sex scenes. It’s not as Taudrey as one would expect.

The person who actually got me to watch this is lead actress, Elizabeth Gillies. I have followed her for quite a while, and while this is in her wheelhouse of characters, she is in her element with the wisecracking in one-liners, still endearing, and not to mention charismatic when it is called upon. It’s the first time I’ve seen her play a leading role in a movie. One hopes to see more of you.

It’s the story of an ambitious young woman who finds her niche and helps to build a business. She’s not perfect, but she is identifiable. As well as entrepreneurial.

This is a good film. That’s easy to watch and stays entertaining throughout. It’s simple easy-going and happy-go-lucky. That does offer conflict, but it never seems quite tragic.

There might be a lack of big comedic pieces, but the comedic moments and dialogue are satisfying, and it keeps you engaged and paying attention throughout.

Grade: C 

WICKED LITTLE LETTERS (2023)

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Directed By: Thea Sharrock 

Written By: Jonny Sweet 

Cinematography: Ben Davis 

Editor: Melanie Ann Oliver 

Cast: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Anjana Vasan, Timothy Spall, Gemma Jones, Hugh Skinner, Alisha Weir, Malachi Kirby, Lolly Adefope, Eileen Atkins, Joanna Scanlan

When people in Littlehampton–including conservative local, Edith–begin receiving letters full of hilarious profanities, the rowdy, Irish migrant, Rose, is charged with the crime. Suspecting that something is amiss, the town’s women investigate.

This is the type of film that Sunday screenings were made for quirky comedies that are usually period pieces that are historical in nature. Though showcase modernization in its earliest stages.

unfortunately, this film seems to have gone straight to streaming with no theatrical release, which is a shame as it feels like there is no theatrical marketplace for films such as these, even though these are the ones that audiences more or less don’t know that they are searching for something simple, pleasing fun and artistically worthwhile 

Whereas this film definitely has two stars, Jesse Buckley, and Olivia Colman both noted award-winning actors, playing the lead roles and pretty much against each other, it becomes a comedy of errors in an ensemble effort, whereby the end your shock that this is actually based on a true story and real people.

everyone in the cast excels not that you would ever doubt any of them. Jesse Buckley and Olivia Coleman are both having fun playing somewhat familiar roles. The wildfire, free thinker, and the repressed rule follower 

The film is a darkly comedic tale that is laid-back and plays at first like a mystery and then like a Colombo episode as you wait to find out how the guilty will get caught and what will become of them while seeing the falsely accused having to suffer and they have to go through.

though through the comedy they found does shine a light on issues. Women had to face this at the time. Misogyny sexism, repression jealousy of one another. How some can live free with no repercussions and others feel trapped with no release.

The film is very diverse as it has people of color enrolled that you wouldn’t expect in most period pieces and there isn’t much made about their culture or casting involved. It’s just more natural that they are in society and hold positions of power. and did not be scandalized or the whole film be just about that

The film is a fun romp. That mostly goes for comedy but reveals the drama and conflicts involved. Most of all it’s funny and eventually kind of a buddy comedy. Though offers plenty of comfort for the audience. 

A film filled with personality that goes by but keeps you engaged and having fun with it as you wait to see where it’s going to go.

This is another great memorable performance from Jesse Buckley. who never quite gets the recognition or that star-making role that catches on and shows the world and audiences just how great she is

The film allows, two great acclaimed actresses to share the screen it’s truly an injustice, this film, was silently released onto streaming.

This isn’t a big story but a good period-set comedy of manners with dramatic impact at times it’s quietly hilarious. It’s full of jealousy as one character wishes she had the bravery and freedom of the other. Based on a true story.

This is actually a perfect Sunday film as it is relaxing and laid-back with a diverse cast where Race isn’t brought up even for its time. Just as the sexism of the time is fully examined by examples.

It showcases, The fragility and support of female friendships.

As we find out, the letters are an extension of a passive-aggressive psyche, and the reasoning that adds more scandal which grows as it goes along, so does the story and circumstances

The film is quite refreshing as you don’t quite expect it as it up the steaks, adding an investigation, angle, and suspense.

Showcasing actions, no matter how minor have consequences. As well as adventure, characters, and observation with arcs joining along some reluctantly do away with the mystery element rather quickly..

The camera is solid yet moves along quickly at times with perfect timing 

Grade: B

MAFIA MAMMA (2023)

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Directed By: Catherine Hardwicke

Written By: Michael J. Feldman and Debbie Jhoon

Based on a story By: Amanda Sthers

Cinematography: Patrick Murguia

Editor: Waldemar Centeno 

Cast: Toni Collette, Monica Bellucci, Alessandro Bressanello, Eduardo Scarpetta, Tommy Rodger,  Tim Daish, Sophia Nomvette, Gulio Corso, Dora Romano, Francesco Mastroianni 

An American mom inherits her grandfather’s mafia empire in Italy. Guided by the firm’s consigliere, she hilariously defies everyone’s expectations as the new head of the family business.

At first, this film seems like it would be fun but it’s more a female audience-friendly culture comedy. Where the humor is not found in having a female mob boss but in having a middle-aged divorced housewife become a mob boss or go about trying to run a crime empire out of nowhere.

This would’ve been a high-concept comedy in the ’80s, ’90s, or maybe early 2000s that would’ve maybe been more of a star vehicle or at least offered up something a little more daring.

The film has a few laughable moments, but for the most part seems uninventive and uninspired, even adding in a romance aspect that proves to be more of a fantasy aspect of the movie turning more into a midlife crisis change of life types scenario.

No truthfully, there is more sizzle and star, Tony Collette, and costar Monica Bellucci’s scenes together that have a bit of flirtation and eroticism to it that could’ve made the film a little more risky, especially when there is seen where Bellucci straddles Colette.

The film is fine and simple, but it just feels so uninspired. They had a title and they just went with it and tried to make things up around it where most of the male characters are either Sexists or idiots or untrustworthy. 

Such as the scenes with her ex-husband, there was a way of making him more despicable and a loser rather than the obvious that the film chooses to go to where you wonder what she ever saw him if she was not a teen parent and a shotgun marriage.

Not to mention a film that is set in Italy. It’s not very picturesque. it seems like it was filmed in an indoor sets. That doesn’t look very expensive or that luscious. 

Also, there aren’t that many comedy set pieces or even that many action sequences the ones that they do have seem poorly set up. This film is more for the MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING crowd than anything.

I really wanted to like the film as I like the main cast. Usually, Toni Collette can do no wrong, and it is a pleasure anytime Monica Belluci is on screen. Yet, the only time the film is close to its potential is in the performance of Sophia Nomvette as Colette’s best friend. Who turns a typical sassy African-American best friend role and runs with it to utter hilarity. One only wishes that she was more of the film.

Grade: D+

DEAR SANTA (2024)

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Directed By: Bobby Farrelly

Written By: Ricky Blitt and Peter Farrelly 

Story By: Ricky Blitt, Peter Farrelly and Dan Ewen

Cinematography: C. Kim Miles

Editor: Julie Garces

Cast: Jack Black, Robert Timothy Smith, Post Malone, Brianne Howey, Keegan Michael Key, Jaden Carson Baker, Hayes MacArthur, P.J. Byrne, Kyle Gass 

When a young boy mails his Christmas wish list to Santa with one crucial spelling error, a devilish Jack Black arrives to wreak havoc on the holidays.

This seems like a film that was made to go to theaters as a high-concept comedy and ended up on streaming. Which one is thankful for because if this hadn’t made it to theaters, only you could see why people would be displeased with it.

It seems like more films that should be released in the theaters are being released in streaming, and many movies that are streaming only could have been released in the theaters and actually made a profit and had better notoriety. 

Then again, it seems like there are more expensive high-concept films being made in general that actually don’t look interesting because they seem more reliant on special effects and fantasy storytelling rather than the talents of their recognizable stars.

At this point, it seems like Jack Black has decided to mostly star in children’s films or films aimed at families and young teens that are a little risky but pretty much clean and well-centered going for the too-crass or too-gross humor.

Now this film is perfectly fine for families to watch as a holiday film, except that it just feels so planned and over the top corny to a certain degree no matter how hard Jack tries or even the rest of the cast it just feels so lightweight by the numbers.

I will credit the filmmakers as this could’ve easily been a more mean, spirited, and gross film. It ends up being a little more moralistic and a bit emotional definitely more than anything else. . 

Though I will admit, there was only one scene that was truly funny and almost hilarious that should help up the audience as the rest of the film is pretty basic and lacks any laugh-out-loud moments.

Then again keep in mind I’m not the ideal audience member for this film. It’s not necessarily my cup of tea and this film is made or directed by Bobby Farrelly of THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY and SHALLOW HAL Fame so this is a comedy with him showing restraint it should be noted.

It’s a film yeah if you just are in the mood for a kind of empty holiday film that tries to have the heart go for it, but unfortunately, it’s not anything special as you might’ve hoped.

Considering the cast and filmmakers. This should have been better or at least a lot more enjoyable. 

Grade: D

FOUR SAMOSAS (2022)

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Written & Directed By: Ravi Kapoor

Cinematography: Akashi Raj 

Editor: Anisha Acharya 

Cast: Venk Potura, Sonal Shah, Sharmita Bhattacharya, Nirvan Patniak, Sujata Day, Karan Soni, Summer Bishil, Maya Kapoor, Ravi Kapoor 

An unmotivated South Asian American rapper, along with three other first-time thieves, plans a heist on a grocery store owned by his ex-girlfriend’s father, in order to steal her wedding diamonds and disrupt her pending engagement.

This film is inspired by or in the same style as a Wes Anderson film with a little NAPOLEON DYNAMITE mixed in, only set in a South Asian community in a small town. 

It maintains a dry deadpan goofy innocent humor and comedic antics throughout. As the film takes a look at a community yet stays ridiculous and pure throughout.

It manages to make a small town feel epic with so little. Exposing its own universe and still being a bit romantic. Even as it maintains pretty low steaks and feels more character-based than plot-based.

The film has its own charms that retain a sweetness to it all. 

Just like BOTTLE ROCKET, it revolves around a ridiculous heist that exposes their neurosis and gives them a chance to run away from their own individual problems Or dilemmas and bonds them more but also exposes that they need to move on with their lives.

But they are so likable you want to see them have more adventures and see how they grow and change though hope they don’t at their core 

Grade: B 

BAD SANTA 2 (2016)

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Directed By: Mark Waters

Written By: Johnny Rosenthal And Shauna Cross 

Based on characters Created by: Glen Ficarra & John Requa 

Cinematography: Theo Van De Sande 

Editor: Travis Sittard

Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, Kathy Bates, Christina Hendricks, Ryan Hansen, Brett Kelly, Jenny Zigrino, Octavia Spencer, Mike Starr

Fueled by cheap whiskey, greed, and hatred, Willie teams up once again with his angry little sidekick, Marcus, to knock off a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve.

The worst part of this film is that it’s an unnecessary sequel. I don’t know if it was the studio’s idea or something that was pitched, but the first one could’ve stayed a classic as this film ends up being bad not as bad as you might think but pretty much, disappointing

Luckily, it’s not a straight-to-streaming or direct video by having some other person star in the film or be some kind of distant relative or only getting the supporting players back while not being able to get the star Billy Bob Thornton, who seems pretty much auto-pilot. As he has played this type of role many times before it’s hard to differentiate them sometimes other than the other antiheroes are jerks that he has played in comedies have some pride, and are usually trying to hide the other part of themselves or here what you see is what you get.

The only surprise in the film is that Kathy Bates agreed to play a supporting role in it as it just seems like more of the same from the first film, though it seems here it tries to be meaner and more over the top and its nastiness and humor is definitely more sexual 

It’s pretty much the same story new city, where the plan seems to basically be the same only shifting loyalties, even though no one trusts each other in the first place. 

It also seems to be darker and more low-budgeted again makes you wonder who was really demanding this or deemed it necessary. It looks dirtier. 

Even Christina Hendricks seems cast more to capitalize on her bombshell looks and does play a character in the film who is Ingal to the plot, but doesn’t really have much to do except be a sex object for an actress of her caliber you would have more to do or at least be better written. She also seems here to give Billy Bob Thornton’s character the closest thing to a kind of love interest that he’s going to get. She is the most likable character in the film.

There are some scenes that can be funny. There’s not enough to truly make a necessary feature. One would warn fans of the first film. You can skip this as it’s the same movie only cheaper and you know the characters more so you know what to expect if anything it kind of darkens, the first film offers a cheap knockoff that’s familiar and almost similar to the first film only with not as big names think the hangover sequels.

It feels like a movie, a studio mandated more than they’re actually being a need or reason by the filmmakers or cast to return even though it’s shocking considering the material was so controversial and risky when the first film came out. Though it might be watered down in many ways, the jokes pack a little more mean-hearted venom

Grade: C-