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ROBOCOP (2014)

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Directed By: Jose Padilha
Written By: Joshua Zetumer
Based On The Original 1987 Screenplay By: Edward Neumeier & Michael Miner Cinematography By: Lula Carvalho
Editor: Peter McNulty & Daniel Rezende

Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Michael K. Williams, Jay Baruchel, Jackie Earle Haley, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Ehle, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Aimee Garcia

In RoboCop, the year is 2028 and multinational conglomerate OmniCorp is at the center of robot technology. Overseas, their drones have been used by the military for years – and it’s meant billions for OmniCorp’s bottom line. Now OmniCorp wants to bring their controversial technology to the home front, and they see a golden opportunity to do it. When Alex Murphy – a loving husband, father and good cop doing his best to stem the tide of crime and corruption in Detroit – is critically injured in the line of duty, OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer. OmniCorp envisions a RoboCop in every city and even more billions for their shareholders, but they never counted on one thing: there is still a man inside the machine pursuing justice.

Though a sanitized version of the original. This film retains some of the original aspects of the film. While managing to care about its own identity that is somewhat noteworthy and is better at being a reboot than something like TOTAL RECALL which tried too hard to be a virtual remake with all the greatest hits they try to change it around.

The film tries to be somewhat satirical with a lot less bite. It is strangely more on point and cynical though takes the time to explain as feels more Of the time whereas the original always felt futuristic.

The film allows the director Jose Padilha (ELITE SQUAD) to keep his hand-held style of filming and guerrilla, you are their filmmaking skills.

The original ROBOCOP was more memorable as it looked accomplished for a film with such a low budget. In this film, you see the big-budget onscreen. No one essentially embarrasses themselves. The film just feels basic by the end. Nothing really to give it an identity or make it memorable. Especially when it already has so many naysayers against It just for being made as the film is still relevant and remembered. At least this film tries to be an honest reboot.

The changes really hammer home some points. The revealing scene of what is left of him is really a gripping scene aided by impressive special effects.

The film is more excessive in price and scope than the original which was more excessive In Behavior, violence, and action. Now of course the studio wants the film to appeal to broader demographics. So it is softened torn a hard R to a pg-13 rating aim end more at a younger audience.
Director Jose Padilha and actor Joel Kinnaman fought hard for an R rating, but due to the ever-expanding budget, which went from a modest $60 million budget and ballooned to a $120 million budget, studio executives were forced to deliver a PG-13 rating in hopes to recoup the budget they had spent on the film. Throughout the course of filming, studio executives kept a close eye on Padilha, making sure he was going to deliver a PG-13 rating. At least this film comes off as more questioning the ethics of the situation. Which is either modern-day or futures

This version of ROBOCOP feels more like a comic book version that would have been understandable for popularity amongst kids in the 80’s. Whereas the original first two films from the ’80s were seen by a generation who were probably too young to see the film and despite its rating still managed to become an iconic hero mostly to kids. While being so jetted I gross violence on screen. Featuring drugs and having a more graphic satirical cynical nature.

I love the original I was one of those who saw the film way too young and loved it. Though didn’t understand it 100%, not the ramifications of what I was exactly seeing. Nick Schenk and James Vanderbilt are among the few uncredited writers who have entirely rewritten Joshua Zetumer’s screenplay.

The satire tries for reaching reactions but brings up a subject we already know to showcase. Though his is all comparative and goes against the film leaving its own identity barren as it is always being compared to its original or a similar film. Like MEMENTO and THE SALTON SEA have similar storylines through different points, direction and showcases its own story and plot in different ways

The film feels more like a video game at times but is kept realistically vivid.

It’s nice when a film manages to surprise you and is much better in quality than it was suspected and I can admit when I was wrong on the first impression. Someone’s the same can be said about people…even me.

Like MINORITY REPORT it is part of the idea that this new technology is good for keeping statistics down a bit at what cost.

Watching ROBOCOP remade and marketed as a machine feels a bit like behind the scenes of how maybe the film was made itself very meta.

I found it interesting how he is seen as a club or in the original design. Though once the new design comes into play the film moves up and a new identity takes off. That the film begins to suffer. The action scenes aren’t anything special and feel basic. Losing the part of the personality a measurement the audience came specifically to see.

I can see why the well-regarded cast chooses to be in the film. Especially Michael Keaton who makes an interesting return to form.

Jackie Earl Haley hilarious in his role wish there was more of him in the film. Other than a small role and a return towards the end.

Gary Oldman has his own Doctor Frankenstein type role starts off the film innocent, but finds himself falling in line with his employers as they give him more than he can ever want and interested to see how his invention plays out and reacts. Which also informs the audience. Though it is nice to see the original film batman in scenes with the reboots Commissioner Jim Gordon

Samuel l. Jackson’s role in this film feels like a more well spoken. J. Jonah Jameson from SPIDER-MAN for this franchise.

Interesting angle as we watch Alex Murphy not only deal with his new life change but also as he pieces together his own murder. Doesn’t seem to be as grand a plan as more random.

There is also a revenge plot that is dropped then brought up and then passes to the side as simple. For bigger machinations. Though leaves no closure as to the details.

Then there is a character change that you kind of know is coming. Though still feels strange once it happens, Once the villain is revealed. A villain more of morals I guess more than actual acts, but supervised to a degree and gave the go-ahead. It gets a little false and generalized not the individual but more what he represents and his ideas.

It tries to impart thy everyone has a price, only those who are truly brave and honest don’t

While they were successful in the making of the film and can understand why the project was greenlit. It would have been great if the film just wasn’t ROBOCOP. And was just an action film under a new name and characters. Redesigning the suit to be more updated and flexible doesn’t help. Though that point is handled well in the film as both an homage and representation. After having his time goes back to the original model. The same we in the audience have known.

I can admit I wondered I they made a sequel where would it head.

GRADE: C+

TRAIN TO BUSAN PRESENTS: PENINSULA (2021)

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Directed By: Sang-Ho Yeon 
Written by: Sang-Ho Yeon & Ryu Yong-Jae 
Cinematography: Hyung-Deok Lee 
Editor: Jinmo Yang 

Cast: Dong-Won Gang, Lee Jung-Hyun, Re Lee, Hae-Hyo Keon, Min-Jae Kim, Kyo-Hawn Koo, Do-Yoo Kim 

Peninsula takes place four years after the zombie outbreak in Train to Busan. The Korean peninsula is devastated and Jung Seok, a former soldier who has managed to escape overseas, is given a mission to go back and unexpectedly meets survivors.

The film builds the world that was set up in TRAIN TO BUSAN and while the film is inventive and Starts off with a bang from The beginning at the start to define the antagonist and place a proper history for him. 

Then the film Gets going with action pretty quick as well as the plot. The opening scene flashes to the all-new cast of characters and fleshes them out.

It works more as an action film with horror elements. Where most of the true horror is how the human characters treat each other in times of strife for survival.

At times the use of CGI zombies is obvious but used to make their threat grander and more epic but luckily not cheesy.

The film is post-apocalyptic where gangs of survivors run the streets and find others stragglers for sadistic games.

We are introduced to a human villain they are killing a character just to do it. No actual gain 

The film’s finale has a car chase that reminds the audience of THE ROAD WARRIOR. While the film feels like it was inspired by ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK. With a planned heist that goes wrong, he becomes a man on a mission and rescue mission. So the film obviously wears it’s inspirations on its sleeves while trying to add its own flavor.

Wisely the film trims the fat early. As this film is more political, adventurous, it opens up the world. Like most sequels, this film is bigger and feels less emotional as a thing of the past.

In the end the film’s themes seem to be about family and the sacrifices you are willing to make for them. 

Grade: B-

LOVE & MONSTERS (2020)

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Directed By: Michael Matthews 
Written By: Brian Duffield & Matthew Robinson
Story by: Brian Duffield 
Cinematography: Lachlan Milne 
Editor: Debbie Berman & Nancy Richardson 

Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Jessica Henwick, Michael Rooker, Ariana Greenblatt, Dan Ewing, Ellen Hellman, Tre Hale, Amali Golden, Pacharo Mzembe, Senie Priti

Seven years after the Monsterpocalypse, Joel Dawson, along with the rest of humanity, has been living underground ever since giant creatures took control of the land. After reconnecting over the radio with his high school girlfriend Aimee. who is now 80 miles away at a coastal colony, Joel begins to fall for her again. As Joel realizes that there’s nothing left for him underground, he decides against all logic to venture out to Aimee, despite all the dangerous monsters that stand in his way. 

For a movie that is so brutal and that can feel cruel at times. This film Is surprisingly heartwarming.

Our protagonist is willing to face his greatest fear to try and find and believe with the girl he loves and while on his way picking up things and being taught how to survive and not be afraid.

Whereas by the end the message is to be brave enough to live life and explore and to not be scared and hide at home. Right message, wrong time for the film but maybe a refreshing message eventually for the world.

This film has the world having gone through a post-apocalyptic event and art fighting off natural elements that have been mutated. So that humans are more the rodents to be lived off of.

One of the refreshing things about the movie is that you probably know what is going to happen. Is the twists the films offer to throw you off or give you a different perception rather than the traditional endings and circumstances. 

By the end, the most refreshing thing about this film is that it chooses not to wallow in more the cutthroat everybody for themselves and cynical world view and instead chooses to try to diva on the positive more communal and everyone helping one another in despair. 

Though at times it might remind some audience members of the cult film and book A BOY AND HIS DOG. This film isn’t as satirical or cold-hearted as that story was. 

The characters who are the most endearing are the guides and survivors played by Michael Rooker and Ariana Greenblatt. Who serve as saviors, warriors, comic relief, and a kind of family for the main character when he is on his own at first. It’s also nice to see Rooker play more of a good guy for once 

So it’s nice to see a film Of this genre that isn’t so nihilistic and careless when it comes to the characters. It feels more like a breath of fresh air. While clearly being aimed more at teenagers.

Again screenwriter Brian Duffield does it again. Managing to take a genre movie and make it so much more or filling it with characters we believe in and can identify with making the story that much more engaging for the audience. Even if usually more through teenage characters

Grade: B- 

TURKEY SHOOT (1982) (ESCAPE 2000) (BLOOD CAMP THATCHER)

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Directed By: Brian Trenchard-Smith
Written By: Jon George & Neill Hicks 
Story By: Robert Williams, David Lawrence & George Schenck 
Cinematography: John McLean
Editor: Alan Lake

Cast: Steve Railsback, Olivia Hussey, Michael Craig, Carmen Duncan, Noel Ferrier, Lynda Stoner, Roger Ward, Michael Petrovitch, Gus Mercurio, John Ley 

In a dystopian future where deviants are held in “re-education” camps, a freedom fighter and a wrongfully-accused prisoner form an alliance to survive their decadent oppressors’ game of kill-or-be-killed – and turn the tide against them.

This is pure Ozploitation a prime example of the cinematic style and genre.

This is a B-Movie that strikes the right tone. As it is ridiculous and explosive but stays inventive and entertaining. 

Some might even watch this movie and can see it as an early version of the film THE RUNNING MAN 

This is a film that makes clear from the beginning who will not likely be the victims. 

The film seems to try to build up a sexiness for a female character but never quite follows through. Never giving her any character and is eliminated without a thought especially when it seems the female warden has a special interest in Her, more than any of the males.

Most of the wardens are actually more interesting and fun than the prisoners.

One of the evil wardens doesn’t even seem like he was really capable of doing any real hunting, physically. 

This film is one of the few times seeing Olivia Hussey in a film and as the lead. She is quite beautiful as the most innocent of the bunch. Which helps her to get the audience’s biggest sympathies throughout.

There are times when the film goes over the top in many fun ways. When it comes to the action, violence, and character but it also travels into the ridiculous. Like when it comes to the strange animal wolf-human character. 

The bald guard who aids the warden thought he was going to be a bigger adversary for the prisoners if he ends up barely being a Challenge. As the film seems to set him up at first as more of the main villain than just a right-hand man. 

This movie is never truly slow or boring. Though is continuously violent and ridiculous that you can’t help but have a fun time watching 

GRADE: B+

CONSPIRACY THEORY (1997)

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Directed By: Richard Donner 
Written By: Brian Helgeland 
Cinematography By: John Schwartzman 
Editor: Kevin Stitt & Frank J. Urioste 

Cast: Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart, Cylk Cozart, Troy Garity, Sean Patrick Thomas, Peter Jacobson, Thomas McCarthy, Rick Hoffman 

Jerry Fletcher is a man in love with a woman he observes from afar. She works for the government. Fletcher is an outspoken critic of that government. He has conspiracy theories for everything, from aliens to political assassinations. But soon, one of his theories finds itself to be accurate. But which one? Some dangerous people want him dead and the only person he trusts is that woman he loves but does not know.

The film has a notable cast which is how the film will peak your interest and hook you. It also has a kind of underdog story at heart. Of course as expected by the title the film makes various references to popular conspiracies Such as assassinations, Lee Harvey Oswald

It has Mel Gibson Playing against type. He is more invested and Actually seems a bit more challenging for him. Though he still keeps his jokey tough demeanor.

It’s billed as an action thriller but ends up More like a comedy. As even the action sequences seem to end with some kind of joke or more humor than thrills necessarily.

The film’s Seems to fit into the Richard Donner funhouse. Where the film is entertaining above all else and beautiful to look at, Even though the film Tries to be gritty but always seems more like a typical Hollywood production. As Director Donner is one of the last of the studio directors who had to work his way up to directing by first working his way around every other department before getting the lucrative directing jobs. So he knows his way around way department having been vetted.

He is a director who constantly makes likeable movies that do ok but few would probably register as favorites of all time. But is a Consulate Hollywood director who deserves respect for making quite a few memorable films such as THE OMEN, The LETHAL WEAPON series of movies, 16 BLOCKS, MAVERICK.

The film is written by Brain Helgeland who also wrote and directed the Mel Gibson PAYBACK. Where you wonder if their working relationship was formed on this film.

One scene just seems so big even if it is minor. It’s a masterpiece of it’s own even if overblown. It’s After he buys the book. The scenes grand production that seems to set off just to try and capture him. Especially with a familiar sight involved. Just at the time seemed so amazing and was the epitome of Hollywood magic.

Even the thriller elements are entertaining. As they are just creepy enough to add some suspense and tries to throw you off. Even though you know how it will probably turn out.

It’s a film where every one seems to have secrets even the good guys. So that at every turn you don’t know who to really trust or believe.

Patrick Stewart is here truly chewing the scenery in his delicious turn as the main villain.

It’s a movie that keeps building so that even if it were done on a modest budget by the end it has grown so big it would have to need major stars for the size of production and for the audience to keep believing. Don’t know if this film would be made today As it is more driven by star power especially two very big names attached and mid budgeted so unless really a gamble or as someone’s passion project which this wouldn’t Really be or somehow it would have to be Sci-fi or superhero related or be an independent financed film.

The film is Disarming how enjoyable it is though somewhat predictable.

Though she is a major star of the movie they don’t leave Julia Roberts with much to do other then Be the brainy damsel in distress. She is only really here for star power. Which truly seem the only reason this film was made. As they try to market it as more a modern team-up of stars. Even though the characters are close there is no real romance beckoning though the film keeps trying to build up one.

This is pretty much a movie star movie. The story might actually be something ambitious for more than a mid-size budget, but in the end, it’s a movie for the audience to stare and gawk as two superstar movie stars share the screen. It’s actually not a stunt here as the stars do share a number of scenes and the movie doesn’t make you wait around for half the movie for it to happen. Though the film ends up being best for a Saturday afternoon a breezy affair with no real stakes. That you will mostly watch to see who is In it rather than what it is about. Sort of like those black and white movies starring a star of yesteryear that you watch only because you like the star. Not necessarily the story.

The film Won’t stick with you too long after but a crowd pleaser

You feel by the end like you got your money’s worth though keep in mind I saw this at the $2 theater. Back when there was one. This is where movies played second string after their major release, right before reaching hoe. Video at the time. Today think of that more as a digital release before the DVD/Blu-ray

Grade: C+

THE TUXEDO (2002)

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Directed By: Kevin Donovan 
Written By: Michael J. Wilson &  Michael Leeson 
Story By: Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi & Michael J. Wilson 
Cinematography By: Stephen F. Windon 
Editor: Craig P. Herring 

Cast: Jackie Chan, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Debi Mazar, Jason Issacs, Peter Stomare, Romany Malco, Ritchie Coster 

Jimmy Tong is just a lowly chauffeur for millionaire Clark Devlin, until Devlin has an accident that puts him in the hospital. Tong is sent back to fetch some things for Devlin and unknowingly tries on Devlin’s tuxedo and finds that it gives extraordinary powers to anyone that dons the suit. This discovery thrusts Tong into world of international intrigue and espionage and pairs him with an inexperienced partner.

This is another Jackie Chan American comedy. That usually requires him to either team up with another star of some sort or kids. This film takes more of a middle ground by not being aimed at children as some of the material is more trying to be aimed at an older or maybe even teenage audience with a light touch. Even though one can only see it appealing more to a younger audience. 

Now the film tries to go with what works for him, teaming him up with someone else in action-comedy. Though by this time it seems like he was starring in the same movies. Only with different partners and each time seems to lower the level of quality and appeal. As after the SHANGHAI NOON’s and RUSH HOUR’s none of the other films warranted a sequel.

This time they have him teaming up with Jennifer Love Hewitt an attractive teenage partner. This also leads the film to hint at an improbable suggestion of romance between the two of them. Though he seems a bit long in the tooth for the role.

She seems here more to be the eye candy and comedic prop at times, but at least she has more to do in her role than She usually does Especially physically.

The film has a funny premise as an action-comedy. Where Jackie Chan seems more comfortable with this material. As his character isn’t a natural fighter. All the king fun and stunt hijinks are due to a gadget-laden tuxedo that he never quite gets the handle on that even has him dancing like James brown at a James Brown concert. After accidentally knocking him out. Again this shows you the level of humor.

The film is largely forgettable but is entertaining for what it is worth. It will have you rolling your eyes a bunch. After all, It’s a silly, fun movie you don’t watch for filmmaking.

I will admit the only reason I really wanted to watch the movie for was Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jason Issacs who I am a fan of, here he plays a James Bond-ish secret agent who becomes incapacitated, and Jackie Chan as his bumbling chauffeur has to take over in the mission and through a case of mistaken identity.

This wouldn’t be the type of film one would usually Watch. As you can never take anything in this film seriously especially the threats. Even the New York of the film is obviously In Sets and filmed in Canada.

Seems like a grown up film made for kids. That is how ridiculous and silly the situations and plot are at times.

Luckily in the film when in doubt cut to a shot of jennifer love Hewitt in a tight outfit and low neckline. The film seems to contain less action fight sequences then stunt physical comedy sequences which when Jason issacs wears the suit is special effects but when Jackie Chan dies it it is actual live stunts work, but is filmed the same way so it might as well be special effects

This movie is only worth watching for fans of Jackie Chan exclusively.

Grade: C

BAD TRIP (2021)

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Directed By: Kitao Sakurai
Story By: Eric Andre, Kitao Sakurai & Andrew Barchilon
Written By: Dan Curry, Eric Andre & Kitao Sakurai
Cinematography: Andrew Laboy
Editor: Sascha Stanton Craven, Matthew Kosinski & Caleb Swyers 

Cast: Eric Andre, Lil Rel Howery, Tiffany Haddish, Michaela Conlin, Allan Graf 

This mix of a scripted buddy comedy road movie and a real hidden camera prank show follows the outrageous misadventures of two buds stuck in a rut who embark on a cross-country road trip to NYC. The storyline sets up shocking real pranks.

This comes from the cinematic form. That seems more an extension of the Jackass movies and television show. Just as Sascha Baron Cohen with the BORAT films. As this film is more just a loose series of stunts and pranks that rely on the reactions of real people not actors who are brought into the scene. Not knowing they are being filmed. Their true reactions to such shocking and sensationalistic actions and scenarios are what keep the film afloat.

As there is a rather thin storyline that is easily forgettable but keeps the characters moving and allows them to be in different locations and states to test out the material. While secretly being filmed.

Now this is also an extension of star and comedian Eric Andre’s show. Where he is known more for his absurdist and gross humor as well as improv man on the street skits.

I can’t vouch for this movie cinematically but I can say if you are into gross and shocking humor. It will keep you laughing throughout despite plot holes or absence of logic. Not only to see the reactions but to see the set-ups 

Though it is Eric Andre’s platform more. Tiffany haddish steals her scenes throughout and seems natural. As this film reminds us of the depth of her talents. Whereas more recently she has seemed to be on autopilot here she actually feels like she is invested. lil rel Howery does what he can do but mostly throughout he is more the straight man and rarely gets to cut loose except for a scene or two.

Half the enjoyment of this film is the reactions from the bystanders. Sometimes they are surprisingly good hearted and other times mad,  it always manages to surprise you. As you watch you tend to wonder how this is believable or how they set it up In Addition To the u predictable behavior of the bystanders 

If looking to just be entertained or are a fan of any of the three comedians who make up the cast. You will love the film naturally. For others, be aware as you can get the feel of the film just from the trailers.

Grade: B-

OLD SCHOOL (2003)

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Directed By: Todd Phillips 
Written By: Todd Phillips & Scot Armstrong
Story by: Court Crandall, Todd Phillips & Scot Armstrong
Cinematography: Mark Irwin 
Editor: Michael Jablow 

Cast: Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell, Jeremy Piven, Juliette Lewis, Ellen Pompeo, Elisha Cuthbert, Craig Kilborn, Leah Remini, Perrey Reeves, Seann William Scott, Rick Gonzalez, Simon Helberg, Matt Walsh, Artie Lange, Sara Tanaka, Patrick Fischler, Harve Presnell, Sarah Shahi, Bryan Callen, Eddie Peppitone, Jerod Mixon, Gregory Alan Williams, Rob Corddry, James Carville, Snoop Dogg, Warren G, 

Mitch, Frank and Beanie are disillusioned with their personal lives beginning when Mitch’s nymphomanic girlfriend, Heidi, cheats on him, then former party animal Frank gets married, but unwilling to let go of his wild life, and Beanie is a family man seeking to reclaim his wild and crazy youth. Beanie suggests that they form their own fraternity in Mitch’s new house on a college campus to re-live their glory days by bringing together a variety of misfit college students, losers, middle-aged and elderly retirees as their new friends and later try to avoid being evicted by the new Dean of Students, Pritchard, whom still holds a personal grudge against all three of them.

The film is funny and goes hard to a point, but when close to the edge it turns back at times and doesn’t go onto how funny as it seems or could have been but it ends up still funny enough.

As It seems to cheer bigger and better snd trying to make that promise but then delivers only halfway of what seemed guaranteed. 

Though it was early before more comedic films in the same vein did indeed go further and bigger. This might have been their inspiration.

The film feels more made for teens who were too young to actually get their own ticket for it and people in their early to mid twenties. Though the older one gets the more they might be able to identify with it or it’s characters a bit more.

Luke Wilson’s character is more of a reluctant lead throughout the film. He is traumatized at first but seems to embrace the party lifestyle. Then go against it. In the end he only seems to accept to help to actually help the pledges out.  Now hai reluctance can be seen as him rebounding and emotionally trying to find himself through distractions that he knows are distractions but keeps getting lured back. As it is easier on him psychologically.

Which might have worked out more if he accepted it initially full sail. See how far it went while going all in then helping the pledges at the end but also seeing his way out of the chaos his life has become.

For all the classic comedic moments and bits the movie belongs to Will Ferrell who steals all of his scenes.

This was one of the first movies where even though a supporting performance he truly lets loose comedically and not by a comedy or character of his own creations. Or concept. Showing all he needs is direction and a little freedom to let him loose.

Also it’s more his film as the film has Luke Wilson’s character trying to recover from a bad relationship but the film shows ferrell’s character trying to find himself after trying to be normal and caged in marriages which is obviously not him. his character has the biggest transformation throughout 

At first it seems like he is filling out a kind of Tom green comedian of the moment role. The same green had in ROAD TRIP as the crazy friend. But Ferrell’s character is strongly indebted to the story and with the other character. Whereas Green in the previous film seems there to do bits and appear either on his own or in a scene or two with other characters, but wasn’t really integral to the film or group of friends. 

Jeremy Piven’s character seems to let his look do more of the work as a villain. He never truly makes his presence or threats felt dangerous or truly threatening. He is also the main piece of the film that feels formulaic left over from an ANIMAL HOUSE type film. Though his character is what helps keep the film afloat as far as plot and conflict. 

Vince Vaughn here is really starting to get the hang of his more comedic on screen persona that seems to have started in the film MADE. Though the film gives him a nice character defining moment. When with a pretty young coed talking alone and about to get with her after a minor seduction. He gets cold feet and is nervous and blows it. Showing to a degree not only is he all talk, but actually loves and cares about his wife and family more than he lets on. He gets the reality of his fantasy and might just realize how good he has it.

The film doesn’t offer much for the female cast to do. Especially Leah Remini as it seems she is perfectly cast as Vince Vaughn’s wife. It seems like she will be sarcastic, no nonsense and wisecracking but to no avail as instead she is a presence and seems to be a best friend of Will Ferrell’s newlywed wife helping her get adjusted to marriage. So for her here it seems like most of the films’ female casting is pretty but full of wasted opportunities. 

This film is definitely a step up from ROAD TRIP for director Todd Phillips. As this feels better and more strongly structured. It also has a stronger story where it doesn’t feel as episodic. 

GRADE: B-

ROAD TRIP (2000)

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Directed By: Todd Phillips 
Written By: Todd Phillips & Scot Armstrong 
Cinematography: Mark Irwin 
Editor: Sheldon Kahn 

Cast: Breckin Meyer, Seann William Scott, Tom Green, Amy Smart, Paulo Costanzo, DJ Qualls, Rachel Blanchard, Anthony Rapp, Fred Ward, Andy Dick, Ethan Suplee, Horatio Sanz, Jessica Cauffiel, Wendell B. Harris Jr., Mary Lynn Rajskub, Todd Barry, Matt Walsh, Cleo King 

In the University of Ithaca, while showing the campus to the new students and their relatives, the veteran tour guide Barry Manilow tells the love story of his friend Josh Parker. Josh has a girlfriend, Tiffany Henderson, who went to the University of Austin, and they have promised to be faithful to each other. However, Josh has an affair with his sexy friend Beth Wagner, and they have accidentally videotaped it. One of his friends sends the videotape to Tiffany by mistake, and Josh decides to travel to Austin with his friends E.L., Rubin Carver and Kyle Edwards to retrieve the videotape before Tiffany sees it. Will he succeed?

This is a small Film set up and succeeds at being an epic blockbuster 

This Feels like a return to the 1980’s type of college movie. Though like most of director Todd Phillips comedies. It never goes as far at pushing the envelope, but further then most were at the time and for quite some time before. 

Like this film allowed for more gross pushing the limits humor that has been absent. So at the time this was a return and kind of radical of what was expected of at the time emboldened by one of the stars of the film Seann Willam Scott’s previous hit film he appeared in AMERICAN PIE

Though at the time understandable as this was Mr. Phillips first official film, especially a studio film. He seems all in for taking risks but not totally.

The film has many memorable scenes but the material never quite sticks to the landing. Though what works is more the random Original comedy at the college.

Tom Green who co-stars and was one of the bigger names in the cast at the time. Having a hit television show on MTV. Seems here to kind of grow his career and start a big screen comedic career. His character is vital somewhat to the movie, but for the most part seems off to the side and by himself. Only to have his own little side plot that leads to a comedically Over the top scene and to give information. Not to mention is supposedly the narrator for the film. 

As a road trip movie truly living Up to its title. Is episodic and loose which makes it seem more like a bunch of skits involving the same group of characters. 

While each makes their presence felt. As this is supposed to be an ensemble film. Breckin Meyer is the lead that the plot revolves around and overall comedic straight man. Which makes him feel boring in comparison to most. It ends up the same with his love interests. Who are pretty but not given much to do. 

While there are many memorable characters DJ Qualls walks away with the movie as the MVP. His innocent character learns how to let loose and comes of age.

The scene that seems the most classic Is when the story has them staying at an all black frat house. 

One of the strengths of Todd Phillips is that even here and throughout most of his comedic feature films is that he always fills his films with comedians in acting roles, usually comedic actors who are more adept at improv that add to the looseness of scenes. Though they help build the humor in scenes also. 

Grade: C+

COWBOYS & ALIENS (2011)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Jon Favreau 
Written By: Robert Orci, Alex Kurtman, Damon Lindelof, Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby 
Story By: Steve Oedekerk, Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby 
Based On The Graphic Novel By: Scott Mitchell Rosenberg 
Cinematography By: Matthew Labitque 
Editor: Dan Lebantal, Jim May 

Cast: Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, Paul Dano, Adam Beach, Clancy Brown, Sam Rockwell, Abigail Spencer, Ana de la reguera, Toby Huss, David Carradine, Walton Goggins

The Old West.. where a lone cowboy leads an uprising against a terror from beyond our world. 1873. Arizona Territory. A stranger with no memory of his past stumbles into the hard desert town of Absolution. The only hint to his history is a mysterious shackle that encircles one wrist. What he discovers is that the people of Absolution don’t welcome strangers, and nobody makes a move on its streets unless ordered to do so by the iron-fisted Colonel Dolarhyde. It’s a town that lives in fear. But Absolution is about to experience fear it can scarcely comprehend as the desolate city is attacked by marauders from the sky. Screaming down with breathtaking velocity and blinding lights to abduct the helpless one by one, these monsters challenge everything the residents have ever known. Now, the stranger they rejected is their only hope for salvation. As this gunslinger slowly starts to remember who he is and where he’s been 

This film you get exactly what you would expect from the title. A fun filled action extravaganza. That delivers the thrills. It is the very definition of a popcorn movie. It’s big loud and dumb and passes the time in a entertaining way. Impressive considering how much of a disaster it could have ended up being. It’s competently directed. Instead of feeling like it is based on a popular graphic novel. The film plays out instead more like a video game adaptation with familiar clichéd stories of proving yourself.


The effects certainly make the film lead that way and half the time it feels like you are playing a video game while watching it. The film feels overblown and just a genre mash-up with little other reason for its creation or to exist.

Strangely for such a big extravaganza it also oddly feels rushed.
 

This is the first time I have really seen Daniel Craig as a true lead and action star. He brings the Tall dark and quiet qualities that the led character of this film needs. He reminds you of a later day Steve McQueen. Craig is Mysterious dangerous and moral to a point.

Harrison Ford is nice to see giving a supporting performance. Rather then a lead one. It gives him a chance to play a character. Not an icon or heroic lead. It gives him more of a flavor then the vanilla he usually plays.  Olivia Wilde while very beautiful and nice to look at has a role that makes no sense.
 

Paul Dano is a good actor. Who I am starting to get annoyed with always playing the dweeb characters. Certain actors have their schtick when playing characters. As this seems to be his in particular usually in big-budget movie supporting roles. While he has an odd look, He is certainly better then the roles he plays. look at TAKING LIVES he is dangerous in. In THERE WILL BE BLOOD he holds his own against Daniel Day-Lewis of all people.  

Wait for Cable

 
 GRADE: C