JEXI (2019)

Written & Directed By: Jon Lucas & Scott Moore 
Cinematography: Ben Kutchins 
Editor: James Thomas 

Cast: Adam Devine, Rose Byrne, Alexandra Shipp, Ron Funches, Charlyne Yi, Michael Pena, Wanda Sykes, Justin Hartley, Kid Cudi

Phil has a major dependency issue – he’s addicted to his phone. He has no friends, he has a job writing pop culture “Top 10” lists, and his love life is non-existent. But his Facebook status is about to change. When he is forced to upgrade his phone, the latest model comes with an unexpected feature… Jexi – an A.I. life coach, virtual assistant, and cheerleader. With her help, Phil begins to get a real life. But as he becomes less dependent on his phone, Jexi’s artificial intelligence morphs into a tech nightmare determined to keep Phil all to herself, even if it means ruining his chances of finding success.


Directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, known to make comedic free for all films. Some that work and are quite funny and some that don’t, but while this one is scaled back it still has the chaos and anarchy run amuck in Certain scenes 

This is a comedy film that feels a little late to the party. As it seems to want to lampoon technology and the growing need of people to live by it. 

It also provides a movie that has a high concept story and comes off as simplistic as possible, but also trying to have a certain hipness to sell itself to a willing audience.

It feels like a script where it was better to pitch and spitball. Trying to build a Whole film around the concept. That was more fun in thinking about rather than in execution. 

As it still ends up feeling out of place to a degree like a 1990’s comedy. Even as the film is supposed to be more dependent on cutting-edge technology. Where it showcases the danger of technology, limiting it more  and the rewards of living life and experience.

Though the film Also shows what can happen when someone who is the center of your attention loses interest or has no dependence. How vengeful they can be in that loneliness.

It also in its own way shows what an addiction can do to us. Therefore love your life for your own enjoyment. 

The cast all seem to give it they’re all. As every character seems over the top to a degree. Adam Devine is a funny and able leading man, but needs to find better scripts than these subpar romantic comedies of the Netflix variety.

Alexandra Shipp is attractive as the love interest but is given nothing to really do rather than show independence early on day then fall into romance and be the most understanding cool, beautiful girl in the movie.

Though the late romantic square becomes awkward and doesn’t exactly work. Nor is it explained why Jexi is the way she is.

In the end, it was a perfectly ok time waster. As long as you know what you are getting into and don’t expect much.

Grade: D+

GAME OVER, MAN! (2018)

Directed By: Kyle Newacheck 
Written By: Anders Holm 
Story By: Anders Holm, Adam Devine & Blake Anderson 
Cinematography By: Steve Jablonsky 
Editor: Evan Henke 

Cast: Adam Devine, Anders Holm, Blake Anderson, Rhona Mitra, Neal McDonough, Sam Richardson, Steve Howey, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Daniel Stern, Aya Cash, Andrew Bachelor, Sugar Lyn Beard, Chloe Bridges, Mac Brandt, Jon Garbus 

Three friends are on the verge of getting their video game financed when their benefactor is taken hostage by terrorists.


This film is brought to you by the guys behind the television show WORKAHOLICS. This movie is like an unadulterated, uncensored episode of the show. Which I can admit I was a viewer of which is why this film comes across as a guilty pleasure for the most part.

This film seems like it could have been a contender at the box office, but is better served on Netflix. Where it will appeal to their audience and allow them to gain a bigger one.

The leads are playing variations of their comedic personas only more extreme. As they as a group seek to be successful with several million dollar ideas. So that they can claim some significance in their embarrassing roles in life at their job.

One so the bombastic blowhard who has made himself the leader, the other is an idea man who is a stoner and the third is more the nerdy shy buttoned up type. Who find themselves basically in a die hard situation. As the film works as a parody of that film also.

What works with this film is what works with the best comedies. The film isn’t just them Doing Funny and crazy stuff while everyone around them plays it straight and reacts to them. The film allows most of the other characters to be as wacky and crazy. Even allows by the film to focus for whole scenes and time periods on other characters.

The fun in is watching some of the villainous archetypes play out a little more different some more human or at least realistic to life.

As mentioned before this film is uncensored in all aspects. So there is plenty of graphic violence, gore to a degree and also male full frontal nudity.

The film plays contained as it takes place mostly in the hotel they work at. There are no surprises when it comes to the villains. Except how they are played at times.

In one way you could easily find the film insulting as it is more shocking frat type of juvenile behavior. Seen more through the lens of young white males. Even as this is not the type of film to really look for equality and political correctness in. The film tries to be fair to everyone, especially the females and not have them just be window dressing or damsels in distress. Though they don’t get as much action and attention. Though I will say Jillian Bell in her cameo in the film steals the scene and is provides the funniest laugh in the film.

As the film has plenty of pop culture references but also quite a few celebrity cameos. Which are hilarious and truly show that no one is safe in this film. Even the title is a quote from a popular line from the movie ALIENS. Said by the late great actor Bill Paxton

The film has no depth but stays entertaining. If you are a fan of their show or them as comedic actors and performers. You will definitely enjoy the film. As at least as you know the scenario the film offers surprises and doesn’t come across or lazy or phoning it in as more and more studio comedies and comedic actors are coming off as more and more at times. Like they are doing their schtick but they don’t even see inspired or into it anymore. So at least this film comes across as guys who are creative coming up with laughs and doing it for themselves as well as wanting to serve the audience.

This feels like a comedy from a new age. Definitely not watered down

Grade: C+

PITCH PERFECT 2 (2015)

pitch

 

Directed By: Elizabeth Banks
Written By: Kay Cannon
Based On Characters Created By: Mickey Rapkin
Cinematography By: Jim Denault
Editor: Craig Alpert 


Cast: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Hailee Steinfeld, Anna Camp, John Michael Higgins, Elizabeth Banks, Skylar Astin, Flula Borg, Birgitte Hjort Sorensen, David Cross, Ben Platt, Adam DeVine, Alexis Knapp, Katey Segal, Keegan-Michael Key, Ester Dean, Hana Mae Lee, Jason Jones, John Hodgman, Joe Lo Truglio, Snoop Dogg, Reggie Watts, Brea Grant

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THE INTERN (2015)

theintern

Written & Directed By: Nancy Myers
Cinematography By: Stephen Goldenblatt
Editor: Robert Leighton
Production Design: Kristi Zea

Cast: Anne Hathaway, Robert DeNiro, Rene Russo, Linda Lavin, Anders Holm, Zack Pearlman, Jason Orley, Adam DeVine, Andrew Rannells, Celia Weston, Nat Wolff

A retired 70-year-old widower, Ben, is bored with retired life. He applies to a be a senior intern at an online fashion retailer and gets the position. The founder of the company is Jules Ostin, a tireless, driven, demanding, dynamic workaholic. Ben is made her intern, but this is a nominal role – she doesn’t intend to give him work and it is just window dressing. However, Ben proves to be quite useful and, more than that, a source of support and wisdom. Another film by Nancy Myers that showcases that women can be successful and have it all. While showcasing what is important

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