Cast: Sebastian Maniscalco Robert DeNiro, Leslie Bibb, Kim Catrall, David Rasche, Anders Holm, Jessie Camacho, Brett Dier
When Sebastian tells his old-school Italian immigrant father Salvo that he is going to propose to his all-American girlfriend, Salvo insists on crashing a weekend with her parents.
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just as in the 80s and 90s it seem like stand-up comedians who are gaining some heat got sitcom deals. If they were lucky maybe got film deals. It seems modern day more and more comedians that have a following will get a chance to play a lead, usually that is of their own creation and here we have stand up Sebastian maniscolo who wrote this film
Basically, it’s a rip on meet the parents and somehow he got lucky and got Robert De Niro to play his stubborn old school, father. We’re as he himself is dating a free spirited woman who comes from a senator in upper crust family who he tries to impress continuously while his father is more salt of the Earth hairdresser who can’t help with himself and seems to sabotage his son inadvertently along the way.
Throughout the film, there are less than inspired jokes that ultimately lead to a message of being yourself is good enough. That is what is truly going to impress. It’s when you’re fake. Those are the type of people you will attract.
Half the scenes and jokes seem to want to riff on past roles of Mr. De Niro as well as this whole film just trying to be its own Italian American version of meet the parents, though it varies itself in sitcom troops and humor, as well as thin characters, that truly don’t give much of the cast much to work with nor making an impression with even though the film as well cast it clear that Robert De Niro again is here only for the paycheck. Even though he seems a little more willing to be somewhat silly in this film, as he’s truly the only interesting character and part of the film, where he just wish that the film was better written to really give him something to do and to rise to his performance.
Even it’s lead, Sebastian Maniscalco seems more interesting playing a supporting character more than a lead. As after a while he becomes annoying as a lead character and not all that interesting.
The film is really a one joke premise it’s forgettable and disposable and worse of all it feels monotonous at times.
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
Written & Directed By: Chris Rock Cinematography By: Manuel Alberto Claro Editor: Annie McGabe
Cast: Chris Rock, Gabrielle Union, Romany Malco, J.B. Smoove, Rosario Dawson, Anders Holm, Leslie Jones, Kevin Hart, Michael Che, Jay Pharoah, Ben Vereen, Cedric The Entertainer, Karlie Redd, Sherri Shepherd, Tracy Morgan, Hayley Marie Norman, Brian Regan, Tichina Arnold, Luis Guzman, Sherrod Small
A comedian tries to make it as a serious actor when his reality-TV star fiancée talks him into broadcasting their wedding on her TV show.
This more than makes up for those GROWN-UP movies. Coincidently Chris Rock wrote the screenplay in his trailer during the filming of Grown Ups 2
Financed and produced independently.
Chris Rock doesn’t choose like other filmmakers to romanticize or sugarcoat New York as a wonderland of fantasy and fairy tales. He wants to represent New York as it truly is beautiful, yet with an attitude but a certain charm you cannot resist. It has an ugly side, but usually like it so much and in love with it we take the good with the bad and barely notice anymore the rougher aspects of the city. Sure the visuals could be more vivid, but as it is said comedy isn’t pretty plus it keeps your head in the game that this is somewhat gritty and real.
We all see and experience things differently. This is his truth so can’t argue with his vision. We can only be happy he doesn’t compromise in any way. Which is said of more artistically inclined or visual directors? Though should be said of more directors who are open and have something to say that isn’t cookie cutter.
While some aspects of the film could have been more subtle, Their meaning was in the right place. Nonetheless, the film leaves plenty of laugh out loud comedy.
You can see the film’s cinematic influences here and there. There is a little SULLIVAN’S TRAVELS by the end. A dash of BEFORE SUNRISE in the structure. Some Woody Allen references and some things leftover from his co-Starring role In Julie Delpy’s 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK.
The film feels cathartic for him, Going around the city, not necessarily discovering it. As it is both their hometown, but more or less touring familiar places.
Throughout the film, each major and some minor cast members get a scene here and there to shine dramatically or comedically, sometimes both.
The film has some commentary on race and especially stardom. Not exactly the exposure you might expect, but at least exposure to it. Shocking especially how outspoken he has been recently about it in interviews.
Rock’s Films before always managed to shine the spotlight on race though felt more like a gimmick and silly, rather than the satire and sharp voice you were hoping for.
I THINK I LOVE MY WIFE was funny, realistic, and a step forward, but lacked the edge and felt more like a bit of an acting exercise with some domestic comedy and drama. Though the film didn’t exactly cover any new ground or present it in a different way.
As he spends the day with the reporter getting to know her. He is revealed to us as they are to one another usually in flashbacks to the stories they tell and the answers that are given as visuals to accompany them.
Rosario Dawson really gets a chance to flex her acting muscles here. She is finally not just the girlfriend or love interest with no personality or real presence. Here she is charming, complex, and real not necessarily an ingénue. Here she has depth and getting the chance to be comedic herself. Not by accident either.
There are certain Flashbacks in this film that are downright scandalous. That involves Rosario Dawson and Chris Rock. Those are nasty, revealing, and push the limits of what can be shown on screen in an r-rated comedy. Though they are the spirit of Chris Rock, this film and his comedy. They are just as dangerous he is. It reminds the audience why he is a crucial voice in comedy.
Also, these flashbacks work as it breaks up the dialogue and story in a meaningful way. So that the asides and stories are more revealing in character and also provide a source of comedy also. The vignettes sometimes with just the reaction are hilarious but always manages to come back to harsh realities.
The strip club scenes best the end of the film are filled with hilarious cameos that remind us of how funny the people in them can be and are also fun seeing them all out of their element and still can be funny. As they are obviously doing it as a favor to Chris rock
though I have usually really enjoyed Chris rock’s films before. I LOVED this film and was quite surprised when others around me saw this film before me remark on how shocked they were that it was so good. (Some of whom I have watched his films with and they enjoyed them. at least that is what they told me. Only a few I knew didn’t like his earlier work in films) I believe the reason this film worked so well for the audience is that not only is it personal. It also shows growth.
He opens up and lets others stand in the spotlight on the sidelines. Even though the major hurdles are on his shoulders. This is why you can excuse when some scenes come off as falsies a bit as does his acting once in awhile. As the saying goes in any sport. Sure you have the star athlete but you also want to have as much talent around them to learn and also to help. Teach and have each other strive and inspire one another.
As a Chris Rock fan, this film means a lot as it is a thank you to a degree to the fans and a treat as he shows he still has it and is finally comfortable being himself. Speaking his thoughts and not worrying so much about how people will take things, nor does he care about maintaining a certain image. It is almost also a fuck you to doubters as he shows he is just not one thing. As this might be one of the last times he might be able to make a film so why not with something you can be proud of and be able to say what you want to without having to worry about censoring it because of studio notes or worrying about what is or isn’t marketable.
He manages to bring an old school feel to the film while making it feel constantly vital. Especially as in some scenes the background score is classic hip-hop beats slowed down that it almost sounds classical as they are laid bare. I hope he stays on his current path.
Dave Chappelle was offered a role but turned it down. Which makes sense as he has a lot of comedians and comedian friends throughout play roles.
In the movie, Chris Rock can be seen wearing a Red Hot Chili Peppers t-shirt. Rock is a well-known fan and friend of the band. He even directed the band’s 2006 music video for their song ‘Hump de Bump.’
Chris Rock has always been a comedian. who seemed to strive for more or to be seen as more. He seems to be striving to be more of an artist. I have watched his career rise as I was always familiar with him and looked up to him. So he has been around on my radar for a while.
Though I have had a few chances to meet him. At most of my retail jobs. I never had the courage nor really the chance to tell him how much of a fan I was. His comedy and career have always been a bond with me and my family as I have seen his live yours regularly as well as usually going to see his films in the theater.
This film had a positive effect on me. Making me profoundly happy. I am happy that he is getting the respect and appreciation he deserves.
I believe even non-fans or occasional ones will enjoy and respect the film.
Though the meaning is there. The film has it’s targeting and lands some solid hits. Though not as many jabs were thrown. Can be rude and lewd out of nowhere but that is part of the charm as it is smart about it.
Cut To The Chase 