Chris Witaske – Cut To The Chase

Written & Directed By: Bernardo Britto

Cinematography: Ava Benjamin Shorr

Editor: Martin Anderson and Bernardo Britto

Cast: Mary Louise Parker, Ayo Edebiri, Carlos Jacott, Hannah Pearl Utt, Harris Yulin, Chris Witaske, Steven Maier, Eddie Cahill,

A woman from Miami, Florida decides to solve time travel in order to go back and be the person she always intended to.

This is a movie I should have enjoyed as the science fiction in minor elements were interesting and even the time travel components were fun and different. Though it never quite comes together in a strong way.

As at first the film seems to stay on target Exploring time travel and the many ways in which our main character keeps going back but has to movie forward to make any progress.

Then the second half of the film changes tone. Whereas before it was a light wacky comedy. I. The second half for becomes more dramatic. As the main character has to face some harsh truths. that no matter what her fate, will end up being the same and that maybe instead of spending her time trying to change things. She should accept what she does have and appreciate the time she has left with them.

This is after she has explored different fates and looked up people from her past. So that the film becomes overly sentimental with some hard truths passed along.

Which could work as the film gets you to watch with comedy and sci-fi then tells the story it wants you to truly stay for and pay attention to while remembering to reference some sci-fi again to keep it in the realm.

It’s a sweet movie, but never quite reaches its potential and makes you wonder what exactly was the aim. As it does tell a story but makes it so maudlin and complicated getting there. That it feels a little too much and never quite raises above a certain tempo.

Even the cast who are good seem more in the middle. Never quite too strong or excited or energetic. The film feels way too laid back and passive.

though Ayo Edebiri get’s co-Stsr credit she is more a supporting actress and it’s featured more heavily in the first half of the film than the second half and while she does what she needs to do doesn’t make any strong impression in the role, but then again the role doesn’t really give her too much to do either

It’ not a bad movie just not for me. Maybe I am missing something.

Grade: C

Directed By: Tyler Spindel Written By: Chris Pappas & Kevin Barnett Cinematography: Theo Van De Sande Editor: Brian M. Robinson

Cast: David Spade, Lauren Lapkus, Nick Swardson, Jackie Sandler, Geoff Pierson, Rob Schneider, Molly Sims, Sarah Challe, Chris Witaske, Jorge Garcia, John Farley, Jonathan Laughton, Bobby Lee, Vanilla Ice, Allen Covert

Tim thinks he’s invited the woman of his dreams on a work retreat to Hawaii, realizing too late he mistakenly texted someone from a nightmare blind date.

Let me just say this right off the bat. I am usually a sucker for a David Spade film. Won’t call them good, but for me usually at least entertaining and funny. Especially when he is playing more quick-witted, sarcastic jerks who people usually like unless playing the villain or nemesis.

His career seems to follow the trajectory of a professional sidekick or side character who made it to the big time. Finally playing more leads to minimal success but usually funny at least.

I will say this is his funniest starring role since THE DO-OVER which before that his best was THE ADVENTURES OF JOE DIRT. (unless you too have a weakness for the film DICKIE ROBERTS: FORMER CHILD STAR or are you more a LOST & FOUND fan)

Here he plays not as smarmy and while still open to embarrassing himself. He is looking older than usual here. The film leaves him with little to no sarcasm. Which is one of his main strengths? Here most of the time he seems more the straight man to everyone, but mainly…

Lauren Lapkus who is hilarious as she is funny, energetic and gives it her all. Especially physically as she seems to have no fear in her role. One only wishes the material and the cast all around her were on the same level. She gives a star-making performance throughout and is the main reason to watch this film.

Rob Schneider is here in a small role for no real reason. As he doesn’t really add anything to the film or overall, especially laughs.

The film has more sexual humor than expected though seems to pop up more in recent David spade starring movies for HAPPY MADISON productions.

The set prices are inspired and funny. As well as gorgeous looking like a film made just to use the location and female it feels like a vacation (something Producer Adam Sandler has been accused of with a bunch of his movies and which he openly will admit to)

The film feels like a SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE skit movie. Where the sketch character becomes the star. As the actual SNL star and character isn’t the true star only the name to get you to watch the film.

The film never truly explains why Spade’s Character and his ex broke up. The film introduces her character and shows she chose a jerk and fellow coworker of his over him and she is open to readily clear on her husband. Yet never explains why she choose him in the first place. Also, we see him cheat on her partially and never is found out. But this is not their movie so these little details are not deemed important. As this isn’t exactly a film that deals with rationality not being detail-oriented.

The film truly lets loose in the third act. By the end the film it all comes off as energetic, sweet, and ridiculous.

Grade: C-

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