Tag: Comedy

HELD UP (1999)

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Directed By: Steve Rash

Written By: Jeff Easton

Story By: Erik Fleming and Jeff Easton

Concept By: Greg Edwards 

Cinematography: David A. Makin 

Editor: Jonathan Chibnall 

Cast: Jamie Foxx, Nia Long, Barry Corbin, John Collum, Michael Shamus Wiles, Eduardo Yanez, Julie Hagerty, Sarah Paulson, Roselyn Sanchez. Dalton James, Jake Busey, Natalia Cigliuti, Gary Owen 

What should have been a romantic getaway turns into one hilarious debacle after another when Michael’s woman dumps him in the desert where he gets carjacked by a teenager and he is taken hostage in a stickup at the local Sip and Zip.

I have seen this movie more times than I have wanted to. As this was a movie they played at the movie theater I worked at in my 20’s and stayed around for quite a few weeks.

This film showed Jamie Foxx was a major talent and needed better scripts because he is obviously better than the material he is working with here.

The film is likable enough though the cast prospers over the simplistic and silly script. As they are all willing and energetic to throw themselves into it. 

The film is a low-grade comedic prejudicial tale with a hostage situation in the middle of it. 

What’s worse is that it doesn’t even necessarily work to Jamie Foxx’s strengths. Whereas you could’ve put anybody in this role if anything, it shows somewhat range for Jamie Foxx that he can play more of a straight comedic role rather than be over-the-top comedic.

The film is watchable as every few minutes it throws in a joke or gag to keep it lively and cute. Even if at heart the situations of the film revolve around expectations, stereotypes, and racism.

While it is made for an urban audience where the Caucasian characters are more like yokels. 

The film isn’t much to look at visually. The look is usually dull and lacks style but works for the limits of the material and locations.

As the film definitely wants to be more of a comedy with a star at its center yet offers a kind of ensemble all around. Though it’s never quite specific so that it keeps seeming to try to swing and sometimes it gets to hit but it’s never quite a homer. It strikes out more times than it plans.

Jamie Foxx seemed stuck in these types of movies. This is more a starter starring movie but was the type he kept being offered that was more grade-C material. Not even B material that they should have been getting at the time. As he was a proven talent. In other words, while he makes it work. The filmmakers could have cast anyone in the role. He just so happens to make it more his own. As he is the most impressive aspect of the movie. Luckily eventually Hollywood would give him a chance and he just kept running with it after to bigger and better.

Grade: C

AMERICAN FICTION (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Cord Jefferson 

Based on The Novel “ERASURE” By: Percival Everett

Cinematography: Cristina Dunlap

Editor: Hilda Rasula

Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Sterling K. Brown, Tracee Ellis-Ross, Issa Rae, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, Keith David, Miriam Shor, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Michael Cyril Creighton, Patrick Fischler

A novelist who’s fed up with the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment uses a pen name to write a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.

The cast is excellent and the screenplay is excellent Unfortunately the film has what feels like flat direction that sinks the material a bit. as it feels like the film is constantly searching for the right way to present itself, and how to live in the material 

As the writer of the film or Screenwriter of the film is also the Director, though, based on a novel by Everett McGill, entitled Erasure

The film is a satirical comedy as is the book which has some comedic elements and tone, but is definitely much darker than what we see on the screen. The film improves on certain aspects or gives the historian characters more hope, but could have had some of the stronger ones. The changes might be minor, but they are meaningful such as the way his sister passes away and the role of the maid of his mother. That would allow the film to be more acceptable than the book, taking away some of the sharper edges, but replacing those edges with some stronger commentary and dramatic issues

This is what makes the film so strong in dealing with prevalent social issues, especially for African-American artists, art, and a sense of self

Film keeps its world smaller, but makes it more personal, and still stays in vent allowing for the supporting characters to have stronger roles and much more range

The film also offers a bred, Jeffrey Wright, and a rare leading role. With Sterling K Brown as his coming-out-of-the-closet brother, Sterling Brown can never do wrong, even bad films. He is still sometimes one of the more interesting performances so he makes his screen time lively, and memorable. Never feeling out of place

Also, it’s nice to see Erika Alexander on the big screen again in an important role.

Something can be said when movies like this come out in theaters they mostly have a crossover audience as the intended audience rarely seems to go see it, and more discover it at home on streaming or from word of mouth. Which eventually helps its legacy, but does not help its box office at the time when it is needed.

It’s also nice to see the character have an inner life and family problems. This is what sets the plot forward and one of the reasons for the continuance of his situation that only grows the longer the facade goes on. 

The irony here is that what is playing on screen might be satirizing it but it feels like it’s the same situation that is happening when it comes to this film in the marketplace. 

It seems at times we will support others yet, not our own community. Even when it is telling stories meant for us, we will accept others telling us about ourselves rather than someone from our own culture at times. Which is disheartening, but still thankful that these movies, subjects, and material are out there for those who identify with it

GRADE: B

LIFT (2024)

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Directed By: F Gary Gray 

Written By: Daniel Kunka 

Cinematography: Bernhard Jasper

Editor: William Yeh 

Cast: Kevin Hart, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sam Worthington, Jean Reno, Vincent D’Onofrio, Billy Magnussen, Ursula Corbero, Yun Jee Kim, Vivek Kalra, Jacob Batalon, Burn Gorman, David Proud 

Follows a master thief and his Interpol Agent ex-girlriend who team up to steal $500 million in gold bullion being transported on an A380 passenger flight.

This film has everything going for it. A lot of great talent so it’s disappointing that it plays so basic. Already going into it you probably know how it’s going to end. Part of the fun is seeing how it gets there. But how it gets there is so predictable that it seems to lack pizzazz.

The film is ok it’s entertaining, but it never has any character or comes alive. As it plays like the typical Netflix action film with a big star at the center.

While it’s nice and fun to see Kevin Hart play the more Noble leader. As he tries to show range and be less comedic in this film. Which is admirable, He comes across as flavorless, and unexciting charisma isn’t there. Nor the laughs even though he’s not trying to get any this time. Though I will give him points for putting in an effort and trying to be an all-around movie star, unfortunately here he’s not that engaging. Where it feels like anyone could have played this role.

Even his romantic scenes with Gugu Mbatha Raw come across his bland. Not to mention she should be getting better roles than this.

It’s a sharing, especially as you have such wonderful actors throughout, who are never really given enough room to breathe other than their characters, expertise, and little hints of life.

Not to mention, you have F Gary Gray, a talented Director in his own right. Who seems with this barely lifeless action B-Movie. That while high concept still comes across as uninventive.

If you’re looking for something, entertaining that you’ll soon forget afterward, or just to have on in the background while you do other things this might be the movie for you. as this feels like a less stylistic and more calm Six Underground-type action film from Netflix again.

I can at least say this film isn’t too embarrassing for him. 

Grade: C

BAIT (2000)

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Directed By: Antoine Fuqua 

Written By: Andrew Scheinman & Adam Scheinman and Tony Gilroy 

Cinematography: Tobias Schliessler 

Editor: Alan Edward Ball 

Cast: Jamie Foxx, Doug Hutchinson, David Morse, Kimberly Elise, David Paymer, Jamie Kennedy, Mike Epps, Nestor Serrano, Tia Texada, Robert Pastorelli, Kirk Acevedo, Jeffrey Donovan, Jason Jones, Megan Dodd 

An ex-con is used by police to lure a criminal out of hiding.

Though most of the film is a comedy it is filmed slick like an action movie with tons of style, but at turns seems to be more a comedy at heart with dramatic moments.

Hard to believe such veterans of the FBI would so easily get caught up In A drama they are watching, personally. Which offers up an interesting dynamic of how involved you get in watching reality unfold in front of you. So it was even a precursor to how Audiences would react once reality television seemed to take over the airwaves. At least it humanizes the agents involved. 

The film definitely looks state-of-the-art and big-budgeted. That truly showed off what director Antoine Fuqua could do. This is practically a calling card for him and Star Jamie Foxx. As the film is a visual delight, and definitely feels like a big-budgeted action extravaganza.

As it not only showed Foxx’s star quality. Even though not written to his strengths. It seems like the type of film he should be getting chances to star in. That eventually happened and worked out for him. Wish he got offered more films like this (only better written) 

The film also excels thanks to a good cast of veteran actors. Who goes well with the material and Foxx’s acting.

Even though it seemed to be released with little fanfare. It’s not the best but it is interesting and entertaining.

Doug Hutchinson as the villain comes off as if he is impersonating John Malkovich. 

The film has enough thrilling and laugh-out-loud moments of equal measure. That allows for some good action sequences. To live up to the promise of the presentation.

It’s the little movie that could. As it stays small scale due to its budget but feels like a bigger film that it is and where it deserves. 

Grade: C+

DIE HART (2022)

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Directed By: Eric Appel

Written By: Derek Kolstad

Cast: Kevin Hart, Nathalie Emmanuel, John Travolta, Josh Hartnett, Jean Reno, Brandon Quinn, Milana Vayntrub, Kenneth Trujilio

Kevin Hart – playing a version of himself – is on a death-defying quest to become an action star. And with a little help- he just might pull it off.

This is a movie that has been edited together from the episodes of the Roku series that Kevin Hart had for 1 season. You can easily tell when each episode begins and ends throughout the film. So it should be no surprise that the film is episodic.

The film is also really bad, as it tries to be meta which is really hard for it to work when you have recognizable actors like Josh Harnett play themselves but you have more recognizable John Travolta play a totally different character.

It also doesn’t help that Kevin Hart plays himself. The themes for his character are pretty much the same as most characters he plays in other films.

This film is bad, John Travolta seems to not only be over-acting but giving a career-worst performance so far, as he oddly seems to curse funny and have a kind of way of speaking that is ridiculous.

The only bright spots in the movie are Nathalie Emmanuel and Josh Hartnett playing himself. The action sequences are passable but never quite exciting or stunning and the film stays pretty much only using a few sets. So there isn’t much to look at.

I would only suggest this movie if you are a Kevin Hart completist. Though at this point he has so many movies coming out one after the other. No one will blame you if you miss this one.

Grace: F

SUSIE SEARCHES (2023)

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Story By & Directed By: Sophie Kargman

Written By: William Day Frank

Cinematography: Conor Murphy

Editor: Christine Park

Cast: Kiersey Clemons, Alex Wolff, Jim Gaffigan, David Walton, Rachel Sennott, Ken Marino, Isaac Powell, Geoffrey Owens, Alex Moffat, Dolly Wells, Jared Gilman, Kat Foster 

An awkward college student who seizes the opportunity to bolster her popularity and her under-the-radar true-crime podcast by solving the disappearance of a classmate.

This is a perfect starring vehicle for actress Kiersey Clemons who hasn’t gotten a role this rich and expressive since SWEETHEART. She ends up being the major reason to watch the film. She is not only the star of the film but It’s heart. 

The film starts off as quirky before taking more of a dark spin that even at its darkest stays a bit light. It seems like a film that will be Smile but by the end, it becomes more of a character study.

It offers some twists though eagle-eyed viewers will be able to predict certain elements and revelations, but you can’t see the emotions attached to them.

What at first seems like a movie that could easily be made into a franchise ala MURDER SHE WROTE only younger and with a goody too shoes who is socially awkward at its center. Maybe even on a smaller scale KNIVES OUT Slowly turns into a thriller that slowly becomes thrilling and strangling. Even if for us in the audience the consequences aren’t as daring. 

It does stay tight. The only weakness it has is that it never feels like we are that involved and we are held at a distance. Just as we get to know Susie’s day-to-day before she starts investigating. There could have been more scenes to flesh everyone out. Instead of just moments. Where we are not quite sure what the meaning of them exactly are. 

The film stays colorful and a bit odd at times. it never breaks into feeling bigger. Even though it takes place in a small town. The film stays feeling minute throughout.

However, it should be noted that race never plays into the film. Her being one of the few minorities in the film and being one of the smartest characters. Also helps her stand out and be more of interest. 

It is a perfectly quirky film to watch and be a kind of time waster. Though by the end for all that it succeeds. You just wish it had a bit more impact. You want to give the film the goodwill it seems to want and deserve. Just as the main character seems to desire and lack.

By the end it is ambiguous though it leaves you quite sad. As a kind of melancholy begins to take over.

Grade: C+ 

PIECES OF APRIL (2003)

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Written & Directed By: Peter Hedges 

Cinematography: Tami Reiker

Editor: Mark Livolsi 

Cast: Katie Holmes, Derek Luke, Oliver Platt, Patricia Clarkson, Alison Pill, John Gallagher Jr., Alice Drummond, Sisqo, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Sean Hayes, Lillias White, Adrian Martinez 

April Burns invites her family to Thanksgiving dinner at her teeny apartment on New York’s Lower East Side. As they make their way to the city from suburban Pennsylvania, April must endure a comedy of errors – like finding out her oven doesn’t work – to pull off the big event.

The problem with this film is that for all its earnestness feel-good moments. It feels emotionally manipulative and I’m sure there are families and similar situations but the story development and characters feel more or less calculated than Flesh and Blood Real.

The hurdles everyone must get over just feel poured on a bit too much all at once. Especially for a film that takes place in one day. I could understand if this all happened over a weekend but all this emotional and physical baggage in one day is a bit too much. 

That having been said, the film is enjoyable, It is more of a warmer, tailed Indie film, especially since by the end not everything is solved, but there is at least peace. not offering total care or answers for everything. 

The film is a heartwarming story that tries to add an edge to certain situations and characters but finds itself going back to its emotional roots. It’s a downtown tail told about a bunch of outsiders. That gives it the feel of a lost recent error of the time.

This feels like a good novella stretched to its limits as it tries to make itself different like a teenager going through self-discovery. At first, it wants to be special, so it goes about trying to be different. Then it looks at itself in the mirror and comes to the realization That it must be true to itself. That is what will make you stand out.

The film is low budget with a big name, cast for its budget, who are all good and throw themselves into their roles. I even recognize many of the locations from my days working downtown at Tower video. They even filmed in one of my coworkers’ buildings, which gave me a strange strange connection to the film.

The stand out in the cast is the assured performance of Katie Holmes in the lead role. That easily could have been a stepping-stone film that revolved around her. So even though the title character. The film is more of an ensemble effort 

I wish she would have kept doing roles such as this one. She would’ve had a more respectable and maybe bigger career because underneath what appears to be blandish she surprised you with a powerful skill that peeks out at times. You see that glimmer.

The film put a spin on your typical family dinner film for the holidays. It succeeds due to some sly humor and a playful cast. 

Watching it recently puts me in mind of a certain time and place in my life. Which surprisingly makes it a nostalgic reminder of a certain time and place in my life. 

Grade: B-

THE LEGEND OF THE STARDUST BROTHERS (1985)

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Written & Directed By: Makoto Teduka

Music written By: Haruo Chikada

Cinematography: Eiichi Osawa 

Editor: Mari Kishi and Makoto Teduka 

Cast: Shingo Kubota, Kazuhiro Takagi, Issay, Kyoko Togawa, Kiyohiko Ozaki, Kiyoshi Kurosawa 

In 1985, Makoto Tezuka, the son of manga genius Osamu Tezuka, was still a film student with a few experimental shorts to his credit and who was entrusted with the mission to turn an album by Haruo Chikada into a musical film.

Strange, inventive, surreal, and fun. There are no exact words to describe this film and do it justice. If you are a fan of movies like PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW and SHOCK TREATMENT. 

The story behind the film is just as wild and creative as the film. that a musician Haruo Chicada wrote an album full of songs, Essentially meant to be a soundtrack for a film that didn’t exist and that was the extent of the project until writer-director Makoto Tezka discovered it and decided to make a film based around it adapting it with a full storyline. 

So much talent In Front of and behind the scenes. As the director sought out musicians and artists of all kinds for the film. After all, this was his first full-length film. After just graduating from film school and making only experimental shorts. He considered himself a visualist more than just a director.

The result is a movie that plays like a series of music videos or montages built around the songs with a story connecting it all. So truly a musical at heart without so much choreography and show-stopping staging. though plenty of musical-themed montages when the main characters aren’t singing. 

Almost like a mean-spirited movie version of THE MONKEES TV show.  only not surrounding a band but a singing duo and focusing on the branding and corporate ownership of the two and being forced to sing the songs their Svengali manager gives them and him always watching. They also lose fame to rivals that come out of nowhere and then try to murder them. Competition between artists and even each other as a duo and want to be independent and try their own music 

The film’s soundtrack and visuals are its strength as the story is Minimal and never makes complete sense. As the film is all over the place. In a good way. Making it definitely crazy and unpredictable. 

The film has an Animated and even a horror sequence. This makes sense as it is partly anime-influenced or manga, especially towards the end the action sequences feel like live-action cartoons. The writer/director is also the son of Osamu Tezka an anime/Manga legend 

The film is definitely a product of its time and a shine as it is a cult film, that is little known In its homeland and the United States, with a soundtrack that is difficult to find 

It’s an epic odyssey that goes far but does so much with so little. Involving A story made up that only adds to the legend and might actually be true with The theme of wanting to make it on your own and realizing that you might need help To do it.

This Is a film whose wavelengths you are either going to get on or not. All of the music and songs are quite catchy. It seems to go through all cultures and fads of the time. 

It’s not perfect but such a unique, crazy, stylish, and silly journey that represents some things that it might not have intended to constantly invent and reinvent itself. As it is Reckless, dazzling unhinged, and creative. As it always has its heart on its sleeves and despite its surreal  nature bares it’s heart and spirit 

Grade: B+

CANDY CANE LANE (2023)

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Directed By; Reginald Hudlin

Written By: Kelly Younger 

Cinematography: Newton Thomas Sigel

Editor: Kenny G. Krauss and Jim May

Cast: Eddie Murphy, Jillian Bell, Tracee Ellis Ross, Nick Offerman, Genneya Walton, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Timothy Simons, Riki Lindhome, Trevante Rhodes, David Alan Grier, Robin Thede, Chris Redd, Danielle Pinnock, D.C. Young Fly, Catherine Dent, Stephen Tobolowsky, Penatonix, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Lombardo Boyer

A man is determined to win the neighborhood’s annual Christmas decorating contest. He makes a pact with an elf to help him win–and the elf casts a spell that brings the 12 days of Christmas to life, which brings unexpected chaos to town.

The film has a lot of goodwill, but it also has a bunch of familiar tropes. They are dressed up and try to feel fresh and for the most part, fit the season and set-up. 

The film tries to stay inventive but then falters under the weight of its own predictability and plays it way too safe and familiar.

The film isn’t necessarily good but it’s entertaining and keeps you invested. Even though star Eddie Murphy goes through the motions. He even has his moments to flex an original comedic lie here and there. Unfortunately for the most part it also feels like he is playing a role any actor or star could have played easily. That is how bland it is written. Though as always it is always in his strengths when his character is under pressure and his reactions can be priceless, Just not here

It does bring the audience back to when he was making more family films for better or worse. Though when they were just passing.

What works within this film is the spirit and the fact that his family in the film all get a chance to shine and be the hero throughout and come together when needed. Reminding the audience of the importance and need of family and enforcing the holiday spirit.

Though those looking for laughs might be hard-pressed to find any genuine comedy throughout.

Directed by Reginald Hudlin, it leaves you expecting more. Even though it does have a great production design. The less said of Santa Claus. Huggy bear ,velvet suit the better.

In the end, it’s a film that fits the holidays but isn’t the triumph you are hoping for when it comes to an Eddie Murphy film. 

Grade: C

GENIE (2023)

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Directed By: Sam Boyd

Written By: Richard Curtis

Cinematography: John Guleserian 

Editor: Heather Persons

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Paapa Essiedu, Denee Benton, Jordyn McIntosh, LaChanze, Tate Ellington, Alan Cumming, Marc Maron, Luis Guzman, Ellen Cleghorne 

The film is a fairy-tale comedy about a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.

This is your typical holiday fare, where yes it’s predictable and silly, but it’s also heartwarming and tries to remind you what is important about the holiday and life In general.

What makes this one a bit more intriguing is its cuteness and Melissa McCarthy. Who may as she didn’t originate this project. Isn’t all over the production, but also plays a charismatic and fun character. Rather than trying to create an iconic comedic character who is either sloppy, stupid or over the top. Here she is playing a comedic character, but one with heart and who resembles a character and not a bunch of jokes that are needed.

Ultimately the movie seems to be about wish fulfillment, but at the end of the day, it tries to show that friendship and family are what is the most important gifts you can have in life. 

Alan Cumming seems wasted in his very few scenes. It seemed like he was a big name to be put into the cast. 

The film is written by noted screenwriter Richard Curtis the man who wrote films such as LOVE ACTUALLY, FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, and ABOUT TIME. This might be why the film is charming more the storytelling and not so much the visuals. 

Is it the best Christmas movie you will see? No, but it does make a nice addition during the holidays to watch regularly. It will help put a smile on your face. if not put you in a total holiday mood. 

Grade: C+