Tag: Comedy

THE STONED AGE (1994)

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Directed By: James Melkonian
Written By: James Melkonian and Rich Wilkes 
Cinematography: Paul Holahan
Editor: Peter Schink 

Cast: Michael Kopelow, Bradford Tatum, China Kantner, Renee Ammann, Clifton Collins Jr., Kevin Kilner, Taylor Negron, Art Chudabala, David Groh, Jake Busey 

Determined to avoid another night of driving aimlessly around Torrance in the Blue Torpedo, Joe and Hubbs set out on a quest for fine chicks. Their paths soon cross with Tack, from whom they learn about a pair of radical chicks hanging out near the Frankie Avalon place. Over Joe’s objections, Hubbs worms Tack out of the deal, and the pair take a slow ride toward their destiny.

The trailer for this movie drag me in as it was so hilarious at the time that this was a must-see and I have to say definitely not disappointed.

I am probably remembering it as better than it probably is but I generally like this movie as I saw it when I was a teenager and to me, it was a straight-to-home video classic 

This is truly the 1980s suburban teenager dream party film as it is actually nasty funny witty at some points and actually just generally kind of fun. It never overstayed his welcome and it keeps moving forward in the kind of buddy comedy and of itself, only the buddies are already friends at the beginning of the film. This is just like watching their misadventures throughout the situation of the night.

As it had the rebelliousness of a teen movie, even though you could tell, nobody was really a teen in the movie, and it seem more of a throwback to maybe a more certain California suburban lifestyle. They don’t make movies like this at all anymore, which is why it stays memorable whereas at the time it might’ve been just another and this film is rude and crude and not afraid to offend anyone, nor does he go out of his way to do that either.

It’s also generally unrepentant when it comes to the material of the film, which really feels like a throwback to the 1980s teen sex comedy. Only there is a lot of talking about sex in the idealization of women as sex objects, but there isn’t that much actual sex there is nudity. 

Renee Ammann seems to be the sex object of the film that all men or most of the men desire throughout, she is the bombshell that brings all the boys to the yard literally but what I really liked was the ridiculous side characters and the comedy between them and how ridiculous they were. As she is treated like this precious object or treasure, that is meant to be held possessed, and had. Then discover while she is good, looking, she’s human, and not necessarily all that special.

Of course, by the end the main character realizes that it’s not all about sex it’s also about who you get along with, and who has a better personality, and you just generally vibe with, as far as chemistry. as he is more the romantic of the two, and though his best friend is a jerk. They still remain friends until the end. 

Think of this as a harder edge and less out their version of DUDE, WHERE’S MY CAR, and movies like that?

It’s also how I discovered the song Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Öyster Cult before it was heavily used again in the movie THE FRIGHTENERS. It also helped me to discover and appreciate the band also. Before they became legends with the infamous Christopher Walken, Will Ferrell Saturday night live cowbell sketch.

The film can be seen as two friends on a quest that never really goes out of anywhere that they are unfamiliar, but seeing it in a new light, and facing up to the challenges that they come upon on this quest. As after all, it’s about the journey, not the prize. They even learn something about themselves.

This is a general R-rated teen sex comedy. That’s a throwback and I appreciate it for what it is. It doesn’t try to be anything more. I mean the title loans to tell you what you’re in for so while it’s not great cinema, it is at least entertaining for the audience that would want to see a movie called The Stoned Age. And do not believe it to be a sequel to Encino Man. Which one of the actresses actually had a small role.

It’s just fun lowbrow humor. A fun, cold comedy that came from a short film and was intended to be the first of a trilogy starring the two main characters. 

You can look at it as a nostalgic throwback to dumb or stoner comedies along the lines of Pauly Shore, movies, or the dude where’s my car type.

Grade: C+

LAST RESORT (1986)

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Directed By: Zane Buzby
Written By: Steve Zacharias and Jeff Buhai
Cinematography: Steven Katz and Alex Nepomniaschy
Editor: Gregory Scherick 

Cast: Charles Grodin, Robin Pearson Rose, John Ashton, Megan Mullally, Jon Lovitz, Phil Hartman, Mario Van Peebles, Gerrit Graham, Brenda Bakke, David Mirkin, Scott Nemes, Jacob Vargas

George Lollar takes his family on vacation with “Club Sand”, a shoddy and untrustworthy company. On their tropical island, they find soldiers everywhere, an unhelpful staff, inhospitable accommodation, and undesirable holidaymakers, but everyone except George manages to have fun in the sun.

This is a Film that I have always seen the poster in box art for. I might have even remembered a commercial, or at least a preview of it.

So, after all these years, I finally decided to sit down and watch it, and I can see I was wise to avoid it for all those previous years. the only noteworthy thing about this movie is its casting.

He calls itself a comedy, but while he tries to be funny, they are seldom laughs to be had. It is basically a visual guide of what can go wrong and will go wrong, especially when you are a nuclear family.

And there are a lot of comedic recognizable actors in this film either before or while they were on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, as well as less recognizable actors. It’s a rare early role for Megan Mullally of will and grace for instance 

Though the film seems to beat a dead horse as it just shows a Family on a nightmare vacation in a Third World country in the 1980s where the staff is more interested in partying rather than helping

While Charles Grodin’s character, the father of the family stays unhappy and complains and has to deal with all the shenanigans around him, his family slowly one by one is charmed by the resort and it’s residence so that soon he is the only stick in the mud 

So if you are a fan of watching Charles Grodin, be the street man and get exasperated as the conditions get more and more ridiculous. This is a Film for you. If you thought he yelled a lot in his other films, you ain’t seen anything yet.

They must’ve paid Charles Grodin very well and allowed him to pretty much be his screen. Self knows that seems to be what he does throughout the film and is probably the rare occurrence of him having a lead role. Though supposedly he believed this to be his funniest film. As he also helped rewrite it.

For a film that seems to hint at being a sex comedy and offers plenty of T&A. The film shows a little but prefers to suggest rather than show. If it did show this might have made it into National Lampoon territory. As it seems a bit inspired by the Chevy Chase Starring. National Lampoon’s Vacation movies 

if you want to watch some comedic actors before they were stars, embarrass themselves by doing bad accents this is the film for you 

It’s just shocking how few laughs there are in a film stacked with a great cast. This is truly an example of looks being deceiving.

Grade: F

SICK OF MYSELF (2023)

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Written, Directed & Edited By Kristoffer Borgli
Cinematography: Benjamin Loeb 

Cast: Kristine Kujath Thorp, Elrik Sabther, Fanny Vaager, Sarah Francesca Braenne, Fredrik Sternberg Ditlev-Simonsen, Andrea Braein Hovig, Steinar Klouman Hallert, Ingrid Vollan 

Increasingly overshadowed by her boyfriend’s recent rise to fame as a contemporary artist creating sculptures from stolen furniture, Signe hatches a vicious plan to reclaim her rightfully deserved attention within the milieu of Oslo’s cultural elite.

This seems to be a film that was built more to disrupt shock and be a bit bad taste. And achieve its goal somewhat, but not as strongly, as it seems to aim. As it feels like at the last minute, he decided to smooth some of those sharp edges.

I’ll be honest, I expected more from this film. More of a satire, or just in general more of having something to say.

Now it works and shocks the audience and stays in a black comedy. By presenting us with characters who are thoroughly unlikable. Exposing their constant need for attention, where it almost becomes an addiction, even if it’s just sympathetic. 

Some of the story elements still feel just a bit hard to believe, especially the fact that her boyfriend, who rarely seems to care, would have stuck with her throughout her supposed ordeal. As even if he was just staying with her to see her face, the filmmakers should have illustrated that a little more strongly.

The film doesn’t feel so far-fetched, especially in today’s social media-obsessed climate. Even surprisingly, the main character seems to keep their celebrity or popularity, more local and amongst physical friends no dreams of bigger prospects in aspects, even though there is no clear plan, necessarily as to where this is going to go, or when it will end.

This film had a chance to either be a character study while exploring a kind of sickness that is happening in some people currently or it could have just done the latter, and this is just one case of that addiction. 

Instead, it spreads itself thin and tries to do both, but it’s on the way failing both ends of the story or only skimming the surface. As it ends up, not being as deep or probing, has one might help.

It’s not even bother some that the lead characters are unlikable, but throughout most of the characters in the film are unlikable, even the ones who are supposedly of a good character or a moral center. Most others just appear throughout. 

The film tries to build scenes into either shock or like it’s building to this great punchline that never quite happens. 

The best moments actually are the fantasy scenes that she has where she more or less reveals herself and her thoughts than anything we have seen or even heard about her. One also wishes there were more body horror scenes as the film can be gross, but not as much as some might think.

It’s definitely a found film checkout as there can be some discussions afterward, but it’s not as strong as you believe it will be.

Grade: C+

THE YEAR BETWEEN (2023)

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Written & Directed: Alex Heller 
Cinematography: Jason Chiu
Editor: Harrison Atkins

Cast: Alex Heller, J. Smith-Cameron, Steve Buscemi, Emily Robinson, Wyatt Oleff, Kyanna Simone, Rajeey Jacob, Anne Hollister 

Clemence Miller is coming home to live in her family’s basement after dropping out of college with a newly diagnosed mental illness. Having to face her battered relationships and responsibilities of adulthood, she is driving everyone around her… crazy.

The one thing about this film is its Cookie cutter surroundings and times that it plays like a racy sitcom. It always feels devastatingly honest. 

The film is like a suburban heartfelt confession. That offers no real answers. As it doesn’t have any to give. It is just what works for the main character, as this film is autobiographical. This might be what works. 

The film shows that no matter what. No one is perfect and they are trying to do the best that they can. That most are opportunistic and there is always a chance for opportunity open.

You know how it most likely will turn out from the title alone. Which doesn’t offer up a finality but seems more like a midpoint. Which could be the ingredient or the meat of a Sandwich. The most flavorful and tasty. 

It also offers a look at what isn’t necessarily Tackled in films about main characters with illnesses mental and physical. Which is the toll it takes on those around you. As the world still goes around. Even when you are dealing with things that are holding you back. 

The film points out that not everyone has the same Opportunities or chances and choices, but the film still doesn’t explore their options or chances. Then again the film Isn’t their story. Which makes the character identifiable a bit maybe not the situations. 

Alex Heller writes, directs, and stars. At times her mental illness comes across more as a Comic persona but seems to be her truth. As she doesn’t come across as likable but she is understandable. As she shows warts and all her downfall and many rock Bottoms, not also Her trying to get better and the ups and downs of that.

Grade: B 

THE GOD OF COOKERY (1996)

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Directed By: Stephen Chow and Lik-Chi Lee
Written By: Stephen Chow, Man Sang Lo and Kan-Cheung Tsang
Cinematography: Jingle Ma
Editor: Ka-Fai Cheung

Cast: Stephen Chow, Karen Mok, Vincent Kok, Man-Tat Ng, Tats Lau, Chi-Shing Chan, Jung Chen

The God of Cookery, a brilliant chef who sits in judgment of those who would challenge his title, loses his title when a jealous chef reveals him to be a con-man and humiliates him publicly. As this new chef takes on the God of Cookery’s role, the former God tries to pull himself back on top again, to challenge his rival and find once and for all who is the true God of Cookery.

This is a riches-to-rags story of trying to make a comeback. Where the main character actually Manages to learn something on his way trying to make a comeback.

Where he falls in with an ensemble of oddballs and low lives. Where an asshole stays an asshole but learns some depth and integrity.

Having only seen a few of Writer/Director/Star Stephen Chow’s later more popular movies such as KUNG FU HUSTLE and SHAOLIN SOCCER. Watching this movie isn’t too far off from his later material. Though here a little less polished, the same kind of humor is more broad and slapstick without the heavy reliance on CGI & special effects as much.

His films still come across as more cartoonish. Due to them seeing more like live-action cartoon animated films. Though in all of the films I have watched, the earlier films are more cynical. While his later films are more positive and open. Though this film doesn’t feel as much of a fantasy.

This film Is more of a physical comedy and seems to love to showcase the grotesque.

Though for all the comic violence, blood seems to underline that there are at least some consequences of it.

Though the film is more made for adults. The film like most of his again has a childlike look at the world making even the most dangerous things seem fun. The humor remains juvenile yet usually funny. He still manages to bring some martial arts into it 

The film flows well tighter than her harmoniously. As it comes across at times as a like note to food. Not necessarily a love note though. That showcases the evil of corruption At every turn of business.

The film has a bizarre third act which is strange even for this film. 

Again Stephen Chow is starring, writing, and directing putting himself center stage but happily not failing and managing to impress. He even uses his actual name for the character. 

GRADE: B-

KING OF COMEDY (1999)

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Directed By: Stephen Chow & Lik-Chi Lee
Written By: Stephen Chow, Erica Lee, Kan-Cheung Tsang, Man-Fai Cheng and Min-Hang Fung
Cinematography: Wing-Hang Wong 
Editor: Kit-Wai Kai and Chi-Wai Yau

Cast: Stephen Chow, Karen Mok, Cecilia Cheung, Man-Tat Ng, Kai-Man Tin, Chi-Sing Lam, Po Chun Chan, Joe Cheng

A bar girl hires a struggling actor to give her acting lessons so that she can feign a greater interest in her customers. The longer they work together, the more they find they have in common.

This film from writer/director/star Stephen Chow is Still a Little Silly but more sophisticated than his usual films. Unfortunately, this is one of his more disappointing works. as it’s not as madcap it off the wall as the others and is more at the beginning of his writing and directing career 

The film has its moments but altogether doesn’t feel as strong or as funny as his usual Work. Maybe as this is a little more conventional and while he usually plays the jerk here his character seems more simple and innocent. Rather than Intentionally Difficult. 

Most of the more comedic scenes he leaves to his co-stars with him just more supporting in the scenes. Though he does let the jokes build more than Usual.

The comedic scenes that do involve him Are fun but less taxing on him. 

The film seems to start off well with a cameo from a  worldwide action superstar. Which seemed smart then starts to go downhill slowly from there.

The scenes of an action film seem to be spoofing the work of director John Woo works, but when it comes to physical gags after it seems more fake and cause for obvious Special Effects. 

In the middle of all this there is a romance and then a strange unconsummated love triangle that once it seems relieved ends up with him losing it all after finally seeming to be on the road to being successful. In a plot like that it is hard to swallow.

Then the third act totally comes out of nowhere like it was made in a last-minute decision to stretch the film and make it all worth it. As well as add some overall thrills.

The film Seems a little lost In Translation. In the end, the film seems To go all over the place and not in a necessarily cohesive way always. as even the ending seems strange and a little out of place. 

Grade: C

BROS (2022)

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Directed By: Nicholas Stoller 
Written By: Billy Eichner and Nicholas Stoller 
Cinematography: Brandon Trost 
Editor: Daniel Gabbe 

Cast: Billy Eichner, Luke Macfarlane, Amanda Bearse, Guy Branum, Miss Lawrence, TS Madison, Dot Marie Jones, Jim Rash, Bowen Yang, Eve Lindley, Monica Raymond, Guillermo Diaz, Jai Rodriguez, Debra Messing 

Two men with commitment problems attempt a relationship.

This is a Film where it never quite decides on its toll whether it’s going to be over a top wacky, romantic, romantic comedy so it always feels shaky even if it’s construction. Which leads to it being slightly disappointing.

It seems to live or die on its jokes much work a few more times than that but it still doesn’t quite feel like enough.

Star & Co-Screenwriter, Billy Eichner Tones down his usual personality it offers more of a full-fledged performance that still has hints of his Comedic gifts.

It’s in that is a mainstream, romantic comedy that is more about LGBTQ characters, but it also is obviously aimed at that audience while being open to the more curious mainstream and also trying to paint all relationships as the same though it still might be a little too hardcore for those who still feel uneasy with this type of material, I am happy that the film was made 

No, it seems more aimed at comedy, than romance. As it tries to cover a lot of ground and seems to be more of a kind of statement in the presentation than having a strong story maybe because it is a romantic comedy, we’ve kind of seen this type of story before only now with two men in love and trying to make a relationship work work

One wishes it was stronger or made more of a debt, but it feels somewhat forgettable and light no matter how down and dirty it might get at times 

Can you just come out expecting more of it and from it no, it’s perfectly fine. I was just looking for a romantic comedy and something to entertain so it seems to aspire for a bit more. 

Happy that it goes there in sex scenes and doesn’t be calm more of a before and after let’s just sail over scenes that might make some uncomfortable.

Maybe as the humor always seems the writing seems more sitcom-ish than actually creating a movie or screen story.

He throws a lot of jokes out to see which sticks and what at times feels more spoofish. The film has a strange rhythm but still works. It’s hit or miss but still funny.

Only the main characters actually feel like real characters the rest feel more like setups, for situations and scenes, or more like personality types instead of characters. Though you constantly want to see more of them. 

One can give the film credit as one of the first of its kind really that is released by a  major studio and released as a mainstream movie.

The film might be made for a certain audience but is inclusive and wants others who would typically avoid it to give it a chance which they should. As it does, stay joyful and energetic throughout.

Grade: C+

MONA LISA AND THE BLOOD MOON (2021)

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Written & Directed By: Ana Lily Amirpour 
Cinematography: Pawel Pogorzelski
Editor: Taylor Levy 

Cast: Kate Hudson, Jun Jong Seo, Craig Robinson, Ed Skrein, Jennifer Vo, Charlie Talbert 

A girl with unusual powers escapes from a mental asylum and tries to make it on her own in New Orleans.

It feels like you are watching an MTV series in film form or at least an MTV production film that managed to make it to theaters. Trying to be a hodgepodge of culture and trends from the 1990s 

Especially as the story seems more told in visuals and its soundtrack which is more of a club mix. That comes across like a video game soundtrack. Then the story or written dialogue.

As you watch the film it feels like we are traveling through a wonderland with the main character. Where we never know what is going to happen next. Now if only the story matched the vividness and richness of the visuals. 

Kate Hudson is the true star here. As she is one of the people who take in the main character, eventually more to exploit her powers. The hustler that Hudson decides to play with a kind of street east coast accent. She is playing more of the gritty side of the film. 

As the film almost feels a bit more built around her. As she is truly the anchor and the only character who has stakes in the whole film. Which itself feels like it has very few. Hudson has the showier tile and she puts in the work to be convincing. It seems like she belongs in a much harsher film or like she is visiting from one. Think LAST EXIT TO BROOKLYN.

Ed Skrien ends up playing the opposite. A character you expect to be trouble and gritty, but ends up being the most chill and helpful street guy. Who happens to deal drugs on occasion. 

The film is not a thriller or even science fiction fantasy action film that you might expect with the premise. It’s, it’s own creature, an oddly original fairy tale for grown up’s. A mature storybook adventure through somewhat innocent eyes 

The film is directed well, one just wishes the script was stronger. As the film seems to wander.

What is refreshing is that the film doesn’t go anywhere you expect it to considering how dark and exploitive the atmosphere it revels In. Which might be why it feels more like a fantasy. 

The filmmaker feels like she tries too hard to make this film into an instant cult film instead of letting them be original and then age In 

It all comes down to the end not judging a book by its Cover. As most of the characters appear to be what you think they will be they also offer another side that is I related to the look or fashions they cover themselves with 

Grade: C

GENTLEMEN BRONCOS (2009)

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Directed By: Jared Hess 
Written By: Jared Hess & Jerusha Hess 
Cinematography By: Munn Powell 
Editor: Yuka Ruell 

Cast: Michael Angarano , Jemaine Clement, Sam Rockwell, Jennifer Coolidge, Josh Pais, Mike White, Halley Feiffer, Hector Jiminez, Clive Revill, John Pleshette

Benjamin, home-schooled by his eccentric mother, is a loner whose passion for writing leads him on a journey as his story first gets ripped off by the legendary fantasy novelist, Ronald Chevalier, and then is adapted into a disastrous movie by the small town’s most prolific homespun filmmaker.

The filmmakers are like a successful one-hit wonder band. Their first album/film was good and popular. It Charmed the masses. They even tried to wring some more success out of it by adding a deleted scene after the film was in release and a surprise hit. So trying to get the loyal audience to double dip.

Their next film was highly anticipated and funded by studio money. The same tone only with a star and trying broader humor. It failed in comparison. It maintained the same style and spirit only bigger.

This film their third tries to go back to their roots (though a feature they produced THE SASQUATCH GANG fared better at finding that original spirit though to much less fanfare. It is truly an excellent film. That seemed like it would have been a natural follow-up for themselves)

The only problem is it’s like they forgot all the notes and instead of going off instincts, they seem to pick either what they only think is funny or what they think the audience wants. It feels like they are pandering and second-guessing themselves. Rather than telling a story.

Now, this film has its moments as did NACHO LIBRE. But in the end, it doesn’t feel like a worthwhile whole. So it’s like the scenes are great singles stuck on a sub-par album.

I give the filmmakers credit for sticking to their simple low budget formula and style. I also appreciate them producing that undiscovered film (THE SASQUATCH GANG that again came and went with little fanfare on home video and in theaters, it’s better than you would think and usually relegated to repeats on Comedy Central it deserves much better than that)

The film has a wacky dead-pan humor and has inspired character performances by Jemaine Clement who is winning in all of his scenes as a pathetically ego-driven diva of a sci-fi author and Sam Rockwell, who plays the hero of the novel they are fighting over authorship of and he plays the hero in both the different iterations of creativity they have for him. Leading to hilarious results.

The film also has a full arsenal of strange side characters. Who seem only there to be gags rather than necessary. As it feels like a film that has all the background needed but needs more of a story and motivation to move forward.

This film has its moments. I wish it just wasn’t so short. So that the film and its characters had more time to ruminate with the audience. So we got to get to know them and their weird world. I think for once it would have worked if the filmmakers actually indulged.

Grade: C

HONOR SOCIETY (2022)

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Directed by: Oran Zegman
Written By: David A. Goodman
Cinematography: Topher Osborn
Editor: Anita Brandt Burgoyne

Cast: Angourie Rice, Gaten Matarazzo, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Armani Jackson, Amy Keum, Ben Jackson Walker, Kelcey Mawema, Avery Konrad, Kerry Butler

Honor is an ambitious high school senior whose sole focus is getting into Harvard, assuming she can first score the coveted recommendation from her guidance counselor, Mr. Calvin. Willing to do whatever it takes, Honor concocts a Machiavellian-like plan to take down her top three student competitors, until things take a turn when she unexpectedly falls for her biggest competition, Michael.

This is an old-school and clever teen comedy that is surprisingly Enjoyable. As it has respect for the audience and the characters.

There are no major villains and the film Ends up being quite charming. As the characters are.

As it sets up its story for us and the main character to end up one way and then offers a change of pace that totally Redirects everything and ends up teaching a valuable lesson.

It is a bit of John Hughes where all the characters start out one way and slowly reveal their true selves and end up nowhere they expected.

They all live in a dream suburb that some dream Of leaving. Since they are young they seek excitement and different experiences and to know others from different walks of life.

The film isn’t exploitative if anything it’s Downright respectful For the most part even in the seductive scenes. They are even able to handle it. An LGBTQ storyline is very modern, funny, and never disrespectful. In fact, The only disturbing character is the guidance counselor. 

Once again young actress Angourie Rice excels In her role. Above the material especially as the film revolves around her character. Breaking the fourth wall and talking to the audience and being our narrator.

In the end, the movie Is a sly feel-good experience that is never heavy and offers a Few surprises but leaves you with a smile on your face. Thought could have had a stronger ending.

GRADE: B