Tag: Comedy

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

THE FULL MONTY (1997)

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Directed By: Peter Cattaneo
Written By: Simon Beaufoy
Cinematography By: John De borman
Editor: David Freeman & Nick Moore

Cast: Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, Tom Wilkinson, Emily Woof, Tom Speer, William Snape, Steve Huison, Paul Barber, Hugo Speer, Lesley Sharp, Paul Buttersworth, Dave Hill

Six unemployed steel workers form a male striptease act. The women cheer them on to go for “the full monty” – total nudity.

This film was part of a wave of British films (Usually Romantic Comedies) that became Surprise hits in the united states. I remember this one being so popular when it first came out it made me resent it and not want to see it at all. I avoided it on purpose in theaters. I waited for the home video and then only rented it because my mother wanted to see it badly. Needless to say, she loved it and can say one was entertained by it. At its heart is really a man’s movie that was made for a female audience. The film touches on the need to take care of a family and how powerful you can become if you can’t

The premise is so simple and full of sentiment While it is built around depressing subject matter. That it remembers to touch on now and then, But not too much of a downer. Luckily not over-the-top sugary sweet either. it finds a nice balance. it never feels false, sour, or like it is pandering to the audience like a film such as THE BUCKET LIST, yet it is so crowd-pleasing, That one is surprised that no American studio thought it up.

It is the rare crowd-pleaser one can stand and recommend because it’s easy to watch. Though it offers some eye candy for the ladies. While none truly have additional on-screen bodies. They do come in all sizes, shapes, and colors

One of the original aspects of the film is that not all men are hunky they come in all shapes, colors, sizes, and ages. Some are even in the closet gay. The film does represent each demographic to appeal to the audience without them realizing it. The film moves along quickly, but the events happen at a natural pace that makes the film feel smooth.

You can feel the film pull you in certain directions and try to dictate how you should feel and react, it does manage to do in subtle ways instead of blunt.

The film has a great cast. Each character has their own reason and a dramatic situation that they are dealing with. It was especially shocking that one of the main stars was Robert Carlyle who one can remember playing the sadistic Begbie in TRAINSPOTTING. He made one hell of a transformation as one totally forgot his previous role and believed him in this one.

The film Has a strong retro soundtrack to bring the audience into the good times when the songs were originally released, Adding to their memories. That works almost like a Jukebox Musical only not devoted to one particular singer or time period. ironically the film would have a Broadway version. Which truly showed how beloved the movie, story, and characters were.  

The characters are all working class from different aspects of life. So they are steadily identifiable to the audience. As we learn enough about each character to care about their plight and discover their particular quirks. Almost like members of a Heist crew. Where there is the recruitment for their gifts and what they bring to the table under the leadership of the leader who planned the heist in the first place.  

Each has its romantic history and mojo that needs kindling or rekindling. There is even an LGBTQ blossoming romance 

While there are clearly leading performers who we follow. The whole team is needed to complete the tasks and overcome the roadblocks. 

GRADE: B

WATCHING THE DETECTIVES (2007)

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Written & Directed By: Paul Soter 
Cinematography By: Christophe Lazenberg 
Editor: Jeff Canavan 
Music By: Nathan Barr 


Cast: Cillian Murphy, Lucy Liu, Jason Sudeikis, Heather Burns, Ali Reza, Steve Lemme, Erik Stolhanske, Brett Gelman, Callie Thorne, Josh Pais, Lonny Ross, Paul Scheer, Josh Gad

Neil, a self-proclaimed film geek, and owner of Gumshoe video, has always been content to live vicariously through his favorite film noir. But when he meets Violet, a real-life femme fatale, his mundane world gets turned upside down and the line between reality and the movies quickly begins to blur. Will Neil step up and embrace a life full of adventure or retreat back to his comfortable couch?

The title of the film is taken from a 1977 Elvis Costello song, from the album “My Aim Is True”. An offbeat romantic comedy with Cillian Murphy whose character runs a video store. When one day Lucy Liu comes to rent some films. Through a matter of cons. She gets him To take her out to dinner, throughout the rest of the film they date and get to know each other. The only problem is, she is always coming up with elaborate situations and stories to test his reactions. Soon he can’t tell what is real and what’s make-believe. This is an interesting concept pulled off somewhat successfully.

I like this movie and I could have given it a better grade. The premise is unpredictable ad constantly keeps you on your toes, but it comes off for some reason rather bland

It just feels like it never truly comes alive as much as it could. Especially with so many recognizable names cast. If it had been made more with lesser-known actors it would be excusable and charming, but watching it you have a constant feeling that everyone knows better.

The movie ends up feeling like it never reaches its full potential. Not because of its low budget but maybe. Like ALLY MCBEAL some things seemed quirky for no other reason than just to be quirky. Also, some scenes just seem to lay there limp, but for a movie that’s so quirky the supporting characters could have been a bit more interesting. Or at least better dialogue. I liked them but there really seemed to be no reason for them or they didn’t feel like complete characters. They could have been extras who showed up that day and got lucky.

The film is an offbeat romantic comedy. It’s like a subdued screwball comedy. Situated in the real world.

Cillian Murphy is a good actor but I don’t know if the role was underwritten or he worked with what he had or was internationally trying to underplay his character to be more subtle, but he seems iffy miscast. Lost when not having any motivations or maybe an actorly distraction. His character needed to be a little more broad.

Lucy Liu though is a doll not totally a manic pixie dream girl, but a bored dream girl looking for an adventure and doubling as a femme-fatale for a mystery she is creating. I’m happy to see her change up her roles. Playing more softer, nice, happy characters. Instead of the ice queens, she usually has played to perfection In the past. I really like her as an actress and feel she deserves more work.

I know it sounds like I’m bad-mouthing the film but I liked it. It’s probably more me. I just expected more from it.

The film’s director Paul Soter is a member of the comedic improv group Broken Lizard who made the films SUPER TROOPERS, CLUB DREAD, BEERFEST,  and THE SLAMMIN SALMON. So we know he knows comedy as being funny on fact 2 other members Steve Lemme and Erik Stolhanske of the troupe make cameos. His direction is subtle, but needs to be a bit more colorful and pick up the pace, it’s a good movie definitely one you should check out

Grade: C+

THE BOSS (2016)

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Directed By: Ben Falcone
Written By: Steve Mallory, Melissa McCarthy & Ben Falcone
Cinematography: Julio Macat 
Editor: Craig Alpert

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell, Ella Anderson, Tyler Labine, Peter Dinklage, Kathy Bates, Cecily Strong, Kristen Schaal, Annie Mumolo, Dax Shepard, Ben Falcone, Margo Martindale, Michael McDonald, Cedric Yarbrough 

A titan of industry is sent to prison after she’s caught insider trading. When she emerges ready to rebrand herself as America’s latest sweetheart, not everyone she screwed over is so quick to forgive and forget.

A kind of comedic take on money managers and lifestyle icons. That is a pure comedy even if at times it might come off as a spoof that thinks It’s a satire. 

This is one of those films that checks your brain at the door. As it is silly and never truly takes itself seriously and that is what is enjoyable about the film. You know what you are going to get. while you enjoy how you get there. 

Another fact of the fun is that it’s another role for Melissa McCarthy where her character is silly but not stupid. So that there is a brain in her character and can be witty while doing over-the-top physical comedy. Surprisingly one of her better films where she isn’t annoying or gets tired of her character swiftly. 

Though not one of her most memorable comedies. I think this is truly an unsung movie and performance and put it up as a favorite and one of her better ones.

She is the center of attention but Kristen Bell is the one who has more of the story and who you root for. Whereas McCarthy is the one who breaks it all up with her behavior and bad decisions. As she lets loose and lets everything fly. Mrs. Bell is more the straight woman with the responsibilities and gets more of a romantic storyline to boot 

As the comedy is sedate yet can be raunchy as it is another film where half the fun is watching at times the child characters act more responsibly than the adults but also watching kids behaving badly and with the foul language they shouldn’t even know. 

Having Peter Dinklage here as the villain is a stroke of genius as he truly gets to cut up and be just as silly. 

The film has a sweetness that Even when the film passes over into rated R, territory.  It feels a little shocking but tries to stay in line with a more general audience feeling.

GRADE: C+