Tag: Comedy

BOWFINGER (1999)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Frank Oz
Written By: Steve Martin 
Cinematography: Ueli Steiger 
Editor: Richard Pearson 

Cast: Eddie Murphy, Steve Martin, Robert Downey Jr., Heather Graham, Christine Baranski, Jamie Kennedy, Terence Stamp, Claude Brooks, Marisol Nichols, Phill Lewis, John Cho

When a desperate movie producer fails to get a major star for his bargain basement film, he decides to shoot the film secretly around him.

This might be a letdown considering the two comedic stars at its center finally teaming up to make a film together you would expect something funnier and better.

Though pretty much the film has a good premise a terrible follow-through and jokes. As it tries to be a Hollywood satire.  Where it seems too hard to be wacky above all else. Even though it seems a little more personal for Steve Martin who wrote the script and also takes aim at satirizing Scientology and also having some humor over it seems a past relationship.

Now the film wasn’t written originally for Eddie Murphy to co-star. As it was written for a big-name star. It was never intended to be a big-name comedic star. Eddie Murphy walks away with the film in a dual role that obviously he had to have input in because he creates a memorable comedic character as the Hollywood Star he also plays look-alike Jiff and kind of stunt double.  as well as spoofing Hollywood’s spoiled paranoid star as Kit Ramsey but that role feels a bit more familiar. 

Eddie Murphy does manage to create two totally different comedic characters and make them believable. 

Truthfully this movie felt crushing to me when I first watched it. As it stars two of my favorite living stand-Up comedians written by one of them and the film still falls apart.

This film is a satire on Hollywood. Though It’s not as sharp as Martin’s precious satire on Los Angeles L.A. STORY. Though that felt like a romance and love letter compared to this film which seems more to make fun of everything and everybody. As this is more silly than witty.

Though the film is certainly ahead of Its time with some of its ideas especially when it comes to the aspect of improv. Though after a while the film feels too silly for Its Own Good. 

If this film was made in the 1980’s it would be just ok and meant more like a classic. Getting a pass just for who starred in it. But made in the Savvy 1990s. It almost plays like a throwback.

There are moments that are original and funny but they are too few and far in between. If this movie had starred anyone else it would be forgettable and much easier for me to let go of it, but coming from such great talents. It was such a huge letdown.

Heather Graham is unresistable as the sexy actress co-star who Steve martin’s director character is also sleeping with and he is disturbed to find he might not be the only one. Based on her ambition and knowledge of his ex-girlfriends this seems his attempt to trivialize that relationship and maybe that person.

Robert Downey Jr. is in the movie he plays a small but pivotal role that really has no meat to it, but this was one of his first jobs post-rehab.

What is also a letdown is the movie within the movie they seem to be filming is so terrible. Even with a star, it looks like it would be bad, but again that might be the film making fun of not only itself but all-star-driven vehicles. Where no matter how bad it might be they will be funded and there will be an audience for them.

I didn’t see the movie in theaters but I did buy the DVD without seeing it first. Because I was so sure it was going to be a knockout. It is one of my least-watched purchases. 

Though strangely over the years I have warmed a little bit to it. It’s still bad, but at least it is watchable more to me now. Hopefully, you feel the same way. 

Grade: D

DOWN TO EARTH (2001)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Chris Weitz & Paul Weitz 
Written By: Chris Rock, Ali LeRoi, Lance Crouther & Louis C.K. 
Based on the original screenplay “HEAVEN CAN WAIT” By: Elaine May & Warren Beatty 
Cinematography: Richard Crudo 
Editor: Priscilla Nedd-Friendly 

Cast: Chris Rock, Regina King, Chazz Palmenteri, Eugene Levy, Frankie Faison, Mark Addy, Greg Germann, Jennifer Coolidge, Wanda Sykes, John Cho, Mario Joyner, Laz Alonzo 

After dying before his time, an aspiring black comic gets a second shot at life – by being placed in the body of a wealthy white businessman.

This was Chris Rock’s Big starring movie in the lead after he had a resurgence as a stand-up comedian and came to be a comedy all-star. So a lot was expected with this film. Again virtually a black version and update of HEAVEN CAN WAIT. Starring a Caucasian actor originally Warren Beatty.

He not only stars but helped co-write the script, also directing the film were the Weitz Brothers. Who were fresh off the surprise hit film AMERICAN PIE. So this was a big important opportunity for them at the time. They even cast some for Aathe actors from that film in small to supporting roles here 

While a bit of watering down the material for more of a crossover appeal for audiences. Rock’s humor and It are still there but a bit buried. There is also a lack of bite. As the story seems to be more based on him with his character being a stand-up comedian here. Rather than a football player in the original. 

Unfortunately the film isn’t that memorable but it is entertaining enough while watching it.

Though some scenes of the movie would be funnier if we saw the character who he is on the body of so some do the behavior he does. As they are funny in theory and in glimpses when we do see him as everyone else does. Though Mostly it’s a quantum leap situation where Chris Rock is on the screen representing the character. As he is the star so It’s Expected. Though not as funny.

Though if he wasn’t would he really be the star unless they set up a kind of WHITE CHICKS prosthetics which would cheapen the movie

It shows Chris rock to be a capable enough actor and leading man. It also allows racial humor and observations to work. The film also allows the supporting cast to be funny and ridiculous too especially Wanda Sykes (here you see why so many people found her hilarious. As her comedic skills are on point. And sharp) and Jennifer Coolidge as the more outrageous ones. Hit their marks.

Though they try the Heaven Chazz Palmenteri and Eugene Levy material seems too formulaic and partially takes you out of the film and reminds you of the cheesier parts. Though at least they try to class it up and show another existence. It also feels more in tone with the weak comedy.

The film has a lot of human moments and works as funny and even romantic when you see Chris Rock in the scene that becomes like the show QUANTUM LEAP where you forget who he is supposed to be or at least look like and is more believable even when it is just him in whatever situation.

The film just comes off softer and lighter than you might expect and want.

GRADE: C

NATIONAL SECURITY (2003)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Dennis Dugan 
Written By: Jay Scherick & David Rob
Cinematography: Oliver Wood 
Editor: Debra Neil-Fischer 

Cast: Martin Lawrence, Steve Zahn, Colm Feore, Bill Duke, Eric Roberts, Timothy Busfield, Robinne Lee, Matt McCoy, Brett Cullen, Cleo King, Mari Morrow, Joe Flaherty, Stephen Tobolowsky 

Two mismatched security guards are thrown together to bust a smuggling operation.

A film that makes you suffer through a buddy comedy. Where the participants are supposed to be opposites coming together. That feels forced and mismatched. 

When it comes to these types of films we understand why two stars teaming up In the movie will hopefully Produce a hit.

Only here do you have one star and a recognizable actor more of a character actor.

The film has very little to remember about it as it is paint by the numbers and not really good or entertaining and feels quite dumb throughout. While we watch them have their differences. Decide to team up and become buddies. Even though by the end it doesn’t feel earned but more surrender to just go With it. 

It doesn’t help that Martin Lawrence’s character comes off more as a scheming asshole more than a character or even comedic force in the film. So Steve Zahn’s character is supposed to be the redneck. Throughout it shows him as decent and more a victim throughout. Though essentially the straight man to Lawrence’s wacky character.

The film Tries to Make fun of racial police battery and brutality that comes across as racist and insulting, definitely insensitive. Portraying it as more As a Scam at Least in this film. That by the end the film just leaves a bad taste in your mouth. 

The latter party of the film tries to focus more on action but even that isn’t too impressive. The supporting cast is more impressive than anything in the film 

This just feels like a film that didn’t need to be made and was a waste of time for all involved.

Grade: D

SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT (1993)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Bill Duke
Written By: James Orr, Jim Cruickshank & Judi Ann Mason
Based On Characters created By: Joseph Howard
Cinematography By: Oliver Wood
Editor: Stuart Pappe, Pem Harring & John Carter

Cast: Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Wendy Makkena, Kathy Najimy, Mary Wickes, Barnard Hughes, James Coburn, Michael Jeter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Lauryn Hill, Robert Pastorelli, Alanna Ubach, Ryan Toby, Jenifer Lewis

The sisters come back to Delores’s show to get her back as Sister Mary Clarence to teach music to a group of students in their parochial school which is doomed for closure. One of the girls, who is the most talented of the bunch, is forbidden to sing by her mother, although the choir has made it to the state championship. A group of stereotypical incompetent monks tries to stop them.

The film never seems to shake its beginning. It starts with a vegas stage show and the whole film feels the same way as production. That is glossy and slick and never feels real while it tries to impart a message. Though it comes off as hammy as a hallmark presentation movie. Put on the big screen full of cliché. In fact, Whoopi Goldberg hated making the first one though it revitalized her career one of the reasons she decided to appear in the sequel was that Disney agreed to finance her dream project SARAFINA. If she made this film. 


The film makes no sense half the time whereas at the end of the original Whoppi Goldberg’s character seemed to be world-famous and here she is a vegas star. Though no one seems to recognize her when she dons the habit. (Hence the title) to become a nun again to teach inner-city children. Even the administration.  One of the few pleasing aspects of this film is that it seems more of a film to highlight fresh new talent in acting and performance. In fact, this was the first time I remember seeing singer Lauryn Hill. She has practically the near lead out of all the students and Ryan Toby of the R & B group City High. 


I guess it was more intended for family audiences. Whereas the first one was also but played more for the adults. This one seems more aimed at teenagers. It takes place in the inner city but is the nicest inner city you’ll ever see. In fact, Lauryn Hill’s plotline involving her mother made no sense. it only seems to be here for false conflict. 


 The recognizable big-name cast in the film. That is cast in small supporting roles. Seem here to add marquee value to the dwindling film. Making the film look more respectable. Though the actors are only here for a fast paycheck and also so they can be in a film that looked to be a slam dunk at the box office. Though it is nice to see them they only add to the gloss and make the film shiny while never cutting deep. 

 I will tell the truth I am a fan of the first film. In fact, it still holds the record for the movie I saw the most in theaters (As well as such films as PULP FICTION, HEAT, THE BIRDCAGE and GET SHORTY) SISTER ACT was PG-13 and I could actually go see it without a parent. I also remember all my friends and family wanting to see it. So I would volunteer to see it with them. The film was very charming to me. It was also cute and funny. When I didn’t ask too much about my entertainment and art. When this film first came out I liked it. I didn’t hate it. In fact, I still don’t. Just watching it now is so disappointing. It hasn’t aged well at all. Though I doubt it was ever really good. It seems like a film that tries hard to be hip and meaningful but was played out even before it went to theaters. 

It plays like a film that is only interested in making money for its brand and seems like they tried hard to try to come up with a reason for a sequel. Though the answer wasn’t really that good. I still find it to be a mild guilty pleasure as it reminds me of the time that it came out. I did like the film and its music I even bought the soundtrack and think Lauryn Hill’s rendition of His Eye is on the sparrow is spectacular and haunting.  Wait for Television,     

This is one of the last times I feel Whoopi Goldberg really gave of herself and put in a performance. No matter how much she seems on autopilot here at least she looks like she is trying and engaging. Especially considering the material. 

 GRADE: D+

ZOLA (2021)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Janicza Bravo 
Written By: Jeremy O. Harris 
Based on the Tweets by: A’Ziah King 
Based on the article “ZOLA TELLS ALL: THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE GREATEST STRIPPER SAGA EVER TWEETED” By: David Kushner 
Story By: Andrew Neel & Mike Roberts
Cinematography By: Ari Wegner 
Editor: Joi McMillon 

Cast: Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Coleman Domingo  Nicholas Braun, Jason Mitchell, TS Madison, Sophie Hall

A stripper named Zola embarks on a wild road trip to Florida. Based on a true story and tweeted on Twitter.

You think the film is going to be one way. Another downtrodden downbeat story that is exploitive and feels like tragedy porn In an urban community. But it isn’t it’s not as wild as some might have thought from the toro view but it is pretty out there. As this isn’t a sympathy story. It is more of a day in the life of characters in an extraordinary situation. Where each plays a substantial role.

The film Manages to be stylish and feel like a kind of pulp tale with it’s own voice that has to be true because it is too identifiable and crazy at the same time to be entirely made up. 

Riley Keough’s performance is memorable as the instigator who seduces her into this tawdry trip and also as a character who would normally be a disposable comedic character but here she is knowing yet naive. Someone who causes her own destruction and those around her. As her character has a so-called blaccent which feels like a new dangled version of blackface that her character takes pride In. She comes off as poor white trash or a person of low Intelligence and comes off as one of the worst characters in a film with plenty of dangerous ones. 

Even in the scene where she retorts and tells her own version of the story that we have seen so far. When she is at one of her lowest points. She tries to come off as innocent and the opposite of how she has been portrayed but will insist on insulting Zola like a character with a lot of race-based if not racist overtones in her version of the story. Filled with stereotypes and insults about hygiene. Especially when early in the film we are privy to see just who is the unhygienic one.

The filM Humanizes the characters no matter how outlandish or loathsome. Making the drama feel more full-fledged. Even though it is more of a humorous movie. That feels like a kind of relapse for the audience and the characters. Despite all the fear in all the craziness.

Zola constantly is the smartest character in the room but even she knows she is in over her head. As she tries to make it work for her as she is stuck. When Zola realizes she is in a pimp situation. She realizes she is in too deep and is just trying to survive the situation with unsteady factors. 

The film has little sex but plenty of sexuality and it tries to go into some erotic but is sold cheaply to us. While we see some female glimpses of nudity. We see full frontal of men 

There is grace. There is erotic and it is sexual but there is nothing quite sexy about it as anytime it might veeer towards that it reveals just how gross and messy the situation and awakens you from any fantasy you might try to derive out of it. Sometimes crudely and sometimes humorously. 

Even when the film has a mankind of being cuckolded and while you feel sympathy for him. He also comes off as one of the more comedic elements in his dumbness. As he is constantly humiliated not only by the woman he loves but by her so-called male friend who is more of a pimp and she pledges her love to the pimp over everything in front of him. Then the pimp introduces his other woman and Stefani still stays loyal. You wonder why he doesn’t just leave. 

While the film is crazy it’s not as off the wall as you might expect. Again you  have to go with what is happening and where it leads. 

When a line from the original Twitter feed is used. Usually in dialogue, There is a kind of alarm from Twitter. The film does have many memorable lines. 

Towards the end the film feels a bit like some Miami Vice episode. Though it still feels more homegrown. 

The film is short and to the point. As an on-screen adventure with only an indulgence or two. We learn very little about anybody’s past. There are little revelations when needed.

This is a movie that is definitely waiting to be discovered by an audience and deserves to be. As if the film Is given a chance most would find it entertaining, funny and definitely memorable 

Grade: B

JEAN OF THE JONESES (2016)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Stella Meghie 
Cinematography: Kris Belchevski
Editor: Aren Hansen 

Cast: Taylour Paige, Sherri Shepherd, Gloria Reuben, Anna Hopkins, Erica Ash, Mamoudou Athie, Michelle Hurst, Demore Barnes, Cara Ricketts, Francois Arnaud 

Chaos ensues after the estranged patriarch of the Jones family dies on their doorstep. When the paramedic who answers their 911 call tried to win over acerbic Jean Jones, his attempts are disrupted by old conflicts that come to a boil at the funeral.

The film is short and sweet. Yet you want to see more. 

The film has a constant wit. With a wicked sense of humor that at times goes for the heartstrings but not without a good dose of resistance. That allows the film to be dramatic and funny at the same time.

The film shows how the absence of one person has affected the rest of them and how pettiness and secrets can damage even when not intended to 

The main character is an educated mess trying to find herself and is constantly literally tripping as in clumsy.

This film presents a modern metropolitan romance with a so-called urban twist. Seen through with characters of color. While being a family drama. 

The lead character is similar to the one on director Stella Meghie’s Other film after this THE WEEKEND only here a little sadder.

Like any New York-based romantic comedy with an ensemble cast. We get glimpses of their Individual dramas. Only this time amongst African Americans upper-middle class. Well, really more Caribbean Americans with a neurotic lead something we rarely see in African American films.

The film offers more of a light touch, not a tragedy where the characters are allowed to just be and not be perfect placeholders or model citizens. 

In the end, this is a fun film. That is as charismatic as its Script and leads 

GRADE: A- 

BABYMOTHER (1998)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Julian Henriques 
Written By: Julian Henriques & Vivienne Howard 
Cinematography: Peter Middleton 
Editor: Jason Canovas 

Cast: Anjela Lauren Smith, Wil Johnson, Caroline Chickezie, Jocelyn Jee Eisen, Don Warrington, Tameka Empson, Diane Bailey, Vas Blackwood 

A single mother determined to make it as a singer puts together an all-girl reggae group named Neeta, Sweeta, & Nastie with her friends. Living in a housing project with little support, the odds are obviously against her. Emotionally she struggles too as she learns at her mother’s death that her actual mother is the woman she had thought was her older sister. With the help of a female agent, the group starts to get some exposure and rises above their setting.

This is a film I have heard about over the years. Especially in my teenage years and unfortunately forgot about it and then suddenly found it and jumped at the chance to finally watch it. 

The film is certainly eye-catching if even just for the colorful outrageous outfits worn by the cast.   

The film starts off with inventive credits that also help explain who the characters are and how they are intertwined.

For some, this film can be seen as an introduction to dancehall culture before it became popular and mainstream. So that the film Offers a look at characters of Caribbean descent and their culture as they make their way in London. Though at least they are more in their element. As though there are no other races on screen. 

The film is essentially about a woman finding independence and at times romance. While trying to better herself for her children/family. Despite problems with her sister and boyfriend. We see a lot of her and others’ domestic life.

The film might feel a bit familiar. As it comes off as feeling like a Sunday movie. This means something simple, inoffensive that offers something more lightweight and leaves you with a smile on your face. As it affects you like easy listening music and stays smooth, feeling like you are floating for the rest of the day.

The film resolves itself really easily and is not too hard-hitting at all, but why not. It’s nice to see a film that Involves African American characters that isn’t necessarily heavy or traumatic. As most of the characters are likable and the film really doesn’t have any villains. 

Would have been nice if the film delved into other characters’ moves. A bit more as well as their domestic problems. As the film stays with the protagonist mainly Throughout her adventures and challenges. 

The film also has a catchy soundtrack throughout. That would have been nice if performed more with dancing and show-stopping numbers. 

Grade: B-

NEXT FRIDAY (2000)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Steve Carr
Written By: Ice Cube
Based On Characters Created By: Ice Cube & DJ Pooh
Cinematography By: Christopher Baffa
Editor: Elena Maganini

CAST: Ice Cube, Mike Epps, John Witherspoon, Sticky Fingaz, Don D.C. Curry, Tamala Jones, Lisa Rodriguez, Amy Hill, Clifton Powell, Kym Whitley, Jacob Vargas, Tommy “Tiny” Lister, Michael Rappaport 

This time the film follows Craig, as he is sent to live with his uncle in the suburbs. Who has just won the lottery after his nemesis from the first film breaks out of prison to look for him. 

The problem with this film is that there seems to be a void with this film compared to the original. Half the cast is gone. The new cast seems to give it their all but comes up very short. Since most of the cast are comedians. It seems like they are improvising their routines in the context of their scenes. Where the first film had original and inspired comedic characters. This one seems to wallow in stereotypes. It is occasionally humorous but not hilarious. 

The Standout is the character of Pinky Played By Clifton Powell and the female lead Played by Lisa Rodriguez, who is so gorgeous and talented that I am shocked she never went on to bigger and better. Not even smaller roles in big films or indie films. 

 John Witherspoon seems to be being punished for being In this film as he spends most of it running around with dog shit stuck to him. Why? It’s not funny nor does it have anything to further the story along. 

 The film tries but lacks a certain energy that the first film had it tries here to replace it with enthusiasm but it doesn’t work. It was the combined talent used in the first film that made it such a winning success here. Ice Cube loses the original director and Co-star. Who obviously make the crucial difference between the two films.

This is a nice attempt but maybe Ice Cube should have refined it a little before making it. Instead of just taking a first draft and assuming the masses will take what they can get from the franchise. He was partially correct as the film was a hit. Especially with a stoner audience that doesn’t ask too much for the quality, but for regular fans that is a big problem.

The film lacks quality which makes it an empty enterprise. I just don’t find Mike Epps that engaging actor or that funny. So he is a sub-par replacement for the charismatic Chris Tucker as a Sidekick.

The film has its moments but never quite measures up and wise seems more like it is pandering. As it has a good set-up but takes the main characters and leaves them as fish out of water but also cleansing half the characters that made the original great and somewhat identifiable here the characters feel more like caricatures then anything purely there for jokes that don’t work

GRADE: D+

THE GUARD (2011)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: John Michael Mcdonagh
Cinematography: Larry Smith 
Editor: Chris Gill

Cast: Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle, Mark Strong, Rory Keenan, Liam Cunningham, Fionnula Flanagan 

Sergeant Gerry Boyle is a small-town Irish cop with a confrontational personality, a subversive sense of humor, a dying mother, a fondness for prostitutes, and absolutely no interest whatsoever in the international cocaine-smuggling ring that has brought straight-laced FBI agent Wendell Everett to his door.

This is a film that frankly the audience might be starved for a dialogue-driven character-driven dark comedic buddy cop film. Mismatched partners where one is by the book the other is dirty but with a set of rules all his own. Even as most of the cops he works with are dirty just as he is guilty of it himself.

Don Cheadle is perfect as the midwestern FBI agent brought into this foreign small town. Essentially playing the straight man. A fish out of water. He has a quiet dignity as a gentleman and straight arrow. Who can still kick ass if he has to.

Brendan Gleeson epitomizes the word star in this movie after years as a great character actor in such gems as GANGS OF NEW YORK he occasionally gets the lead role like in the magnificent THE GENERAL (he seems to star in movies with rank and job titles) which is the first film I noticed him in where he was phenomenal. Here he makes his acting look effortless; he fully inhabits the character. Luckily he has someone skilled to play off of.

The film is filled with quirky characters and situations like the villains who frankly are smarter than everyone around them and more dangerous.

The film treats violence like a normal everyday occurrence yet the film is not brutal.

Everyone in the cast is an essential part of the story. Praise should be given to all of them from Actress Finola Flannigan who should definitely be getting more work. She puts so much heart into all of her roles.

The film has a laid-back pace but pulls you in with excitement. As you can’t wait for the next scene or next line of dialogue. As you never know what’s going to happen.

You have philosophical drug smugglers, country-western IRA agents, dirty cops that make out morally questionable heroes look clean. As he only really starts to participate in trying to bust and break up this drug ring because he’s tried and true deputy is killed. Besides that, he pretty much makes no waves and has a standing appointment with his escorts weekly. With his bulldog glare yet puppy dog eyes he’s a Brute but a gentle one.

If you like the film IN BRUGES you will like this. It was fast-paced and action-oriented (which seems more a second thought here) but with a similar mood and style, with good reason. As the writer/director of this film is the brother of writer/director/playwright of IN BRUGES

There are very sympathetic characters in this film yet they find a way into the audience’s heart even if it is for you only a scene or two.

Grade: B+ 

DEIDRA & LANEY ROB A TRAIN (2017)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Sydney Freeland 
Written By: Shelby Farell 
Cinematography By: Quyen Tran 
Editor: Michael Taylor 

Cast: Ashleigh Murray, Rachel Crow, David Sullivan, Arturo Castro, Sasheer Zamata, Danielle Niccolet, Tim Blake Nelson, Sharon Lawrence, Missi Pyle 

After their mother ends up in jail, two sisters turn to train robbery in order to support their family.

This is a film that feels special. It is perfect for a younger audience whereas it might not be the most exciting it is a majorly offensive free film. Full of charm and energy that starts off low-key and slowly pulls you in.

The film is so heartwarming, it’s almost like a Disney film with more sinister material. As it tries to be more realistic rather than too fairy tale

The leads are full of charm and even though they have their flaws are impressive and identifiable. So much so that they have a certain Sweetness where you keep rooting for them.

It is also nice to see a racially diverse film that has women of color in most of the leading roles. Not to mention presenting them as smart and talented.

The film is also one of the rare films that are directed by a woman of color. The film has a light touch that feels like a world that you recognize while building it as its own.

It has a more mustache-twirling villain who comes across as more of a twerp than a menace but leaves just enough of an impression to build tension.

Though the film is predictable one of its strengths is presenting us with characters who at first seem more over the top comedic and strictly one-note then later give us a whole new impression of them by letting us see life through their eyes.

The film feels independent and tries to have more of a hangdog look at life and the rough prospects that the family faces. Though the stakes are very low and seem more projected by what if consequences more than anything.

The film just stays pure of heart and luckily stays away from being a tragedy or plain old unbelievable wish fulfillment. Though stays sweet all the way through.

Which might be it’s one problem is that the main characters and circumstances are so sweet they don’t feel real and for some. It may come off as annoying as their is no cynicism in this movie, So if looking for something lite and sweet for the family or just you. This is the film.

Grade: B-