Tag: Comedy

JEFF OF THE CINEFILES & UNFINISHED BUSINESS: HALL OF FAME – FILE #0071: SIDEWALK STORIES (1989)

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Written & Directed By: Charles Lane 
Cinematography: Bill Dill 
Editor: Charles Lane and Ann Stein 

Cast: Charles Lane, Nicole Alysia, Ellia English, Edie Falco, Toni Ann Johnson, Bill Sage, Ed Kershen, Luis Ramos, Tanya Cunningham, Attila Hoosier, Michael Baskin, Robert Clohessy, 

Nearly silent comedy filmed in black and white follows a street artist, who rescues a baby after her father was murdered. The artist then sets off to find the mother, but has to first learn how to care for the child. Ultimately he ends up in a horse drawn chase of the murderers.

This film is memorable for what it sets out to achieve and what it doesn’t

Although meant to be a silent picture and a homage to the films of Charlie Chaplin it switches the script by not only being feature-length with side stories or scenes that all serve the intimate narrative. 

The only time there is dialogue is at the end seemingly giving a voice to the voiceless homeless characters he has found himself arm around as a street artist taking care of a random child who has found him evicted and amongst the city’s homeless

The film is a family affair as the little girl he takes care of is his real-life daughter and the film is truly about their relationship and bond, a kind of parental love story of sorts. Which makes it all the more personal.

Even though the film has the elements of romance a love story and even sex and nudity briefly and in the end more in the form of a fantasy 

It also ends up being a time capsule of sorts of new york and particularly manhattan around 1989 the streets and sights are familiar and magical like seeing someone you are familiar with at a certain age and getting to see their high school yearbook photos 

It overstretches It’s initial bounds as it is an artistic experiment and homage but is also made personal and not from the type of person we are used to even if it is a role that fits and a film that could have easily been a sensation for a bit and disappeared this film always seems to pop up and be discovered and restored to make sure it lasts over the years 

While not as funny or physically dexterous as Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin. Writer/director Charles Lane makes an impression as the film isn’t Made entirely for laughs or drama but to tell a story of characters and entertain. Not just provide sight gags. So while not for everybody expecting the most out of every sight gag or comedic setup. If given a chance it is rewarding and can be effective for 

It also hits home more as we have never seen this done from a person of color’s point of view. So it’s not only centered around a class distinction and prejudice but also a racial one. Allowing the story to be presented around not only an urban landscape but characters who reveal themselves to be identifiable and want the same things we all do.

Ahead of the curve as he is a struggling  Street artist whose sales pick up once he has the child in his possession as her scribbles far outsell any of his original and better artwork. As sometimes it is all about the presentation of art over skill that sometimes helps make the sale. 

A time when films could be risky and experimental and allowed to find an audience. Where it felt more like an artist at work 

With modern sensibilities, it took a little while to get into and onto the film’s wavelength but once you are it offers nothing but gems along the way. As it is an expose of how to pay homage it uses an ancient language or style of sorts and still Makes something personal, especially art out of it 

Supposedly Disney almost remade the film in color and with sound starring Tom Hanks. They offered Writer-director Charles Lane the chance to remake it. He had no interest in remaking the film and Tom Hanks eventually turned down the studio’s offer to star in the film. Even though he did enjoy the original. 

Grade: B

I WANT YOU BACK (2022)

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Directed By: Jason Orley
Written By: Issac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger
Cinematography: Brian Burgoyne
Editor: Jonathan Schwartz 

Cast: Charlie Day, Jenny Slate, Scott Eastwood, Gina Rodriguez, Manny Jacinto, Pete Davidson, Jami Gertz, Clare Backo, Luke David Blum, Giselle Torres, Isabel May, Jordan Carlos 

Noah breaks up with Emma after 18 months together and Anne breaks up with Peter after 6 years. Both Noah and Anne have found new SOs. Emma, a receptionist on 14th floor, and Peter, a VP on 11th floor, find each other sobbing in the stairwell. They support each other and end forming an alliance to destroy each other’s exes’ new relationships. They cyber stalk the exes and Peter gets close to Noah while Emma gets close to Anne’s new boyfriend.

The movie is very likable as you feel sorry for the main characters even in the dastardly things they are doing. Like a romantic comedy version of strangers on a train.

It is actually a lot more enjoyable than expected. It’s not raunchy nor does it cover any new ground but it feels like a breath of fresh air and fun. 

I might be biased but how no one is falling for Jenny Slate in this movie from the beginning and she doesn’t get hit on or any offers is amazing to me.

Watching Charlie day using his manic nervous energy is always a joy.

Most of the characters have their time to shine even if Scott Eastwood’s new girlfriend played by Clark Backo is given nothing to do but be the epitome of his dream girl. While at least others in the cast come across with personalities.

Gina Rodriguez’s character isn’t horrible but has her problems yet luckily she isn’t made out to be a villain. Truly no one is though some might show a lack of character. Though she looks gorgeous throughout.

Her character even shows her territorial nature and jealousy issues. Though reveals quite a surprising physique. 

By the end, the characters are likable enough and the only real loss in the film is that when a general friendship between Charlie Day’s character and Scott Eastwood’s feels genuine, and when all so revealed it is the ending of that relationship. Which came off as the most believable.

Surprisingly one of the strongest laughs and characters comes in the form of Pete Davidson’s small role and the whole scene that his character is involved in.

Think of this as a younger more expansive update of ADDICTED TO LOVE only most of the characters are likable and thankfully the ending feels more believable.  

Grade: C+

STOP AND GO (2021)

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Directed & Edited: Mallory Everton & Stephen Meek
Written By: Mallory Everton & Whitney Call
Cinematography: Brenna Empey 

Cast: Mallory Everton, Whitney Call, Julia Tolley, Anne S. Ward, Stephen Meek, Jessica Drolet, Noah Kershisnik, Jetta Juriansz 

Two directionless sisters brave a cross-country road trip to rescue their grandmother from a COVID outbreak at her nursing home.

Personally, I choose not to watch too many movies that focus on the pandemic and covid as a major part of the plot. Especially ones that are actually comedies.

I have to say this film is pretty impressive. As it does load on the covid jokes but let it be a means to an end even though it seems to need to remind us every five minutes about it. Luckily if any film will remind you of this time this might be the one.

The film is charming and full of personality mainly due to the two leads who are also screenwriters and one is the co-director of the film. 

If anything, what might get on some audience members’ nerves is that it is too quirky and sweet. Even when it does deal with dirty talk or raunch it still seems or feels PG-rated rather than R Rated.

Though I will say that the film feels more planned when it comes to the leads. As they play quick-witted sisters who seem more ready for punchlines and Jokes rather than real full-blooded characters. So that much of the film felt more like a put-on or set-up for them interacting in strange situations and/or strange people. 

Luckily some of the jokes also deal with them dealing. With their own overprotected nature, but unfortunately, by the end of the film, they haven’t truly changed that much or learned anything. Though they do go on a mission and accomplish some goals.

It might turn away certain audience members because we are watching two privileged caucasian women complain about trivial stuff for the most part and it might be hard to find an exact Audience to identify with them other than their fears, but hopefully, the comedy will win them over. As if anything this movie is rarely if ever mean spirited. 

The film Moves at a brush speed and is a fun watch not to forget your troubles but it gives you something to laugh about. Hopefully, these two women make more movies like this and have a bigger platform to play on.

Grade: C+

YOU AGAIN (2010)

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Directed By: Andy Flickman
Written By: Moe Jelline
Cinematography: David Hennings 
Editor: David Rennie And Keith Brachman

Cast: Kristen Bell, Odette Annable, Sigourney Weaver, Jamie Lee Curtis, Victor Garber, Betty White, James Wolk, Kristin Chenowith, Kyle Bornheimer, Christine Lakin, Patrick Duffy

When a young woman realizes her brother is about to marry the girl who bullied her in high school, she sets out to expose the fiancée’s true colors.

There was once upon a time when studios were still making romantic comedies and they kept casting Kristen bell in these movies even though I knew them not to be my particular cup of tea. I kept watching them as I am a fan of hers. At least this film has a stacked cast of names 

This is what I would call disposable cinema. As it is good in the moment and easily forgettable. Never leave too much of a lasting Impression. It’s good at the moment when you need to see something new. 

Now if anything one would hope that this film inspires not to make such simple films. Unless the mediocre is what inspired some. The film shows the talent of the actors. Who tries to make the thin material work.

The film seems like a holdover from the 1980s when there were a lot of these types of disposable entertainment hyped up. Films that had simple premises. Though somehow some of them were able to carry some kind of identity for themselves. By either the talent in front of or behind the camera. 

Director Andy Flickman knows how to make things look excellent and appealing.

The cast list has some surprisingly big male talent for a film that seems more like a paycheck only for most.

It’s nice to see a film like this as it has a good spirit and good intentions. It does what it sets out to do, not subtlety. Yet it’s elementary but I think you know that going in. So you can’t hold it totally against the film.

The acting in the flashback sections of the film is bad. As it comes off as too over the top but also just bad.

Most of the cast know better and have done better films and work but both of the female leads Kristen Bell and Odette Annabale need better roles offered to them. As these roles might look good and maybe even easy on paper. It might even be a surprise hit and up their star power, but most likely it will leave them open to making this same kind of similar film. It would be ok if they had little to no talent but they have proven that they do. 

GRADE: D+

THE EVENING STAR (1996)

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Written & Directed By: Robert Harling 
Based on the Novel by: Larry McMurtry
Cinematography: Don Burgess
Editor: David Moritz and Pricilla Nedd-Friendly 

Cast: Shirley McClaine, Juliette Lewis, Bill Paxton, Miranda Richardson, Mackenzie Astin, Scott Wolf, George Newbern, Jack Nicholson, Ben Johnson, Marion Ross, Donald Moffat, Jennifer Grant, China Kantner 

Continuing the story of Aurora Greenway in her latter years. After the death of her daughter, Aurora struggled to keep her family together, but has one grandson in jail, a rebellious granddaughter, and another grandson living just above the poverty line.

This is a follow-up to a classic that no one would have ever been completely satisfied with, but seemed to be made to satisfy an audience who might have been wondering what ever happened to the characters. Even though in the end it truly never needed to be made. 

It’s disappointing on many levels as a sequel and even as a movie. It just seems telegraphed to be melodramatic. 

The film takes us through what happened to the kids of Debra Winger’s character from TERMS OF ENDEARMENT. After having been raised by Their grandmother played by Shirley McClaine 

They all have their troubles though it seems like the daughter played by Juliette Lewis is the one she is having the most problems with. Her character and performance are way too over the top throughout. As one of the sons is serving a jail sentence and the other seems like a pushover. 

The film plays more like a melodramatic television movie. That has graphic undeserving sex scenes and plenty of bed-hopping. As McClane’s character seems irresistible to most men in the film. Giving her a younger lover who is also her psychiatrist and an adversary to compete with him. Until she learns the true reason for his attraction. Though it is nice to see Bill Paxton play a kind of romantic lead. with Scott wolf around more to be eye candy, Fantasy, and lover for all the ladies in the film

The film is over the top with sentimentality. That it seems as it gets towards the end it feels empty. 

The only truly interesting scene is Jack Nicholson’s cameo. That is when the film comes alive even for just a few moments. 

Even original writer and director James L. Brooks isn’t even back. It feels like the film tries to fit too many trends into the story that goes nowhere. 

This is a film aimed more at female movie fans and of course fans of the original. As the film feels like there is too much emotion on display.

While the main story seems to be to keep McClaine’s character constantly busy. While adding mini-aggressions for her to deal with. 

The film is missing the mixture of sharp comedy, drama, and tragedy that made the first film such a classic, noteworthy and one-of-a-kind. All this film does is remind us of how good the first film was and also desecrate Its memory with a big all-star cast. 

The film just feels secondhand with a pinch of nice dressing. 

Grade: D

THE MAN FROM TORONTO (2022)

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Directed By: Patrick Hughes 
Written By: Robbie Fox and Craig Bremmer 
Story By: Robbie Fox, Craig Bremmer and Jason Rosenthal 
Cinematography: Rob Hardy
Editor: Craig Alpert 

Cast: Kevin Hart, Woody Harrelson, Jasmine Matthews, Kaley Cuoco, Ellen Barkin, Pierson Fode, Jeancarlos Canela 

The world’s deadliest assassin and New York’s biggest screw-up are mistaken for each other at an Airbnb rental.

The film was originally supposed to Co-Star Jason Statham. Which would make more sense as a more dream combo. Not that woody Harrelson isn’t good. It just feels like he is a replacement. As he does what the role requires but hasn’t even known for too many action roles in quite a while.

So while his role is supposed to be more action-oriented. He only seems to use these skills on other assassins. As his character is so synonymous that he rarely has to use violence before they confess everything. Even as we know he has the finesse to actually do the things they fear. So it is more about intimidation. 

Kevin hart tries but it feels like again he is playing a similar role to most of his others. A kind of sad sack dreamer who gets motivated in the middle of the film to do what he needs to do to finally accomplish his mission and be successful. 

Though even here hart’s heart doesn’t seem as much into it. As he does create an annoying character who never seems to shut his mouth and say everything he is thinking, but again he knows he has played this type of role before and there is only so much of a variant that he can do with it.

At this point, it would be nice if Kevin Hart made a film that was just him as the star no more mismatched buddy comedies. Let him be center stage and truly make his mark. That might actually be noteworthy. As it would showcase his talents more and not seem so much like he is dependent on others to sell himself. 

The film’s action scenes try to be exciting even as most characters other than the leads and bigger cast names seem disposable. They never offer any kind of challenge. As the audience knows how each situation most likely will turn out.

There are some exceptions; the airplane fight and the gym fight actually enliven the movie and are a bit easier especially after other action sequences seem to fizzle.

Just as it would have been nice for more comedic scenes where Woody Harrelson is nervous around the opposite sex and opening up around new people. Just as more could have been done when it came to the

Handsome FBI agent who Kevin hart’s character is jealous of, allowing us to see why he should be jealous would have been funnier.

Director Patrick Hughes has made some silly yet violent guilty pleasure action comedies before with THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD films. Though those were much more hardcore in language and violence. This one is played safer and PG-13 so it can only go so far and doesn’t feel like it goes far enough in some scenes. So the film Lacks bite in action and In comedy. The material just never feels that strong 

Overall if you are a Kevin hart fan you will enjoy the movie. The film just feels like the typical Netflix big-budget team-up movie with very little reason or strength in the storytelling. 

Woody Harrelson is bland here can tell he was a replacement in casting. 

The film is serviceable but not as fun as you think it will be or it could have been. As Kevin hart does his usual schtick and the material feels too familiar for all involved

Grade: C-

SPY (2015)

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Written & Directed By: Paul Feig
Cinematography: Robert D. Yeoman 
Editor: Melissa Bretherton & Brent White 

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Jude Law, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart, Allison Janney, Morena Baccarin, Carlos Ponce, Peter Serafinowicz, Bobby Cannavale, Michael McDonald, Sam Richardson, Zach Woods, Katie Dippold, Richard Brake, 

Susan Cooper is an unassuming, deskbound CIA analyst, and the unsung hero behind the Agency’s most dangerous missions. But when her partner falls off the grid and another top agent is compromised, she volunteers to go deep undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global crisis.

This is for me so far the best comedy Melissa McCarthy has starred in. This doesn’t feel like one of her assembly line films that seem almost cranked out back to back, before the power of streaming made this a common occurrence for most stars. Though I give her credit for keeping trying original Comedic characters.

Luckily here her character is more identifiable for the audience and not so much mentally challenged. 

The film worked as a spoof comedy and an actual spy thriller where you care about what happens and you care about the characters. Who are actually memorable. As we in the audience are like the main character constantly wondering who we can trust.

The over-the-top villains and international characters are filled with so many strange details. It Is such a delight to watch.

Jason Statham is actually hilarious throughout. Having a kick for making fun of his previous roles. While doing what needs to be done action-wise. Which is what gives the film its energy is the constant duality of the actors, characters, and film. 

The film keeps you on your toes with Its surprises. As well as having a shocking amount of violence that is graphic. While  At heart the film is an action comedy. 

Everyone seems to give their character a certain spin. So it feels more like everyone has their own motivations, agenda, and trust issues. Yet all share a certain world and reality. 

This is a tight film but everyone feels loose and free. So that they get their moments to shine 

Grade: B+

THE MUNSTERS (2022)

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Written & Directed By: Rob Zombie
Based On Characters Developed By: Norm Liebmann and Ed Haas
From a format By: Al Burns & Chris Hayward 
Cinematography: Zoraida Popovic
Editor: Vanick Moradian 

Cast: Sherri Moon Zombie, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Daniel Roebuck, Richard Brake, Catherine Schell, Cassandra Petersen, Tomas Boykin, Jorge Garcia

Reboot of “The Munsters,” which followed a family of monsters who moved from Transylvania to an American suburb.

The film seems like a far-fetched idea that should be horrible, but it isn’t as bad as one would think.

The movie feels like an extended episode of the series. Set in their universe. Rather than a normal reality in having them socialize with normal society. 

It also serves as a kind of prequel. So we see how Herman came about and his romance with Lily. The film is noticeably lower budgeted than expected though that only adds to the mood and atmosphere of the film.

The film has that same kind of stale sitcomish sense of humor. Only being a bit more macabre. Though could easily be a family film. The film Is campy and too long 

The film noticeably takes place on sets. The film has the same spirit as the television shows turned into movies by having maximum audience appeal to attract more than just fans. As it tries to modernize the show. While also serving as the greatest hits. 

The humor is corny as it almost feels more vaudeville than anything. It definitely comes across as a Halloween season movie. Almost like the live-action THE FLINTSTONES movie filled with tons of puns and one-liners. 

This strangely seems like a passion project for Rob Zombie. As no one was asking for this film but he seems determined to not only make it but also an affinity. It might be him trying to try another studio property with his own touch.

As this is one of his least offensive and cleanest films as far as material. 

As the film does stay true to its version. Everyone is dedicated. No matter how silly it gets and appears to be having fun. As he is clearly dedicated to this film and series. As is his cast, which is filled with his usual players, the main cast in multiple roles. As well a good size of the supporting and background cast being Hollywood and classic television veterans. Making this all the more a labor of love. 

It only lacks the stunt casting of seeing a fairly well-known star trying out the role for an impression or their own interpretation. 

Grade: C

TANK GIRL (1995)

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Directed By: Rachel Talalay

Written By: Tedi Sarafin

Based on a Comic-Strip By: Jamie Hewlett and Alan Martin 

Cinematography: Gale Tattersall

Editor: James R. Symons 

Cast: Lori Petty, Ice-T, Naomi Watts, Malcolm McDowell, Don Harvey, Jeff Kober, Reg E. Cathey, Scott Coffey, Ann Cusack, Iggy Pop, Brian Wimmer, Billy L. Sullivan, James Hong, Doug Jones, Stacy Linn Ramsowar 

A girl is among the few survivors of a dystopian Earth. Riding a war tank, she fights against the tyranny of a mega-corporation that dominates the remaining potable water supply of the planet.

The film successfully fills out a comic book world with vivid colors, fashions, and ridiculousness. 

The problem is that it all feels constantly staged on a set and bargain basement. The practical special effects are the only thing that is very impressive. Even later in the film Malcolm McDowell’s character’s more digital look is lackluster.

The film looks cheap and it keeps its rebellious D.I.Y. Punk attitude, but it doesn’t sell the story. It tries to remind the fans of its origins from time to time showing a scene and then showing the outcome from the panel of the graphic novel. Fans might remember how much it is not the graphic novel, but light entices newbies in the audience to seek out the source material.

The film isn’t horrible it is probably actually ahead of its time given a decade later it would probably have been treated better by the studio and audiences might have been more receptive. If made today probably would have been a successful limited series on a streaming Service 

Surprisingly I quite enjoy the film. Though wasn’t actually looking for much. Maybe it is that offbeat production and sense of humor the film has that makes it feel a little different and special. 

Lori Petty’s performance is enjoyable one of her biggest starring roles. Though I can understand if some audience members might find her annoying. While she is certainly energetic and wacky to truly be a believable action hero. Here she comes across as campier and like a demented sidekick, but maybe that is part of the appeal.

Her performance makes the action scenes a little more hard to believe. When you have this more comedic character all of a sudden being a savior and out stoic hero. 

The film attempts to be experimental with not only the comic book panel cutaways but also a musical sequence that comes out of nowhere and probably helps cement the film’s cult classic status. Not to mention genetically altered kangaroo men.

The film was clearly made to be appealing more to teenagers and a female audience. Though it already had limited appeal as more of a cult comic book. Where the filmmakers and studio at the time hoped would come out and support the film and have at least that audience. 

Anytime the film risks getting too violent. Which can happen in a dystopian apocalyptic landscape. It cuts away, there is no abundance of bad language or adult situations that are hinted at but cut short. Even a slight Beastiality romance between a kangaroo-man and the lead is more hinted at than anything 

The film is also one of the earliest appearances of actress Naomi Watts in a supporting role. 

Though credit must be given to this film for offering diversity and representation across the board in the casting of the film.

During the film and by the end it will definitely feel like you are on some kind of psychedelic or drug. Think of it as a precursor to a studio film like GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY in wackiness and heroics. 

Grade: C+

DO REVENGE (2022)

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Directed By: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson 
Written By: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and Celeste Ballard 
Cinematography: Brian Burgoyne
Editor: Lori Bell and David S. Clark 

Cast: Camilla Mendes, Maya Hawke, Austin Abrams, Alisha Boe, Talia Ryder, Rish Shah, Ava Capri, Paris Berelc, Sophie Turner, Sarah Michelle Gellar 

Drea and Eleanor agree to go after one another’s bullies.

Sometimes you get pulled into a film. That was certainly the case with this film. I thought would be the typical teen comedy they have offered in the past, but was willing to give it a chance because of the Cast.

Happily, the results are surprising. The film actually Offers some uncertain aspects and keeps the audience interested. As it offers a cynical view with plenty of energy but also plenty of great one-liners. Yet it is vulnerable and emotional when needed. It’sAlso surprisingly an R-Rated Film. That deals with sec and drugs a Little More believably as it isn’t EUPHORIA, but it isn’t Disney either 

The film is a bit familiar as it takes some of the best moments and qualities of teen movies of the past that you may remember but also makes it juicy

As with most Netflix productions, It feels like it could have been broadened a bit. Instead of feeling so insular and location bound. 

The lessons the characters learn seem obvious but at least are doled out in a harsher way. As usual, the parents or any adults with actual power seem either nonexistent or very much in the background or mentioned her never shown.

Noticeably Inspired by other films and while predicting what it does get general surprises it’s nice to have a rated R teen comedy once in a while though how that works Is something that a Family has to worry about

The cast is all aces though at first their characters all Seem like types. Eventually, the film Humanizes them a bit more. Just as thankfully the cast is diverse, Could use a little more splash of color but beggars can’t Be choosers 

Nice to see Sarah Michelle Gellar in this film. Only wish she had more to do. As she is a spectacular actress and this fits into her younger star past. 

Austin Abrams is perfect as an entitled questionable big man on campus who is ultimately a cad. 

While Maya Hawke is wonderful. Camilla Mendes takes the cake and eats it too. This film should Make her a star. As she has the talent and looks. She’s good in comedy, fashionable vulnerability, Good, Evil, and drama. Hopefully, this leads to bigger and better roles. 

The film is not only better than expected. its better than it deserves and could easily be a new teen favorite for the audience. 

Grade: B