Tag: Comedy

RATS! (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Carl Fry and Maxwell Nalevansky 

Cinematography: Carmen Gilbert 

Editor: Carl Fry

Cast: Danielle Evon Ploeger, Luke Wilcox, Darius Autry, Luxy Banner, Khali McDuff-Sykes, Ariel Ash, Jacob Wysocki, John Ennis 

In Fresno, Texas, graffiti artist Raphael’s arrest leads to his involvement in a chain of events involving a sting operation, suicide, drug deals, criminal suspicions, weapons, a newswoman, and a plutonium deal gone wrong, creating chaos.

————————————————————————

This film is truly indescribable as it is all over the place, but in the best way it’s offkilter and crazy yet unbelievably funny and a bit my car definitely a future cult movie that audiences didn’t know they wanted and they and that they have been waiting for.

It definitely is a colorful midnight movie comedy that has a strange ensemble and packs up a sucker punch that you don’t see coming that can be sweet, but also disoriented

As this is a punk rock movie and like the main lead character, it feels dressed and has the vibe of a 1990s warped tour with pop punk, dungeons, and hot topic shoppers. There is plenty of drug use and colorful art direction to match the characters.

The film has anarchaic spirit reminds me of the spirit of the movie FREAKED as it seems to keep inventing itself along the way and stays comedic as it goes along and has new scenes to wrap around or throw back to characters or situations that we might remember with running jokes and not much necessarily makes any sense

It’s a film that just seems full of distractions as when someone you know tells a story, but then gets deep into a side story that they feel will help explain the main story that’s going along and it does to a certain extent, but these distractions also seem to go on a different wavelength of information you didn’t need to know, but the storyteller felt it was important and even though it could equally lead nowhere, you’re happy for it as at least it serves up a chuckle or a laugh.

As even at times it presents certain characters who seem like they’re going to be part of the major storyline, but are only around for one or two scenes and then disappear completely even as you were getting used to them. 

Actress, Danielle Evon Ploeger,  steals the show as she is so committed in her performance where her character has no shame and has an intensity that comes out of nowhere in for no reason that she truly shines throughout 

At times, the film can get gory and violent. Which might explain why it’s on the streaming service shutter, despite not truly being a horror Film. So though thankful bruschetta as it does carry a lot of independent films that aren’t exactly horror films that they still share on their channel usually more independent productions that most would’ve never known if not for the service . Truly helping a lot of indie films.

The film starts off simple and weird. As a kind of study of the absurdities of the suburbs, especially for younger characters and the older characters who have stayed around. as it builds up and comes together in the end. 

It bathes itself in broad humor and presents more shocking humor that for some we have no substance to really grab onto that makes it feel like most of what happens is random, but that is how life can be and especially for these characters.

It reminds me of Joseph Kahn‘s detention to a degree absurd in all over the place exploring youth culture while also feeling like it’s rebelling against something like traditional cinematic rules.

The film is messy offbeat not for everyone that has that spirit of youth that can be random. Silly doesn’t always make sense and can be quite wrong in certain situations, but you still have to move forward and clearly want to see where it goes. A stoner comedy

SUMMER OF 69 (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Jillian Bell

Written By: Jillian Bell, Jules Byrne and Liz Nico

Cinematography: Maria Rusche

Editor: Casey Brooks 

Cast: Sam Morelos, Chloe Fineman, Nicole Byer, Liza Koshy, Paula Pell, Natalie Morales, Matt Cornett, Alex Moffat, Charlie Day, Jillian Bell, Fernando Carsa

Abby seeks to impress her crush by learning a specific sexual position, enlisting a stripper’s help. However, she realizes true self-discovery and lasting friendship are more valuable.

————————————————————————

This film is the directorial debut of actress Jillian Bell. It’s more of age film than I can say a teen film, as it’s a little too raunchy and risqué for family viewing or for parents to allow their teens to watch, even as strangely the humor is more sophomoric. Though the film also has an earnest heart and charm

Which then makes the film very confusing as to who exactly it’s aimed that or which audience, as it’s too raunchy for teens, but might be a little too silly for adults. 

The wet one can appreciate about the film. Is that instead of it usually being guys with gross out or juvenile humor, now it’s more of the women, and it doesn’t have so much gross out humor as just sillier, stupid humor, but there’s a point to it all. 

Luckily, the cast is filled with comedic supporting players like Nicole Byer, Liza Koshy, the hilarious Paula Pell, who is funny and everything I’ve ever seen her in, and is a comedy writer herself,. when only wishes there was more of them or a spinoff movie for their characters. Director Jillian appears in a small role herself and Chloe Fineman of Saturday Night Live as one of the leading ladies in this film .

She is attractive, funny, tough, yet stays believable throughout the film, and can see a big screen career, though would have loved it if the film played a little bit more with what was expected and had either Eliza Koshy or Nicole Byer in the Chloe Fineman, typical beautiful blonde in the lead

Newcomer Sam Morelos is quite a find, quick and she can play the heartbreaking parts of her character as well as the funnier scenes. She comes across as the character as genuine makes you root for her. She’s a burst of sunshine.

Not to mention why this film deals with some more adult and a little dark subject matter. It’s surprisingly just stays light and keeps a smile on your face, as it just kind of has this cheer about it that you and it don’t have any cynicism to it, that you would think this film would be filled with. Also it also pays on March teen films of the past.

One has to give it to Hulu they seem to fund an honor, female, driven comedies, and dramas that are more coming of age, but find way to make their mark and be quiet not only charming but noteworthy they’re not necessarily going to change the world cinematically, but they’re good comfort entertainment. Films like PROM DATES and PLAN B

Which is why, though this film even from its title is more of a double entendre, and has plenty of sexual material. It’s still plays it pretty clean and safe as this is a tail that involves strippers that has no nudity and we never see them quite now for some, who might feel that’s a cop out this is not the film for you and it never was gonna be but those just looking for almost like comfort movie that has stakes, but aren’t that high give this film a chance. You might surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it.

Grade: C+

HAPPY GILMORE 2 (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Kyle Newacheck

Written By: Adam Sandler And Tim Herlihy 

Cinematography: Zak Mulligan

Editor: Tom Costain, Brian Robinson and J.J. Titone 

Cast: Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Benny Safdie, Ben Stiller, Sadie Sandler, Bad Bunny, Julie Bowen, Haley Joel Osmet, Lavell Crawford, Dennis Dugan

Nearly thirty years have passed since Happy Gilmore famously won the 1996 Tour Championship. For nearly twenty years after that victory his career flourished. That ended when his wife was tragically killed on a golf course. Distraught he gave up golf and turned to looking after his five kids. Over time, however, he has become an alcoholic and is working in a supermarket. Now his daughter has the opportunity to attend a prestigious dance school and the cost sees him contemplate taking up golf again.

this is why personally I don’t really watch Adam Sandler movies. when he is majorly behind the scenes in the writing and producing of his comedies anymore. I don’t mind when he’s working on the film, strictly as an actor because then you get films like UNCUT GEMS or his other two more dramatic Netflix movies where not perfect but the films were at least decent in someway.

this is a sequel to one of my favorite of his early comedies. As now he seems to be like Woody Allen, where if you were going to know his work, he would more praise his early funny films whereas now his comedies that he writes are kind of like Tyler Perry movies where it seems like he’s writing for himself or jokes that he finds funny, but he doesn’t seem to really care about the audience , which is a shame as Adam Sandler can be a likable screen presence at times at least back when he was making films that made audiences laugh

though now his films feel like they are parties or a reason for his friends to get Work and also for him to get to hang out with them. As it seems like they’re having much more fun hanging together than worrying about the actual script, character direction or making anybody laugh. as with each new film, it also seems like Sandler‘s entourage grows now not only does. He usually cast his friends, but now his family his wife and daughters are added into the mix of most of his films which he has a right to do, but I don’t think the audience was clamoring for it

This film seems to bring back every character from the first film in some sort of way even the minor ones who might’ve just been there for one scene and just in case you forgot the film seems to want to provide flashbacks for you to remember. The film also has a ridiculous number of cameos throughout the film even for no reason I don’t know if it was they wanted to be in the sequel or if he asked them it was fans or if this was all him trying to appeal to a younger audience as he has the usual commentators sports commentator celebrities but he also has influencers podcast Eminem for some reason throughout

not only is the storyline, stupid and ridiculous, but it also makes no real sense. As they play extreme golf and that must be played but worse of all it’s not funny at all so you are constantly wondering who is this for because it kind of insults, the originals audience and this film doesn’t seem like it’s going to influence the next generation to wanna watch it either. 

I really had hope that this would at least be decent, but if anything it just seems to Barry the remembrance of the original where you wish that it had been a one and done. If anything it also might just remind you of how good or decent the first one was and how fall this film has fallen from it’s legacy.

Grade: F 

THE GUTTER (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Isaiah Lester & Yassir Lester 

Written By: Yassir Lester 

Cinematography: Veronica Bouza 

Editor: David Dean and Josh Porron

Cast: Shamiek Moore, D’Arcy Carden, Susan Sarandon, Paul Reiser, Kim Fields, Paul Scheer, Jay Ellis, Langston Kerman, Jackee Harry, Adam Brody

Walt lands work at bowling alley AlleyCatz. He’s pressured to embrace his bowling talent, which sparks backlash from detractors seeking to undermine his sudden pro success.

————————————————————————

This is a film that will instantly remind most of the movie KINGPIN. As a revolves around bowling and a come back for an alcoholic, former champion as well as an innocent newcomer, who is a natural at the sport, who gets a little seduced by the Fame and the money to a degree. 

So you can obviously see some of its inspirations. 

It’s also a goofy comedy like that film only not as focused on gross out humor. Here the film just get more and more ridiculous as it goes along, but it manages to keep It’s humor and a smile on the audiences faces. As you take nothing presented that seriously.

As the film has it’s basic story elements constructed but seems to through jokes all

Over the place. Where happy the cast seems more like guest stars or that they were friends with the cast and crew and decided to make cameos in small roles for the day. 

Most of the characters aren’t that successful and come actors as dumb. Some dumber than others. Though in all the silliness It’s ok 

You will more be shocked at the casting of the film more than anything. The film’s humor is more dirty than anything but not over the top. As the film is quite charming. Nevertheless over staying it’s welcome. 

It’s nothing too special, nor offers too many surprises but it has a good heart and likeable enough characters.

The film stays simple and entertaining. It’s not a film you will remember much about afterwards but you should enjoy as it plays. 

Grade: C+

NONNAS (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Stephen Chbosky

Written by: Liz Maccie

inspired by the life story of: Jody Scaravella

Cinematography: Florian Ballhaus

Editor: Anne McCabe

Cast: Vince Vaughn, Joe Maganiello, Brenda Vaccaro, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Susan Sarandon, Linda Cardellini, Drea de Mateo, Michael Rispoli, Geoffrey Owens, Campbell

Scott

After losing his beloved mother, a man risks everything to honor her by opening an Italian restaurant with actual grandmothers as the chefs.

————————————————————————-

First off will say that Vince Vaughn here plays more of an every man so if you’re expecting his motor mouth, fast talker type of character you’re going to be sadly disappointed.

The film is based on a true story and real restaurant that I did not know I thought this was a made-up story, but was happy that by the end you find out this is based on truth.

Interestingly, this was directed by Stephen Chbosky, who I mainly know as a novelist, for the film, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, he also directed and wrote the adaptation. He wrote and Strites’ other novels, but he is also a practicing filmmaker, as he has also DORECTED made films DEAR EVAN HANSEN and WONDER. all family films of a sort.

Here this film automatically feels like a family film as the subject matter is clean, it revolves around the power of friendship and families, and there’s nothing offensive in the film, and you get to know most of the characters so that they’re not one-dimensional 

This is one of those films that you’re gonna be hungry after watching just seeing not only the preparation of the food but how it comes out just makes you so hungry so that it’s kind of like soul food or tortilla soup or big night all these films that center around food meals, the meanings of them the expression of making food can be an art of itself, and this is one of those films. It helps relieve or comfort, or it just makes everything OK

Does have a minor romantic, of course what else would you expect and also preserves that whole thing of Vince Vaughn‘s characters and every man where you would think given how strong and good of a character he would’ve been married already by now, but he was taking care of his mother and now that she has passed on and he’s pursuing something with passion for the first time that he’s had no female in his life to take care of or take care of him and at first, it seems like it will be that filling, but now he meets a woman and romance is on the menu so that he’s left in good hands with her and she’s left in good hands with him in the knives are there to approve andhelp nurture

Film also provides material and characters for Lorraine Brocco,  Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, who still work, but you don’t see in major releases as much as well as I’m putting the queen of playing older female roles, Susan Sarandon as the more flirtatious and vivacious of the Nonnas, who of course makes the sweet stuff the desserts and the revealing outfits

While the others are more traditional, Lorraine Bracco, the angriest and volatile one of tradition Talia Shire is more of the shy one with a secret, and Brenda Vaccaro is more of the traditional grandmother who misses her husband and doesn’t have that much to do 

Just these women provide their specialties in cooking. They also provide what cooking has always meant to them, which is an expression of love and care for their families whoever they’re serving food to so that they feel like fam and that’s what this film also feels like an expression for the audience out there who might be feeling off or might miss family and friends this film is meant to bring you in and either remind you or fill you with that feeling of love that comes from family.

As the restaurant with a love letter to the cooking and to his mother and family, the screenplay written by Liz Maccie is a love letter to her family, and her husband Stephen Chbosky has said that this is a love letter to her him directing the film

It’s a tearjerker, a family film for all ages that I wish didn’t talk down to its audience. It doesn’t mean to, but it is also just that simple, what you see is what you get, the title alone. Tell you everything you need to know, it’s a nice warm fun little movie. Not offensive and not too many stereotypes.

That of course plays on Netflix streaming, but definitely could’ve made it mark in theaters, even if it doesn’t have that many locations nor is the story that big.

Grade: C+

MADEA’S DESTINATION WEDDING (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Tyler Perry 

Cinematography: Michael Watson and Justyn Moro

Editor: Larry Sexton 

Cast: Tyler Perry, Tamela Mann, Cassi Davis Patton, David Mann, Taja V. Simpson, Diamond White, Jermaine Harris, Xavier Smalls, Wallnette Santiago 

Madea’s great-grandniece, Tiffany, introduces her new boyfriend, Zavier, to her family and drops the shocking news to them: that the couple is getting married in two weeks, and everybody is invited to their destination wedding in the Bahamas. Despite her mother, Debrah, appearing to have everything under control, the vacation is hitting some turbulence. Madea isn’t ready to leave the country; Brian doesn’t approve of his daughter’s hasty wedding or her immature fiancee; Tiffany starts to doubt Zavier; and Debrah’s acting out of character. The whole wedding smells suspicious, and all Brian wants to know is whether or not this marriage is really all that it seems.

————————————————————————

I don’t know why I do this to myself nor do I understand why Tyler Perry does this to his audience, but I guess whenever in doubt after a few dramas or thrillers he’s gotta throw Netflix a Madea film every once in a while I don’t know if these films still have an audience as they seem to get worse and dumber each one. 

Watching this so now it’s kind of like a psychological study as we watch Tyler Perry play so many multiple roles and all of these characters are either talking to one or dealing with one another in the same scene so it’s pretty much almost a one man show where he’s talking to himself and occasionally adding other cast members to the mix

Also, when it comes to these Madea movies, it seems like he recast and hopes that we remember most of these characters from before, even though their new actors or new looks other than his usual stock characters of Mr. Brown, Mr. Brown’s daughter, Thelma, the next-door, neighbor, auntie Ruth, and then all the characters he plays. Some have been there since the beginning others seem to have joined in the last few films.

As we have Tyler Perry‘s character playing the father of a daughter, who’s ex-wife was a drug addict, then cleaned herself up then they reconciled then she married a new man who is rich and now loves throwing money in his face while spoiling their two children. These characters were played in the earlier films is more of a side story but once we got to boo a Madea Halloween, they pretty much became main characters.

In those films, the problem was the characters just sat around and talked mostly one up in each other with insults and then the action didn’t really happen until the third act and it wasn’t much action and then a moral message and it’s pretty much the same here except in the second half of the film is where we actually get to see some nice scenery 

Though the films promise that most of the characters aren’t very likable, the daughter who is getting married is still as selfish as she has always been and was throughout the boom Madea movies so she has not shown any growth or change and yet we’re supposed to care about her romantic relationship With this young man who comes across is very rude from his very first scene, but then we learned why and we’re supposed to really care about him and it doesn’t work and then we see that his ex-wife supposedly is even more selfish than the daughter trying to make the wedding all about her while there’s chaos in her own life And of course by the end, there’s a moral message

Look if it ain’t broke don’t try to fix it. I understand what Tyler Perry is just trying to PLEASE his audience and goes for even though all of his humor here seems tired, and as he said, it truly shows that he doesn’t make movies for audiences or critics he truly seems to make them for himself and if this is what he thinks it’s funny That’s sad.

One can’t take away from his success and all of his triumphs, though as usual, this is a letdown, especially on the heels of one of his better films for him STRAW 

No, just please more like desperation like she’s running out of subjects and is relying on the same old jokes that aren’t even working for his core audience anymore 

Grade: F

ABOUT MY FATHER (2023)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Laura Terruso 

Written By: Sebastian Maniscalco and Austen Earl 

Cinematography: Rogier Stoffers 

Editor: Scott D. Hanson 

Cast: Sebastian Maniscalco Robert DeNiro, Leslie Bibb, Kim Catrall, David Rasche, Anders Holm, Jessie Camacho, Brett Dier

When Sebastian tells his old-school Italian immigrant father Salvo that he is going to propose to his all-American girlfriend, Salvo insists on crashing a weekend with her parents.

————————————————————————

just as in the 80s and 90s it seem like stand-up comedians who are gaining some heat got sitcom deals. If they were lucky maybe got film deals. It seems modern day more and more comedians that have a following will get a chance to play a lead, usually that is of their own creation and here we have  stand up Sebastian maniscolo who wrote this film

Basically, it’s a rip on meet the parents and somehow he got lucky and got Robert De Niro to play his stubborn old school, father. We’re as he himself is dating a free spirited woman who comes from a senator in upper crust family who he tries to impress continuously while his father is more salt of the Earth hairdresser who can’t help with himself and seems to sabotage his son inadvertently along the way.

Throughout the film, there are less than inspired jokes that ultimately lead to a message of being yourself is good enough. That is what is truly going to impress. It’s when you’re fake. Those are the type of people you will attract. 

Half the scenes and jokes seem to want to riff on past roles of Mr. De Niro as well as this whole film just trying to be its own Italian American version of meet the parents, though it varies itself in sitcom troops and humor, as well as thin characters, that truly don’t give much of the cast much to work with nor making an impression with even though the film as well cast it clear that Robert De Niro again is here only for the paycheck. Even though he seems a little more willing to be somewhat silly in this film, as he’s truly the only interesting character and part of the film, where he just wish that the film was better written to really give him something to do and to rise to his performance.

Even it’s lead, Sebastian Maniscalco seems more interesting playing a supporting character more than a lead. As after a while he becomes annoying as a lead character and not all that interesting. 

The film is really a one joke premise it’s forgettable and disposable and worse of all it feels monotonous at times. 

Grade: D+

HEADS OF STATE (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

 

Directed By: Ilya Naishuller 

Written By: Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Harrison Query 

Story By: Harrison Query 

Cinematography: Ben Davis 

Editor: Tom Harrison-Read 

Cast: John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Paddy Considine , Stephen Root, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, Sharlto Copley, Sarah Niles, Richard Coyle 

When the UK Prime Minister and US President become the targets of a foreign adversary, they’re forced to rely on one another to thwart a global conspiracy.

————————————————————————

With John Cena in the cast, you already kinda know what this film is going to be good as long as you go in with that frame of mind you’ll be perfectly entertain as at least this time he shares the action with Idris Elba, and it’s not another film where you just watch John Cena be the ultimate action hero who’s unstop Now he has Idris Elba, and together their unstoppable, as well as with their costar Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The alter two instill the film And their characters with a suave charm. 

The villain is pretty disposable other than his ruthlessness and it’s surprising how many recognizable character actors are in this film and relatively small roles but you’re happy to see them.

As the film comes off better than expected and better then it should be. 

Though it’s billed as an action comedy, I didn’t expect it to be as actually funny as it is, which is what differentiates it from most of its elk whereas if it had just been an action film, this really wouldn’t have been that interesting, but with the comedic elements it at least stays fun and rises above the cliché somewhat

It also helps that some of the humor comes from unexpected places than what you can see coming and some are even just stylistic comedic choices though luckily for the film, even though it’s predictable, it still manages to keep you on your toes to see how it’s going to get where it gets to.

As even the action sequences are a bit more memorable and noteworthy than the usual fair of straight to streaming films. The fighting farm scene is one of the more impressive scenes of  film. As well as one of the more impressive action sequences seen recently. 

Plus the henchman, though they don’t have many lines just come across is unlikable and reprehensible, but then again looking at the main villain, you can understand why they are the way they are, though with the villains actions it does make me wonder why anybody would really want to work for other than the obvious money, which is then made me fonder whether he pays them in cash or check and is it on a weekly or biweekly basis or maybe it’s crypto since it has to be more underground and do you work until he gets his payday and that’s when you get your haircut or is he paying you for the work done and then it maybe if it goes through he’ll give you a bonus but then again if he successful, he could just keep the money because what court are you gonna go to even if you have the skills in the guns?

If anything this movie would go great on a double bill with the film WHITE HOUSE DOWN as at least here all the action takes place overseas and on more European streets that are more narrow and cobblestone so it’s not in some random American city where you would expect to see the action so that adds a different element to the proceedings.

Though he has been in many action films before it’s nice to see Idris Elba be more of a bad ass action hero in the film rather than the villain or a sidekick. Though with this film and starring in the film beast, he is proving to be not only an all-around leading man, but also quite a believable action hero lead.

Grade: C+

DEEP COVER (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Tom Kingsley 

Written By: Derek Connolly, Colin Trevorrow, Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen

Cinematography: Will Hanke

Editor: Mark Williams 

Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom, Nick Mohammad, Paddy Considine, Ian McShane, Sean Bean, Sonoya Mizuno, Freya Parker, Ben Ashenden, Alexander Owen 

Three improv actors are asked to go undercover by the police in London’s criminal underworld.

————————————————————————

Unfortunately, not a remake or in any way asscisiyed with the Lawrence Fishburne Starring, crime classic film, but rather an wannabe, original action comedy

Is this is a movie that is very random. Whereas it’s randomly cast, and it shouldn’t work, even though it has a high concept, but strangely it does work and even comes off with its own little charm.

I don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing deep about this film. It’s pretty standard, but it stays in the middle of the road enough that it keeps you laughing and caring and even has some impressive action at times

As the film goes along, it tries to stay unpredictable that it fails in that way, though it does base itself on everyone having such deep trust in these characters, even when it’s obvious, they are in over their heads 

Not only is the premise a little bit inventive of having improv actors volunteer to go undercover and kind of getting stuck in their roles as the danger increases, but it also serves as a kind of midlife crisis movie as the characters are all facing dilemmas of where they thought they’d be and where they actually are And aiming to do something different to not only get better, but find some meaning in it all.

The most interesting character is  Shosh played by Sonoya Mizuno, who seems like she’d be a good bodyguard or assassin character in a better film, but also comes across as the coolest character of the whole film. She is always a chameleon in her roles. Never seeming to play the same type twice. 

Bryce Dallas Howard surprises with her performance in the lead as a comedic actress where you wonder why she isn’t in more films such as these as she is clearly strong in the lead role, though it might be as there’s so much competition and she fits into the same looks and frame as so, many Caucasian leading ladies. It’s hard enough to get the roles but also, where do you quite fit 

The film has surprisingly a lot of European acting heavyweights who we have seen play these types of characters before only here a bit more broad, not as intimidating and all clearly hear more for a paycheck than anything else, but they do add to the tapestry and try to add some heaviness and believability to the situations the characters find themselves interacting with them

The only complaint could be that one wishes the film was bigger, but then that would totally go against the reality of it and wish that the romantic sub plot had a bit more to it or a kind of ending to it instead of just being upsurped and left

Grade: C+

OPERATION FORTUNE: RUSE DE GUERE (2023)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Guy Ritchie 

Written By: Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies

Cinematography: Alan Stewart

Editor: James Herbert

Cast: Jason Statham, Aubrey Plaza, Josh Hartnett, Hugh Grant, Cary Elwes, Bugzy Malone, Eddie Marsan, Max Beesley, Peter Ferdinando, Lourdes Faberes

In the film, super spy Orson Fortune must track down and stop the sale of a deadly new weapons technology wielded by billionaire arms broker Greg Simmonds. Reluctantly teamed with some of the world’s best operatives,Fortune and his crew recruit Hollywood’s biggest movie star Danny Francesco to help them on their globe-trotting undercover mission to save the world.

————————————————————————

One is kind of surprised by this film as I have to say this is one of the more disappointing movies that Guy Ritchie has ever made, especially as it seems in his wheelhouse. One can see why this was buried and quickly forgotten. As it’s no one‘s best work.

The problem is that this film is just so many things at different times, but then never quite commits to any of them. It’s more of a comedy than anything else, but not with necessarily funny jokes, just situations are ridiculous, and so is the behavior at times, the film constantly feels like a misstep as it is more comedy than action

When there is action, it just feels so basic and not noteworthy, he doesn’t feel that strategic or catching. It just seems more means to an end. 

As you have Jason Statham in the film, and while there’s gunplay, it’s more or less guns than anything.

The film is more ensemble with Josh Hartnett, Aubrey Plaza, and Hugh Grant, so they have their scenes and roles in which they get to shine or show their worth, but again, they never hit the Mark because everything is so broad that there’s nothing that contains the story really.

once guy Richie took over he rewrote the script and still told the cast to pretty much improvised and it feels that way the technical aspects are there, but the dialogue is OK but not quite brilliant repartée

Then the villains are set up, but they keep switching, and none of them are really that effective, it’s almost like they spent so much money trying to get stars in the lead roles that they only had so much money and couldn’t get any other big names to play the villain role.

so watching the film, you know what’s going to happen; there’s no real suspense to anything. It’s sort of like watching the Equalizer films, where Denzel Washington, if you can take out a room and 17 seconds, what hope do the villains at the end have, or put up as a challenge, and it’s the same in this room 

So that this film it’s more of a time waster than anything as nothing quite sticks and plays, smooth and glossy and even every time they seem to set up maybe a character trait it’s quickly forgotten or not used as early in the film one of the reasons that don’t want to use Jason Statham’s spy, character or reluctant is because he seems to try to use excuses and sicknesses to get out of missions, But we don’t get introduced to any of those aspects

Aubrey Plaza’s character seems to have a flirtatious nature where she’s fallen for someone, but we’re never given any reason. Dialogue works for the script and characters. 

Hugh Grant seems to be having a ball with fun villain characters as with more recent roles, he seems to be at least he’s trying to do something different but ultimately it feels like it’s there for no reason . 

While Josh Hartnett is part of the cast and he helps add to the stars name in the cast while also letting him play more comedic role than he has in the past he seems to be in the mission that’s why he’s there but then he’s given very little to do except ask questions and stand around so maybe get some expositional information Then give him or drag him into action sequence car chase really and his character has an about face and that at first you could see as being one-sided, but I guess in the end it kind of makes sense. as it does help open up the film to a new demographic

End it so much once they take out the villain it’s like it feels like there should be more but that’s pretty much it now let’s try some more comedic high jinx.

It just feels like everyone is not necessarily out of their element, but not given anything really to do even though the film seems to want to use their image or public image and talent to help poor or lift the material as otherwise this just comes off as a bland espionage story and script that could’ve been starting and made by anyone there’s nothing quite that special to it.

Now this film did come out when there was a pandemic, though it was filmed after the pandemic. It was postponed for release and finally did in 2023, luckily for it and quickly got released on streaming and was forgotten as this film just feels like a well-funded, but sorry excuse for entertainment, though seems to fit perfectly along with other streaming films as there doesn’t seem to be any passion or much originality

It’s not a horrible film as it is watchable, but it’s just so basic and bland that there’s very little reason other than, again, a time-waster popcorn movie.

Grade: C-