Tag: Comedy

MARGOT AT THE WEDDING (2007)

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Written & Directed By: Noah Baumbach
Cinematography By: Harris Savides
Editor: Carol Littleton

Cast: Nicole Kidman, Jack Black, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Halley Feiffer, John Turturro, Cirian Hinds, Zane Pais, Seth Barrish, Flora Closs, Michael Cullen 


 A slice of family life: sisters, husbands, children, history, secrets, jealousies. Margot and her teen son, Claude, travel from Manhattan to her family’s Long Island home, occupied by sister Pauline, Pauline’s daughter, and Malcolm, the slacker Pauline will marry outdoors that week under a tree neighbors want removed. Backbiting marks family discussion, particularly between the sisters and in Margot’s cutting remarks to Claude. Pauline tells Margot a secret that Margot promptly tells Claude. Margot dislikes Malcolm and undermines him. She also has marital problems and a lover nearby. People are cruel, inside and outside their families. Is there a refuge for Margot or for Pauline? 

I don’t know if this is supposed to be misery/tragedy emotional pornography with some humor or not. As it is beautifully filmed with natural lighting, but when you are complimenting the filmmaking or certain technical aspects over the whole of the film or you just happen to notice and focus on that more than anything else. You know the movie might be in trouble.

I was looking forward to this film having loved his previous film THE SQUID & THE WHALE. Not to mention other films he has made before and since. This was his bug follow up project. Though I have to say this was a big disappointment really his first for me. It might be because he was following up a big success and his film would have to live up to it and it falls short.

I should have known when Nicole Kidman was cast in it. Not that she is a bad actress. Quite the contrary. Around this time and. Wrote She only seems to do independent films when she wants to be noticed m. As her career might be in trouble and she wants to prove herself to critics again (TO DIE FOR, FUR, RABBIT HOLE) she also comes off as icy onscreen so if she was looking to play different. She could have tried Jennifer Jason Leigh’s role in this film.

Unfortunately for her. This was not like the redirection Charlize Theron had with MONSTER. Here she plays such a bitchy unlikeable character, It’s hard to like anything about her unfortunately for this film other than the kids the same goes for almost every character in this film. Jennifer Jason Leigh is fragile, sympathetic and pathetic. Oddly enough though this maybe the best and funniest work ever by jack black at the time. It takes awhile to get ignited but You can see all the promise people have been saying about him. Though The uncomfortable nature of his relationship with the teenage girl in the film feels reprehensible and especially after the film tries to get us on his side. After that it seems pretty easily to detest his character.

The constant war their characters have with their neighbors could have gone on longer. Those scenes might have sped the move up. The way it stands the neighbors come off like a mix of the duckie boys from THE WANDERERS and The Bumpasses of A CHRISTMAS STORY. They seem to be dirty and mean instead of just mean like the other characters in this film. Who just have better wittier one liners and vocabularies.

Nicole Kidman is the main attraction here. As the film takes place more or less around her character. Even though she is only there for a wedding, but her arrival brings old family drama and her sister’s drama and problems with her fiancé to the forefront.

Of course Nicole Kidman stands out in this film as she all but consumes the film and takes it with her. As she is thebttile character everything seems to stem from her. Even when we try to get into the side stories of other characters they are usually all connected or come back to her 

This is also the moodiest if all of writer director Noh Baumbach’s films which usually are dramatic and go to dark places though usually manage to have a smile. While the film does have humor it seems to have a chilly mean spirited vibe throughout. Which again seems to stem from Nicole Kidman’s character

The film offers the actors plenty to play with and they all get room to shine a bit, but the film and screenplay are more focused on the character of Margot. Her name is in the title.

Nicole Kidman, Jack Black, & Jennifer Jason Leigh moved in together during filming because they wanted to perfect their roles as a dysfunctional family.

The film exists as an emotional melodrama where the overall mood is depression and just melancholy with some bits of humor. While most of the characters are intellectuals.

Jack Black gives an ok performance and much was made of his appearance in the film. Here he gets to play a character who is unlikeable and normal. Which is something that is rare for him. As now he seems more the master of cameo roles or kids entertainment comedy. Though with a kind of wicked streak enough that adults still find him funny. He seems to manage to have it all.

This seems more like a film devoted to the 1970’s and with a twist of the French new wave in presenting a kind of familiar story more emotionally but also with more cutting edge pizzaz.

The film is Not a complete failure. It tries to play more like a European film or at least seems to be inspired by them. Though this film among other does make me wonder why when a film Is depressing they call it realistic and natural. There are a few happy moments that feel like simple pleasure within but in these films it just seems to be more attention paid to the doom and gloom.

Cinematographer Harris Savides used old lenses and shot mostly in natural light to get the dim, ominous look of the film. The natural light and old lenses making the hues darker doesn’t cover up sub par material. This film just heavily is disappointing. It has It’s moments but not enough for the audience. You never know you might like it.

The film feels like an overblown second novel that has too much to prove. Like the first one wasn’t a failure so it feels bloated with self importance. Like the writer is trying too hard to prove themselves. As he wants to explain things yet also be vague enough to have the evidence read into more

GRADE: C

THE KID DETECTIVE (2021)

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Written & Directed By: Evan Morgan
Cinematography: Mike McLaughlin
Editor: Curt Lobb

Cast: Adam Brody, Wendy Crewson, Kaitlyn Chalmbers-Rizzato, Jonathan Whittaker, Kaleb Horn, Sarah Sutherland, Steve Gagne, Sophie Nelisse, Griffin Wardle 

A once-celebrated kid detective, now 32, continues to solve the same trivial mysteries between hangovers and bouts of self-pity. Until a naive client brings him his first ‘adult’ case, to find out who brutally murdered her boyfriend.

This is a film best to go into blind but the title kind of gives you a hint.

This film helps you breathe a breath of fresh air. As it is smart but not pretentious, at times feels more like a book adaptation than an original film. 

It is original in the best ways. It never takes itself too seriously and while being a comedy for the most part at heart it is also a general mystery. That comes across as neo-noir

The film has more of a premise you would expect in a high concept comedy where a kid detective was basically broken by one case from his teens. Still, practices detective work in the same small town. But his life is a wreck and most of his cases come from teenagers for very simple tasks.

The film also gives a chance to show what happens to children we might prop up for a special ability in their youth that is squally reserved for adults, but what happens when they get older and that isn’t impressive anymore. It’s almost more expected of you or rather basic.

Once he actually is called in on a case of murder by the deceased’s girlfriend. We learn that this picturesque small town has an underground dark side. While grounding the murder and mystery deeper the more adults he talks to. Throughout he is mostly dealing with teens and trying to justify himself to others who once believed in him and now more pity him.

It’s an excellent character-based film that while wing a neo-noir and lacks a femme fatale. It does involve a female character. Who subconsciously haunts him.

By the third act of the film. We are pushed in a direction we never saw coming that actually deepens everything. We have seen before and while the film was running well before. The last act is what really raises the film and its Stakes. We are left with an aftermath that isn’t as clean-cut and tidy as we are used to.

The film shows that Adam Brody still can impress in a lead role. He is usually Relegated to supporting roles In Comedies. Here he excels even as a sad sack he is charming and likable. He really helps keep the film together especially as he is in most of the scenes.

The direction is light and crisp not so stylized that you would expect in a film like this. Which is what makes it’s darker moments so unexpected. 

The film would make a good double feature with the Teenage detective mystery BRICK. 

Grade: B+

JACK (1996)

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Directed By: Francis Ford Coppola
Written by: James DeMonaco & Gary Nadeau
Cinematography: John Toll
Editor: Barry Malkin

Cast: Robin Williams, Diane Lane, Jennifer Lopez, Brain Kerwin, Bill Cosby, Fran Drescher, Adam Zolotin, Todd Bosley, Jurnee Smollett,  Michael Mckean, Don Novello, Keone Young, Seth Smith, Mario Yedidia, Jer Adrianne Lelliott

Because of an unusual disorder that has aged him four times faster than a typical human being, a boy looks like a 40-year-old man as he starts fifth grade at public school after being homeschooled.

This is a feel-good movie that feels at times too artificial.

A kids movie, more from an adult’s point of view that families will enjoy. That tries to capture the winsomeness of youth but reeks of sentimentality and a kind of contempt with an over the top earnestness. That works for the audience but feels pointed and over intellectual at times just to try to explain things in a plausible way. While taking itself too seriously.

It attempts to be a feel-good film so much that it feels like a cop-out or set up to watch Robin Williams be wacky with kids while supposedly being a kid. Letting him loose to be wild and showcase his improv talent while still playing a character convincingly.

If you are a fan or completist of his works then this film is great. As I can admit a favorable bias when it comes to Robin Williams performances. This feels almost like the greatest hits collection. As it shows his range fully in character. As this is a role seemingly written for him. So it is perfect casting with him is the lead being unpredictable and always having a certain playfulness. Though as you watch you get a sense that he is better than the material. Even as the movie is more or less built around him. 

While Francis Ford Coppola tries to make the material and the film more enriched then it is or deserved to be. As to not embarrass himself. Plus gives him the chance to work with Robin Williams. Though the film Still feels disappointing as he tries to bring tone and atmosphere to the material. Just as he did in his previous for hire film THE RAINMAKER.

The film tries to show the joy of youth and ends up coming off more obvious than anything. While some comedic scenes seem misplaced even though they are supposed to be in a kind of reality seem silly more than anything.

Child actor Todd Bodley does his similar oddball schtick he did in the movie LITTLE GIANTS. Though he used his talents better in the kids film LLOYD then here.

Bill Cosby plays a supporting role as a child psychiatrist that feels more like a special guest star and is filmed in a warm loving way. That set the time for his reputation more. That watching the film now is almost sad and scary knowing what we know and scars the movie a bit. In which his performance and character are some of the better things in it.

The film is an interesting contrast of the two comedians working together though mostly in dramatic scenes.

As towards the end the film takes a more dramatic and sad turn, but it also ends up being a life-affirming film for the whole family. As even in It’s More adult scenes it comes off as silly and innocent 

The film in the end is definitely a crowd-pleaser. That you can’t help but smile and giggle at least once or twice.

Grade: C

FREAKY (2020)

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Directed By: Christopher Landon 
Written By: Christopher Landon & Michael Kennedy 
Cinematography: Laurie Rose
Editor: Ben Baudhuin 

Cast: Vince Vaughn, Kathryn Newton, Celeste O’Connor, Misha Osherovich, Emily Holder, Nicholas Stargal, Katie Finnaren, Dana Drori, Mitchell Hoog, Melissa Cellazo 

After swapping bodies with a deranged serial killer, a young girl in high school discovers she has less than 24 hours before the change becomes permanent.

This is my type of film and comes from writer-director Christopher Landon. One knows what to expect: a high concept idea that was prominent in 1980’s/1990’s films only here put into the horror genre.

It comes out entertaining but not as much as one would have hoped. The film is perfectly entertaining. Yet even with the violence and gore. You never quite take it seriously or worry.

Half the time it is done with fun. While also giving the moral of respecting people’s titles, labels, and character and trying to define them as just one thing.

While the kills are somewhat creative. The way in which they switch bodies seems a little hokey. It’s needed for the audience to understand but kind of takes the audience out of the film. It offers a ridiculous plot device and provides comedy for this film, but as the film doesn’t live up to the campy and cheesy nature of that plot point it kind of shines a spotlight on it as a weakness.

What shines through the most here is surprisingly Vince Vaughn who could have let his performance be Purely comedic but he plays menacing, heartfelt, girlish, and comedic believably. In both his killer performance and his performance with his body being inhabited by a teenage girl. 

It’s also nice for a film to actually have a sex scene that is not graphic but plays into the genre and manages to have no nudity.

You can tell early on who the film is setting up to be victims and when it has a chance it resists twists that one might expect. It even manages to have 2 endings where the film could have ended and still been perfectly fine but needed that extra one to give the character more closure and achieve eye goal as well as have a typical horror ending.

This is a horror-comedy that offers some fun and different aspects but in the end, sticks to the rules and script of the familiar. Though it is definitely worth watching. 

Grade: C+

SPONTANEOUS (2020)

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Written & Directed By: Brian Duffield
Based on the novel by: Aaron Starmer
Cinematography: Aaron Morton
Editor: Steve Edwards

Cast: Katherine Langford, Charlie Plummer, Yvonne Orji, Hayley Law, Piper Perabo, Rob Huebel, Chris Shields, Marlowe Percival, Laine MacNeil 

Get ready for the outrageous coming-of-age love story about growing up…and blowing up. When students in their school begin exploding (literally), seniors Mara and Dylan struggle to survive in a world where each moment may be their last.

This film starts off seeming like a typical teen film with a darkly comedic cynical side. Though as the film goes along it gets deeper and gives the film actual depth.

The film takes the audience on a ride while dealing with a morbid subject. As we in the audience feel something and experience the sorrow. 

Especially in the third act where a character we have grown close to becomes a victim. Even as the film tries to humanize most of the victims somewhat. So that there is something felt as each one meets their fate.

This film is Like most teens, rebellious on the outside but sensitive and emotional the more you get to know them and the deeper they decide to open up. 

The film offers a little thriller element as to wonder who will be next but that ends up giving the movie energy and vitality that seems to give each scene a certain edge.

Writer/director Brian Duffield is becoming a favorite and expert in these genre teen films. This is his directorial debut but he previously wrote THE BABYSITTER. While this is more dramatic he is good at making genre films serving teenagers and making them exciting and yet believable as far as characters and having nightmare scenarios turn out into great on-screen fantasies.

The film gives off a romantic message but also one that is about to live life to the fullest while you can and embrace the experience for it might be one of your last. 

While doing that is another aspect it shows that time can be precious and how those close to you might feel neglected while caring for you. You choose to focus on your current crush or love and make others feel left out. 

The film also seems to want to show the unknown when growing up and graduating from a firm teenager to adulthood more responsibilities where your actions have much more important and can inhabit your future.

It also shows the unpredictable nature of life and even first love. How you can be thrown into a loop when things change, especially through no fault of your own and like the title says spontaneously and rather suddenly.

This film offers a fun but more cynical and violent look at it. 

The film hits especially strong during these pandemic times. 

Grade: B+

ADULT BEGINNERS (2014)

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Directed By: Ross Katz
Written By: Jeff Cox & Liz Flahive
Story By: Nick Kroll, Jeff Cox & Liz Flahive
Cinematography By: Vanja Cernjul
Editor: Paul Frank

Cast: Nick Kroll, Rose Byrne, Bobby Canavale, Joel McHale, Bobby Moynihan, Paula Garces, Caitlin Fitzgerald, Jane Krakowski, Mike Birbiglia, Jason Mantzoukas, Sarah Steele, Josh Charles, Julia White, Jeffrey DeMunn, Seth Barrish 

A young, narcissistic entrepreneur crashes and burns on the eve of his company’s big launch. With his entire life in total disarray, he leaves Manhattan to move in with his estranged pregnant sister, brother-in-law and 3-year-old nephew in the suburbs – only to become their nanny.

This isn’t a film that exactly reinvents the wheel. It is obvious, so obvious it almost feel sitcom comical. Though it does have a sweetness to it and a nice albeit lite message.

The film is rather basic and simple. As we watch middle aged characters. Afraid truly of growing up and taking responsibility and slowly learn how to do that. As they must. As they seem to be coasting through life, but not ready to come to grips with responsibility and the future

As the characters all have an idea in their head of where they would be at and what they should be doing. They have all made it to a degree but wonder now what. As they find themselves unhappy and dissatisfied. We watch their journey as at first it seems they will have to make it on their own as they don’t trust one another. Though as the film goes along we watch them depend on one another. Then betray one another of sorts.

The film is essentially about family and learning life lessons. Luckily the film and direction have a very lite and soft hand. So it never becomes too jaded or heavy handed. As we watch the characters in raising a child finally learn to grow up. With plenty of comedic hijinks that get to the point rather quickly.

Nick Kroll is more serious then we see him usually though is still in a majorly comedic role. So it’s nice to see his range.

Rose Byrne is fun in her role which seems like it will be more of a tragic. Though through the subtlety of her role makes it memorable and quite cute. As she seems to be the most fragile but also level headed character. 

Bobby Canavale is more the link head who is messing up and knows better but is looking to love past glories and hope it will revitalize his life. Though he knows what is at stake and what he could lose.

The rest of the cast is fine. Though not necessarily strong and noteworthy.

The unexpected rears it’s ugly head as characters you believe will be helpful and fun end up being more mean spirited but at least feel true. Showing the harshness of the world they live in and how they can only really depend on one another.The film does lend itself to plenty of comedic moments. As the cast is made up of comedic performers. The moments don’t come off as natural and more at tie a as send up’s of types of people, but they do work.

I would say wait for cable for this one.

Grade: C

PARTY GIRL (1995)

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Directed By: Daisy Von Scherler Mayer
Written By: Daisy Von Scherler Mayer & Harry Birckmayer
Story By: Sheila Gaffney & Daisy Von Scherler Mayer & Harry Birckmayer
Cinematograhy By: Michael Slovis
Editor: Cara Silverman

CAST: Parker Posey, Guillermo Diaz, Anthony DeSando, Liev Schrieber, Omar Townsend, Donna Mitchell, John Ventimiglia, Dwight Ewell

Mary is a free-spirited young woman with a run-down New York apartment and a high fashion wardrobe. She calls her godmother, a librarian, for bail money after being arrested for throwing an illegal party. To repay the loan, she begins working as a library clerk. At first she hates it, but when challenged decides to master the Dewey Decimal System and become a great library clerk, while romancing a falafel vendor and helping her roommate in his goal to become a professional DJ.

This film is a perfect time capsule of the ’90s and the new york party scene circuit. As far as independent cinema. It’s a mainstream story. It was a surprise hit that was even turned into a disastrous sitcom starring Christine Taylor. The sitcom couldn’t catch the magic of the film nor the charisma of Parker Posey. ‘As her performance in this film is star-making.


This is the film that has made me a life Long fan of Ms. Posey. It introduced me to her and unfortunately, she has rarely gotten a role that lets her shine as bright as she does here. It’s a star-making role and Ms. Posey is excellent in the lead. She is funny Perfect pitch and comic timing. There really is no reason she is not a world-class star by now. Many other actresses have gotten famous with lesser material. If only she was a comedian or a strictly comedic actress.


She would probably be at the top of her game by now, But alas she is a real actress able to do comedy and drama in one quick swoop. This is a movie that can’t help but put a smile on your face.

Not a fairy tale even though she has a prince in the form of a falafel vendor. He does not sweep her off her feet to take care of her, but he does support her. This is after all a tale of empowerment. A woman’s film a guy could stand to watch.

I can’t say enough good things about this movie. Which would still be good, not great without parker posey in it but together they are dynamite. It’s kismet. The role was meant for her. I couldn’t imagine anyone else playing it. Like Reese Witherspoon in LEGALLY BLONDE and Heath Ledger in THE DARK KNIGHT.


I remember seeing this film the same day as seeing THE INCREDIBLY TRUE ADVENTURES OF 2 GIRLS IN LOVE. I only decided to watch this film on a whim since so many people had gotten tickets to see it. My Cousin said we should since she was interested in seeing it too so we snuck in. I was pleasantly surprised. it was a breath of fresh air and eye-opening in the way to entertain and get laughs on a low budget. I enjoyed it more than the film we had just watched.


I think that day cemented not only my love of indie cinema but knowing that I wanted to be a part of it somehow.


This movie has the spirit of the story The Little engine that could. The story is slight, but through the characters more than the situations it makes an impact.


It’s a rated R film but really should be rated PG-13 Due to language partial nudity and drug use.


A MUST SEE


GRADE: A

GAME OVER, MAN! (2018)

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Directed By: Kyle Newacheck 
Written By: Anders Holm 
Story By: Anders Holm, Adam Devine & Blake Anderson 
Cinematography By: Steve Jablonsky 
Editor: Evan Henke 

Cast: Adam Devine, Anders Holm, Blake Anderson, Rhona Mitra, Neal McDonough, Sam Richardson, Steve Howey, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Daniel Stern, Aya Cash, Andrew Bachelor, Sugar Lyn Beard, Chloe Bridges, Mac Brandt, Jon Garbus 

Three friends are on the verge of getting their video game financed when their benefactor is taken hostage by terrorists.

This film is brought to you by the guys behind the television show WORKAHOLICS. This movie is like an unadulterated, uncensored episode of the show. Which I can admit I was a viewer of which is why this film comes across as a guilty pleasure for the most part.

This film seems like it could have been a contender at the box office, but is better served on Netflix. Where it will appeal to their audience and allow them to gain a bigger one.

The leads are playing variations of their comedic personas only more extreme. As they as a group seek to be successful with several million dollar ideas. So that they can claim some significance in their embarrassing roles in life at their job.

One so the bombastic blowhard who has made himself the leader, the other is an idea man who is a stoner and the third is more the nerdy shy buttoned up type. Who find themselves basically in a die hard situation. As the film works as a parody of that film also.

What works with this film is what works with the best comedies. The film isn’t just them Doing Funny and crazy stuff while everyone around them plays it straight and reacts to them. The film allows most of the other characters to be as wacky and crazy. Even allows by the film to focus for whole scenes and time periods on other characters.

The fun in is watching some of the villainous archetypes play out a little more different some more human or at least realistic to life.

As mentioned before this film is uncensored in all aspects. So there is plenty of graphic violence, gore to a degree and also male full frontal nudity.

The film plays contained as it takes place mostly in the hotel they work at. There are no surprises when it comes to the villains. Except how they are played at times.

In one way you could easily find the film insulting as it is more shocking frat type of juvenile behavior. Seen more through the lens of young white males. Even as this is not the type of film to really look for equality and political correctness in. The film tries to be fair to everyone, especially the females and not have them just be window dressing or damsels in distress. Though they don’t get as much action and attention. Though I will say Jillian Bell in her cameo in the film steals the scene and is provides the funniest laugh in the film.

As the film has plenty of pop culture references but also quite a few celebrity cameos. Which are hilarious and truly show that no one is safe in this film. Even the title is a quote from a popular line from the movie ALIENS. Said by the late great actor Bill Paxton

The film has no depth but stays entertaining. If you are a fan of their show or them as comedic actors and performers. You will definitely enjoy the film. As at least as you know the scenario the film offers surprises and doesn’t come across or lazy or phoning it in as more and more studio comedies and comedic actors are coming off as more and more at times. Like they are doing their schtick but they don’t even see inspired or into it anymore. So at least this film comes across as guys who are creative coming up with laughs and doing it for themselves as well as wanting to serve the audience.

This feels like a comedy from a new age. Definitely not watered down

Grade: C+

DESPERADOS (2020)

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Directed By: LP
Written By: Ellen Rapoport 
Cinematography: Tim Orr
Editor: Christian Hoffman 

Cast: Nasim Pedrad, Anna Camp, Sarah Burns, Lamorne Morris, Robbie Amell, Heather Graham, Jessica Chaffin, Jessica Lowe

A panicked young woman, with her reluctant friends in tow, rushes to Mexico to try and delete a ranting email she sent to her new boyfriend.

It’s Nice to see Nasim Pedrad in the lead. Even if from the beginning we notice her character is disturbed and throughout the movie seems to get worse and more desperate. That it is hard at times to have any sympathy for her. 

But just as she really barely had time to make her mark on Saturday night love this film doesn’t seem to be the best material for her it gives her more to do but nothing really to do to make a mark. She is attractive and entertaining. Though just as the film

Focuses on later. It’s hard to age. Any sympathy for her and you wonder why her friends do either.

As they have real problems but while having humorous scenes. They barely have anything to do but sit back and watch her and at times get pulled into the ridiculousness.

At times the film gets a little raunchy but it more stays ridiculous than gross

As the script isn’t really that great it seems like a script talking down to the audience as even the premise seems strange for a feature that just like the main character reeks of desperation. 

Maybe as it comes off more like a stereotype a more male one about how they truly believe women view relationships basically needy 

That seems like a female version of the movie OVERNIGHT DELIVERY. Whereas this film has more the feel of early Netflix premiere movies. This film Works but strangely feels haphazardly put together. 

Which makes sense as this was originally meant to be made in 2009 with Isla Fisher starring. As the material does feel dated. 

Even if it is refreshing To see a female character be quite messy as the lead and having the male love interest more, have it altogether more and love her for being herself and be there to try and keep everything on the straight and narrow. Even if he has a minor problem But is willing. To get over it for her

In the end, the film shows that there is somebody for everybody. Even those who you might not expect. Unfortunately, I doubt that the same can be said when it comes to this movie and an audience.

Grade: D+ 

GOING TO BRAZIL (2016)

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Directed By: Patrick Mille
Written By: Patrick Mille, Julien Lambroschini & Sabrina Amara
Cinematography: Andre Szenkowski
Editor: Samuel Dansei

Cast: Vanessa Guide, Alison Wheeler, Margot Bancilhon, Philippine Stindel, Patrick Mille, Christine Citti, Susana Pires, Chico Diaz, Joseph Makebra 

Four childhood friends reunite for a wedding in Rio, only to find themselves on the run through the Brazilian countryside after accidentally killing someone at a drug-fueled party.

The film feels very 1980s inspired. As the plot feels high concept and simple. As it takes a GIRL’S NIGHT type story and takes it further and more action-oriented.

It even feels directed like an interaction action film from the 1980s. So that you always feel a bit of nostalgia. If you are a fan of films from the decade. 

The film offers a kind of girl’s gone wild scenario. As the characters deal with being on vacation in Brazil for a friend’s wedding and their lives not going too well. So they decide to show e fun no wild out. Which eventually leads to trouble. The film presents deals with them trying to stay out of trouble as more complications are presented.

Even though the film sounds like it would more be  T & A fest. It is more for female viewers. As most of the male characters are stupid, evil and manipulative.

The film sets up an older male villain. Whose motives are understandable partially. As he is only reacting to the death of a loved one. One who ended up being reprehensible. Showing that the Apple doesn’t fall far from The tree.

The film plays so broad but then reins in some scenes that want to be more dramatic or character building. 

The film certainly switches tones as it begins like a screwball comedy and then becomes more hardcore at first serious then action but tries to keep a sense of humor through it all. Leaving the film to be inventive and thankfully fast-paced.

In trying to stay out of trouble they are lead into all sorts of criminal activity and hijinks that eventually allows them to have a full-fledged adventure. That stays on the move and exposes a silly and unexpected side. 

Even if the last-minute hardcore action seems a bit much. 

The four leads all play types more than characters but all are needed for their particular skills that help along the way and they all have their own appeal. 

The more darker-skinned characters are shown more as villains, tough and dangerous. It doesn’t seem intended that way but still comes off that way and noticeable. 

The film offers an interesting tale of a girl’s vacation in its own way.

The film unfortunately might be entertaining as you watch it but by the end feels forgettable. 

GRADE: C-