Tag: Craig Alpert

ANACONDA (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Tom Gormican 

Written By: Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten

Based on the original film “ANACONDA” written by: Hans Bauer, Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr. 

Cinematography: Nigel Bluck 

Editor: Craig Alpert and Gregory Plotkin 

CAST: Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Thandiwe Newton, Steve Zahn, Daniela Melchior, Selton Mello, Rui Ricardo Diaz, Ione Skye

Four film obsessives drag themselves into the Amazon on a shoestring dream: make a spiritual sequel to a schlocky 90s horror classic nobody asked for. Doug is the engine, a guy whose genuine talent has been slowly suffocating under wedding reception footage. Griff has the rights and the actor’s hunger but not much else. The rain-forest is indifferent. The snake is absent. What the film is really about is the distance between loving movies and actually making one, and whether passion alone can paper over every logistical, financial, and interpersonal crack that opens up the moment you leave home with a camera and a bad plan.

This is a film that Not only makes me question why was this made, but also what studio thought this was a good idea I can only imagine because of having Jack black and Paul Rudd together in some kind of buddy comedy ensemble film. 

As it sounded like a bad idea from the get go, but was hoping it would be broader or bring something different to the table. Even though it plays pretty rote 

Co-Written and directed by Tom Gormican whose previous films were AXEL F the latest BEVERLY HILLS COP movie (as a writer) and THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT,  as writer-director. Both films going back into the past of celebrities or iconic movie characters. Don’t feels a natural that he would take a move that was a surprise hit and known for it’ ridiculous nature and make it into a meta comedy that resurrects the film franchise and it’s cultural impact 

Originally this was supposed to be a reunion of his stars from UBEARABLE WEIGHT Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal but when he couldn’t get them. We got Paul Rudd and Jack black. Who try to have chemistry and play against type with Jack black more than straight man and responsible one. Where as Paul Rudd plays the more wild and impulsive character.

There are 2 cameos in the film one works and is the only time the film is truly alive and hilarious. The other one doesn’t and feels unneeded 

What kept me entertained throughout the film

Was Wondering what is  going on with thandwe newton’s hair. As its volume, length and styles change throughout the film with each new scene. Now that could have been a clever satire of the constant problem of actors of color complaining often they are fixed to wear uncomfortable and badly styled wigs. Due to not having proper hair and make-up people who know how to style their hair. Instead it just happens in the background and one wonders was it intentional or not. Though happy to see her working again. 

Will admit the film is Awkwardly casted. As the actors don’t seem like they would normally work together, but here make it through believably enough and Nice to see Steve zahn part of the cast as him and Jack black have a a small SAVING SILVERMAN reunion

Ultimately though the film not most of it’s ideas It truly goes anywhere and make the material

feel empty. Even if it was just a more comedic remake of the original film. It would have amounted to something 

The film does serve as a constant reminder that Jack Black really needs better and new material film wis. As the only time he seen interesting or in better films is when he works with filmmaker Richard Linklater (Bernie, Apollo 10 1/2) so that it feels like the films he chooses get worse and worse though he stays energetic and likable in all of them. Though since half of them make money at the box office. Other than partially reputation he really has no reason to change his trajectory.

This is a film that could have set itself up. As either a satire or parody and instead comes across as confused as its premise. Though it would have been nice to be a film that shows character who are bonded by their love of not only film but a certain film and the pains and stakes they are willing to take to remake the film out of passion and love. Not to mention a chance to relive part of their childhood and reunite with one another. 

Almost like those guys who remade RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. In their teens a scene by scene remake and only later in life did the world get to see it, finally and they did it out of love for the film. If only this movie came close to having that kind of sincerity, vision and heart. It could have made this film worthwhile. Instead it just feels unnecessary and useless.

 

Grade: F 

THE BOSS (2016)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GRADE: C+

THE MAN FROM TORONTO (2022)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

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-

THE SITTER (2011)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: David Gordon Green 
Written By: Brain Gatewood & Alessandro Tanaka 
Cinematography By: Tim Orr 
Editor: Craig Alpert

Cast: Jonah Hill, Ari Graynor, J.B. Smoove, Sam Rockwell, Method Man, Bruce Altman, Erin Daniels, Max Records, Samira Wiley

A comedy about a college student on suspension who is coaxed into babysitting the kids next door, though he is fully unprepared for the wild night ahead of him. 

This film is a Rated R ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING remake almost. Though this is definitely dirtier and less heartwarming but still just as fun. 

The film is a major showcase for Jonah Hill. This is one of those films that your enjoyment depends upon. It’s comedic center and performance and luckily here you have a solid comedic lead with Jonah. The only problem is that he hasn’t defined his type yet. It works out in him giving more of an acting performance than a comedian’s performance where it just would feel like an extension of the comedian’s comic personality. 

He is still a bit shaky and unsteady but definitely finding his way and feeling himself. There is one thing i truly admire about Jonah hill is that with each project he takes on, he is hands-on throughout the production as far as writing and creativity. 

This was his last film before he lost a massive amount of weight. To me so far in his career, Jonah Hill has barely made a misstep. He even managed to make a dramatic turn in MONEYBALL. I didn’t think much of going in and ended up surprisingly loved it. Not only does he hit it out of the ballpark but he got an Oscar nomination. 
 
If you don’t like films that rely on stereotypes to a degree and children being exposed to bad language and inappropriate situations But also using it. This is not the film for you. Which might be why the film bombed. Its advertisement is full of kids. Which you would think would make it a movie that you could bring your kids to. Unfortunately, you can’t.

Which really makes you question is the film only funny because it’s pushing the limit and squeezing laughs out of it or is it just funny. In other words, is it success only shock value. 
The film barely got a good advertisement like they were just throwing it out, Made it just seem like it is only about a Male babysitter isn’t that funny. It has Jonah Hill looking shocked on a flyer for a babysitter asking “Would you trust this guy with your kids” 

I enjoyed the film more then I expected to because despite all of it’s nastiness, shocks, and familiarity. It also managed to have sensitivity and heart without selling out it’s cynicism. It’s a shame it bombed as it seems to be juvenile an off-kilter crowd pleaser. 
 
J.B. Smoove Plays his usual type of role but it works for the film and is hilarious and adds to his menacing character to a point considering the drug dealers He and Sam Rockwell play in the film are more comedic then threatening which makes them that much scarier as they are continually off-kilter. Sam Rockwell’s drug dealer and his harem of well-muscled men are inspired and definitely off-putting. As always Rockwell is an engaging performer who is good dramatically but kills in comedic roles. 

The film tries to play it both ways Between Cynical and heartwarming. Towards the end even though the film has mostly been playing by its own rules, it turns a bit sappy out of nowhere when all of a sudden the main character played by Jonah hill gaining Noble wisdom having all the answers and finally figuring out responsibility and when he should be taught a lesson and deal with his mistakes. 

He is let off and saved so that only for the grace of the script he would never truly learn his lesson as he gets away with almost everything without punishment. It’s a movie that is not meant to be a lesson know. I’m just saying. This film is a good rental. I only wish the running time was long to keep the film going. Yet it ends before it wears out it’s welcome.  


GRADE: B-

RIDE ALONG (2014)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

ride-along_668_330_80_int_s_c1

Directed By: Tim Story
Written By: Jason Mantzoukas, Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi & Greg Coolidge
Story By: Greg Coolidge
Cinematography By: Larry Blanford
Editor: Craig Alpert 


 Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter, John Leguizamo, Bryan Callen, Bruce McGill, Gary Owen, Jay Pharoah, Jacob Latimore, David Banner, Angie Stone

Fast-talking security guard Ben joins his cop brother-in-law James on a 24-hour patrol of Atlanta in order to prove himself worthy of marrying Angela, James’ sister. Originally the movie intended for Dwayne Johnson to play James and Ryan Reynolds to play Ben.

Continue reading “RIDE ALONG (2014)” →