Tag: Dan Fogelman

FRED CLAUS (2007)

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Directed By: David Dobkin

Written By: Dan Fogelman

Story By: Jessie Nelson and Dan Fogelman

Cinematography: Remi Adefarasin

Editor: Mark Livolsi

Cast: Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, Kevin Spacey, Rachel Weisz, John Michael Higgins, Elizabeth Banks, Kathy Bates, Miranda Richardson, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Bobb’e J. Thompson

Always living in the shadow of his younger and utterly popular brother, Nicholas–or the one and only, Santa Claus–the polar opposite of his holy sibling, Fred Claus, now faces an unforeseen predicament that drags him all the way up to the frozen North Pole to beg for Santa’s help. However, there’s a catch. To get off the hook, Fred must work his fingers to the bone along with the jolly elves during the hectic pre-Christmas Eve period, against the backdrop of a thorough and merciless efficiency inspection. Can the wayward brother Fred save himself, and above all, Christmas?

This film has very few factors going for it. The Christmas morning scene is the only time this film truly feels believable and shows the beauty and heartwarming side of Christmas. It’s about family, magic, happiness, and amazement, and that one scene finally touches what the whole film is supposed to be about.

What comes before is more of a shallow exercise that wants to be heartwarming but comes across as conniving and faking the funk.

The problem is that it builds up this whole fantasy realm and lower, but doesn’t exactly quite explain it or give the rules so that’s your loss so that you can just throw anything in there. sort of like Vince Vaughn is supposed to be the older brother of Santa Claus, but they never quite explain how long Santa Claus has been in his current position except that he was born for it. Even in a certain part of the movie remember that a certain character wanted a gift way back in 1968 but Vince Vaughn is the older brother has he been away from the North Pole and living in the real world and why doesn’t he age or have any certain magical powers, that he pretty much struggling for the most part and afraid to get into a romantic relationship.

That last part helps when it comes to explaining his mentality thinking he’s afraid of attachments because he’s on the out with his family so he doesn’t really trust anyone even the people he should because he’s all out for himself but throughout the movie learns to love his family, who have always just wanted the best for him And others and together for greater cause.

Which is a great message. You just wish that the film had bothered you. To find a plausible and more believable way there. it just feels like a comedy built around the holiday built around the persona of star Vince Vaughn. He is a good actor and works well as a fast-talking hustler as that is his stick so it’s no surprise to find out that most of his lines were the result of improv.

However, that style doesn’t quite match the material as it’s better in his more R-rated juvenile comedies rather than a family film as it just makes him seem more like a bumbling liar half the time or a bumbling man. One who would never believe.

Kevin Spacey makes no sense as an efficiency expert but who sent him that’s never explained. Why is he hell-bent on taking down Santa and what was he going to replace the North Pole in the factory with never explained how to get away with his plan at parts and times he even cheats to sabotage Santa. So you would think the powers that be if let’s say this word to become a religious film when they see that and Disapprove?

Understandably these are things you’re not supposed to think of when watching this film but the shenanigans that the film produces you can’t help but think that. One this is obviously made for children and families. There should still be some explanation rather than feeling like the film is like the main character making up things on the spot.

I don’t want to be a Grinch. The cast tries Vince Vaughn, whose movies can be hit or miss nearly seems like for the most part. He isn’t sleepwalking through this role, but he doesn’t seem that enthusiastic all the time to be there so he does bother to put in high energy, this just wasn’t the material for him.

It’s rare that a scene works sort of like when he goes to therapy for brothers who don’t feel they get enough credit as their more famous brothers that was funny but could have gone a bit over the top and been funnier, but it feels like it’s holding back mainly because it’s a family film, but also exposes the film as being more of a series of skits with an overall story rather than a true film.

Grade: D

DANNY COLLINS (2015)

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dannycollins2

Written & Directed By: Dan Fogelman 

Cinematography: Steve Yedlin 

Editor: Julie Monroe 

Cast: Al Pacino, Annette Bening, Christopher Plummer, Bobby Cannavale, Jennifer Garner, Nick Offerman, Melissa Benoist, Josh Peck, Katarina Cas, Giselle Eisenberg, Brian Thomas Smith, Scott Lawrence 


Inspired by a true story, Al Pacino stars as aging 1970s rocker Danny Collins, who can’t give up his hard-living ways. But when his manager uncovers a 40 year-old undelivered letter written to him by John Lennon, he decides to change course and embarks on a heartfelt journey to rediscover his family, find true love and begin a second act.

Inspired by the story of singer Steve Tilston, who learned of the existence of a letter that John Lennon had written to him 34 years after the letter was written.

The film is a feel good film that feels a little like a fantasy but is a heart warmer and feels lived in. Will admit this is an easy film to overlook. as once you see the trailer you feel like you have it all figured out. Though once you watch it you are shocked at how much it grabs a hold of you and moves you.

Al Pacino shines in his role her where he gives a heaviness to a role that could be easily written off as lightweight. He gives it his all and makes a charismatic sympathetic character who could have been more comedic. Though the fact that he isn’t makes us pay attention and wonder.

The previews for this film focused more on the romantic angle between him and Annette Bening’s Character but as the film progresses that is only one part of this character study. As most of the drama revolves around him and his estranged son’s relationship.

There are plenty of isn’t that convenient moments but in the end the film leaves you with a smile on your face. As it is a film that could be a family film Except that is some scenes it goes out of it’s Way to show you the material is more adult with drug use and a scene of nudity.

The film lightly explores being afraid of challenging yourself and taking the easy way out. While also asking not o hard if you have built up a reputation for making others happy but it doesn’t make you happy anymore. Do you still owe the people what they want or are you allowed to let yourself be happy and express yourself even if it’s it in a way that others are used to or might not even approve of and try to deny.

Christopher Plummer is good as always and it’s fun to see him play more of a tough guy.

For such a noted cast this is actually kind of lightweight material. Though for the most part they are the true reason to watch this. As they give the material the respect even though they are above it to a certain aspect.

Though in the end this is feel good entertainment with a little bit of an edge and basically gives the cast an easy walk with letting them play characters who are more lived in and having the younger cast members play smaller roles that are more like sketches of characters.

It also asks how much do you owe your audience as they are the ones who supported you and admire you, but ho much do you owe them when you want to express yourself more truthfully and honestly though that stands at odds with what your audience wants or will even let you do. Who is more in control especially when you have given them years and been made rich off of it but aren’t being true to yourself.

Grade: C+