Tag: Eric Andre

BALLS UP (2026)

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Directed By: Peter Farrelly 

Written By: Paul Wernick & Rhett Reese

Cinematography: John Brawley 

Editor: Sam Seig 

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Paul Walter Hauser, Benjamin Bratt, Molly Shannon, Sacha Baron Cohen, Daniela Melchoir, Eric Andre, Eve DeDominici, Chelsey Crisp

Two marketers pitch a bold new condom World Cup sponsorship. After a booze-fueled scandal, they must outrun chaos to survive.

This film is one of the stupidest of the year, So far intentionally. Though expected to be disappointed. While the film certainly isn’t the best of the year. It is surprisingly hilarious.

Though one of the selling points of the movie is the gross out humor. Which shouldn’t come as a surprise considering it’s directed by Peter Farrelley. While this film certainly fits this formula of early 2000’s gross out comedies that are sensational and over the top. It stays within his wheelhouse. Though it still Manages to shock considering it stars Mark Wahlberg.

This comes across as another paycheck job for him. He tries to have enthusiasm, but he looks tired and exasperated. He seems to lack his usual charm in the lead, but he works in his role.

It ultimately boils down to being a buddy comedy where the two supposed mismatched leads learn to become friends. Though all their troubles and camaraderie. 

The true scene stealer of this film is Paul Walter Hauser. As usual in the co-lead. He stays believable, lovable and the Everyman throughout. Though there are certainly other cast members who have fun with their roles and are standouts such as Benjamin Bratt and Sasha Baron Cohen making a return to the big screen.

If you are not a fan of these types of films, this movie isn’t for you I think what when the audience over as you expected typically silly comedy and that leans more into the stupid and while it certainly stays that way, it’s also the gross out jokes that you’re just not expecting with such a pedigree.

While also having fun about the obsessions of men, people and a country never overly insulting but just ridiculous. It’s never quite off color but it is racing that enjoyable. It’s not a film. You might remember 15 minutes after you watch it though it is something that has definitely re-watchable and a guilty pleasure.

This isn’t the type of film you watch for the filmmaking or the acting it’s more film. You just watched to have fun and have a good time with no matter how ridiculous.

Grade: C 

BAD TRIP (2021)

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Directed By: Kitao Sakurai
Story By: Eric Andre, Kitao Sakurai & Andrew Barchilon
Written By: Dan Curry, Eric Andre & Kitao Sakurai
Cinematography: Andrew Laboy
Editor: Sascha Stanton Craven, Matthew Kosinski & Caleb Swyers 

Cast: Eric Andre, Lil Rel Howery, Tiffany Haddish, Michaela Conlin, Allan Graf 

This mix of a scripted buddy comedy road movie and a real hidden camera prank show follows the outrageous misadventures of two buds stuck in a rut who embark on a cross-country road trip to NYC. The storyline sets up shocking real pranks.

This comes from the cinematic form. That seems more an extension of the Jackass movies and television show. Just as Sascha Baron Cohen with the BORAT films. As this film is more just a loose series of stunts and pranks that rely on the reactions of real people not actors who are brought into the scene. Not knowing they are being filmed. Their true reactions to such shocking and sensationalistic actions and scenarios are what keep the film afloat.

As there is a rather thin storyline that is easily forgettable but keeps the characters moving and allows them to be in different locations and states to test out the material. While secretly being filmed.

Now this is also an extension of star and comedian Eric Andre’s show. Where he is known more for his absurdist and gross humor as well as improv man on the street skits.

I can’t vouch for this movie cinematically but I can say if you are into gross and shocking humor. It will keep you laughing throughout despite plot holes or absence of logic. Not only to see the reactions but to see the set-ups 

Though it is Eric Andre’s platform more. Tiffany haddish steals her scenes throughout and seems natural. As this film reminds us of the depth of her talents. Whereas more recently she has seemed to be on autopilot here she actually feels like she is invested. lil rel Howery does what he can do but mostly throughout he is more the straight man and rarely gets to cut loose except for a scene or two.

Half the enjoyment of this film is the reactions from the bystanders. Sometimes they are surprisingly good hearted and other times mad,  it always manages to surprise you. As you watch you tend to wonder how this is believable or how they set it up In Addition To the u predictable behavior of the bystanders 

If looking to just be entertained or are a fan of any of the three comedians who make up the cast. You will love the film naturally. For others, be aware as you can get the feel of the film just from the trailers.

Grade: B-