ADULT BEGINNERS (2014)

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

RIDE ALONG (2014)

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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.

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JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM (2019)

Keanu Reeves stars as 'John Wick' in JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM.

Directed By: Chad Stahelski
Written By: Derek Kolstad, Shay Hatten, Chris Collins & Marc Abrams
Based On Original Characters Created By & Story By: Derek Kolstad
Cinematography: Dan Laustsen
Editor: Evan Schiff 

Cast: Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne, Asia Kate Dillon, Lance Reddick, Anjelica Huston, Mark Dacascos, Yayan Ruhain, Jason Mantzoukas, Said Taghmaoui, Robin Lord Taylor, Jerome Flynn, Susan Blommaert  
In this third installment of the adrenaline-fueled action franchise, skilled assassin John Wick returns with a $14 million price tag on his head and an army of bounty-hunting killers on his trail. After killing a member of the shadowy international assassin’s guild, the High Table, John Wick is excommunicado, but the world’s most ruthless hit men and women await his every turn. Continue reading “JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM (2019)”