Tag: Paul Rudd

FRIENDSHIP (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Andrew DeYoung

Cinematography: Andy Rydzewski

Editor: Sophie Corra 

Cast: Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, Patti Harrison Kate Mara, Jack Dylan Grazer, Raphael Sbarge, Whitmer Thomas, Ivy Wolk, Josh Segarra, Jon Glaser, Connor O’Malley

A suburban dad falls hard for his charismatic new neighbor.

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Yes, the review isn’t gonna be any different than probably many of the other ones you might’ve read or heard, or seen about this film, as the film stars comedian Tim Robinson, the film does feel like an extended skit from his popular show. I think you should leave, which showcases skits that are awkward, bizarre the top surreal. Though based in a familiar reality that can be identifiable.

So that this film does feel like an extended skit as it gets more absurd as the film goes along, the film with the same character, so that it feels more like we’re going through a crisis

Inntunnel, vision than anything else. As the film at times can be bizarre.

The film does explore male loneliness and could be seen as a midlife crisis movie of a married man.  who doesn’t have any friends, and his family seems not to be interested in him or have really much use for him, who starts an adult friendship and a little bit of worship with his new neighbor.

That does get his hopes up, but then clearly coola down because of his awkwardness, and trying too hard, but also lacking social

Skills , which then alienates him. 

Truly showcasing his vulnerability, which is not an attractive trait, as well as leading to an obsession and stalking, if that’s not enough, also his problems at home, which he has been repressing his anger or disillusionment about, only help him boil over. As we all need a tribe a group to feel a part of and here he can’t seem to fit into one might be better one on one, but also no matter where he goes. He seems to be the butt of jokes of whichever group.

What about the film? Is that while the lead character goes above and beyond what is necessary, and is truly a scary character piece? It also shows that the other characters are flawed, though they seem to know how to handle situations in life much better and sooner 

This could be more of a character study. We learned more about the character and could see a little bit more why his actions are the way that they are, but that film isn’t built for this nor is it its aim. The film builds up sympathy form, but doesn’t let him off the hook as showing that he’s not perfect and most things seem to be his fault and just let them grow and get to him and his reactions or what truly make him unhinged.

That has the humor of Tim Robinson, other than as an actor, he doesn’t seem to have any input or basis on the film, as he didn’t write it, nor did he direct it. He doesn’t even produce it. Paul Rudd, his co-star, actually produces it. Writer/Director Andrew DeYoung has gotten Robinson’s charms and humor perfectly, which helps sell the film. as it is supposedly based upon deYoung’s experience after getting iced out of it, a group of friends.

As I have been describing this film, I have not said how hilarious the film is. You laugh throughout the film, even if it’s just out of being uncomfortable. I wouldn’t say it’s near perfect, but. It’s not insubstantial. It has a message, maybe not an important one, and goes way over the top by the end, though you do kind of appreciate it for where it goes, and not the ending clearly could’ve had, but it wouldn’t be true to itself if it did. 

this isn’t some gag, filled comedy

Nor slapstick with one liners hunch lines, and too much physical comedy. It’s a bit random This is more what some might call cringeworthy comedy. Which makes it appeal to a certain Taste or audience so keep this in mind as I review this film as I am part of that audience as I am a fan of Tim Robinson, his show that type of comedy so I might be vice plus the film is partly identifiable for me and I will not explain in which way, but those who know me will recognize it

The film also explores some of the social rules of groups of friends, and try to infiltrate that group, how cruel and unforgiving it could be, no matter how all might seem 

Everything seems a bit twisted other than the lead character, though I can’t recommend this film more. I think I’m liked it a bit more than some other. 

Grade: B

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM (2023)

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Directed By: Jeff Rowe and Kyler Spears 

Written By: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Jeff Rowe, Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit 

Based on TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES characters, Created By: Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird

Head Of Cinematography: Kent Saki

Editor: Greg Levitan

Voice cast: Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Ice Cube, Jackie Chan, Ayo Edebiri, Maya Rudolph, John Cena, Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Natasia Demetriou, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Rudd, Post Malone, Hannibal Buress 

After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtles set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. But they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

Over the years, there have been many reboots of this franchise as well as ongoing, animated television shows. There were even two live-action films after the initial live-action trilogy of films.

I have to say that this animated film is the best of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise since the original animated series and also the first two live-action films which are near deer to my heart. I saw them in theaters and the first one I kept trying to see in theaters and I think, I tried five times to see it in theaters and it was always sold out. This was before you could buy your tickets online so when I finally did get to see it, it was so magical and felt so worth it.

This film emphasizes the teenage part of the title as the characters do have fighting skills, but they are also still teenagers at heart growing up and wanting to belong but also wanting to have fun and not necessarily so mission-focused.

With it being more about teenagers, it prepares you to have patience with that aspect as an adult, though it’s a perfect family film that feels a bit more funky and fun than any of the films have before. It’s a film for a younger audience though older fans can’t enjoy it.

Here’s a little bit reimagined with a more urban feel in a different villain than the nemesis usually the villain Shredder.

The film is a lot more fun and emphasizes a bit more humor than action.

The star voices don’t add too much more of a hay isn’t that such and such factor that would work with or without them, though it is nice to see here, the familiar voice does at times the danger of taking you out of the film, especially when it comes to certain beloved characters.

Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, take over the franchise or the ideas for the story here and rework it, just as they have others that they either produce or create shows like THE BOYS and PREACHER amongst others. At least it seems like the stuff that they are behind that RIP that they were fans of from the beginning so while they are making it a little more hip, they know what the fans like. Enjoy and want.

The film is an original story at heart. It’s closer to the more blockbuster material of the animated cartoon than the previous live-action movies that starred Megan Fox. 

It’s a reboot for a franchise that continues to reinvent itself while sticking to the same premise, yet never venturing into the dark original world of the cult comic book from which it came.

Grade: B+ 

DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS (2010)

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Directed By: Jay Roach
Written by: David Guion & Michael Handelman
Based on the original screenplay “Le Diner De Cons” by: Francis Veber 
Cinematography: Jim Debault 
Editor: Alan Baumgarten & Jon Poll

Cast: Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, Zach Galifinakis, Jemaine Clement, Bruce Greenwood, Larry Wilmore, Andrea Savage, Lucy Punch, David Williams, Stephane Szostak, Ron Livingston, Kristen Schawlow, Nick Kroll, Randall Park, Chris O’Dowd, Jeff Dunham, Octavia Spencer, Rick Overton 

When he finds out that his work superiors host a dinner celebrating the idiocy of their guests, a rising executive questions it when he’s invited, just as he befriends a man who would be the perfect guest.

While I quite enjoyed the french original it was smaller scale and crueler. Limited in its locations and hijinks. 

As Well the lead was less likable and by the end, all that happens seemed more like a well-deserved comeuppance. Though after a while you Could feel his pain

This American remake is opened up more to allow more characters and situations. That makes the film feel more Bloated than it needs to be.

The film has a talented comedic cast, who all seem to go over the top and try way too hard to make the material work when not needed and steal the movie. It doesn’t feel so much as fun and entertaining. With each trying to top one another in a game of one up man ship that it feels grand in its upper-crust air. Though proves that some bits and pieces are good enough. Which is a shame because the cast is pretty solid. 

Steve Carrell feels too familiar with this role in THE OFFICE of being innocently annoying and stupid more silly here and bigger. While He is one of the stars he keeps getting scenes stolen from him by co-Stars.

Steve Carell does what he is supposed to do and can be a chameleon usually in roles you would never believe he would be cast in, but here he never quite makes a mark to pass into an original or a classic. 

The film certainly lacks any subtlety. The film still wants the main stars to be likable. So the film opens up the story for more hijinks. As well as padding out the cast and a third act showdown. Whereas the original could have been a theatrical stage piece.

One can give credit for opening up the Story but each new location most feels like a set up where you know things are going to go wrong. 

The film isn’t As snobbish or highbrow as this seems more broadly humored. 

Yet again though this is a remake made for now original the foreign language one was and other than it’s the Main point most is changed around for a more mainstream appeal that subtracts what made it so special in the first place. It’s never a good place to be, because if you follow too closely then it’s like the film

LET ME IN practically the same shots with different actors and in English with minor changes. Where you might as well watch the original as everything is pretty much the same. You just won’t recognize the cast and will have to read subtitles.

So if you have seen the original while this is bigger it comes off strangely and as even if you haven’t seen the original. This still will be way too familiar and you’ve seen it before and done better.

GRADE: C

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (2006)

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night_at_the_museum_secret_of_the_tomb_still_1

Directed By: Shawn Levy
Story & Written By: Thomas Lennon & Robert Ben Garant
Based On The Book By: Milan Trenc
Cinematography: Guillermo Navarro
Editor: Don Zimmerman

Cast: Ben Stiller, Carla Gugino, Robin Williams, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Bill Cobbs, Jake Cherry, Ricky Gervais, Rami Malek, Kim Raver, Paul Rudd, Anne Meara, Steve Coogan 

A newly recruited night security guard at the Museum of Natural History discovers that an ancient curse causes the animals and exhibits on display to come to life and wreak havoc.

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