Written & Directed by: Kris Issacson Cinematography: Robert D. Yeoman Editor: Stephen A. Rooter
Cast: Freddie Prinze Jr., Julia Stiles, Selma Blair, Rosario Dawson, Shawn Hatosy, Zak Orth, Ashton Kutcher, Henry Winkler, Lucie Arnaz, Lauren German, Lola Glaudini, Adam Carolla, Jimmy Kimmel
A young man wins and loses the first serious love of his life. Al Connelly falls in love with the girl of his dreams. After the summer she breaks up with him. As he tries to recover Al goes to desperate measures.
This was after Miramax studios had a hit with the movie SHE’S ALL THAT and seemingly green-lit a bunch of teen aimed romantic comedies. Usually starring their golden boy at the time Freddie Prinze Jr.
This feels like a budgeted student film for a studio release. Everything looks cheap and garish. As it feels amateurish in direction and story.
The film is a simple romance story about a relationship and distractions as well as temptations and the influence of friends who rotate around them.
Selma Blair plays a temptress and Freddie Prinze Jr’s crush but the film Never makes her look that attractive or tempting. Maybe because they make her more television teen movie friendly, a woman of the world supposedly who comes off like the movie and it’s character pretentious but have nothing to even back any of that up with.
Rosario Dawson seems to be cast only to add some diversity, for Julia Stiles’ character to have one constant friend of her own. Even Dawson is barely used except to add stoner humor to the film. Why the only minority character for that?
You have seen this type of film a thousand times, much better. This adds nothing new or original to the formula.
The worst is that the film believes itself witty. When it is clearly not. As obviously this film again is made more for teens than the older ones? Just going by subject matter. Though plays more for a younger audience as their ultimate idea of love and romance.
Maybe because it is set in college that everything comes off as what college can be frugal, fun, and messy with bad taste. Yet believing yourself sophisticated with glaze drunken confidence and room For plenty of overcompensation.
Mainly because we get to know these characters. Yet never become interested in them.
The film tries to be true to and force the time periods and is adorable. Like putting them In a blender filled with the then-current themes and styles. Trying to be naughty or edgy yet cool but so watered down to make it feel dormant and dull.
The film has a particularly uninspired music Video playback that feels like how one would play if the director needed to over compose with dialogue for lacking any visual panache or he’s forced into that Miramax/Dimension romantic teen comedy formula.
The soundtrack is filled with basic or generic general music that might have been popular at the time. Except for a song from the band Cibo Matto
To give the film a kind of indie feel. Not to mention matching its College setting and fits the film’s mindset.
The film is a familiar tale where all the fun feels taken out of the way. While trying to seem fun. Including somehow cross-promoting with THE MAN SHOW.
The film does offer some creative touches and luckily has a cast of recognizable actors before and during their popularity.
Written & Directed By: Chris Rock Cinematography By: Manuel Alberto Claro Editor: Annie McGabe
Cast: Chris Rock, Gabrielle Union, Romany Malco, J.B. Smoove, Rosario Dawson, Anders Holm, Leslie Jones, Kevin Hart, Michael Che, Jay Pharoah, Ben Vereen, Cedric The Entertainer, Karlie Redd, Sherri Shepherd, Tracy Morgan, Hayley Marie Norman, Brian Regan, Tichina Arnold, Luis Guzman, Sherrod Small
A comedian tries to make it as a serious actor when his reality-TV star fiancée talks him into broadcasting their wedding on her TV show.
This more than makes up for those GROWN-UP movies. Coincidently Chris Rock wrote the screenplay in his trailer during the filming of Grown Ups 2
Financed and produced independently.
Chris Rock doesn’t choose like other filmmakers to romanticize or sugarcoat New York as a wonderland of fantasy and fairy tales. He wants to represent New York as it truly is beautiful, yet with an attitude but a certain charm you cannot resist. It has an ugly side, but usually like it so much and in love with it we take the good with the bad and barely notice anymore the rougher aspects of the city. Sure the visuals could be more vivid, but as it is said comedy isn’t pretty plus it keeps your head in the game that this is somewhat gritty and real.
We all see and experience things differently. This is his truth so can’t argue with his vision. We can only be happy he doesn’t compromise in any way. Which is said of more artistically inclined or visual directors? Though should be said of more directors who are open and have something to say that isn’t cookie cutter.
While some aspects of the film could have been more subtle, Their meaning was in the right place. Nonetheless, the film leaves plenty of laugh out loud comedy.
You can see the film’s cinematic influences here and there. There is a little SULLIVAN’S TRAVELS by the end. A dash of BEFORE SUNRISE in the structure. Some Woody Allen references and some things leftover from his co-Starring role In Julie Delpy’s 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK.
The film feels cathartic for him, Going around the city, not necessarily discovering it. As it is both their hometown, but more or less touring familiar places.
Throughout the film, each major and some minor cast members get a scene here and there to shine dramatically or comedically, sometimes both.
The film has some commentary on race and especially stardom. Not exactly the exposure you might expect, but at least exposure to it. Shocking especially how outspoken he has been recently about it in interviews.
Rock’s Films before always managed to shine the spotlight on race though felt more like a gimmick and silly, rather than the satire and sharp voice you were hoping for.
I THINK I LOVE MY WIFE was funny, realistic, and a step forward, but lacked the edge and felt more like a bit of an acting exercise with some domestic comedy and drama. Though the film didn’t exactly cover any new ground or present it in a different way.
As he spends the day with the reporter getting to know her. He is revealed to us as they are to one another usually in flashbacks to the stories they tell and the answers that are given as visuals to accompany them.
Rosario Dawson really gets a chance to flex her acting muscles here. She is finally not just the girlfriend or love interest with no personality or real presence. Here she is charming, complex, and real not necessarily an ingénue. Here she has depth and getting the chance to be comedic herself. Not by accident either.
There are certain Flashbacks in this film that are downright scandalous. That involves Rosario Dawson and Chris Rock. Those are nasty, revealing, and push the limits of what can be shown on screen in an r-rated comedy. Though they are the spirit of Chris Rock, this film and his comedy. They are just as dangerous he is. It reminds the audience why he is a crucial voice in comedy.
Also, these flashbacks work as it breaks up the dialogue and story in a meaningful way. So that the asides and stories are more revealing in character and also provide a source of comedy also. The vignettes sometimes with just the reaction are hilarious but always manages to come back to harsh realities.
The strip club scenes best the end of the film are filled with hilarious cameos that remind us of how funny the people in them can be and are also fun seeing them all out of their element and still can be funny. As they are obviously doing it as a favor to Chris rock
though I have usually really enjoyed Chris rock’s films before. I LOVED this film and was quite surprised when others around me saw this film before me remark on how shocked they were that it was so good. (Some of whom I have watched his films with and they enjoyed them. at least that is what they told me. Only a few I knew didn’t like his earlier work in films) I believe the reason this film worked so well for the audience is that not only is it personal. It also shows growth.
He opens up and lets others stand in the spotlight on the sidelines. Even though the major hurdles are on his shoulders. This is why you can excuse when some scenes come off as falsies a bit as does his acting once in awhile. As the saying goes in any sport. Sure you have the star athlete but you also want to have as much talent around them to learn and also to help. Teach and have each other strive and inspire one another.
As a Chris Rock fan, this film means a lot as it is a thank you to a degree to the fans and a treat as he shows he still has it and is finally comfortable being himself. Speaking his thoughts and not worrying so much about how people will take things, nor does he care about maintaining a certain image. It is almost also a fuck you to doubters as he shows he is just not one thing. As this might be one of the last times he might be able to make a film so why not with something you can be proud of and be able to say what you want to without having to worry about censoring it because of studio notes or worrying about what is or isn’t marketable.
He manages to bring an old school feel to the film while making it feel constantly vital. Especially as in some scenes the background score is classic hip-hop beats slowed down that it almost sounds classical as they are laid bare. I hope he stays on his current path.
Dave Chappelle was offered a role but turned it down. Which makes sense as he has a lot of comedians and comedian friends throughout play roles.
In the movie, Chris Rock can be seen wearing a Red Hot Chili Peppers t-shirt. Rock is a well-known fan and friend of the band. He even directed the band’s 2006 music video for their song ‘Hump de Bump.’
Chris Rock has always been a comedian. who seemed to strive for more or to be seen as more. He seems to be striving to be more of an artist. I have watched his career rise as I was always familiar with him and looked up to him. So he has been around on my radar for a while.
Though I have had a few chances to meet him. At most of my retail jobs. I never had the courage nor really the chance to tell him how much of a fan I was. His comedy and career have always been a bond with me and my family as I have seen his live yours regularly as well as usually going to see his films in the theater.
This film had a positive effect on me. Making me profoundly happy. I am happy that he is getting the respect and appreciation he deserves.
I believe even non-fans or occasional ones will enjoy and respect the film.
Though the meaning is there. The film has it’s targeting and lands some solid hits. Though not as many jabs were thrown. Can be rude and lewd out of nowhere but that is part of the charm as it is smart about it.
Written & Directed By: Spike Lee Cinematography: Ellen Kuras & Malik Hassan Sayeed Editor: Barry Alexander Brown
Cast: Ray Allen, Denzel Washington, Milla Jovovich, Bill Nunn, Rosario Dawson, Ned Beatty, Hill Harper, Rick Fox, John Turturro, Zelda Harris, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Roger Guenveir Smith, Lonette McKee, Arthur J. Nescarella, Jim Brown, Jennifer Esposito, Saul Stein, Ron Cephas Jones, Jamie Hector, Kim Director, Heather Hunter, Jill Kelly
Jake Shuttlesworth is in prison serving time for killing his wife in a violent family feud. He is released on parole, but with one condition – he must persuade his son, genius basketball player Jesus to sign with the governor’s alma mater university, Big State. And Jake only has a week to do it.
At first, glance didn’t really like the film. A few scenes fascinated me but ultimately just thought it was ok. Though over subsequent years and rewatching really got into the film and enjoyed it. As there is more than meets the eye. Plus as getting older can fully grasp many scenes and subjects brought up.
This film is surprisingly strong as a drama. That at first one thinks it will be a sports movie about corruption and recruiting. While it does involve those the film actually has a compelling story and a kind of community commentary of the times.
No one is truly innocent in the film including the basketball prospect played by Ray Allen. As everyone wants something from him. We see how some of his decisions directly affect them also.
Ray Allen’s character is more innocent though he is guilty of certain things as a young man given a certain level of celebrity character or popularity and power for the first time he is weak when it comes to indulgence as that is what various people are using to seduce him to sign and commit to them. Even his girlfriend to a degree. Ray Allen gives a convincing performance
As the film shows characters who supposedly love and care about the basketball phenom but seem more interested in trying to become invested in his fame.
The film shows How his family even uses him or considers that love and blood an investment. Leaving only his younger sister as truly the only innocent one who asks nothing of him
Other than noticing her performance in KIDS this was the next first noteworthy role of Rosario Dawson where she plays a damaged vixen. Ray Allen’s onscreen girlfriend and maybe a kind of gold digger. He has multiple levels throughout.
Denzel Washington plays his role strongly and this is one of his first more dislikable characters on screen. Even as he is more the protagonist of the film. At least the film gives him a three-dimensional role to play.
His character is still never a hero or a saint. He has made mistakes that he will pay for, for the rest of his life. Still, he loves his son and wants what is best. The least he can do and kind of finds his soul in the process.
There are some sex scenes but one, in particular, that seems more a pornographic fantasy seems to be the one scene where sex is used as part of the recruitment. The roles of the vixens played by actual porno actresses of the time
While at first, it seems unnecessary or even like baggage. One can see why Milla Jovovich’s character and scenes are here to humanize Denzel’s character and show he can be decent and nice but this isn’t a love story or a fairy tale. As he is no white knight. If anything this movie is all about harsh reality and showcases broken promises.
The film gives commentary on how the community is Being sunken in a speech by a drug dealer who does profit from it but has seen the best and worst of people and riches and gives Allen’s character a sermon and warnings to protect him. Even if it just seems written to give one of spike Lee’s regular actors Roger Guenveir Smith a role and an impressive one.
Basketball is spike Lee’s passion other then filmmaking a die hard new yours Knicks fan and he introduced Basketball icon Michael Jordan into sneaker marketing
There are so many subjects going on in spike lee films that some are explored mroe and others more in the background or left on the side.
This Movie involves at the time more the controversial route of paying ir bribing players for Recruitment to head a college Team to win championships less about the education. Only A few years later it would be deciding whether to go professional Straight from high school or play for College .
The film works as a wondering showdown that we know will eventually have to happen between the main two characters and we know the set-up.
Showcasing the beauty of the game in Slow motion action of a pickup game along with classic classical music on the soundtrack. Showing the players as almost modern-day warriors with their strengths and physicality. The art of physical perfectionism. This is the closest we come to seeing director Spike Lee’s well-known love of the game.
Throughout the film, it seems like regular old cast members of most of his films stop by for what amount to almost guest star roles. Though important ones as different guides for Allen to pick a side.
At first, the film feels more contemporary for its time, maybe more mainstream but as it goes along it reveals more and more depth. As it tackles a bunch of subjects that are revolving its Main characters. Showing them and commenting on them while keeping the focus on the main characters.
Though it can be accused of being melodramatic at times, understandable (selling devotion and renting your soul but then have more stakes in you from others)
The film Acknowledges the commercialization and business aspect that the game has taken but also tries to sell the art of it.
In the end, you come into the film expecting one thing and it eventually reveals itself to be so much more and ends up being one of Spike Lee’s stronger movies.
Written, Edited & Directed By: Kevin Smith Cinematography: Yaron Levy
Cast: Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith, Fred Armisen, Jason Lee, Ben Affleck, Chris Jericho, Shannon Elizabeth, Rosario Dawson, Harley Quinn Smith, Joey Lauren Adams, Diedrich Bader, Craig Robinson, Justin Long, Donell Rawlings, Aparna Brielle, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Johnny Bananas, Joe Manganiallo, Karruche Tran, Melissa Benoit,Jason Biggs, Adam Brody, Val Kilmer, Kate Micucci, James Van Der Beek, Redman, Joe Reitman, Alice Wan, Brian O’Halloran, Tommy Chong, Keith Coogan, Molly Shannon, Dan Folger, Ralph Garman, Chris Hemsworth, Frankie Shaw, Treshelle Edmond
Jay and Silent Bob inadvertently sign away their names and rights to the new Bluntman and Chronic movie. Now they head to Hollywood to stop the film from being made. Along the way Jay discovers that he is a father.
The film is a road-trip comedy. Where the story is there to explain and get the audience to the journey. Yet the reasons are more ridiculous.
It’s also a movie where half the fun of it is sporting the cameos and so-called guest stars
This is a film that is hard for me to review. Because as much of a fan as I am of Kevin Smith and his movies. At this point, he truly doesn’t care about impressing anyone outside of his fan base really or necessarily making more conventional films. At this point, he has a large following film-wise of usually the same age group most of his films are aimed at. Through podcasts, comic books as well as directing television shows. So that when he makes films it is for a niche audience of loyal fans and followers. So that it shows he is thankful and appreciated their loyalty. This is why for me it usually feels like a Joy to watch any new film he has ou
As usual, one has interest though more and more it seems like a chore.
As with many different aging comedians like Adam Sandler and to a degree Eddie Murphy. He is willing to try new things once in a while but also seems like he is going after a young audience or the same audience he has always had only the next generation of them. By making his movies more for teens and kids. As they get juvenile and raunchy humor with big words but also as they get older they will find themselves loyal and beholden to him
As they grew up with his films. Planned or not. It also helps that he comes off always like a decent regular guy. Who just happened to get his dream job.
He also has always seemed to have a self-deprecating sense of humor and as he gets older he sharpens and aims for himself more and more.
So that if you are a fan of his films and humor. You should enjoy this film. If not it might be a little harder for you to enjoy. As the fun of this movie is having previous knowledge of the characters and situations. Catching up with a lot of them over the years.
The film feels like a gift to his audience. As it brings back his most popular characters again for their own movie. A kind of sequel to JAY & SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK. Only as it seems to be directed to serve a younger teen audience. As well as hand it off to the next generation of characters and but like his previous film this feels like a present to pass on to his daughter. Who stars in this film And is a fine presence and likable. As she has appeared in many of his films previously and starred in YOGA HOSERS. Which thankfully this film is much better then.
The film and its humor is still profane. Yet it still satirizes the characters as well as some of the actors participating in personal triumphs and give a reunion of sorts for various view askew character to appear throughout. As it shows just an exuberance of joy and goodwill which is how he also seems to snag some big names in self-deprecating cameos.
The film ends up being crude yet fun it stays entertaining even if it feels a bit long and excessive. Also, he seems sometimes to be too hard on himself when being self-deprecating.
The film stays purely comedic throughout in a more silly slapstick way and offers the young female characters not only a point of view but a chance to shine. Where the film isn’t all about sex nor focused on them more as sexual objects. He actually makes the characters and more part of the action. Which shows some growth for him. Not that he was a huge misogynist before or anything but wrote what he knew and characters more like himself.
Your knowledge of his previous films will affect your enjoyment of this one. If you are a fan this will be a slam dunk, but if you are a critic of his previous work this will not be the one to convince you otherwise.
Written By: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick & Dave Callahan
Cinematography: Chung-Hoon Chung Editor: Chris Patterson & Dirk Westervelt
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Rosario Dawson, Luke Wilson, Thomas Middleditch, Zoey Deutch, Avan Jogia, Victoria Hall, Victor Rivera
A decade after their first adventure, the zombie-bashing team of Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock move to the American heartland. Here, they face off against evolved zombies, fellow survivors, and the growing pains of their own makeshift family.
Just like the first film, this isn’t really a horror film more like an action-comedy that has horrific elements or a more horror background.
This sequel definitely feels less than inspired as the main cast does come back for the sequel but throughout they all look disgruntled or miserable to be here. Even though one would like to think at least they would be back to enjoy each other’s company, but it seems like everyone is more here for only here for a bigger paycheck.
The only time they seem genuinely like they like each other is in a moment towards the end when coming together in what looks like certain doom
Though this film Came about after a failed pilot for a Zombieland television series with a different cast. Which is where Even the parody or actors Luke Wilson and Thomas Middleditch playing bizarro
Versions of Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg’s character come off as cheap weak humor. Though seem like they would be the replacements of the actors either choose not to come back or the straight to streaming sequel or if they couldn’t have gotten the actors for the first film.
Woody Harrelson seems to be the only one here who seems to give a damn or bother showing any excitement. Maybe as he finally gets a love interest and not as lovey Dovey as Jesse Eisenberg’s romance from the first film.
Even though Abigail Breslin character goes on her own throughout the film And the characters are trying to find her. The film still gives her the least amount of screen time and attention as her character just seems to be going through a teenage rebellion.
The film pretty much continues the adventures of the characters and adds very little so that it would seem more of the same. Except at least in the first film the story seemed at least creative. Here it feels like the movie and script are running on fumes.
Zoey Deutch is a newcomer to the film franchise and provides the only distraction and is the only truly funny thing about the movie. As she brightens up her scenes as a dumb blonde stereotype. As she reminds me of Valeria Andrews character in the Ashton Kutcher movie JUST MARRIED where she was one of the truly bright spots of that movie and she only really had a few scenes.
Zoey Deutch does a lot of heavy lifting on her scenes and makes the film almost entertaining. Even though she supposed fate is telegraphed and predictable. When she is absent it Feels like they are struggling to come up with material as it goes along. Maybe an excuse to expose more of Eisenberg’s Character’s rules and theories. As well as expand them
The ending is pretty fun could have used that ingenuity earlier especially the credits sequence.
While watching this film I kept having thoughts just as I had when watching THE WALKING DEAD. How do they have power? Fireworks attract zombies but not lights? No defense against zombies except gates in this so-called Babylon. There is always a suspension of disbelief but one Shouldn’t be wondering these things as you are watching it, though the film does have it’s moments. Which are mostly stylistic. This seems to be one of the only ways the director seems to want to enliven the sequel and set it apart. As with each new film he makes even outside of the franchise usually has a few visually striking scenes where you can admit you have never seen that before.
Such as the fight within the Elvis HEARTBREAK HOTEL. Which is an action sequence that manages to feel epic in such a small amount fo space that seems to depend on excellent choreography. The other sequence is the ending when forced to fight an overabundance of zombies with no guns.
In the end, the sequel is a majorly disappointing feeling like it was made only because of demand not necessarily well thought out or organic.
After a devastating break up on the eve of her cross-country move, Jenny enjoys one last NYC adventure with her two best pals. Someone Great is a romantic comedy about love, loss, growth and the everlasting bond of female friendship.
Written & Directed By: Deborah Kaplan & Harry Elfont Based on characters created by: Richard Goldwater, Dan DeCarlo & John L. Goldwater Cinematography By: Matthew Labitique Editor: Peter Teschner
Cast: Rachael Leigh Cook, Rosario Dawson, Tara Reid, Alan Cumming, Parker Posey, Seth Green, Donald Faison, Paolo Constanzo, Missi Pyle, Breckin Meyer, Alexander Martin, Gabriel Mann
For years, the record industries have inserted subliminal messages into music so that they can turn teenagers into brain dead zombies who do nothing but buy, buy, buy. And whenever the musician or band finds out the truth, the record company silences them to keep the truth from coming out. When the hot boy band DuJour discovers this, their manager, Wyatt Frame, under his evil, corrupt boss, Fiona, has the plane they are flying in crashed and him looking for a new band to use for their evil schemes. Enter Josie, the ditsy Melody, and the tough Valerie, from Josie and the Pussycats, a small band who wants to make it to the big time. When they are discovered by Wyatt, they give in and become big rock stars. But will they find out that they are just pawns for the record industry or will fame take them over?
Written By: Frank Miller (Based on Characters & Graphic Novels created By Him) Cinematography & Editing By: Robert Rodriguez
Cast: Eva Green Jessica Alba, Jamie Chung, Dennis Haysbert, Mickey Rourke, Josh Brolin, Powers Boothe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rosario Dawson, Jamie King, Christopher Lloyd, Ray Liotta, Juno Temple, Jeremy Piven, Christopher Meloni, Bruce Wills, Alexa Vega, Marton Csokas
Co-directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller reunite to bring Miller’s “Sin City” graphic novels back to the screen. Weaving together two of Miller’s classic stories with new tales, the town’s most hard boiled citizens cross paths with some of its more notorious inhabitants.
Cut To The Chase 