Written & Directed By: Paul Feig Cinematography: Robert D. Yeoman Editor: Melissa Bretherton & Brent White
Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Jude Law, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart, Allison Janney, Morena Baccarin, Carlos Ponce, Peter Serafinowicz, Bobby Cannavale, Michael McDonald, Sam Richardson, Zach Woods, Katie Dippold, Richard Brake,
Susan Cooper is an unassuming, deskbound CIA analyst, and the unsung hero behind the Agency’s most dangerous missions. But when her partner falls off the grid and another top agent is compromised, she volunteers to go deep undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global crisis.
This is for me so far the best comedy Melissa McCarthy has starred in. This doesn’t feel like one of her assembly line films that seem almost cranked out back to back, before the power of streaming made this a common occurrence for most stars. Though I give her credit for keeping trying original Comedic characters.
Luckily here her character is more identifiable for the audience and not so much mentally challenged.
The film worked as a spoof comedy and an actual spy thriller where you care about what happens and you care about the characters. Who are actually memorable. As we in the audience are like the main character constantly wondering who we can trust.
The over-the-top villains and international characters are filled with so many strange details. It Is such a delight to watch.
Jason Statham is actually hilarious throughout. Having a kick for making fun of his previous roles. While doing what needs to be done action-wise. Which is what gives the film its energy is the constant duality of the actors, characters, and film.
The film keeps you on your toes with Its surprises. As well as having a shocking amount of violence that is graphic. While At heart the film is an action comedy.
Everyone seems to give their character a certain spin. So it feels more like everyone has their own motivations, agenda, and trust issues. Yet all share a certain world and reality.
This is a tight film but everyone feels loose and free. So that they get their moments to shine
Story by: Jen D’Angelo, David Kirschner and Blake Harris
Based on characters created By: Mick Garris and David Kirschner
Cinematography: Elliot Davis
Editor: Julia Wong
Cast: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Sam Richardson, Doug Jones, Tony Hale, Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo, Lilia Buckingham
Three young women accidentally bring back the Sanderson Sisters to modern-day Salem and must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking havoc on the world.
Well, what do you expect? It’s a sequel to HOCUS POCUS. It works for nostalgia’s sake
This is more a family film that somehow manages to have less character than the original film. It is beloved by many and I even enjoyed it as a child, but i always felt it was good in a corny way that tried something within the Disney formula and might have bombed financially but the audience found it eventually.
For a film that feels like a film made more for the fans. It feels so cookie-cutter and less distinct than the original. This feels more childlike and obviously is more of a family film. As this film seems to eliminate anything that might be even a tad racy.
It would have been nice if the film tried something more experimental. As it has a built-in audience. Like making it more of a musical that it flirts with at times but ultimately never pulls the trigger.
Though the film Misses some of the misguided elements that made the original so memorable. Like the trends of the times when it came out. Which came off as pandering to a section of the audience. This one just goes with trying to be universal.
It offers a diverse cast and is mostly female-focused, but if anything it always comes off more as silly that isn’t offensive. It’s nice that the young female leads are minority characters though not really noted.
If you are a fan of the original you will probably enjoy this film or if you were excited to see the film in the first place you will probably enjoy it. Though this is more a film for kids and families.
This is more the Disney ideal. then the original film. As at least that film felt more theatrical, original, and daring.
A little disappointing for other cast members if the original doesn’t come back. Though there is a nice nod to the late Marshall siblings in this film
Written & Directed: Emerald Fennell Cinematography: Benjamin Kracun Editor: Frederic Thoraval
Cast: Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Adam Brody, Sam Richardson, Clancy Brown, Jennifer Coolidge, Laverene Cox, Max Greenfield, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Alison Brie, Connie Britton, Molly Shannon, Loren Paul, Christopher Lowell, Steve Monroe
A young woman, traumatized by a tragic event in her past, seeks out vengeance against those who crossed her path.
The film seeks to try to make its points over and over again that feel like overkill and preaching to a certain extent.
The film manages to surprise the audience using exploitation expectations though giving something else entirely.
This film would have worked fine enough if it was what one was expecting a revenge tale against so-called nice guys and bad guys alike.
Though the film addresses more and it tries to be a film that inspires discussion and becomes more of a think piece than necessarily Just a film. This is fine as long as it offers more arguments and evidence for what it seems to want to spark conversations.
Some aspects are left vague as we never really See what happens once she is down with her encounters with these men and are never really told what happens after. Is it just confrontation as a kind of exposing and warning to them? Does she do anything violent to them and if the just warning does she really Get revenge and does she have a backup security measure if these guys decide to get violent?
Even with her little notebook which she seems to make markings in of another case or victim. What Is it all for?
Not to mention afterwards though it seems to happen around the same town and area. It never comes back to her until the film needs it to, which comes off as a bit too convenient.
The film offers interesting twists but while there is a certain level of guilt. We still might wonder why she takes on this mission.
Her revenge schemes are thought out, cruel, and make their points. Even though most men are made out to be villains throughout there are some women who are just as guilty in their ambivalence.
The film seems to make a point against nice guys being as bad or worse than predators. As they see themselves above it all and defend or support women. Though deep down they hold the same attitudes as those predators and believe because of their other good deeds that they are somehow owed love or a woman. Even as these nice guys already seem kind of predatory or at least douchey beforehand.
Especially by casting actors, we have seen as the nice guy nerdish characters in other films and television shows. Who here makes cameos or has a scene or two Then disappear. That truly only one character actually does surprise me.
This also gives the film a whiff of superiority as it comes off more about issues than character. Which for some might feel for some
Preachy and while a film about the issues it presents are welcome. The film isn’t as good to back it up, Or be a good example.
Nice to see comedian Bo Burnham Giving more of a meaty supporting role.
This is a revenge tale that takes comfort in being in and having the rules but acts like it is better than them. When it actually might be a little smarter and more discreet in its handling And treatment of the Material.
Which helps the film not be as exploitative. As the character and scenes aren’t made erotic or sexualized. It comes off as more of a new normal get more through a feminine gaze. Though strangely in its set-up and backgrounds it feels almost like it’s taking place on a kind of dreamland as it is real but feels artificial, more pretty than anything.
The design of the film is remarkable and quite brightly colored to offset the dark behaviors and characters.
The film’s strength is more in its surprising and unpredictable third act.
This is also a movie that loses some points due to hype. As ever since hearing about the film before it Came out wanted to see it and heard nothing but good things to the point of it’s Multiple academy award nominations And win for best original screenplay. But not after finally seeing it. That hype hurt the film in my eyes.
Even when trying to put that aside others might have Been lucky to Discover it to admire it for what it is. (The best way To see any film) But coming into the film with preconceived thoughts. It doesn’t live up to the prose exactly. As it isn’t horrible but not as good as expected though better than average.
It feels like a lifetime movie due to the can be anywhere, Polished no violence but always a threat of it and actions mostly Done on theory with big histrionics and a cast more known for appearances on television.
The film even introduces an idea that might even work as a sequel
Directed By: Kyle Newacheck Written By: Anders Holm Story By: Anders Holm, Adam Devine & Blake Anderson Cinematography By: Steve Jablonsky Editor: Evan Henke
Cast: Adam Devine, Anders Holm, Blake Anderson, Rhona Mitra, Neal McDonough, Sam Richardson, Steve Howey, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Daniel Stern, Aya Cash, Andrew Bachelor, Sugar Lyn Beard, Chloe Bridges, Mac Brandt, Jon Garbus
Three friends are on the verge of getting their video game financed when their benefactor is taken hostage by terrorists.
This film is brought to you by the guys behind the television show WORKAHOLICS. This movie is like an unadulterated, uncensored episode of the show. Which I can admit I was a viewer of which is why this film comes across as a guilty pleasure for the most part.
This film seems like it could have been a contender at the box office, but is better served on Netflix. Where it will appeal to their audience and allow them to gain a bigger one.
The leads are playing variations of their comedic personas only more extreme. As they as a group seek to be successful with several million dollar ideas. So that they can claim some significance in their embarrassing roles in life at their job.
One so the bombastic blowhard who has made himself the leader, the other is an idea man who is a stoner and the third is more the nerdy shy buttoned up type. Who find themselves basically in a die hard situation. As the film works as a parody of that film also.
What works with this film is what works with the best comedies. The film isn’t just them Doing Funny and crazy stuff while everyone around them plays it straight and reacts to them. The film allows most of the other characters to be as wacky and crazy. Even allows by the film to focus for whole scenes and time periods on other characters.
The fun in is watching some of the villainous archetypes play out a little more different some more human or at least realistic to life.
As mentioned before this film is uncensored in all aspects. So there is plenty of graphic violence, gore to a degree and also male full frontal nudity.
The film plays contained as it takes place mostly in the hotel they work at. There are no surprises when it comes to the villains. Except how they are played at times.
In one way you could easily find the film insulting as it is more shocking frat type of juvenile behavior. Seen more through the lens of young white males. Even as this is not the type of film to really look for equality and political correctness in. The film tries to be fair to everyone, especially the females and not have them just be window dressing or damsels in distress. Though they don’t get as much action and attention. Though I will say Jillian Bell in her cameo in the film steals the scene and is provides the funniest laugh in the film.
As the film has plenty of pop culture references but also quite a few celebrity cameos. Which are hilarious and truly show that no one is safe in this film. Even the title is a quote from a popular line from the movie ALIENS. Said by the late great actor Bill Paxton
The film has no depth but stays entertaining. If you are a fan of their show or them as comedic actors and performers. You will definitely enjoy the film. As at least as you know the scenario the film offers surprises and doesn’t come across or lazy or phoning it in as more and more studio comedies and comedic actors are coming off as more and more at times. Like they are doing their schtick but they don’t even see inspired or into it anymore. So at least this film comes across as guys who are creative coming up with laughs and doing it for themselves as well as wanting to serve the audience.
This feels like a comedy from a new age. Definitely not watered down
Directed By: Andrew Jay Cohen Written By: Andrew Jay Cohen & Brendan O’Brien Cinematography By: Jas Shelton Editor: Evan Henke & Michael L. Sale
Cast: Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Jason Mantzounkas, Nick Kroll, Lennon Parham, Randall Park, Rob Huebel, Andrea Savage, Steve Zissis, Ryan Simpkins, Allison Tolman, Rory Scovel, Cedric Yarbrough, Kyle Kinane, Michela Watkins, Jeremy Renner, Sam Richardson, Wayne Federman, Andy Buckley, Jessica St. Clair
After the town scholarship program no longer has funding, two parents are left without money to send their daughter to university. Left without any other options, they along with a friend, start an illegal casino in his home to make cash before the summer ends.
This seems like a more packaged film where the studio hoped all the comedic stars would help illuminate the script with improv
The problem is that the film is filled with notable comedic stars who really are given little to do. So they are mainly just doing what is required
It also feels more like the stars are wacky to be wacky, they seem more on autopilot. Acting crazy and wacky but for no real reason except the script tells them too. It would help if the characters started off on a normal playing Field and started going crazy due to pressure, but they are pretty much the same beginning to the end.
Maybe as the film doesn’t offer anything challenging or new for the lead actors. Who we have gotten used to at this point. It doesn’t seem a stretch. It also doesn’t feel up to the quality of the heights that we have seen them do before. So it’s disappointing in both ways.
There aren’t many strong visual choices either. So the style of the film feels slapdash instead of composed.
Understandably this is a studio comedy but seems so outlandish and far-fetched. even if that seems to be the point. While trying to make the characters somewhat identifiable.
Not distinct enough to be memorable characters. They just seem borderline off the assembly like and given not only comedic personas but also just weird afflictions instead of quirks. This idea seems like it would be better on paper or as an idea. Rather than a barely 90-minute movie.
The film doesn’t wait to really begin with it’s premise. So we are off to the races immediately. So that we don’t really notice too. If a change when it comes to the characters. There are some chuckles and inspired bits of comedy and scenes.
Though really the film’s humor is in watching adults act like teenagers at a keg party with gambling. Borrowing heavily from shows like BREAKING BAD, as far as older characters who do illegal activities to help pay for their kid’s education and helps the other character loosen up. While also having allusions to many gangster movies and television shows
This is a film Where all the comedic actors even to be trying to go over the top and outdo one another not so much out of the competition but just to be noticed. Especially when they are given so little to do.
While the stars don’t seem to be trying hard enough as they aren’t really characters as they keep making such rash decisions and jumping around in emotions and behavior that it seems more put on the. Believable I know this isn’t the film you go into for rational thought, but it still seems haphazard
The film lacks a proper villain. So it tries to come up with a few. Who are just as easily eliminated as they are Introduced. In fact, the one who lasts the longest is the most wearily but easily to see conquer by and never comes off as a real threat.
Jason Mantzounkas is entertaining and one of the only enjoyable elements of this film, but also he is playing the type of role he has done before. If anything this character is more honorable there the ones he usually plays.
The film feels like fast food as it is digestible and offers a quick fix as far as entertainment but not necessarily healthy. Usually, fast food tastes great, but this is more fast food that is ok. So that once it is over your fix is satiated but you will have indigestion as you are pretty much paying for it.
Which the film wouldn’t feel as disappointing if one didn’t have to pay for it, but it feels like for the money you pay they might try, but it feels fairly standard and like a rip off of sorts. As there seems to be little effort put into it. You know what you are going to get but you still expect more and better.
Written By: Gene Stupinsky & Lee Eisenberg Cinematography: Jonathan Furmanski Editor: Daniel Gabbe
Three sixth grade boys ditch school and embark on an epic journey while carrying accidentally stolen drugs, being hunted by teenage girls, and trying to make their way home in time for a long-awaited party.
Cut To The Chase 