Cast: Awkwafina, John Cena, Simu Liu, Sam Asghari, Ayden Mayeri, Becky Ann Baker, Michael Hitchcock, Leslie David Baker, Colson Baker (Machine Gun Kelly), Seann William Scott, Dolly De Leon
In the near future, a ‘Grand Lottery’ has been newly established in California – the catch: kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion dollar jackpot.
This film feels like a live-action version of Michael Jackson’s SPEED DEMON, a music video only here with more details. Which should tell you how random and cartoonish this movie is throughout.
If you can get past the ridiculous setup, you find yourself in a film that is never boring and has entertaining popcorn fare.
That seems to throw some action and comedy into each new scene that comes along.
Truthfully, you will probably forget most of this film after you finish watching it.
a film directed by noted director Paul Feig who keeps things moving, but offers many scenes that would be memorable if they were just a bit stronger at heart.
The cast is strong as both Awkwafina and John Cena seem to be Hulu channel original stars as each seems to have a movie or two come out on the channel each year and are usually a buddy comedy. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Chris Evans, and Ryan Reynolds seem to be Netflix original stars to mix and match throughout their productions. It seems the scripts and stories come later than the big names they can get to be attached.
This is the same kind of high-concept 1980s script that comes across as basic and could have made it to theaters but might leave many disappointed if they had to pay to see it. Even though what you see is what you get from the trailers alone.
Aquafina while funny gives a good performance. It feels like the role could’ve been played in any way it doesn’t give her room to do anything special or new.
John Cena always seems enthusiastic in his performances and his hair usually tells you all you need to know about the characters he plays and where it might be going.
Ayden Mayri is a stand-out amongst the supporting cast. As she is hilarious, deadly, and believable.
The comedic cameos throughout don’t hurt the film, but they don’t help much except for the audience to take them in and be done with them, just as fast as they appear.
What helps the film coast along is in a pleasurable way is that the action sequences are so good while also managing to be organically funny.
Written & Directed By: Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote
Based on characters created by: Nick Morris, Lane Skye, and Ruckus Skye
Cinematography: Julia Swain
Editor: Stephen Boyer
Cast: Lulu Wilson, Seann William Scott, Courtney Gains, Matt Angel, Denise Burse, Jill Larson, Michael Sirow, Aaron Dalla Villa, Kate Siegel
Two years after she escaped a violent attack on her family, Becky attempts to rebuild her life in the care of an older woman – a kindred spirit named Elena. But, when a group known as the “Noble Men” breaks into their home, attacks them, and takes her beloved dog, Diego, Becky must return to her old ways to protect herself and her loved ones.
Wow, this film is much shorter and gets to the point faster. As we already know the character. It also leads to one of the biggest problems of the film. There is no suspense. We know she can take on these villains as she is faced with much worse and much tougher.
So even if it was like a horror film, where we are just here for the kills. It still proves to be disappointing as the kills aren’t that inventive or any real creativity to the table. it also seems like for a hit film. The budget is much lower for this film, which is strange.
The film plays like a familiar song only with its own different beat that isn’t as catchy but serves the purpose of it.
Even the inciting incident just seems so ridiculous and minor. that feels lame, weak, and unneeded just as her enemies could’ve felt a little more dangerous instead it almost feels like you’re watching a deadly version of PROBLEM CHILD.
So the film wants us to believe that she is tapped into a much bigger conspiracy and leaves very few victims in this film and they’re not that impressive. There is no joy even as she’s getting her revenge through it all. which is a similar problem to be found in the bigger budgeted THE EQUALIZER films, but they still find a way to be entertaining. This film wants to have a dark sense of humor and a try, but it never quite rises to the level.
It’s giving the audience it’s what it wants, but it also feels a bit lazy. which is a shame as the first one was no masterpiece, but it was a fun little sadistic action film that was surprising. Instead what we get here is gory and goofy.
The film tries to offer a twist only it’s not that shocking and you don’t really care and it’s nice to see Seann William Scott on screen and he certainly is menacing. You just wish the project matched his talent and intensity.
By the end, there is promise of a sequel, which hopefully will help redeem the franchise. If you are a huge fan of the first film, you might take a chance and watch this. Though truthfully there is no need.
Directed By: Todd Phillips Written By: Todd Phillips & Scot Armstrong Story by: Court Crandall, Todd Phillips & Scot Armstrong Cinematography: Mark Irwin Editor: Michael Jablow
Cast: Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell, Jeremy Piven, Juliette Lewis, Ellen Pompeo, Elisha Cuthbert, Craig Kilborn, Leah Remini, Perrey Reeves, Seann William Scott, Rick Gonzalez, Simon Helberg, Matt Walsh, Artie Lange, Sara Tanaka, Patrick Fischler, Harve Presnell, Sarah Shahi, Bryan Callen, Eddie Peppitone, Jerod Mixon, Gregory Alan Williams, Rob Corddry, James Carville, Snoop Dogg, Warren G,
Mitch, Frank and Beanie are disillusioned with their personal lives beginning when Mitch’s nymphomanic girlfriend, Heidi, cheats on him, then former party animal Frank gets married, but unwilling to let go of his wild life, and Beanie is a family man seeking to reclaim his wild and crazy youth. Beanie suggests that they form their own fraternity in Mitch’s new house on a college campus to re-live their glory days by bringing together a variety of misfit college students, losers, middle-aged and elderly retirees as their new friends and later try to avoid being evicted by the new Dean of Students, Pritchard, whom still holds a personal grudge against all three of them.
The film is funny and goes hard to a point, but when close to the edge it turns back at times and doesn’t go onto how funny as it seems or could have been but it ends up still funny enough.
As It seems to cheer bigger and better snd trying to make that promise but then delivers only halfway of what seemed guaranteed.
Though it was early before more comedic films in the same vein did indeed go further and bigger. This might have been their inspiration.
The film feels more made for teens who were too young to actually get their own ticket for it and people in their early to mid twenties. Though the older one gets the more they might be able to identify with it or it’s characters a bit more.
Luke Wilson’s character is more of a reluctant lead throughout the film. He is traumatized at first but seems to embrace the party lifestyle. Then go against it. In the end he only seems to accept to help to actually help the pledges out. Now hai reluctance can be seen as him rebounding and emotionally trying to find himself through distractions that he knows are distractions but keeps getting lured back. As it is easier on him psychologically.
Which might have worked out more if he accepted it initially full sail. See how far it went while going all in then helping the pledges at the end but also seeing his way out of the chaos his life has become.
For all the classic comedic moments and bits the movie belongs to Will Ferrell who steals all of his scenes.
This was one of the first movies where even though a supporting performance he truly lets loose comedically and not by a comedy or character of his own creations. Or concept. Showing all he needs is direction and a little freedom to let him loose.
Also it’s more his film as the film has Luke Wilson’s character trying to recover from a bad relationship but the film shows ferrell’s character trying to find himself after trying to be normal and caged in marriages which is obviously not him. his character has the biggest transformation throughout
At first it seems like he is filling out a kind of Tom green comedian of the moment role. The same green had in ROAD TRIP as the crazy friend. But Ferrell’s character is strongly indebted to the story and with the other character. Whereas Green in the previous film seems there to do bits and appear either on his own or in a scene or two with other characters, but wasn’t really integral to the film or group of friends.
Jeremy Piven’s character seems to let his look do more of the work as a villain. He never truly makes his presence or threats felt dangerous or truly threatening. He is also the main piece of the film that feels formulaic left over from an ANIMAL HOUSE type film. Though his character is what helps keep the film afloat as far as plot and conflict.
Vince Vaughn here is really starting to get the hang of his more comedic on screen persona that seems to have started in the film MADE. Though the film gives him a nice character defining moment. When with a pretty young coed talking alone and about to get with her after a minor seduction. He gets cold feet and is nervous and blows it. Showing to a degree not only is he all talk, but actually loves and cares about his wife and family more than he lets on. He gets the reality of his fantasy and might just realize how good he has it.
The film doesn’t offer much for the female cast to do. Especially Leah Remini as it seems she is perfectly cast as Vince Vaughn’s wife. It seems like she will be sarcastic, no nonsense and wisecracking but to no avail as instead she is a presence and seems to be a best friend of Will Ferrell’s newlywed wife helping her get adjusted to marriage. So for her here it seems like most of the films’ female casting is pretty but full of wasted opportunities.
This film is definitely a step up from ROAD TRIP for director Todd Phillips. As this feels better and more strongly structured. It also has a stronger story where it doesn’t feel as episodic.
Directed By: Todd Phillips Written By: Todd Phillips & Scot Armstrong Cinematography: Mark Irwin Editor: Sheldon Kahn
Cast: Breckin Meyer, Seann William Scott, Tom Green, Amy Smart, Paulo Costanzo, DJ Qualls, Rachel Blanchard, Anthony Rapp, Fred Ward, Andy Dick, Ethan Suplee, Horatio Sanz, Jessica Cauffiel, Wendell B. Harris Jr., Mary Lynn Rajskub, Todd Barry, Matt Walsh, Cleo King
In the University of Ithaca, while showing the campus to the new students and their relatives, the veteran tour guide Barry Manilow tells the love story of his friend Josh Parker. Josh has a girlfriend, Tiffany Henderson, who went to the University of Austin, and they have promised to be faithful to each other. However, Josh has an affair with his sexy friend Beth Wagner, and they have accidentally videotaped it. One of his friends sends the videotape to Tiffany by mistake, and Josh decides to travel to Austin with his friends E.L., Rubin Carver and Kyle Edwards to retrieve the videotape before Tiffany sees it. Will he succeed?
This is a small Film set up and succeeds at being an epic blockbuster
This Feels like a return to the 1980’s type of college movie. Though like most of director Todd Phillips comedies. It never goes as far at pushing the envelope, but further then most were at the time and for quite some time before.
Like this film allowed for more gross pushing the limits humor that has been absent. So at the time this was a return and kind of radical of what was expected of at the time emboldened by one of the stars of the film Seann Willam Scott’s previous hit film he appeared in AMERICAN PIE
Though at the time understandable as this was Mr. Phillips first official film, especially a studio film. He seems all in for taking risks but not totally.
The film has many memorable scenes but the material never quite sticks to the landing. Though what works is more the random Original comedy at the college.
Tom Green who co-stars and was one of the bigger names in the cast at the time. Having a hit television show on MTV. Seems here to kind of grow his career and start a big screen comedic career. His character is vital somewhat to the movie, but for the most part seems off to the side and by himself. Only to have his own little side plot that leads to a comedically Over the top scene and to give information. Not to mention is supposedly the narrator for the film.
As a road trip movie truly living Up to its title. Is episodic and loose which makes it seem more like a bunch of skits involving the same group of characters.
While each makes their presence felt. As this is supposed to be an ensemble film. Breckin Meyer is the lead that the plot revolves around and overall comedic straight man. Which makes him feel boring in comparison to most. It ends up the same with his love interests. Who are pretty but not given much to do.
While there are many memorable characters DJ Qualls walks away with the movie as the MVP. His innocent character learns how to let loose and comes of age.
The scene that seems the most classic Is when the story has them staying at an all black frat house.
One of the strengths of Todd Phillips is that even here and throughout most of his comedic feature films is that he always fills his films with comedians in acting roles, usually comedic actors who are more adept at improv that add to the looseness of scenes. Though they help build the humor in scenes also.
Directed By: Jesse Dylan Written By: Adam Herz Cinematography: Lloyd Ahern II Editor: Stuart Pappe
Cast: Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott, Alyson Hannigan, Eugene Levy, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Eddie Kaye Thomas, January Jones, Molly Cheek, Fred Willard, Deborah Rush, Lawrence Pressman, Eric Allen Kramer, Nikki Ziering, John Cho, Jennifer Coolidge
Jim Levenstein has finally found the courage to ask his girlfriend, Michelle Flaherty to marry him. She agrees to get married, but the problems don’t stop there for Jim. Now along with Paul Finch and Kevin Myers, Jim must plan the wedding. Unfortunately, Steve Stifler is in town and won’t let the wedding go past without having some fun himself, which includes setting up a secret bachelor party.
The end of the trilogy but not the end of the line for the film franchise. Though it does end a kind of era. Where the film’s humor is still mostly gross out juvenile, but here at least it tries to somewhat show some maturity.
Though the film is an ensemble and the last of an unplanned trilogy. This film allows Seann William Scott the scene-stealer from the earlier films to take center stage. As most of the scenes revolve around him. When they don’t they are on Jason Biggs and Alyson Hannigan’s characters.
Scott’s character kind of comes to the realization. That he has been less of a friend and more of a nuisance to those around him
And realizes they have all grown up and moved on. Whereas he is still kind of stuck. Here he is made to face responsibilities.
The film Leaves most of the characters other than those mentioned high and dry or more reacting to them. As it introduces a love interest for him that he spends most of the movie trying to fool into believing he is a nice guy. That character played by January Jones isn’t given much to do other than play pretty and an interested good girl of sorts. She doesn’t really stand out much in the role.
All the trouble he causes leading up to Jim and Michelle’s wedding. While trying to help set it up. Is what most of the movie revolves around. Though it isn’t a one-man show of slapstick comedy it is entertaining and better than the last sequel in the series.
Though you can appreciate this movie as we are seeing the characters mature and grow up. So that we feel a bond with them over the years and this is the culmination of them. Watching this film, It dawned on me that at this point other than stifler most of the characters here still have only been with and some still stuck On their loves from the first film. Though at the time seeming unnecessary as a plot point in the second film and trying to bleed the franchise out.
Even as half the original cast is missing no Tara Reid, Natasha Lyonnne, Shannon Elizabeth, Chris Klein or Mena Suvari
Here you truly notice That there never needed to be one. Though as new romances would mean giving them more screen time and from the beginning. Though an ensemble these movies have always seemed to revolve around the characters of Jim, Michele and stifled more heavily than the others. The others just happen to be characters in their world and not written as strongly Or specifically as these comedic but human creations
Directed By: J.B. Rogers Written By: Adam Herz Story By; David H. Steinberg & Adam Herz Cinematography: Mark Irwin Editor: Larry Madaras & Stuart Pappe
Cast: Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott, Chris Klein, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Shannon Elizabeth, Tara Reid, Alyson Hannigan, Natasha Lyonne, Mena Suvari, Eugene Levy, Chris Owen, Jennifer Coolidge, John Cho, Molly Cheek, Eli Marienthal, Joanna Garcia, Lisa Arturo, Denise Faye, Casey Affleck, George Wyner, Joelle Carter, Larry Drake, Bree Turner, Nora Zehtner, Adam Brody, Kevin Kilner, Luke Edwards
Jim and his friends are now in college, and they decide to meet up at the beach house for some fun.
A sequel Was inevitable considering how much of a surprise hit the first one was. Though this one is very disappointing most of all because it’s rushed.
This film had a lot going against it. As it has a built-in Audience that expects the material to be on par or better than the first film. So there is an excitement watching this film, unfortunately, the film never rises to the heights of the first film. Never actually comes closer as it not only lives in its shadow but seems to be repeating some aspects of it.
The film has a different director which with the change seems to feel like the strengths of the film have changed hand with someone who didn’t know how to keep the elements as strong.
Most of the film is more for the same type of jokes and humor from the first film. Only here they aren’t as inspired. So that there is no real reason for half of them except for trying to shock or top the scenes from the first film.
Which hurts the movie because they are obviously trying way too hard. Which doesn’t really amount to anything. As nothing really happens plot-wise and it’s More watching them In their college years
Most of the cast returns for the sequel except that excluding Alyson Hannigan most of the returning female cast members are barely in the movie except for cameos and small supporting roles. Which takes away some Of the excitement. Especially when they only Seem here in relation to the romantic entanglements with the guys from the first film More to put an ending with them. At least in the first film, we saw some of their hang-ups and fears. Here they are more like obstacles.
So that half the film becomes a kind of comedic romance as Alyson Hannigan prepares Jim For sex which seems Like a sure thing for him when Nadia comes back to visit.
Though he slowly finds himself falling for her. That is really the only Sweet part of the film. It also allows Alyson Hannigan to become More of a full-fledged cast member. She fits the ensemble rather well.
As most of the rest of the cast is around and has their Storylines they are treated more as Minor primarily serving only the main plot of Jim.
There is only one scene which is supposed to be a Centerpiece of the whole film that is memorable and that is when they are caught spying on two men who they think
Are lesbians and then once caught the guys have to do to own another what they want the girls To do to own another. While at first, it keeps raising the stakes it ends up never rising to the comedic height it could have gone and tries to set up. Which is pretty much what the movie is like.
It’s Nice that the cast Comes together but just like the film they all seem here under contract and already onto their fame at the time. They’re never really there in the film. Not that the film gives them Much to do either.
Directed by: Paul Weitz & Chris Weitz Written By: Adam Herz Cinematography: Richard Crudo Editor: Priscilla Nedd-Friendly
Cast: Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Seann William Scott, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Shannon Elizabeth, Tara Reid, Alyson Hannigan, Natasha Lyonne, Mena Suvari, Eugene Levy, Tara subkoff, Casey Affleck, Chris Owen, Jennifer Coolidge, Lawrence Pressman, Clyde Kusatsu, John Cho, Christina Milian, Molly Cheek, Eden Riegel, Eli Marienthal, James Debello, Clementine Ford, Blink 182
Four teenage boys enter a pact to lose their virginity by prom night.
This is a movie that holds a special place in my heart. As when I had My first job working at a movie theater this movie came out and I was 20 years old and I watched it many times. As did my co-workers and many audience members.
I remember the influence it had as a surprise hit. I was happy that three was a successful teenage sex comedy again in theaters that pushed the envelope but I’m the end had a sweet message and didn’t have the characters stay sex-crazed and juvenile the whole time.
Anytime I watch, it takes me back to a certain time and places in my life that I miss and at the time taken for granted but means so much to me now. This film is almost a vessel for that and my way of thinking at that time.
This is one of those movies I will always enjoy for the huge comedic set pieces that at first come fast and furious but the. As the film Goes along becomes a little more distant but still there. They still Also manage to shock you. At first, when this movie came Out I think that is what audiences enjoyed the more shocking humor of it all. As it had been a long time that a teenage film Was that upfront about sex. And actually went there and showed some.
Another aspect to enjoying this film At least personally is if you are watching it with someone who has Seen it and getting excited for the big shock comedic moments that are coming and watching Them react to it.
One of the minor quibbles I have with the film Is that it’s Editing is annoying and horrible especially in the cutaways that work but if they were sharper would make the jokes the same way stronger.
What also works is that while there are some recognizable faces most of the cast are new to the big screen so we can believe them. For as the characters instead of stars.
Just like the characters the film plays dirty and juvenile but sweet In The end. Where we end up caring about the characters.
Now while there is a lot of sex talk and eventually even some in the Movie the film doesn’t Actually show as much as one would believe and really there is only nudity in one scene. Which belongs to Shannon Elizabeth’s character. Which made her a sex symbol and on-screen goddess for a bit that she never really followed up or really capitalized on.
The film had plenty of more sequels, but this one stays special as there wasn’t as much pressure for it to live up to, and pretty much was undiluted at the time.
This movie and series really show Seann William Scott at his comedic best even though he is part of the group he is also In Effect their nemesis or at least a villain of sorts who gets his comeuppance. To Me, he was always the standout in this movie
This film also helped revitalize Eugene Levy at the movies already a comedic legend in some Circles. This movie broadened his appeal to a younger audience. So much so that he appears in most of the sequels even the straight to DVD ones of the time.
Throughout the Movie, it shows diversity even though most of the people of color are more in the background and never one of the major characters. This was kind of disappointing as this is obviously More aimed at more suburban Kids, it while the feelings are universal the actions and atmosphere of the movie are more specific.
There are so many memorable scenes that are classic. So much so that the sequels never quite matched this film. No matter how hard they tried. In the end, though the film is about sexy it is also a film about relationships not necessarily romantic but between friends and others and how time spent with them can be a commodity
Directed By: Jay Baruchel Written By: Jay Baruchel & Jesse Chabot Based On Characters Created By: Jay Baruchel & Evan Goldberg Based On The Book “Goon” By: Douglas Smith & Adam Frattasio Cinematography By: Paul Sarossy Editor: Jason Eisener
Cast: Seann William Scott, Wyatt Russell, Alison Pill, Kim Coates, Callum Keith Rennie, Marc-Andre Grondin, Liev Schrieber, Elisha Cuthbert, Jay Baruchel, Jason Jones, T.J. Miller
It’s a new day for the Halifax Highlanders. A pro lockout has reunited old teammates and brought a crew of new players to the bench; notably missing from the line-up, however, is everyone’s favourite enforcer and heart of the team, Doug “The Thug” Glatt. Sidelined after one too many hits and now married with a baby on the way, Doug is hanging up his skates and settling into life as an insurance salesman. But when Doug’s nemesis, Anders Cain, is made captain of the Highlanders and new ownership threatens to tear his team apart, Doug is compelled back into action. Ignoring the wishes of wife Eva, Doug heads to the rink, discovering an unlikely training partner in fellow retired enforcer and one-time arch rival, Ross “The Boss” Rhea. Together with grit, passion and unrivaled loyalty, they will grind out one last chance to do what they do best…protect their team
Cut To The Chase 