Tag: Shannon Elizabeth

TOMCATS (2001)

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Written & Directed By: Gregory Poirier

Cinematography: Charles Minsky 

Editor: Harry Keramidas 

Cast: Jerry O’Connell, Shannon Elizabeth, Horatio Sanz, Jamie Pressly, Jake Busey, David Ogden Stiers, Bernie Casey, Travis Fine, Amber Smith, Marisa Parker 

At the wedding of a friend, the remaining bachelors bet on staying single. Seven years later, one of the two remaining loses $51,000 in Vegas. He must get the other guy married to cash in and pay his debt or die. A cute female cop helps him.

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this at the time seemed like one of the lower budgeted Apex movies of the frat bro type of comedies. One feels like they would more fit in with a male teenage audience as this film comes across as more of the sex comedy T & A film that most kids would have wanted to try and catch late night on cable.

That ends up being one of the most misogynistic movies released by a major studio past the 1980s and pretty much sold as such. Though more advertised as an outlandish comedy.

This was one of the few films of Jerry, O’Connell‘s leading man, big screen career, and he tries his best and throws himself into the role and stays believable throughout.

The same with Shannon Elizabeth, and one of her first starring roles after AMERICAN PIE became a surprise hit.

Shannon Elizabeth’s career was riding high from SCARY MOVIE and AMERICAN PIE when she made this film. It’s a shame if this was one of the better scripts offered as she is dazzling in this in looks and talent, but is so much better than the film. And it’s material. It seems she wouldn’t be used to better extra until JAY AND SILENT BOB’s She is actually one of the main reasons for my interest in watching the movie in the first place.

These are the types of films that were playing weekly when I used to work at a movie theater and is probably one of the reasons I have actually watched this film more than once.

This is an ugly movie, sure as usual it has hot women, but only one seems to be a real fleshed out character the rest are either shrews, whorish, dumb fantasies or sexual playthings or all of the above.

Shockingly for such a heavily sexual film there is barely any nudity also

This film is about Jerry O’Connell, who is one of the last bachelors amongst his friends. They all decide to make a bet that the last bachelor would win a pot of money they all contribute to over the years. After a trip to Las Vegas. O’Connell finds himself in debt. So he figured the only way to pay it off is to win the pot, but his competition Jake Busey is nowhere near getting married even though he is more successful with the ladies. He only way Jerry figures to win is to find the girl who broke Jake’s heart and have her seduce him at least into a quickie marriage and they will split the money, but of course Jerry falls for her.

Other then the heavy misogynistic attitude this film has with scenes where women are repeatedly abused and used as trash. Is that Jerry O’Connell our protagonist is so dumb it’s hard to feel anything for him or about him and his plight and Jake Busey is so loathsome not only is it hard to believe that he is so successful with women. It’s hard to believe any woman would want to be with him. There are no redeeming values that he possesses.

The film is also gross out humorous for no reason, Extremely. For instance the ball scene in the hospital. Where Jerry has to chase and retrieve Jake’s just removed ball.

It’s a shame as the film has a good cast. It would have been good to use Janie Presley more as she is actually funny in this film.

What is truly painful is that this is one of the last theatrical films that actor Bernie Casey ever appeared in. He might have played in some bad movies, but he deserved better than this to cap off his career. Who knows working on this film might have inspired his retirement

While the films main cast seems game for the material. The Veteran actors seem here only to cash a paycheck as they realize how poor the material is, yet this might be the best opportunities they are getting and it’s a quick paycheck.

Can’t really tell if this was a lame attempt at a updated sex comedy, or just a typcal straight to video (at the time) material that got a bigger name cast then it dererved, As it plays like the crowd for it would be a frat house or a bro-culture film.

The film works as a romantic comedy, the problem is the story and most of the characters are so repulsive. Half the situations the lead finds themselves in are stupid and worse uninspired where it always seems like a worst case scenario taken to another extreme level that makes no sense and one can understand that this film is not one that was made to have depth or even think while watching, it’s supposed to be entertainment though you should also respect your audience to a certain extent or maybe it does. It just knows its audience who will find it amongst all that is this film was unleashed upon.

The film stays entertaining throughout as long as you’re not too sensitive or seeking political correctness. Though it’s also film you only need to see once.

One of the reasons saw this film is that it played at a movie theater I worked at and it seemed like there were a rash of these types of films came and went and were in fashion. Sophomoric comedies that all feel like sitcom side stories combined to try and make a 90 minute film

Even the Horatio Sanz’s side story as O’Connells sidekick is obvious, though a bit more humorous, but has to be stretched throughout to truly pay off. Which leads to another problem with the film is the fact that you have Jamie Pressly in a supporting role and she could’ve been given more to do as she gives one of them more stronger performances in the film.  as most of the cast is game, but they all could’ve just used a better script as it seems more like they are slumming, even though they are given some of their biggest roles to date at the time and being released by a studio. Though at least the film has some unpredictable cameos.

This is a film. You can definitely skip unless you’re into juvenile humor sex comedies that end up having a roughly romantic comedic angle.

Grade: D+

JAY AND SILENT BOB REBOOT (2020)

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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. 

Grade: C

AMERICAN PIE 2 (2001)

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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.

Grade: D

AMERICAN PIE (1999)

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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 

Grade: B