Tag: Stephen Herek

PICTURE THIS (2008)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Stephen Herek

Written By: Temple Mathews 

Cinematography: Bernard Couture 

Editor: Robin Russell 

Cast: Ashely Tisdale, Robbie Amell, Lauren Collins, Kevin Pollack, Shenae Grimes, Cindy Busby, Marie-Marguerite Sabonqui, Angela Galuppo

Rich, handsome team captain Drew Patterson, the high school’s dream prince, like his elder brothers before, tires of the haughty head cheerleader and shows some interest in nerdy nobody Mandy Gilbert. For her, his invitation to the party of the year of his parental estate bodes instant social promotion, but her overprotective father Tom grounds her for dishonesty. She’s as determined to get in anyway with friends’ help as her rival’s pack to prevent that and dad to guard her. Furthermore, there’s a dooming rumor about the Patterson boys.

———————————————————————

Now let me start this review off by saying that,  I am obviously not the normal audience for this film as I am an adult male, so I am aged out when it comes to this film and this is definitely aimed at a more teenage audience, teenage female in particular, even though as the film plays, it even seems a little too soft and innocent for them. This is something I could more imagine, preteens or children, even watching as it would make more sense to them as it just has a innocence about it even the race scenes or subjects aren’t something you would worry about too much.

The film is a starring vehicle for Ashley Tisdale who is one of the stars of Disney’s high school the musical smash hit TV movie and it’s sequel now I’m not sure if they started as a Disney original or not though would place for that kind of audience. 

The film is rather basic paint by numbers you’ve seen this all before just with different Hijinx and little adventures that all seem to take place really within a few days, which is where some of the logical problems of the film come in whereas this the school hunk who dates it seems like the queen be most popular girl is telling this girl who has lead low on the social scale and never seem to really talk. all of a sudden he’s professing that he really likes her and that how special she is and really if this was true why did he wait for the last year of high school towards the end of the year before they graduate and B? Why doesn’t he just break up with his girlfriend first, so that there would be no hijinks but then again then there would be no movie.

To tell you the truth, the only reason I watch this is because two cast members from the grassy the teenage melodramatic soap opera that I am a big fan of were in it. Shanae Grimes and Lauren collins. Who played Tisdale‘s best friends and offer quirky, comedic, and loving support.

Ashley Tisdale does have star quality though this script and doesn’t really help her shine though she is watchable the film is acceptable even though the script or film might be too juvenile for even her core audience at the time. 

what are the major problems of this film? Is that her arrival? The queen bee who was the most popular girl in school? I don’t feel like would put so much attention to taking her down if she was really secure, but of course, since there’s a team movie at heart it shows that she’s insecure and not to mention the rival isn’t even a challenge when it comes to looks, she seems rather bleach, blonde and generic and way too old to be playing high school school student. Then again, so does the male elite who’s the dream guy Robbie Amell. But I digress.

luckily, the film never comes off as offensive, so it can easily play with most audiences and some might find its silliness cute and it is directed by journeyman director Stephen Herek. (BILL AND TED’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE) So you have to give the film credit as at least it’s competently directed even if the material isn’t the greatest. i’m not really going to write this film only because it would be unfair as normally I might give it a low grade but again to a certain audience this might be the greatest thing ever made and if you’re watching it either you have kids or you’re watching it by accident or you’re really into these sort of films so it doesn’t really matter what I have to say.

Hopefully Ashley Tisdale returns to start them again, cause she definitely has the talent and the energy to truly be an effective actress full of personality

OUR LITTLE SECRET (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Stephen Herek

Written By: Hailey DeDominicis

Cinematography: Graham Robbins 

Editor: Heath Ryan 

Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Joe Rudnitsky, Kristen Chenowith, Tim Meadows, Judy Reyes, Katie Baker, Dan Bucatinsky, Ash Santos, Henry Czerny, Chris Parnell, Kurt Yue 

Avery and Logan haven’t spoken in the 10 years since they broke up. As Christmas approaches, they discover that their new partners are siblings, and both of them have been invited to stay with the family for the holidays. Avery proposes that they keep their past a secret to avoid any awkward confrontations, but hiding the truth turns out to be more difficult than it seems–and spending time together reignites old sparks.

————————————————————————

The film Has the screwball comedy concept down. 

In veteran director Stephen Herek’s hands makes what could have easily been insufferable into something more memorable. Very formulaic 

It get’s a bit racy but never over the edge and stays quite clean. Though goes a few places you wouldn’t expect, but keeps its subjects and targets soft. After all it is a movie aimed at the holidays for families for the most part. 

I will admit I watched this movie mainly to see actress Lindsay Lohan. I was a fan when I was younger and was alway rooting for her through her turmoil with fame, but always thought she was talented and had the skills. Making quite the comeback here. Though not as full fledged as one would hope. Though she is trying and sells the material.

So looked forward to her many comebacks. Luckily they have recently seemed to stick, but mostly here does what is required. She comes across a bit stiff and too poised. Especially when she needs to throw herself into it more. 

The film Is filled  with reliable recognizable and reliable actors who the audience  will instantly recognize. 

It’s a Sweet romantic comedy that is a bornvoer the top yet relatable. As most of the characters throughout are holding secrets. None that small they are all quite devastating in the end. 

Which at least leaves the movie with some gravity. As most of the other gags seem forgettable and never quite Go for  the full damage or gambit of consequences, but still Manages to leave a smile on your face. 

Grade: C+

ROCK STAR (2001)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Stephen Herek 
Written By: John Stockwell
Cinematography: Ueli Steiger 
Editor: Trudy Sharp 

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Aniston, Dominic West, Timothy Spall, Dagmara Domincyzk, Jason Flemyng, Timothy Olyphant, Matthew Glave, Michael Shamus Wiles, Beth Grant, Stephen Jenkins, Jason Bonham, Jeff Pilson, Zakk Wylde, Colleen Ann Fitzpatrick, Amy Miller, Rachel Hunter, Heidi Mark, Carrie Stevens, Carey Lassard, Kristin Willits 

The lead singer of a tribute band becomes the lead singer of the real band he idolizes.

This is a film built off of wish fulfillment and watching the life and fantasy most members of the audience dream of, sort of like those entertainment shows that show you the houses and yachts of celebrities to impress you even though you might never actually get a chance to actually see or experience it and better yet this is based on a true story.

So while the film is showing someone else living it up. It feels within arms reach for the audience. Like voluntary torture with a story. A real-life fairy tale with a moral to it.

It’s the old talented being careful what you wish for because you get what you want but you might not be prepared for what it entails and what you have to do to maintain it

An all-American dream movie that shows the dark side and in the end is a happy ending that lets the hero stand on his own Terms. Yet ends up feeling cheesy

Mark Wahlberg is strong. Here as the devoted fan and Everyman who won’t bend in his fandom and cover their songs but when he gets the chance to be part of them finds he has to constantly make compromises

He sees the dark side of stardom and the same type of doctoral behavior he had with his cover band he notices it’s the same way in the actual band

There are many scenes showing the access of rock-star life the lifestyle and legendary parties but also the toll they can take and how they can change you and practically make you a slave or zombie to it. Change who you are and who you are to people how flexible your morals can become

Jennifer Aniston is sexy but  the outfits they give her are made to be flattering but they also, unfortunately, show the limitations of her body and for some odd reasons  make her appear older than Her co-star

This is one of the folks that showed his appeal and has a prepared audience for his more Everyman appeal yet who they would want to Be. Watch him have good times and imagine themselves there.

This seems like a film that would have more of an impact when it is set more in the 1980s or even 90s to show how bloated that period of time was. Watching it now it seems to deliver more an obvious message as well as trying to be a kind of throwback that feels out of date and a satire with little to say about the time. Instead of just throwing in hooked jabs of Jokes

The casting of Mark Wahlberg seems ironic considering his past as an overnight music star as Marky Mark in his teens. So while his character here is in a different genre of music. You can’t help but think if he dealt with some of the same issues when he was a music star rapper.

Based on a true story it stays entertaining and funny at parts but seems to try so hard for something that is more of a minor tale. 

Though pretty much of ItMs time and more disposable back then. This film plays much better over time. Still ridiculous but more heartfelt. An earnestness of the modern era That is kind of missing in most modern films of these times. 

Grade: C+

DON’T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER’S DEAD (1991)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Stephen Herek
Written By: Neil Landau & Tara Ison
Cinematography By: Tim Sushrstedt
Editor: Larry Bock

Cast: Christina Applegate, Keith Coogan, Joanna Cassidy, Jayne Brook, John Getz, Josh Charles, Kimmy Robertson, Danielle Harris, David Duchovny, Concetta Tomei, Christopher Pettiet, Sarah Buxton, Michael Kopelow 

Single mother goes away for the summer. The kids are first delighted but then find that Mom has hired the sitter from hell to stay with them. When the sitter dies of a sudden coronary they deposit the body at a mortuary only to discover all their summer expense money was in her purse. The kids must find a way to survive the summer without mom or her money. This means actual work! 

The title gets to the point and pretty much summarizes the plot of the movie right away. Usually, movies Like this have a deadly fate. Look at STOP OR MY MOTHER WILL SHOOT! Which is more infamous than anything.

This is actually pretty good and memorable. Even watching it today though some of it is dated and some of the humor random. It still holds up as even though it has some harsh material mostly in the form of language and certain situations. This is more a family romp. The material makes it seem like it’s own Characters who are likable who seem tough and troubled but have good hearts. As it has an edge but plays it clean.

I will admit I have a soft spot for this film. I even saw it in theaters upon the initial release. It still is instantly rewatchable.

This was Christina Applegate’s big Hollywood starring role. She has guest-starred in other shows and had an indie film that was buried on video before this, by this was a big time and even though a modest hit. That seems to love on in airings. She never really got a chance at a big screen follow up the Leading role.

Here she plays against her usual sexy or sex pot type of roles she was getting at the time. This was more of a teenager forced to grow up to get out of a situation but still being a kid at heart. So a kind of comedic coming of age role that wasn’t too deep. This role allowed her to show range and talent. Which might be why she is discharged a consummate comedic actress now. As she grew up play around comedic productions and actors. Even though she was not the first choice for the role. As it was written for Winona Ryder and once she turned it down Justine Bateman was to take on the role but dropped out.

As we basically watch her as a teen prepare for the adult world. While being immersed in it and while making mistakes learning to form them and getting by and actually improving and helping the company and her co-workers. Which has an effect on all those around. Her and proving that karma does exist.

The film even manages to fit in a cute teenage romantic subplot that of course runs parallel to the main plot and ends up having mishaps, misunderstandings and accidents.

The film isn’t as cynical and dark as the title might suggest or that the premise might seem.

Part of what works is that even the supporting characters are fun and come off as believable and funny and get their own space and time to shine.

This was one of the last really noteworthy roles for actor Keith Coogan. Here he plays the second oldest Kenny a stoner metalhead who manages the household while his sister is away and in staying home also learns a skill that helps him to mature. After all his mistakes at home that cause only more trouble and mishaps. He nearly steals the movie though doesn’t have as much screen time. Though this is definitely a highlight of His work and one of his bigger roles. Definitely one most will remember him for other then ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING.

Production nearly stopped towards the end of shooting due to Christopher Pettiet’s drug addiction, which was starting to get out of control. The producers cut a few of his scenes to keep the film on schedule. Which would explain why he is barely in the movie.

This could have easily been a one-joke movie but it actually has some substance to go along with the comedy it presents. It actually feels well rounded which is rare for a teen comedy. Especially at the time. –If the pace had been a bit quicker this could have been quite a slapstick comedy.

John Landis was originally approached to direct as he was the producer’s first choice. the movie but he turned it down. As did John Hughes who only directed his own scripts and was eager to step away from teen films. Also Richard Donner, Joe Dante rand Joel Schumacher turned it down. This was Director Stephen Herek’s third big-screen film production. He shines here. Which would be his style with most of his films. Which really were more family-centered films. With those other directors, the film would be more an approach of their styles which might be bigger than the actors of the film but might have allowed To be taken more seriously as a comedy. Rather than written off as a dark teen film. Even as it packs plenty of nostalgia no matter what age

GRADE: B-