Tag: Steve Buscemi

VACATION FRIENDS 2 (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Clay Tarver
Based on characters created by: Clay Tarver, Tom Mullen & Tim Mullen, Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley Cinematography: Tim Suhrstedt
Editor: Tim Roche 

Cast: Lil’ Rel Howery, Yvonne Orji, John Cena, Meredith Hagner, Steve Buscemi, Carlos Santos, Ronny Chieng, Jamie Hector 

A couple who meets up with another couple while on vacation in Mexico sees their friendship take an awkward turn when they get back home.

Let me start off by saying that I surprisingly enjoyed the first film. It was better than I thought it would be. So it’s with a heavy heart that I say. I really didn’t like this one.

As it is a sequel that didn’t need to be made for any reason. The story just feels put together without any real meaning or reason. As it tries to repeat the first film.

Only in the first film, John Cena and Meredith Hagner’s characters were annoying and over the top, but eventually, it was explained why they were. It also showed that underneath they were sweethearts who really cared about their friends.

In this film, they are still annoying and it seems just to be annoying or the script requires them to be without showing any real growth at all. (Especially Hagner) They also seem a bit more cruel at times in their Jokes, particularly in the airport scenes. So that they feel unlikeable because they are truly given so little to do.

Their subplot with Steve Buscemi’s character seems so non-engaging. Even though Buscemi tries, the script lets him down at most turns.

Lil’ Rel Howery and Yvonne Orji also have nothing better to do than tag along for the ride. As they are used to them lil’ Rel seems to be the character who gets into the most trouble trying to juggle rest & relaxation with friends and an important business deal. As well as being the constant naysayer when it comes to any kind of wayward activity. Ending up doing it and being the most punished. 

The hijinks this time also feel a little more take and uninventive than the first films. This film isn’t as shocking or as heartfelt. 

It’s surprising that this failed so badly. as the film is directed by the original director who showed promise with the first film. though then again even though he helped co-write the original. Here he is on his own and it shows as the magic seems to be missing.

  It just seems like everyone here is contractually obligated and had so much fun in the first film. Let’s do it again and do it in a tropical paradise. It feels like THE HANGOVER PART 2 all over again only on a smaller streaming scale and trying not to repress the same jokes 

Grade: D 

THE YEAR BETWEEN (2023)

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Written & Directed: Alex Heller 
Cinematography: Jason Chiu
Editor: Harrison Atkins

Cast: Alex Heller, J. Smith-Cameron, Steve Buscemi, Emily Robinson, Wyatt Oleff, Kyanna Simone, Rajeey Jacob, Anne Hollister 

Clemence Miller is coming home to live in her family’s basement after dropping out of college with a newly diagnosed mental illness. Having to face her battered relationships and responsibilities of adulthood, she is driving everyone around her… crazy.

The one thing about this film is its Cookie cutter surroundings and times that it plays like a racy sitcom. It always feels devastatingly honest. 

The film is like a suburban heartfelt confession. That offers no real answers. As it doesn’t have any to give. It is just what works for the main character, as this film is autobiographical. This might be what works. 

The film shows that no matter what. No one is perfect and they are trying to do the best that they can. That most are opportunistic and there is always a chance for opportunity open.

You know how it most likely will turn out from the title alone. Which doesn’t offer up a finality but seems more like a midpoint. Which could be the ingredient or the meat of a Sandwich. The most flavorful and tasty. 

It also offers a look at what isn’t necessarily Tackled in films about main characters with illnesses mental and physical. Which is the toll it takes on those around you. As the world still goes around. Even when you are dealing with things that are holding you back. 

The film points out that not everyone has the same Opportunities or chances and choices, but the film still doesn’t explore their options or chances. Then again the film Isn’t their story. Which makes the character identifiable a bit maybe not the situations. 

Alex Heller writes, directs, and stars. At times her mental illness comes across more as a Comic persona but seems to be her truth. As she doesn’t come across as likable but she is understandable. As she shows warts and all her downfall and many rock Bottoms, not also Her trying to get better and the ups and downs of that.

Grade: B 

AIRHEADS (1996)

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Directed By: Michael Lehman 
Written By: Rich Wilkes 
Cinematography: John Schwartzman 
Editor: Stephen Semel 

Cast: Brendan Fraser, Adam Sandler, Steve Buscemi, Joe Mantegna, Ernie Hudson, Chris Farley, Amy Locane, Michael McKean, Michael Richards, David Arquette, Judd Nelson, Nina Siemaszko, Marshall Bell, Reginald E. Cathey, China Kantner, Michelle Hurst, Allen Covert, Harold Ramis, Lemmy Von Motörhead, John Melendez 

Three band members, hoping for a big break head to a radio station to play their demo tape and wind up holding everyone hostage with plastic guns when the head D.J. refuses to play them.

This movie came out at a critical time for me. When I was 15 and for some odd reason I remember every ad about it, the music video for the single BORN TO RAISE HELL by Motörhead with ugly kid Joe and Ice-T and even the premiere on MTV where it was obvious Chris Farley was drunk/high and the first time I realized he might have a problem.

I was the demographic for this movie that was for some odd reason Pg-13 I mean it was presented in the same way, but most of the material and spirit of the movie felt like this should have been an R-Rated movie. As it testily lacks the spirit and vision of over-the-top exuberance that rock was supposed to be but by the 1990s had mellowed to be more emo. Though these Characters obviously are more 1980’s types when it was hard rock, glam rock, and heavy metal. 

The film is the right film but at the wrong time. As it feels like a holdover trying to fit into the wrong time period. What I can appreciate about the film is that it works as nostalgia when radio stations still had power and were seen as important ambassadors between the bands and fans.

This film also unfortunately feels miscast. As much as I enjoy Brendan Fraser as an actor and he has proven to be versatile. He is just hard to believe as the lead singer of the band. Adam Sandler plays the drummer and is more the simple-minded of the group. He wanted to play the lead but the studio didn’t think he had any pulling power of an audience at the time.

Steve Buscemi is perfectly cast in the film, one of his first major studio films and one in which he is looked upon more as comic relief. 

The film is silly all around as you can’t take anything seriously. So that it comes off more juvenile than anything else

 The film has quite a respectable cast. Quite a few unfortunately in more small or bit roles. Even though Joe Mantegna is good, his look is less Rick and more disco holdover. 

The female roles don’t offer much other than angry girlfriend and object of lust. Which fits into the milieu and mindset of the time. As well as being treated more as eye candy. 

This film has surprisingly found an audience over the years, After the bombing in Its initial release. Due to not only bad marketing but it feels like it was over-marketed and misrepresented. Don’t get me wrong I don’t think It’s a good movie but I think everyone did try to make a decent film that came up short but deserves its Fans and its audience. 

It just wasn’t the great rock film people were expecting or at least hoping for. Somewhere there is a hybrid of this movie and PICK OF DESTINY where they swipe out each other’s weaknesses and build on each other’s strengths then maybe you would have the movie that the audience was looking for or expecting. If that film can still be made now.

As this film does have its moments, but ultimately fails to live up to the hype or potential. 

Grade: C 

28 DAYS (2000)

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Directed By: Betty Thomas 
Written By: Susannah Grant 
Cinematography: Declan Quinn
Editor: Peter Teschner 

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Elizabeth Perkins, Viggo Mortensen, Dominic West, Margo Martindale, Diane Ladd, Reni Santoni, Alan Tudyk, Azura Skye, Steve Buscemi, Michael O’Malley, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Susan Krebs 

A big-city newspaper columnist is forced to enter a drug and alcohol rehab center after ruining her sister’s wedding and crashing a stolen limousine.

This movie is charming in its own way.  As it is primarily a comedy but it gets deeply dramatic and doesn’t always provide a happy ending. 

This movie marked a difference In Sandra Bullock’s career. Where she seemed more interested in trying to stretch past her girl next door image and have more edge to her but also kind of realized her limitations. So she was trying to have a middle ground here. 

The film is too light to really be too hard-hitting, but gets to the emotional landscapes that it needs to and hits those aspects hard.

It’s a relief to watch a film where there is a hint of romance but treats it more for what it is a connection that can easily be read as a distraction from your true problems. 

While Sandra bullock is engaging it’s the side characters that really pepper the film

And make it spicy. They are also more the heart and dramatic pulls of the movie. Luckily though Sandra bullock is clearly the star. She lets the supporting characters breathe enough for us to care about them. Even if some stay one-dimensional.

Even though in hindsight the plotline with Azura Skye’s character would have been more recognizable and maybe a more informed outcome. Though she is one of the more heartbreaking. Elements of the film And definitely memorable characters. 

Though Viggo Mortensen comes into this film Like a true movie star and makes his presence felt he still feels more like a minor element to the film As a whole. Whose most dramatic and Piercing scene is a throwaway one at a gas stop. Though throughout the oozes charisma.

Though when the film hits her dramatic past. It does feel right and strong. Yet luckily never quite overdramatic. 

When I first saw the film I wasn’t prepared as it seemed to ride the middle as far as genres and quality. Watching it again recently though it might not have a typical happy ending film Makes you feel comfortable. As the film is infinitely rewatchable.

The only problem with the film Might be that In trying to be so many different things instead of going in-depth it kind of flirts and gives a bit, little too passable when it comes to everything. 

We are just given enough to feel or be informed about characters, situations, and the road to recovery. While feeling a bit spiritual but not the hokey hippie kind.

In the end, it shows the power and charisma of Actress Sandra Bullock that lasts to this day. As she is one of the last true stars of the big screen. Where audiences follow her no matter what genre of film she stars in and is still usually a hit of some kind. Yet she never comes across as the stereotype of a star. 

Grade: B-

RAMPART (2011)

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Directed By: Oren Moverman 
Written By: Oren Moverman & James Ellroy 
Cinematography By: Bobby Butowski 
Editor: Jay Rabinowitz 

 CAST: Woody Harrelson, Robin Wright-Penn, Sigourney Weaver, Steve Buscemi, Ice Cube, Brie Larson, Anne Heche, Ben Foster, Cynthia Nixon, Ned Beatty, Jon Foster, Jon Bernthal 


Set in 1999 Los Angeles, veteran police officer Dave Brown, the last of the renegade cops, works to take care of his family, and struggles for his own survival. 

Woody Harrelson does what is called for, he seems natural in the role. The film just fails him as it gives us plenty of his background but doesn’t give us a compelling story to follow him through.

I will admit though I was more impressed by his performance in the film THE MESSENGER.

While there is a riveting story and a character study buried in here. It is never utilized to allow a greater more elaborate performance. The film seems misdirected while trying to go natural.

Then all of a sudden artsy camera movements and angles. It’s like the director didn’t know how exactly to set up shots for the best quality of the scene. So he cut together various bad ones. Considering the film is co-written by James Ellroy.

It gets the grittiness correct. As well as the political and inner workings of the L.A.P.D. But half of the bigger name actors seem only to be here in glorified cameos. They seem to only be in the film because they were attracted by the prestige. There is one scene of true originality.

When the chips are down and Woody’s character goes on a bender to an underground Club. Where sex and debauchery are going on all around him. Drunk and on any numerous narcotics. He walks through the club when the screen goes blank and over the next few minutes there are flashes of action bathed in the red light of what is going on in the club. It sneaks up on us and plays like his character going in and out of consciousness. So we are with him throughout the experience. The rest of the film is so unfulfilling that it pushes Mr. Harrelson’s performance to seem great otherwise compared to the rest of the film. Like a consolation prize.

The film shows that he seems to be living the role and reacting to what is thrown at him. Most of the other roles are underwritten and just woven into the tapestry to shape and show unspoken subtle things on the fringes. There are the makings of a great film here.


It’s a shame the film has good actors who seem stuck and misused in film.


GRADE: D+

THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND (2020)

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Directed By: Judd Apatow

Written By: Judd Apatow, Pete Davidson & Dave Sirus

Cinematography: Robert Elswit

Editor: Jay Cassidy, William Kerr & Brian Olds

Cast: Pete Davidson, Bill Burr, Marisa Tomei, Steve Buscemi, Bel Powley, Moises Arias, Carly Aquilino, Maude Apatow, Kevin Corrigan, Pamela Adlon, Rich Vos, Keith Robinson, Jimmy Tatro, Dominick Lombardozzi, Colson Baker, Ricky Velez, Lou Wilson

Scott has been a case of arrested development since his firefighter dad died. He spends his days smoking weed and dreaming of being a tattoo artist until events force him to grapple with his grief and take his first steps forward in life.

This is not Writer/Director Judd Apatow’s worst or most disappointing movie, but disappointing to a certain degree.

Saw the somewhat similar BIG TIME ADOLESCENCE where Pete Davidson played a similar aimless character who seems stuck in arrested development and mental illness. That film had a more straight to the point story whereas this seems to be comfortable in the moments. Wherever they go. Which is great for the performers, for the audience it can go either way. Which might be why this film isn’t as good as I had hoped as it feels a little familiar.

One of Judd Apatow’s talent is always getting comedic actors who he wants to work with to kind of write their own stories and movies that are a bit autobiographical and then they can try to tie it to a more central plot-oriented conceit. Allowing them to bring out the talents and charm of the actors. As well as make it feel more real as it is partly based in the leads life. This helping to bring out the best in them and showcase their talents. Usually giving them more depth and heart then they have ever been allowed before. 

He has become so good at mixing comedy and drama he feels like a modern-day James L. Brooks. Strangely Judd Apatow movies are also always reminiscent of John Cassavettes films. As he always wants to cut to the truth of the scenes and characters. Where he also let’s then scenes flow freely from comedy to devastating drama. This usually works when his films are further away from formula. 

It also helps that the characters in these movies might be more comedic and therefore humor but they also feel loved in more than just actorly in performance. 

This is one of the few films he has made that is less high concept. Usually there is a concept and users the comedians personality, charm and instincts to make it more of a character piece.

The film is big yet the main character is aimless. Things happen throughout making the film more eventful but leaving the film still kind of formless. Even with a skeleton underneath. As the film is too long. 

Pete Davidson is pretty much playing a less successful version of himself or his public persona. He is a charming knucklehead who seems charming and fun. Yet has presence and you would be friends with. It never totally understands. 

The cast gives it all but feels like a pilot. As it seems to set up a lot but never quite pull the trigger. so that there seems to be more room for development amongst the characters. 

The film offers comedian Bill Burr a great role close to the leading man and he is excellent in the role.

One wishes Pamela Adlon was in the film more and had more to do. The same with Marisa Tomei. As the film comes off more like a boy’s club. It’s the same fate As well for bel Powley as she is funny and sexy in her role. As a sometimes love interest who gets tired of being used and taken for granted.

The film doesn’t seem to know where it wants to go. As it leads us to various places. Sometimes it stays around, but often makes a pit stop and then moves forward going along and not really looking back too much and it doesn’t really have an ending. An Especially  satisfying one 

Once a plot does rear its head. The film stays with it then takes a turn to allow for some more wandering. Which leaves the film entertaining but makes it feel endless. 

The film leaves a lot of plates spinning. Where some characters appear and then disappear. Which works as it shows once away from the lead their influence is on existent. Their lack of importance to the main character is that small of an important overall to the Film and they almost come off as forgotten by the end. 

Grade: C

HUBIE HALLOWEEN (2020)

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Directed By: Steven Brill

Written By: Tim Herlihy & Adam Sandler 

Cinematography: Seamus Tierney 

Editor: J.J. Titone, Brian Robinson & Tom Costen

Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Ray Liotta, George Wallace, Tim Meadows, Maya Rudolph, Julie Bowen, Shaquille O’Neal, Steve Buscemi, Rob Schneider, Blake Clark, Colin Quinn, June Squibb, Jackie Sandler, Noah Schnapp, Paris Berelc, Karan Brar, Sadie Sandler, Sunny Sandler, China Anne McClain, Kym Whitley, Allen Covert, Lavell Crawford, Mikey Day, Peyton List 

Despite his devotion to his hometown of Salem (and its Halloween celebration), Hubie Dubois is a figure of mockery for kids and adults alike. But this year, something is going bump in the night, and it’s up to Hubie to save Halloween.

While I can admire the film for being strictly for kids with a star-studded cast. It is purely for them as it comes off as silly and pretty stupid, but at least not another vacation comedy for Sandler. Who does seem to put in an effort here. 

Though it pretty much has his typical storyline. This one feels more like one of his earlier films only In the fact that he plays mroe of a loser man-boy who eventually must learn to grow up. Though still has a very attractive woman in love with him for the thinnest of reasons.

While the film has very few laughs if you give yourself over to it. One can see why surprisingly many people are giving this movie mroe the benefit of the doubt. Again as is more innocent than some of his mroe recent films and it feels like a film we need more of these days in these trying and cynical times.

Ultimately this feels like Adam Sandler making. Up another character with a strange voice to show his inner child never left. That feels like his CANTEEN BOY character from SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE not only grown up but with a Halloween theme.

This is another film where the cast is filled with mostly his friends and former co-workers. Where half the fun is seeing what roles they will play and when they will pop up.

This seems like a film where the cast had more fun cracking each other up more than bringing too many laughs to the screen. 

It feels like the script was written from the point of view of two parents wanting to make a film for their kids and putting in all the clean pubs they could for reacting to this generation and trying to keep it clean and immature but with a child’s view of the world. While not necessarily what I was expecting which might have lead to a personal disappointment. 

This film might be what you need for kids seeking something with more of an edge and cute and not having to worry if it is too offensive. As plenty of jokes will go over their head

The film is mostly silly overall and aimed at a kid audience. Using the stars more to lure adults in and watch some respected actors act silly.

Grade: D+

I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY (2007)

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nowpronounce

Directed By: Dennis Dugan
Written By: Barry Fanaro, Alexander Payne & Jim Taylor
Based on a screen Treatment By: Lew Gallo
Cinematography By: Dean Semler
Editor: Jeff Gourson 


Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Jessica Biel, Nicholas Turturro, Ving Rhames, Rob Schneider, Allen Covert Dan Aykroyd, Richard Chamberlin, Steve Buscemi, Blake Clark, Rachel Dratch, Nick Swardson, Mary Pat Gleason, Jamie Chung, Rob Coddry, Robert Smeigel, Richard Kline, Gary Valentine, Dave Matthews, Lance Bass, David Spade, Peter Dante, Jonathna Loughran 


Two straight, single Brooklyn firefighters pretend to be a gay couple in order to receive domestic partner benefits.

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MONSTER HOUSE (2006)

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monster-house-9

 

Directed By: Gil Kenan
Written By: Dan Harmon, Rob Schrab & Paul Pettler
Story By: Dan Harmon & Rob Schrab
Cinematography: Xavier Perez Geobet
Editor: Fabienne Eawley & Adam P. Scott 


Cast: Mitchel Musso, Steve Buscemi, Maggie Gylenhaal, Catherine O’Hara, Fred Willard, Jon Heder, Jason Lee, Kevin James, Nick Cannon, Spencer Locke, Kathleen Turner 


13-year-old DJ is observing his neighbor Nebbercracker on the other side of the street in the suburb that destroys tricycles of children that trespass his lawn. When DJ’s parents travel on the eve of Halloween and the abusive nanny Zee stays with him, he calls his clumsy best friend Chowder to play basketball. But when the ball falls in Nebbercracker’s lawn, the old man has a heart attack, and soon they find that the house is a monster. Later the boys rescue the smart Jenny from the house and the trio unsuccessfully tries to convince the babysitter, her boyfriend Bones and two police officers that the haunted house is a monster, but nobody believes them. The teenagers ask their video-game addicted acquaintance Skull how to destroy the house, and they disclose its secret on the Halloween night

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THE DEAD DON’T DIE (2019)

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THE DEAD DON'T DIE

Written & Directed By: Jim Jarmusch
Cinematography: Frederick Elmes
Editor: Affonso Goncalves 

Cast: Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Chloe Sevingy, Tilda Swinton, Steve Buscemi, RZA, Selena Gomez, Larry Fessenden, Carol Kane, Iggy Pop, Rosie Perez, Tom Waits, Danny Glover, Jahi Winston, Caleb Landry Jones, Austin Butler, Luka Sabbat 


The peaceful town of Centerville finds itself battling a zombie horde as the dead start rising from their graves.

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