Tag: Tiffany Haddish

BAD TRIP (2021)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Kitao Sakurai
Story By: Eric Andre, Kitao Sakurai & Andrew Barchilon
Written By: Dan Curry, Eric Andre & Kitao Sakurai
Cinematography: Andrew Laboy
Editor: Sascha Stanton Craven, Matthew Kosinski & Caleb Swyers 

Cast: Eric Andre, Lil Rel Howery, Tiffany Haddish, Michaela Conlin, Allan Graf 

This mix of a scripted buddy comedy road movie and a real hidden camera prank show follows the outrageous misadventures of two buds stuck in a rut who embark on a cross-country road trip to NYC. The storyline sets up shocking real pranks.

This comes from the cinematic form. That seems more an extension of the Jackass movies and television show. Just as Sascha Baron Cohen with the BORAT films. As this film is more just a loose series of stunts and pranks that rely on the reactions of real people not actors who are brought into the scene. Not knowing they are being filmed. Their true reactions to such shocking and sensationalistic actions and scenarios are what keep the film afloat.

As there is a rather thin storyline that is easily forgettable but keeps the characters moving and allows them to be in different locations and states to test out the material. While secretly being filmed.

Now this is also an extension of star and comedian Eric Andre’s show. Where he is known more for his absurdist and gross humor as well as improv man on the street skits.

I can’t vouch for this movie cinematically but I can say if you are into gross and shocking humor. It will keep you laughing throughout despite plot holes or absence of logic. Not only to see the reactions but to see the set-ups 

Though it is Eric Andre’s platform more. Tiffany haddish steals her scenes throughout and seems natural. As this film reminds us of the depth of her talents. Whereas more recently she has seemed to be on autopilot here she actually feels like she is invested. lil rel Howery does what he can do but mostly throughout he is more the straight man and rarely gets to cut loose except for a scene or two.

Half the enjoyment of this film is the reactions from the bystanders. Sometimes they are surprisingly good hearted and other times mad,  it always manages to surprise you. As you watch you tend to wonder how this is believable or how they set it up In Addition To the u predictable behavior of the bystanders 

If looking to just be entertained or are a fan of any of the three comedians who make up the cast. You will love the film naturally. For others, be aware as you can get the feel of the film just from the trailers.

Grade: B-

THE KITCHEN (2019)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed by: Andrea Berloff
Based on the comic book series created for DC Vertigo by: Ollie Masters & Ming Doyle
Cinematography: Maryse Alberti
Editor: Christopher Tellefsen

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Elisabeth Moss, Tiffany Haddish, Common, Domnhall Gleeson, James Badge Dale, Brian D’Arcy James, Bill Camp, Margo Martindale, Annabella Sciorra, Jeremy Bobb

The wives of New York gangsters in Hell’s Kitchen in the 1970s continue to operate their husbands’ rackets after they’re locked up in prison.

Adapted from a graphic novel and it feels that way. As there is a lot of posturing on screen, but nothing ever feels real or organic. It feels like everything happens because the story says so.

None of the characters or their motivations feel real they are understandable but never feel heartfelt. Leaving the film to feel empty to a degree.

It’s Entertaining but you can always feel it turning the wheels forward and when characters turn about face or there is a double cross and a plot twist. It never quite hits as hard because it already feels like a free for all. As to what will shake up the audience.

You never understand why 2 of the characters would be with their husbands until it is explained later and you still don’t know why it wasn’t obvious to their characters or a it one else throughout.

It might be that this storyline has been used before in the Televison mini-series BELLA MAFIA amongst other films and television shows. This just feels like the latest retread and whole all involved give it their all.

It gives each of the actresses room to stretch their dramatic muscles Tiffany Haddish has the juiciest role and it gives her a chance to flex her more dramatic muscles and she comes across with flying colors as the most ambitious. 

Elisabeth Moss tries soenthing new in playing a woman constantly abused. Who ends up becoming the most violent and ruthless out of the three. As she finds true love and freedom through finally striking back at those who would try to harm her or them.

Melissa McCarthy comes across as the leader and most open. As well as the most kind who has to learn to toughen up and who she can trust and can’t 

The film Gives most of the cast of recognizable character actors a chance to revel in their 1970’s wardrobe and stereotypes. As their costumes and style do most of the work. 

It never quite feels as strong as it should and comes across as rather empty overall. As even the sets and costumes are more obviously fake then lived In.

GRADE: C-

LIKE A BOSS (2020)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

like-a-boss

Directed By: Miguel Arteta
Written By: Sam Pitman & Adam Cole-Kelly
Story By: Danielle Sanchez-Witzel
Cinematography: Jas Shelton
Editor: Jay Deuby 


Cast: Tiffany Haddish, Rose Byrne, Salma Hayek, Billy Porter, Jennifer Coolidge, Jessica St. Clair, Ari Graynor, Ryan Hansen, Jimmy O. Yang, Karan Soni, Jacob Latimore, Natasha Rothwell  


Two friends with very different ideals start a beauty company together. One is more practical while the other wants to earn her fortune and live a lavish lifestyle.

This is a film that feels like a let down as it has a good cast but where as the trailers looked hilarious and fun. The film doesn’t rise to the occasion and really the only thing that keeps the film afloat is the cast.

As this film is the equivalent of a buddy comedy. Where there is an Intimacy between the two friends that isn’t romantic but are life partners in a way.

Tiffany Haddish again plays her familiar comedic type. Blunt sex crazed and honest with an attitude. Once you get used to her she doesn’t offer many surprises.

Rose Byrne plays her best friend and business partner and she seems to try to play more the emotional parts of her character and her problems but can be counted on to be funny when needed. This is kind of her out of her range. Even though over the years she has done the odd comedy.

The problem is that the film leaves plenty of set up’s for certain scenes that never seem to rise to the occasion of how funny they can be. Not are they as funny as they can be. Only in one scene does it rise to that level and that is due to Billy Porter then anyone else.

The film just feels haphazard and lazy. As it stays so plot oriented yet wants to have comedic highlights and just when those scenes seem to get started they either end or deflate. Which is disappointing especially when you have such a dependable cast.

Though it is nice to see a mostly female cast comedy where they actors are actually funny they just needed a better or stronger script.

Just as the side characters need more to do as they are quite funny but really are given nothing to do and you wonder why they are there at times. Especially their three other best friends who provide good laughs but anytime we see them it seems only to set up a comedic set piece.

It’s disappointing as the film has a lot of comedic energy and players but seems to falter giving them not as much to do as they could. As the cast tries to salvage the material.

Grade: D+

NIGHT SCHOOL (2018)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

nightschool

Directed By: Malcolm D. Lee 
Written By: Kevin Hart, Nicholas Stoller, John Hamburg, Harry Ratchford, Joey Wells & Matthew Kellard
Cinematography By: Greg Gardiner
Editor: Paul Millspaugh 


Cast: Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, Rob Riggle, Romany Malco, Taran Killam, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Al Madrigal, Mary Lyn Rajskub, Keith David, Anne Winters, Fat Joe, Ben Schwartz, Yvonne Orji 


A group of high school dropouts are forced to attend night school in hope that they’ll pass the GED exam to finish high school.

Continue reading “NIGHT SCHOOL (2018)” →

NOBODY’S FOOL (2018)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

UNTITLED TYLER PERRYWritten & Directed By: Tyler Perry
Cinematography By: Richard J. Vialet
Editor: Larry Sexton 


Cast: Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick, Tiffany Haddish, Whoppi Goldberg, Amber Riley, Michael Blackson, Missi Pyle, Mechad Brooks, Jon Rudnitsky, Nev Schulman, Max Joseph 

A woman is released from prison and reunites with her sister. She soon discovers that her sister is in an online relationship with a man who may not be what he seems.

Continue reading “NOBODY’S FOOL (2018)” →