Tag: Tim Orr

STRAYS (2023)

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Directed By: Josh Greenbaum

Written By: Dan Perrault 

Cinematography: Tim Orr

Editor: Greg Hayden, Sabrina Plisco and David Rennie 

Cast: Will Forte, Brett Gelman and Voices By: Jamie Foxx, Will Ferrell, Randall Park, Isla Fisher, Sofia Vergara, Rob Riggle, Josh Gad, Greta Lee 

An abandoned dog teams up with other strays to get revenge on his former owner.

Like the similarly themed movie GOOD BOYS, which has foul-mouthed kids at its center as the source of its comedy, but at least that film had a plausible story behind its outrageousness. Here we deal with foul-mouthed animals, mostly dogs who talk. 

This film is silly and just seems like a joke writer’s haven. As most of the jokes seem to revolve around poop, penis’ and foul language.

So that it seems like a film made for 13-year-olds only it is marked for adults. Who might enjoy this after a few too many, Which is similar to GOOD BOYS. 

As I wish I could say this was a fully entertaining hit that doesn’t seem to happen until the second half of the film. 

Don’t get me wrong the film does have its moments, but they are so far and few are in between. This seemed like it could have worked more as a skit or short film than necessarily a 90-minute feature film. That seemed to be made for pet lovers and since dog movies seem to do so well at the box office 

While it’s true that major comedy stars are behind the voices. It truly only adds to the film for name recognition rather than making the film any better or more entertaining. It might just add a bit of recognizability. 

The film is made to reach a certain demographic and is built more than anything off of a gimmick

Grade: D+

POMS (2019)

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Directed By: Zara Hayes
Written By: Shane Atkinson 
Story By: Zara Hayes & Shane Atkinson 
Cinematography: Tim Orr
Editor: Annette Davey 

Cast: Diane Keaton, Jacki Weaver, Celia Weston, Alisha Roe, Charlie Tahan, Rhea Perlman, Pam Grier, Phyllis Somerville, Patrica French, Bruce McGill 

POMS is a comedy about a group of women who form a cheerleading squad at their retirement community, proving that you’re never too old to ‘bring it!’

Usually every summer there are certain types of films that come towards the end of that season. There is the urban thriller that has something to do with domestication. There is a fantasy romance that somehow involves travel or older characters or both and there is the older ensemble movie. Which usually involves a group of older female or male characters whose characters get together for a cause.

Somehow have a setback or are underestimated because of their age. Then manages to impress and show off the young people. 

The film will usually involve the character doing things you wouldn’t expect them to do at that age. Usually, the cast will be filled with recognizable actors. Who will either all get a chance to shine or two of them will be more the focus. While the others fall by the wayside (Think the movie CALENDAR GIRLS) the other way is that it is an ensemble filled with all ages whereas a group they bond and we see the individual problems of each across the ages.

This film is the one that involves an ensemble and two of the actors take the lead. As well as having older characters doing something together that is only thought to be done by younger people. Here it is cheerleading. The two main leads are Diane Keaton and Jacki Weaver 

Jacki Weaver is more the flirty and rambunctious character. Who comes across like Blanche from THE GOLDEN GIRLS. She is also more the wild child and veteran of the retirement community they are part of.

Diane Keaton is the new resident who mainly came there to be alone and dies slowly from Cancer, but as she keeps being made to socialize and brought into her neighbors schemes. She decides to do an activity as a last hurrah, also to stick it to the community board and make a mark.

We see as they recruit new members and even has a touching side story. Where an older woman has bullying kids who won’t let her do what she wants. As they think they know what they want is best.

The film Is predictable but it’s Supposed to be it’s Light and is more for an audience to enjoy, not necessarily think about and more have the film affect their feelings. Not to mention be representative of the audience they want to attract and also for the younger audience members maybe remind them of their loved ones. 

While enjoyable, one is definitely bit the audience for this one. Not to mention it all feels too familiar. There is no attempt at anything new or original. So that most of the film feels like it’s On autopilot.

So while it’s Great to see these older actresses get a project and screen time. One only wishes it was either stronger or worthy of their time and talents. Then again they can’t all get the roles Susan Sarandon and Helen Mirren seem to get that offer more versatility and flexibility.

Grade: C-

DESPERADOS (2020)

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Directed By: LP
Written By: Ellen Rapoport 
Cinematography: Tim Orr
Editor: Christian Hoffman 

Cast: Nasim Pedrad, Anna Camp, Sarah Burns, Lamorne Morris, Robbie Amell, Heather Graham, Jessica Chaffin, Jessica Lowe

A panicked young woman, with her reluctant friends in tow, rushes to Mexico to try and delete a ranting email she sent to her new boyfriend.

It’s Nice to see Nasim Pedrad in the lead. Even if from the beginning we notice her character is disturbed and throughout the movie seems to get worse and more desperate. That it is hard at times to have any sympathy for her. 

But just as she really barely had time to make her mark on Saturday night love this film doesn’t seem to be the best material for her it gives her more to do but nothing really to do to make a mark. She is attractive and entertaining. Though just as the film

Focuses on later. It’s hard to age. Any sympathy for her and you wonder why her friends do either.

As they have real problems but while having humorous scenes. They barely have anything to do but sit back and watch her and at times get pulled into the ridiculousness.

At times the film gets a little raunchy but it more stays ridiculous than gross

As the script isn’t really that great it seems like a script talking down to the audience as even the premise seems strange for a feature that just like the main character reeks of desperation. 

Maybe as it comes off more like a stereotype a more male one about how they truly believe women view relationships basically needy 

That seems like a female version of the movie OVERNIGHT DELIVERY. Whereas this film has more the feel of early Netflix premiere movies. This film Works but strangely feels haphazardly put together. 

Which makes sense as this was originally meant to be made in 2009 with Isla Fisher starring. As the material does feel dated. 

Even if it is refreshing To see a female character be quite messy as the lead and having the male love interest more, have it altogether more and love her for being herself and be there to try and keep everything on the straight and narrow. Even if he has a minor problem But is willing. To get over it for her

In the end, the film shows that there is somebody for everybody. Even those who you might not expect. Unfortunately, I doubt that the same can be said when it comes to this movie and an audience.

Grade: D+ 

THE SITTER (2011)

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Directed By: David Gordon Green 
Written By: Brain Gatewood & Alessandro Tanaka 
Cinematography By: Tim Orr 
Editor: Craig Alpert

Cast: Jonah Hill, Ari Graynor, J.B. Smoove, Sam Rockwell, Method Man, Bruce Altman, Erin Daniels, Max Records, Samira Wiley

A comedy about a college student on suspension who is coaxed into babysitting the kids next door, though he is fully unprepared for the wild night ahead of him. 

This film is a Rated R ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING remake almost. Though this is definitely dirtier and less heartwarming but still just as fun. 

The film is a major showcase for Jonah Hill. This is one of those films that your enjoyment depends upon. It’s comedic center and performance and luckily here you have a solid comedic lead with Jonah. The only problem is that he hasn’t defined his type yet. It works out in him giving more of an acting performance than a comedian’s performance where it just would feel like an extension of the comedian’s comic personality. 

He is still a bit shaky and unsteady but definitely finding his way and feeling himself. There is one thing i truly admire about Jonah hill is that with each project he takes on, he is hands-on throughout the production as far as writing and creativity. 

This was his last film before he lost a massive amount of weight. To me so far in his career, Jonah Hill has barely made a misstep. He even managed to make a dramatic turn in MONEYBALL. I didn’t think much of going in and ended up surprisingly loved it. Not only does he hit it out of the ballpark but he got an Oscar nomination. 
 
If you don’t like films that rely on stereotypes to a degree and children being exposed to bad language and inappropriate situations But also using it. This is not the film for you. Which might be why the film bombed. Its advertisement is full of kids. Which you would think would make it a movie that you could bring your kids to. Unfortunately, you can’t.

Which really makes you question is the film only funny because it’s pushing the limit and squeezing laughs out of it or is it just funny. In other words, is it success only shock value. 
The film barely got a good advertisement like they were just throwing it out, Made it just seem like it is only about a Male babysitter isn’t that funny. It has Jonah Hill looking shocked on a flyer for a babysitter asking “Would you trust this guy with your kids” 

I enjoyed the film more then I expected to because despite all of it’s nastiness, shocks, and familiarity. It also managed to have sensitivity and heart without selling out it’s cynicism. It’s a shame it bombed as it seems to be juvenile an off-kilter crowd pleaser. 
 
J.B. Smoove Plays his usual type of role but it works for the film and is hilarious and adds to his menacing character to a point considering the drug dealers He and Sam Rockwell play in the film are more comedic then threatening which makes them that much scarier as they are continually off-kilter. Sam Rockwell’s drug dealer and his harem of well-muscled men are inspired and definitely off-putting. As always Rockwell is an engaging performer who is good dramatically but kills in comedic roles. 

The film tries to play it both ways Between Cynical and heartwarming. Towards the end even though the film has mostly been playing by its own rules, it turns a bit sappy out of nowhere when all of a sudden the main character played by Jonah hill gaining Noble wisdom having all the answers and finally figuring out responsibility and when he should be taught a lesson and deal with his mistakes. 

He is let off and saved so that only for the grace of the script he would never truly learn his lesson as he gets away with almost everything without punishment. It’s a movie that is not meant to be a lesson know. I’m just saying. This film is a good rental. I only wish the running time was long to keep the film going. Yet it ends before it wears out it’s welcome.  


GRADE: B-

SNOW ANGELS (2007)

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snow-angels-trailer

Written & Directed By: David Gordon Green
Based On The Novel By: Stewart O’Nan
Cinematography By: Tim Orr

Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell, Olivia Thirlby, Amy Sedaris, Tom Noonan, Nicky Katt

On a cold afternoon, with snow on the ground, the high school band is practicing for the last football game. They hear shots. Flashback a few weeks before. Arthur is a high school student, bussing at a restaurant. Annie and Barb are waitresses there – Annie was Arthur’s babysitter when he was little. She’s now separated from her husband Glenn, who’s on the wagon, starting a new job, praying to Jesus, and trying to prove he has his balance back so he can see more of their small daughter, Tara. Annie’s seeing someone else, Arthur’s parents have just separated, and Arthur is attracted to Lila, a new student at the high school. It’s a small town, people’s lives cross.

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SEX DRIVE (2008)

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sexdrive

Directed By Sean Anders
Written By Sean Anders & John Morris
Based On The Book “All The Way” By: Andy Behrens
Cinematography By: Tim Orr
Editor: George Folsey Jr

Cast: Josh Zuckeman, Clark Duke, Charlie McDermott, Katrina Bowden, Dave Sheridan, James Marsden, Seth Green, Brian Posehn, David Koechner, Amanda Crew, Alice Greczyn

A high school senior drives cross-country with his best friends to hook up with a babe he met online.

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PEE-WEE’S BIG HOLIDAY (2016)

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peewee1

Directed By: John Lee
Written By: Paul Reubens & Paul Rust
Cinematography By: Tim Orr
Editor: Jeff Buchanan 


Cast: Paul Reubens, Alia Shawkat, Richard Riehle, Leo Fitzpatrick, Brad William Henke, Robert R. Schafer, Stephanie Beatriz, Josh Myers, Diane Salinger, Joe Manganiello, David Arquette, Nicole Sullivan, Paul Rust, Lynne Marie Stewart

A fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger inspires Pee-wee Herman to take his first-ever holiday in this epic story of friendship and destiny.

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CYMBELINE (2014)

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cymbeline

Written & Directed By: Michael Almereyda
Based On The Play By: William Shakespeare
Cinematography By: Tim Orr
Editor: John Scott Cook & Barbara Tulliver 


Cast: Ed Harris, Milla Jovovich, Delroy Lindo, Ethan Hawke, Kevin Corrigan, Penn Badgely, Anton Yelchin, Dakota Johnson, Bill Pullman, John Leguizamo, James Ransone, Vondie Curtis-Hall, J.D. Williams, Spenser Treat Clark 


 A gritty story of a take-no-prisoners war between dirty cops and an outlaw biker gang. A drug kingpin is driven to desperate measures. You would need a big name cast to keep the audiences interest. Unless you have Shakespeare purist fans. As there is no real style and feels closed in and claustrophobic

So with this cast other than Ed Harris, Ethan Hawke. you have actors who are more on the mainstream leading roles. Challenging themselves and trying to show they are more than pretty faces by tackling Shakespeare in a more contemporary way and trying to make it more of a crime story.

Though this is one of few times Ed Harris really get to play a leading role. Even if he is barely in the film his presence is always felt. Where as Ethan Hawke is an accomplished stage actor and leading man. So it is not strange to see him In This film. In more of a smaller but pivotal role. Though both heavily featured on the poster. they seem to leave it a showcase for the other actors. As most of the tale revolves around the younger supporting characters. They still revolve more around Harris’s character.

Though it still comes off as slow and claustrophobic. Throughout the performances feel more forced and never quite natural. I understand the language might be out of place, but usually in successful adaptations the actors still find a way to make it convincingly theirs. The material never seems to come alive. Even with such a violent tangled tale.

It’s a shame as the film has a good recognizable cast and strong material that doesn’t feel like it ever comes full circle and maters by their presence. Small scale can be realistic in a kitchen sink drama way. Here that style adds very little, but is definitely a stylistic choice.

The film offers us glimpses of the underworld they operate in but never quite fully explained. Yet we see constant back deals behind closed doors. That every so often becomes a little confusing. Though by the third act it all becomes more clear.

The film feels like an experiment. While also trying to follow the popularity of Shakespeare and the adaptations of it. It tries to stick to it’s more indie roots by choosing a play that is less well known. So that maybe fewer audience members can find fault with it.

This is Director Michael Almereyda’s second attempt at a modern shapespeare tale. He directed an adaptation of Hamlet with Ethan Hawke that similarly had mixed but better results.

Strangely this is one of the few of Shakespeare’s tragedies that has more of a happy ending. Once you get through some deaths and a general massacre.

The film comes off more as a rich fairy tale. That seems inspired by the show SONS OF ANARCHY, with it’s dirty cops and criminal biker gang. Just as that show was inspired by the tale of HAMLET.

Grade: C