Tag: Vince Vaughn

NONNAS (2025)

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Directed By: Stephen Chbosky

Written by: Liz Maccie

inspired by the life story of: Jody Scaravella

Cinematography: Florian Ballhaus

Editor: Anne McCabe

Cast: Vince Vaughn, Joe Maganiello, Brenda Vaccaro, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Susan Sarandon, Linda Cardellini, Drea de Mateo, Michael Rispoli, Geoffrey Owens, Campbell

Scott

After losing his beloved mother, a man risks everything to honor her by opening an Italian restaurant with actual grandmothers as the chefs.

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First off will say that Vince Vaughn here plays more of an every man so if you’re expecting his motor mouth, fast talker type of character you’re going to be sadly disappointed.

The film is based on a true story and real restaurant that I did not know I thought this was a made-up story, but was happy that by the end you find out this is based on truth.

Interestingly, this was directed by Stephen Chbosky, who I mainly know as a novelist, for the film, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, he also directed and wrote the adaptation. He wrote and Strites’ other novels, but he is also a practicing filmmaker, as he has also DORECTED made films DEAR EVAN HANSEN and WONDER. all family films of a sort.

Here this film automatically feels like a family film as the subject matter is clean, it revolves around the power of friendship and families, and there’s nothing offensive in the film, and you get to know most of the characters so that they’re not one-dimensional 

This is one of those films that you’re gonna be hungry after watching just seeing not only the preparation of the food but how it comes out just makes you so hungry so that it’s kind of like soul food or tortilla soup or big night all these films that center around food meals, the meanings of them the expression of making food can be an art of itself, and this is one of those films. It helps relieve or comfort, or it just makes everything OK

Does have a minor romantic, of course what else would you expect and also preserves that whole thing of Vince Vaughn‘s characters and every man where you would think given how strong and good of a character he would’ve been married already by now, but he was taking care of his mother and now that she has passed on and he’s pursuing something with passion for the first time that he’s had no female in his life to take care of or take care of him and at first, it seems like it will be that filling, but now he meets a woman and romance is on the menu so that he’s left in good hands with her and she’s left in good hands with him in the knives are there to approve andhelp nurture

Film also provides material and characters for Lorraine Brocco,  Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, who still work, but you don’t see in major releases as much as well as I’m putting the queen of playing older female roles, Susan Sarandon as the more flirtatious and vivacious of the Nonnas, who of course makes the sweet stuff the desserts and the revealing outfits

While the others are more traditional, Lorraine Bracco, the angriest and volatile one of tradition Talia Shire is more of the shy one with a secret, and Brenda Vaccaro is more of the traditional grandmother who misses her husband and doesn’t have that much to do 

Just these women provide their specialties in cooking. They also provide what cooking has always meant to them, which is an expression of love and care for their families whoever they’re serving food to so that they feel like fam and that’s what this film also feels like an expression for the audience out there who might be feeling off or might miss family and friends this film is meant to bring you in and either remind you or fill you with that feeling of love that comes from family.

As the restaurant with a love letter to the cooking and to his mother and family, the screenplay written by Liz Maccie is a love letter to her family, and her husband Stephen Chbosky has said that this is a love letter to her him directing the film

It’s a tearjerker, a family film for all ages that I wish didn’t talk down to its audience. It doesn’t mean to, but it is also just that simple, what you see is what you get, the title alone. Tell you everything you need to know, it’s a nice warm fun little movie. Not offensive and not too many stereotypes.

That of course plays on Netflix streaming, but definitely could’ve made it mark in theaters, even if it doesn’t have that many locations nor is the story that big.

Grade: C+

FRED CLAUS (2007)

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Directed By: David Dobkin

Written By: Dan Fogelman

Story By: Jessie Nelson and Dan Fogelman

Cinematography: Remi Adefarasin

Editor: Mark Livolsi

Cast: Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, Kevin Spacey, Rachel Weisz, John Michael Higgins, Elizabeth Banks, Kathy Bates, Miranda Richardson, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Bobb’e J. Thompson

Always living in the shadow of his younger and utterly popular brother, Nicholas–or the one and only, Santa Claus–the polar opposite of his holy sibling, Fred Claus, now faces an unforeseen predicament that drags him all the way up to the frozen North Pole to beg for Santa’s help. However, there’s a catch. To get off the hook, Fred must work his fingers to the bone along with the jolly elves during the hectic pre-Christmas Eve period, against the backdrop of a thorough and merciless efficiency inspection. Can the wayward brother Fred save himself, and above all, Christmas?

This film has very few factors going for it. The Christmas morning scene is the only time this film truly feels believable and shows the beauty and heartwarming side of Christmas. It’s about family, magic, happiness, and amazement, and that one scene finally touches what the whole film is supposed to be about.

What comes before is more of a shallow exercise that wants to be heartwarming but comes across as conniving and faking the funk.

The problem is that it builds up this whole fantasy realm and lower, but doesn’t exactly quite explain it or give the rules so that’s your loss so that you can just throw anything in there. sort of like Vince Vaughn is supposed to be the older brother of Santa Claus, but they never quite explain how long Santa Claus has been in his current position except that he was born for it. Even in a certain part of the movie remember that a certain character wanted a gift way back in 1968 but Vince Vaughn is the older brother has he been away from the North Pole and living in the real world and why doesn’t he age or have any certain magical powers, that he pretty much struggling for the most part and afraid to get into a romantic relationship.

That last part helps when it comes to explaining his mentality thinking he’s afraid of attachments because he’s on the out with his family so he doesn’t really trust anyone even the people he should because he’s all out for himself but throughout the movie learns to love his family, who have always just wanted the best for him And others and together for greater cause.

Which is a great message. You just wish that the film had bothered you. To find a plausible and more believable way there. it just feels like a comedy built around the holiday built around the persona of star Vince Vaughn. He is a good actor and works well as a fast-talking hustler as that is his stick so it’s no surprise to find out that most of his lines were the result of improv.

However, that style doesn’t quite match the material as it’s better in his more R-rated juvenile comedies rather than a family film as it just makes him seem more like a bumbling liar half the time or a bumbling man. One who would never believe.

Kevin Spacey makes no sense as an efficiency expert but who sent him that’s never explained. Why is he hell-bent on taking down Santa and what was he going to replace the North Pole in the factory with never explained how to get away with his plan at parts and times he even cheats to sabotage Santa. So you would think the powers that be if let’s say this word to become a religious film when they see that and Disapprove?

Understandably these are things you’re not supposed to think of when watching this film but the shenanigans that the film produces you can’t help but think that. One this is obviously made for children and families. There should still be some explanation rather than feeling like the film is like the main character making up things on the spot.

I don’t want to be a Grinch. The cast tries Vince Vaughn, whose movies can be hit or miss nearly seems like for the most part. He isn’t sleepwalking through this role, but he doesn’t seem that enthusiastic all the time to be there so he does bother to put in high energy, this just wasn’t the material for him.

It’s rare that a scene works sort of like when he goes to therapy for brothers who don’t feel they get enough credit as their more famous brothers that was funny but could have gone a bit over the top and been funnier, but it feels like it’s holding back mainly because it’s a family film, but also exposes the film as being more of a series of skits with an overall story rather than a true film.

Grade: D

QUEENPINS (2021)

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Written & Directed By: Aron Gaudet & Gita Pullapilly
Cinematography: Andrew Wehde
Editor: Kayla Emter 

Cast: Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Bebe Rexha, Paul Walter Hauser, Vince Vaughn, Joel McHale, Eduardo Franco, Dayo Okeniyi, Annie Mumolo, Stephen Root, Paul Rust, Timm Sharp, Nick Cassavettes, Jack Mcbrayer, Greta Oglesby

Loosely Based on a true story. A pair of housewives create a $40 million coupon scam.

The two female leads are quite enjoyable and if they had more to play with, the film might be a little stronger and more memorable. Though it works with what it has and manages to always stay somewhat safe and clean. 

This is a quite enjoyable mid-budget comedy that studios seem to barely or rarely make anymore. It ends up being more entertaining than expected. Thanks to the familiar yet likable cast of characters. 

It comes across more as a place keeper movie the type that had an interesting premise and would get some notable cast members. That a studio would out to have a product out there and hopefully win the box office that weekend. Though it offers nothing too rock-solid to remember.

It’s a cute movie that could have easily been a television movie or made for cable comedy. As it is so innocent and inoffensive. That has a wide appeal, particularly to housewives. As it is a film that shows how resourceful and smart they can be and still be badass. 

It also showcases more blue-collar types not necessarily violent gun-toting FBI agents, but postal inspectors who investigate fraud and do mroe detective work than busting heads. 

The film is based on a true story and has its quirks, but doesn’t offer anything too memorable but is pleasant while you watch it.

It certainly is smooth and moves at a quick pace with likable characters and actors. Even pop star Bebe Rexha in a supporting role is vivacious and fun. 

Paul Walter Hauser and Vince Vaughn stand out as characters who are dramatic and have an edge but come off as sweet authoritative types. And pop star Bebe Rexha in her screen debut in a supporting role as their fence/hacker. Who also helps bring some youth to the movie. Which might appeal more to younger viewers.

Grade: C+

OLD SCHOOL (2003)

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Directed By: Todd Phillips 
Written By: Todd Phillips & Scot Armstrong
Story by: Court Crandall, Todd Phillips & Scot Armstrong
Cinematography: Mark Irwin 
Editor: Michael Jablow 

Cast: Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell, Jeremy Piven, Juliette Lewis, Ellen Pompeo, Elisha Cuthbert, Craig Kilborn, Leah Remini, Perrey Reeves, Seann William Scott, Rick Gonzalez, Simon Helberg, Matt Walsh, Artie Lange, Sara Tanaka, Patrick Fischler, Harve Presnell, Sarah Shahi, Bryan Callen, Eddie Peppitone, Jerod Mixon, Gregory Alan Williams, Rob Corddry, James Carville, Snoop Dogg, Warren G, 

Mitch, Frank and Beanie are disillusioned with their personal lives beginning when Mitch’s nymphomanic girlfriend, Heidi, cheats on him, then former party animal Frank gets married, but unwilling to let go of his wild life, and Beanie is a family man seeking to reclaim his wild and crazy youth. Beanie suggests that they form their own fraternity in Mitch’s new house on a college campus to re-live their glory days by bringing together a variety of misfit college students, losers, middle-aged and elderly retirees as their new friends and later try to avoid being evicted by the new Dean of Students, Pritchard, whom still holds a personal grudge against all three of them.

The film is funny and goes hard to a point, but when close to the edge it turns back at times and doesn’t go onto how funny as it seems or could have been but it ends up still funny enough.

As It seems to cheer bigger and better snd trying to make that promise but then delivers only halfway of what seemed guaranteed. 

Though it was early before more comedic films in the same vein did indeed go further and bigger. This might have been their inspiration.

The film feels more made for teens who were too young to actually get their own ticket for it and people in their early to mid twenties. Though the older one gets the more they might be able to identify with it or it’s characters a bit more.

Luke Wilson’s character is more of a reluctant lead throughout the film. He is traumatized at first but seems to embrace the party lifestyle. Then go against it. In the end he only seems to accept to help to actually help the pledges out.  Now hai reluctance can be seen as him rebounding and emotionally trying to find himself through distractions that he knows are distractions but keeps getting lured back. As it is easier on him psychologically.

Which might have worked out more if he accepted it initially full sail. See how far it went while going all in then helping the pledges at the end but also seeing his way out of the chaos his life has become.

For all the classic comedic moments and bits the movie belongs to Will Ferrell who steals all of his scenes.

This was one of the first movies where even though a supporting performance he truly lets loose comedically and not by a comedy or character of his own creations. Or concept. Showing all he needs is direction and a little freedom to let him loose.

Also it’s more his film as the film has Luke Wilson’s character trying to recover from a bad relationship but the film shows ferrell’s character trying to find himself after trying to be normal and caged in marriages which is obviously not him. his character has the biggest transformation throughout 

At first it seems like he is filling out a kind of Tom green comedian of the moment role. The same green had in ROAD TRIP as the crazy friend. But Ferrell’s character is strongly indebted to the story and with the other character. Whereas Green in the previous film seems there to do bits and appear either on his own or in a scene or two with other characters, but wasn’t really integral to the film or group of friends. 

Jeremy Piven’s character seems to let his look do more of the work as a villain. He never truly makes his presence or threats felt dangerous or truly threatening. He is also the main piece of the film that feels formulaic left over from an ANIMAL HOUSE type film. Though his character is what helps keep the film afloat as far as plot and conflict. 

Vince Vaughn here is really starting to get the hang of his more comedic on screen persona that seems to have started in the film MADE. Though the film gives him a nice character defining moment. When with a pretty young coed talking alone and about to get with her after a minor seduction. He gets cold feet and is nervous and blows it. Showing to a degree not only is he all talk, but actually loves and cares about his wife and family more than he lets on. He gets the reality of his fantasy and might just realize how good he has it.

The film doesn’t offer much for the female cast to do. Especially Leah Remini as it seems she is perfectly cast as Vince Vaughn’s wife. It seems like she will be sarcastic, no nonsense and wisecracking but to no avail as instead she is a presence and seems to be a best friend of Will Ferrell’s newlywed wife helping her get adjusted to marriage. So for her here it seems like most of the films’ female casting is pretty but full of wasted opportunities. 

This film is definitely a step up from ROAD TRIP for director Todd Phillips. As this feels better and more strongly structured. It also has a stronger story where it doesn’t feel as episodic. 

GRADE: B-

FREAKY (2020)

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Directed By: Christopher Landon 
Written By: Christopher Landon & Michael Kennedy 
Cinematography: Laurie Rose
Editor: Ben Baudhuin 

Cast: Vince Vaughn, Kathryn Newton, Celeste O’Connor, Misha Osherovich, Emily Holder, Nicholas Stargal, Katie Finnaren, Dana Drori, Mitchell Hoog, Melissa Cellazo 

After swapping bodies with a deranged serial killer, a young girl in high school discovers she has less than 24 hours before the change becomes permanent.

This is my type of film and comes from writer-director Christopher Landon. One knows what to expect: a high concept idea that was prominent in 1980’s/1990’s films only here put into the horror genre.

It comes out entertaining but not as much as one would have hoped. The film is perfectly entertaining. Yet even with the violence and gore. You never quite take it seriously or worry.

Half the time it is done with fun. While also giving the moral of respecting people’s titles, labels, and character and trying to define them as just one thing.

While the kills are somewhat creative. The way in which they switch bodies seems a little hokey. It’s needed for the audience to understand but kind of takes the audience out of the film. It offers a ridiculous plot device and provides comedy for this film, but as the film doesn’t live up to the campy and cheesy nature of that plot point it kind of shines a spotlight on it as a weakness.

What shines through the most here is surprisingly Vince Vaughn who could have let his performance be Purely comedic but he plays menacing, heartfelt, girlish, and comedic believably. In both his killer performance and his performance with his body being inhabited by a teenage girl. 

It’s also nice for a film to actually have a sex scene that is not graphic but plays into the genre and manages to have no nudity.

You can tell early on who the film is setting up to be victims and when it has a chance it resists twists that one might expect. It even manages to have 2 endings where the film could have ended and still been perfectly fine but needed that extra one to give the character more closure and achieve eye goal as well as have a typical horror ending.

This is a horror-comedy that offers some fun and different aspects but in the end, sticks to the rules and script of the familiar. Though it is definitely worth watching. 

Grade: C+

BE COOL (2005)

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Directed By: F. Gary Grey
Written By: Peter Steinfeld
Based on the novel by: Elmore Leonard
Cinematography By: Jeffrey L. Kimball
Editor: Sheldon Kahn 


Cast: John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Harvey Kietel, Christina Milian, Kimberly J. Brown, James Woods, Cedric The Entertainer, Andre Benjamin, Vince Vaughn, Steven Tyler, Danny DeVito, Robert Pastorelli, Dwayne Johnson, Arielle Kebbel, Scott Adsit, Gregory Alan Williams, Paul Adelstein, Debi Mazar

Streetwise mobster-turned-movie producer Chili Palmer is back, but this time Chili has abandoned the fickle movie industry and veered into the music business, tangling with Russian mobsters and gangsta rappers and taking a talented, feisty young singer named Linda Moon under his wing. From the recording studio to an Aerosmith concert to the MTV Music Awards, he manipulates events to watch them play out the Chili way, using his signature blend of wiseguy skills and negotiation tactics. It’s a dangerous business, and everyone’s looking for their next big hit.

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DRAGGED ACROSS CONCRETE (2019)

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Written & Directed By: S. Craig Zahler
Cinematography: Benji Bakshi
Editor: Greg D’Auria 


Cast: Mel Gibson, Vince Vaughn, Tory Kittles, Jennifer Carpenter, Michael Jai White, Thomas Kretschmann, Don Johnson, Udo Kier, Laurie Holden, Fred Melamed, Justine Warrington, Myles Truitt, Vivian Ng 


The script centers on two policemen, one an old-timer, the other his volatile younger partner, who find themselves suspended when a video of their strong-arm tactics become the media’s cause du jour. Low on cash and with no other options, these two embittered soldiers descend into the criminal underworld to gain their just due, but instead find far more than they wanted awaiting them in the shadows.

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FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY (2019)

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Written & Directed By: Stephen Merchant
Cinematography By: Remi Adefarasin
Editor: Nancy Richardson 


Cast: Florence Pugh, Lena Headey, Nick Frost, Jack Lowden, Vince Vaughn, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Stephen Merchant, Olivia Bernstone, Julia Davis, Paul Wight, Stephen Farrelly 


A former wrestler and his family make a living performing at small venues around the country while his kids dream of joining World Wrestling Entertainment.

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