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
Cast: Awkwafina, Sandra Oh, Holland Taylor, Will Ferrell, Tony Hale, Jason Schwartzman, Tawny Newsome, Angela Trimbur, Charlie Talbert, Jon Park,
A game-show-obsessed woman and her estranged sister work together to help cover their mother’s gambling debts.
At first, I thought this was based on a true story. Though watching it is as outrageous as it gets. It still manages to be identifiable.
While the humor at times is more sitcom level. The film manages to have heart. In the first half of the film, seems to be relying on more comedy to drag it through, but what it effectively does is set up the characters, their issues, and the world they live in.
Then in the second half of the film, the heart comes in and it becomes more about family.
The two stars are Awkafina and Sandra Oh. Give it their all and while sometimes the script fails them In pushing the comedy and absurdity further. They are still memorable overall. Truly the All-Stars of the film. With some nice support.
What works is that this is a film starring two Asian American actresses playing against type and directed by an Asian American woman. Though it isn’t the main point of the film. In certain Jokes, there is racial humor, but for the most part, it offers characters that are universal and could have been played by anyone of any race. The film doesn’t rely on that factor.
Will Ferrell’s small role is essential though a nice performance as he reins it in. To create a beloved patriarch.
By the end, you just wish it was a bit funnier. A lot of the film and your enjoyment of it is based on the goodwill of liking the actors and some of the situations. Not necessarily the script.
As in the wrong hands, this could have been another unmemorable paint-by-numbers bland studio comedy. Harnessed to a comedy star to either let their comic personae take over or be a random buddy comedy with another actor. Looking to make a quick dollar.
It even has a bittersweet cameo of a recently deceased well-known icon.
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.
Directed by: Brad Silberling Written By: Chris Henchy & Dennis McNicholas Based on the television series “LAND OF THE LOST” created by: Sid Kroft & Marty Kroft Cinematography: Dion Beebe Editor: Peter Teschner
Cast: Will Ferrell, Anna Friel, Danny McBride, Jorma Taccone, Sierra McCormick, Bobb’E J. Thompson, Matt Lauer, Brian Huskey
Palaeontologist Rick Marshall takes Will and Holly into a new world of danger, dinosaurs and big bug-eyed lizard people while trying to find their way back home and, too, save the universe and in doing so saving his reputation. With the dinosaur with brains, brawn and personality and the adventure of scientific advancement and exotic beasts in a far away land, it all adds up to time traveling fun and frolics.
This is truly a case of why did this movie get made it just seems like a waste of time and talent.
I remember the show not being all that good but it has it’s fans and a cult following behind it and with Hollywood either remaking or rebooting everything in sight. It seemed like this movie was inevitable. Though films like this and SPEED RACER Seem to have a limited audience appeal. Even if recognized more than a random title. They just never seemed to have a following enough to believe these films Would be hits but by casting bigger names it hit directors and actors if the time may be the shine from their star will be all that the film needs to keep shine and get an audience. Even though they Don’t really help the film or the audience for that matter.
It seems like it is made up as it goes along while trying to stay true to the series. Which was something that seemed ridiculous. All that mattered was having a summer film filled with special effects. Even if they are limited and not that Impressive.
Whereas they try to stay true but also try to make some sense. As the material does leave itself easier served as a comedy with some science fiction thrown in.
The film is inventively filmed and the film Looks great as usual when Director Brad Silberling directs but his and the cast contributions can’t save this film. That just feels like a total waste of talent, time.
As the film never seems to be funny at all and more like a Hodgepodge of cliches that tries to be offbeat but feels like no one is trying to har but the powers that be are left to riff on what is supposed to happen. In the scene or where the script seems to leave them With little to do at times. It seems like the actors try to make it work but feel more like they are on autopilot.
As it tries to be a more subversive psychedelic kids film with humor and material that serves maybe more to an older teenage audience but still comes off more as silly and downright dumb. So you wonder who this film is really for or supposed to appeal to.
As even though the technology and special effects are better and updated they still look and feel kind of corny and uninspired. Even Will Ferrell feels like he is on autopilot.
One glaring problem is that this is supposed to be an adventure tale and as big as it is built up to be there is barely any sense of wonder or exploration. So that it just feels grounded and never takes off.
It feels like a heavily researched slot that goes on way too long and should have never been made.
Directed By: Andrew Jay Cohen Written By: Andrew Jay Cohen & Brendan O’Brien Cinematography By: Jas Shelton Editor: Evan Henke & Michael L. Sale
Cast: Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Jason Mantzounkas, Nick Kroll, Lennon Parham, Randall Park, Rob Huebel, Andrea Savage, Steve Zissis, Ryan Simpkins, Allison Tolman, Rory Scovel, Cedric Yarbrough, Kyle Kinane, Michela Watkins, Jeremy Renner, Sam Richardson, Wayne Federman, Andy Buckley, Jessica St. Clair
After the town scholarship program no longer has funding, two parents are left without money to send their daughter to university. Left without any other options, they along with a friend, start an illegal casino in his home to make cash before the summer ends.
This seems like a more packaged film where the studio hoped all the comedic stars would help illuminate the script with improv
The problem is that the film is filled with notable comedic stars who really are given little to do. So they are mainly just doing what is required
It also feels more like the stars are wacky to be wacky, they seem more on autopilot. Acting crazy and wacky but for no real reason except the script tells them too. It would help if the characters started off on a normal playing Field and started going crazy due to pressure, but they are pretty much the same beginning to the end.
Maybe as the film doesn’t offer anything challenging or new for the lead actors. Who we have gotten used to at this point. It doesn’t seem a stretch. It also doesn’t feel up to the quality of the heights that we have seen them do before. So it’s disappointing in both ways.
There aren’t many strong visual choices either. So the style of the film feels slapdash instead of composed.
Understandably this is a studio comedy but seems so outlandish and far-fetched. even if that seems to be the point. While trying to make the characters somewhat identifiable.
Not distinct enough to be memorable characters. They just seem borderline off the assembly like and given not only comedic personas but also just weird afflictions instead of quirks. This idea seems like it would be better on paper or as an idea. Rather than a barely 90-minute movie.
The film doesn’t wait to really begin with it’s premise. So we are off to the races immediately. So that we don’t really notice too. If a change when it comes to the characters. There are some chuckles and inspired bits of comedy and scenes.
Though really the film’s humor is in watching adults act like teenagers at a keg party with gambling. Borrowing heavily from shows like BREAKING BAD, as far as older characters who do illegal activities to help pay for their kid’s education and helps the other character loosen up. While also having allusions to many gangster movies and television shows
This is a film Where all the comedic actors even to be trying to go over the top and outdo one another not so much out of the competition but just to be noticed. Especially when they are given so little to do.
While the stars don’t seem to be trying hard enough as they aren’t really characters as they keep making such rash decisions and jumping around in emotions and behavior that it seems more put on the. Believable I know this isn’t the film you go into for rational thought, but it still seems haphazard
The film lacks a proper villain. So it tries to come up with a few. Who are just as easily eliminated as they are Introduced. In fact, the one who lasts the longest is the most wearily but easily to see conquer by and never comes off as a real threat.
Jason Mantzounkas is entertaining and one of the only enjoyable elements of this film, but also he is playing the type of role he has done before. If anything this character is more honorable there the ones he usually plays.
The film feels like fast food as it is digestible and offers a quick fix as far as entertainment but not necessarily healthy. Usually, fast food tastes great, but this is more fast food that is ok. So that once it is over your fix is satiated but you will have indigestion as you are pretty much paying for it.
Which the film wouldn’t feel as disappointing if one didn’t have to pay for it, but it feels like for the money you pay they might try, but it feels fairly standard and like a rip off of sorts. As there seems to be little effort put into it. You know what you are going to get but you still expect more and better.
Written & Directed By: Dan Rush Based on the Short Story “Why Don’t You Dance” By: Raymond Carver Cinematography By: Michael Barrett Editor: Sandra Adair
Cast: Will Ferrell, Rebecca Hall, Christopher C.J. Wallace, Laura Dern, Michael Pena, Stephen Root, Glenn Howerton
After Nick is fired from his sales job, mostly because of his penchant for alcohol, he comes home and finds that his wife has kicked him and all of his stuff out of the house and onto the front lawn. He is pretty intent on just sitting in his chair, drinking beer, on the lawn. His cop friend, Frank Garcia, thinks he should at least pretend to have a yard sale to make it legal. He slowly starts making friends with a neighborhood kid who needs something to do, and a pregnant wife who has just moved in across the street, and Nick finds himself moving on and selling all his stuff.
Directed By: Etan Cohen Written By: Ian Roberts, Etan Cohen & Jay Martel Story By: Adam McKay, Jay Martel & Ian Roberts Cinematography By: Tim Suhrstedt Editor: Michael L.Stale
Cast: Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Edwina Findley, Alison Brie, Craig T. Nelson, Tip ‘T.I.’ Harris, Paul Ben-Victor, Ron Funches, Matt Walsh, Greg Germann
When obscenely rich hedge-fund manager James is convicted of fraud and sentenced to a stretch in San Quentin, the judge gives him one month to get his affairs in order. Knowing that he won’t survive more than a few minutes in prison on his own, James desperately turns to Darnell, a black businessman who’s never even had a parking ticket – for help. As Darnell puts James through the wringer, both learn that they were wrong about many things, including each other.
Featuring: Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, Lorne Michaels, Bob Saget, David Spade, Christina Applegate, Tom Arnold, Jon Lovitz, Jay Mohr, Bo Derek, Bob Odenkirk, Mike Myers, Dan Aykroyd, Molly Shannon, Will Sasso, Will Ferrell, Kevin P. Farley, Fred Wolf, Pat Finn
A documentary on the life of comedian, Chris Farley.
Directed By: Ben Stiller Written By: Ben Stiller, Justin Theroux, Nicholas Stoller & John Hamburg Based On Characters Created By: Ben Stiller & Drake Sather Cinematography By: Daniel Mindel Editor: Greg Hayden
Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penelope Cruz, Will Ferrell, Milla Jovovich, Justin Theroux, Kristin Wiig, Benedict Cumberbatch, Christina Hendricks, Olivia Munn, Jon Daly, Billy Zane, Andy Dick, John Malkovich, Alexander Skarsgard, Moshe Kasher, Fred Armisen, Kiefer Sutherland, Naomi Campbell, Ariana Grande, Kate Moss, Sting
Derek and Hansel are lured into modeling again, in Rome, where they find themselves the target of a sinister conspiracy.
Cut To The Chase 