Kick-Ass
Directed By Matthew Vaughn
Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Dave Lizewski/Kick-Ass, Chloe-Grace Mortez as Mindy McCready/Hit-Girl, Nicholas Cage as Damon McCready/Nicholas Cage,
and Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Chris D'Amico/Red Mist
Three years later, the sequel's out, and I still don't know how I feel about this film. I don't love it, but I don't hate it. My feelings towards Kick-Ass always seem to flip-flop, but here's my review.
Dave Lizewski (Taylor-Johnson), an average high school student, asks the question "Why has no one ever tried to become a superhero?" With nothing else to do apparently, he decides to become the superhero Kick-Ass. Dave soon finds himself in over his head when he comes across a father/son superhero team, Big Daddy and Hit-Girl (Cage and Mortez), and their fight to bring down crime lord Frank D'Amico (Mark Strong).
The fish out of water story of Kick Ass is fine. It's not incredibly original, but it's harmless. The original comic, which I haven't read, I've heard is pretty dark and cynical. The film is dark and cynical as well. It's not for the faint of heart I can tell you. But on the whole, I find the film to be slightly uneven in tone. At times it seems from scene to scene, the film goes from over-the-top, gore and cringeworthy, to subtle and light-hearted. Kick-Ass is clearly meant to be a gritty, superhero-film parody (Parody might not be the best word), but there are times where it goes to this place where it's trying to be just another superhero film. That being said, there is plenty to enjoy. The action is ridiculous and superb. There's enough jokes to laugh at. The dramatic, intense scenes are compelling.
My biggest problem with the film, is sadly Kick Ass. He's just not that interesting of a character. Aaron-Taylor Johnson, from his performance to his constant narration, annoys me. That and he has no real motivation to do what he does, until the third act of the film. I don't think I'm spoiling this for anyone, but only when in the third act, when Big Daddy dies and he feels compelled to help Hit-Girl finish their fight, does he have any sort of reason to do what he's doing. He says in the beginning "I didn't become a superhero to like revenge a parent's death or anything", he literally just became a superhero because he wanted to. I know this is a riff on superhero films, but giving Kick Ass that almost cliche' superhero motivation would have probably made him a more interesting character!
My second biggest problem, is Red Mist. Another character that's not very interesting. His motivation to become a superhero are not worthwhile, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse I don't enjoy as an actor. He's really just a plot device for Mark Strong's character, who on the other hand, gave a good performance in this film.
Do I even need to say how awesome Nic Cage and Chloe-Grace Mortez are in this film as Big Daddy and Hit Girl? They're over-the-top, they're well written, they're performances draw you in from the beginning. They are the best parts of this film.
So, Kick Ass is an uneven film, but would I ever tell someone to not watch it? Absolutely not. There is plenty to enjoy this film, despite its uneven tone and its unfavorable casting choices.
Kick-Ass 2 on the other hand...
Friday, August 23, 2013
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Film Review- "Man of Steel"
Man of Steel
Directed by Zack Snyder
Starring Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Kal-El, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Michael Shannon as Zod, and Russell Crow as Jor-El
I know this movie came out awhile ago, but frankly when I saw it back in June, I was struggling to decide wether or not I really enjoyed it. Well after letting it sit for a few months, I can honestly say that Man of Steel is the best Superman film to date.
Given the dated cheesiness of the original Christopher Reeves films and the....I don't even know-ness of Superman Returns, I realize that might not be saying too much. Well anyway, as you can imagine, the film chronicles the life of The Last Son of Krypton. As a baby, Kal-El arrives on Earth, is adopted by the Kent's, and takes the name Clark Kent (Cavill). As he grows into a young man, he travels the world, trying to find his place among humans. Meanwhile, Lois Lane (Adams) is trying to track down and identify him, and a threat from Krypton remerges in the form of General Zod (Shannon).
While much of the typical Superman origin story is what makes this film, they do bring some new aspects to it. Namely Clark's early days as a nomad/wandering hero, the element of a new Krypton on Earth, and the government's unease with Superman. They're interesting plot points and do breathe some new life into the script. The script on a whole however, has some problems.
Our time on Krypton and the first act is rushed and underdeveloped. Some viewers, myself included, might not fully understand the Krypton backstory until Jor-El explains it to Clark in Act Two. The same can be said for Zod's mission and what he's after. That, and there are some moments, story-wise and visually, that are just too silly. These moments hark back to the Christopher Reeve days of Superman, and just don't fit in with this gritty, more realistic version of Superman Snyder has crafted.
The performances in the film are fantastic. Henry Cavill is the perfect Superman. Amy Adams is the perfect Lois Lane. Michael Shannon is the ultimate villain as Zod. Russell Crowe shines as Jor-El. Kevin Costner is, decent, as John Kent (I'm sorry but it just always seems to me like Kevin Costner doesn't care). Even the supporting cast like Henry Lennix and Christopher Meloni are great additions.
The visuals are great. Hans Zimmer's score is great. I can't deny this is a well-made film. I can't ignore the fact that at times Snyder goes for style over substance though, and with the upcoming sequel (Where Superman teams up with BATMAN!!!), they need to fix that problem. On a whole though, Man of Steel is another enjoyable superhero film. It may not have the power of The Dark Knight or The Avengers, but it will certainly stay fresh in viewer's minds for a few years to come.
Directed by Zack Snyder
Starring Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Kal-El, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Michael Shannon as Zod, and Russell Crow as Jor-El
I know this movie came out awhile ago, but frankly when I saw it back in June, I was struggling to decide wether or not I really enjoyed it. Well after letting it sit for a few months, I can honestly say that Man of Steel is the best Superman film to date.
Given the dated cheesiness of the original Christopher Reeves films and the....I don't even know-ness of Superman Returns, I realize that might not be saying too much. Well anyway, as you can imagine, the film chronicles the life of The Last Son of Krypton. As a baby, Kal-El arrives on Earth, is adopted by the Kent's, and takes the name Clark Kent (Cavill). As he grows into a young man, he travels the world, trying to find his place among humans. Meanwhile, Lois Lane (Adams) is trying to track down and identify him, and a threat from Krypton remerges in the form of General Zod (Shannon).
While much of the typical Superman origin story is what makes this film, they do bring some new aspects to it. Namely Clark's early days as a nomad/wandering hero, the element of a new Krypton on Earth, and the government's unease with Superman. They're interesting plot points and do breathe some new life into the script. The script on a whole however, has some problems.
Our time on Krypton and the first act is rushed and underdeveloped. Some viewers, myself included, might not fully understand the Krypton backstory until Jor-El explains it to Clark in Act Two. The same can be said for Zod's mission and what he's after. That, and there are some moments, story-wise and visually, that are just too silly. These moments hark back to the Christopher Reeve days of Superman, and just don't fit in with this gritty, more realistic version of Superman Snyder has crafted.
The performances in the film are fantastic. Henry Cavill is the perfect Superman. Amy Adams is the perfect Lois Lane. Michael Shannon is the ultimate villain as Zod. Russell Crowe shines as Jor-El. Kevin Costner is, decent, as John Kent (I'm sorry but it just always seems to me like Kevin Costner doesn't care). Even the supporting cast like Henry Lennix and Christopher Meloni are great additions.
The visuals are great. Hans Zimmer's score is great. I can't deny this is a well-made film. I can't ignore the fact that at times Snyder goes for style over substance though, and with the upcoming sequel (Where Superman teams up with BATMAN!!!), they need to fix that problem. On a whole though, Man of Steel is another enjoyable superhero film. It may not have the power of The Dark Knight or The Avengers, but it will certainly stay fresh in viewer's minds for a few years to come.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Film Review & Editorial- "Monsters University"
Film Review & Editorial- "Monsters University"
Monsters University
Directed By Dan Scanlon
Starring Billy Crystal as Mike Wazowski, John Goodman as James P. "Sulley" Sullivan, Helen Mirren as Dean Hardscrabble, Steve Buscemi as Randall Boggs
There's been an ongoing debate among the film-viewing community, that Pixar has lost it's touch. Cars 2 ended the studio's spotless record, and Brave, despite winning the Golden Globe and Academy Award, had a lukewarm reception. Now, with Finding Dory set for 2016, and rumors of a Toy Story 4 popping up every now and then, everyone's ready to say that Pixar has run out of originality and finally gotten the sequel bug.
So with all that in everyone's minds, and the fact that it was a prequel to one of Pixar's original classics, Monsters University was released this June. Set years before Monsters Inc, young Mike Wazowski (Crystal) heads off to attend the titular university, with big dreams of becoming a great scarer. He soon finds a rival in classmate (and future best friend) James P. Sullivan, or Sulley (Goodman). While Mike is hard-worker, Sulley is a slacker, and has had everything handed to him in life.
Their rivalry takes a turn for the worse, when it gets them kicked out of the school's scaring program. Then, when the annual greek-life Scare Games comes along, Mike and Sulley attempt to put aside their differences and team up with the misfit fraternity Oozma Kappa to enter the games. The frightening, headstrong Dean Hardscrabble (Mirren) allows them to enter, on the condition of if they lose, they leave Monsters University.
So that's the plot. I'll be honest, it's not that original. It's no different than any other story we've seen in other college films, from Revenge of The Nerds to every college film that has come after it and before Monsters University. The Oozma Kappa members don't offer too much. There were five of them and I enjoyed two of them for the most part. It's not what we've come to expect from Pixar, it's a predictable film, but it's still a very enjoyable film.
Why? Because of the characters. For most of us, these are characters we love and have grown up with, and you enjoy seeing them on screen again, and putting these characters in these scenarios is enjoyable to watch. It's a very funny film too. There are a lot of laughs, with nods to Monsters Inc that can bring a smile to any fan's face.
The voice cast is great. Billy Crystal and John Goodman are again fantastic as Mike and Sulley, and Steve Buscemi return as Randall is fun to watch too. New additions like Helen Mirren as the Dean, Peter Sohn & Charlie Day as Oozma Kappa members in particular are a joy to watch. Nathan Fillion as fraternity present Johnny Worthington is cool to watch, just because he's Nathan Fillion. Even John Krasinski is a joy in the little cameo he makes in the beginning as a Monsters Inc employee.
At the end of the day, I still love Monsters Inc more, it remains not only one of my favorite Pixar films, but one of my favorite films in general. That being said, I still really did enjoy Monsters University. From that, you can probably guess my side of the Pixar debate is no, they haven't lost their touch.
No I did not enjoy Cars 2. As a fan of the films from Disney Animation in the nineties, I thought Brave was a beautiful film. Maybe if it was released back in the nineties it would have been more successful.
Monsters University, it's no Up or Toy Story 3, but it's another solid entry in their filmography.
Perhaps the general audience in recent years has come to expect Pixar to tackle serious issues and make us cry like they have in Up, Toy Story 3, and Wall-E. Perhaps the general audience isn't responding to the last few Pixar films, because they're not what we expect them to do. Here is my counter argument. Pixar isn't a studio that makes films people expect them to make. Pixar is a studio that makes films they want to make.
Pixar is a studio that allows filmmakers to tell the stories they want to tell, which is rare in an industry that constantly demands filmmakers go for "marketable and profitable", and I applaud them for that. It's why I, why most people have fallen in love with them. I mean, let's be honest, do you really think a film like Up, Wall-E, or even Ratatouille could have, would have been made at another studio? Monsters University, sure, has a familiar story but it has the essence of Pixar. The ending in particular, which sends out a very strong yet unconventional moral to audiences young and old, that dreams sometimes don't go like we planned, is a bold and daring choice we expect from Pixar. Monsters University has the Pixar heart at the very center of its script, which is emulated in the friendship between Mike and Sulley.
Thirteen out of fourteen films Pixar has made have been generally well-recieved, and that includes Brave and Monsters University. So while I eagerly await the next Pixar film, I highly recommend Monsters University now. It may not blow your expectations out of the water, but I have no doubt you will leave the theater with a smile on your face.
Monsters University
Directed By Dan Scanlon
Starring Billy Crystal as Mike Wazowski, John Goodman as James P. "Sulley" Sullivan, Helen Mirren as Dean Hardscrabble, Steve Buscemi as Randall Boggs
There's been an ongoing debate among the film-viewing community, that Pixar has lost it's touch. Cars 2 ended the studio's spotless record, and Brave, despite winning the Golden Globe and Academy Award, had a lukewarm reception. Now, with Finding Dory set for 2016, and rumors of a Toy Story 4 popping up every now and then, everyone's ready to say that Pixar has run out of originality and finally gotten the sequel bug.
So with all that in everyone's minds, and the fact that it was a prequel to one of Pixar's original classics, Monsters University was released this June. Set years before Monsters Inc, young Mike Wazowski (Crystal) heads off to attend the titular university, with big dreams of becoming a great scarer. He soon finds a rival in classmate (and future best friend) James P. Sullivan, or Sulley (Goodman). While Mike is hard-worker, Sulley is a slacker, and has had everything handed to him in life.
Their rivalry takes a turn for the worse, when it gets them kicked out of the school's scaring program. Then, when the annual greek-life Scare Games comes along, Mike and Sulley attempt to put aside their differences and team up with the misfit fraternity Oozma Kappa to enter the games. The frightening, headstrong Dean Hardscrabble (Mirren) allows them to enter, on the condition of if they lose, they leave Monsters University.
So that's the plot. I'll be honest, it's not that original. It's no different than any other story we've seen in other college films, from Revenge of The Nerds to every college film that has come after it and before Monsters University. The Oozma Kappa members don't offer too much. There were five of them and I enjoyed two of them for the most part. It's not what we've come to expect from Pixar, it's a predictable film, but it's still a very enjoyable film.
Why? Because of the characters. For most of us, these are characters we love and have grown up with, and you enjoy seeing them on screen again, and putting these characters in these scenarios is enjoyable to watch. It's a very funny film too. There are a lot of laughs, with nods to Monsters Inc that can bring a smile to any fan's face.
The voice cast is great. Billy Crystal and John Goodman are again fantastic as Mike and Sulley, and Steve Buscemi return as Randall is fun to watch too. New additions like Helen Mirren as the Dean, Peter Sohn & Charlie Day as Oozma Kappa members in particular are a joy to watch. Nathan Fillion as fraternity present Johnny Worthington is cool to watch, just because he's Nathan Fillion. Even John Krasinski is a joy in the little cameo he makes in the beginning as a Monsters Inc employee.
At the end of the day, I still love Monsters Inc more, it remains not only one of my favorite Pixar films, but one of my favorite films in general. That being said, I still really did enjoy Monsters University. From that, you can probably guess my side of the Pixar debate is no, they haven't lost their touch.
No I did not enjoy Cars 2. As a fan of the films from Disney Animation in the nineties, I thought Brave was a beautiful film. Maybe if it was released back in the nineties it would have been more successful.
Monsters University, it's no Up or Toy Story 3, but it's another solid entry in their filmography.
Perhaps the general audience in recent years has come to expect Pixar to tackle serious issues and make us cry like they have in Up, Toy Story 3, and Wall-E. Perhaps the general audience isn't responding to the last few Pixar films, because they're not what we expect them to do. Here is my counter argument. Pixar isn't a studio that makes films people expect them to make. Pixar is a studio that makes films they want to make.
Pixar is a studio that allows filmmakers to tell the stories they want to tell, which is rare in an industry that constantly demands filmmakers go for "marketable and profitable", and I applaud them for that. It's why I, why most people have fallen in love with them. I mean, let's be honest, do you really think a film like Up, Wall-E, or even Ratatouille could have, would have been made at another studio? Monsters University, sure, has a familiar story but it has the essence of Pixar. The ending in particular, which sends out a very strong yet unconventional moral to audiences young and old, that dreams sometimes don't go like we planned, is a bold and daring choice we expect from Pixar. Monsters University has the Pixar heart at the very center of its script, which is emulated in the friendship between Mike and Sulley.
Thirteen out of fourteen films Pixar has made have been generally well-recieved, and that includes Brave and Monsters University. So while I eagerly await the next Pixar film, I highly recommend Monsters University now. It may not blow your expectations out of the water, but I have no doubt you will leave the theater with a smile on your face.
Film Review- "Despicable Me 2"
Despicable Me 2
Directed By Pierre Coffin & Chris Renaud
Starring Steve Carell as Gru, Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde, Benjamin Bratt as El Macho
It's hard to make a good sequel. It seems even harder to make an animated sequel. When I first walked into the theater to see the original Despicable Me, my expectations weren't that high. The story seemed thin, and it didn't seem too funny. But then, you guessed it, I was very surprised at what I saw.
Despicable Me has a simple story, but a big heart. It's well written, it's comical, and has a stellar voice cast. At the time it was a rarity of an animated film. From Illumination Entertainment, a new company entering an industry heavily dominated by Pixar and Dreamworks, Despicable Me ended up becoming something of a surprise hit. So what's the sequel like?
Well I entered Despicable Me 2 with lowered expectations, like I did with its predecessor. The original was such a special film, with a story that seemed like it was wrapped up pretty nicely before the credits rolled, how could the sequel prevail? What else is there to tell, and could an audience respond to it?
Yes, it can...on some levels. As a comedy, this sequel is funnier than the original. As an overall film, the original stands tall. This time around, retired super-villain and super-cool dad Gru (Carell) is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to track down a new villain, along with a new, enthusiastic agent named Lucy Wilde (Wiig). Yeah you know what happens between Gru and Lucy right? I mean. Come on now.
Well it seems pretty simple right? Not so much. The filmmakers seem almost confused as to what story they want to tell. Other elements of the plot include Gru dealing with little Agnes's concerns about a lack of a mother figure in her life, while also dealing with Margo's new boyfriend, and then there's Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand) leaving Gru for a new, more evil job. The script's kind of a mess.
It's hard to understand what is moving the plot, and Gru's character forward. Is it his struggle to be a good father? His struggle to date Lucy and fill that void in his life? His struggle to relive or forget his days as a villain? All these are lightly touched on without any real development, and when we reach the ending (We all know what happens with Gru & Lucy right?), it feels forced and unearned, but at the same we as an audience come to expect it so we don't get bothered too much by it.
Clearly the filmmakers knew they struck gold with the Minions, and they dominate the film. They may even get more screen time than Gru. They do still manage to provide plenty of laughs, but they're almost used as a distraction for the flimsy script. Plus, while the Minions take up more screen time, Gru's daughters take up less screen time. They were the heart of the first film, and when we see less of them in this film, the film in turn has less heart.
But what works? Well as I've said, Despicable Me 2 is definitely the funnier of the two films, Minions and all. The voice cast is again great. Kirsten Wiig is perfect as Lucy Wilde. Benjamin Bratt is cool as the villain El Macho, although the character itself isn't that thrilling (Except for one little gag in a flashback).
So, if you're looking for a film with a lot of laughs, then I recommend Despicable Me 2. If you're looking for a sequel that matches the heart and writing of its predecessor, this isn't what you're going to get. As funny and as charming as it can be, the film just doesn't seem to know what story it wants to tell.
Directed By Pierre Coffin & Chris Renaud
Starring Steve Carell as Gru, Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde, Benjamin Bratt as El Macho
It's hard to make a good sequel. It seems even harder to make an animated sequel. When I first walked into the theater to see the original Despicable Me, my expectations weren't that high. The story seemed thin, and it didn't seem too funny. But then, you guessed it, I was very surprised at what I saw.
Despicable Me has a simple story, but a big heart. It's well written, it's comical, and has a stellar voice cast. At the time it was a rarity of an animated film. From Illumination Entertainment, a new company entering an industry heavily dominated by Pixar and Dreamworks, Despicable Me ended up becoming something of a surprise hit. So what's the sequel like?
Well I entered Despicable Me 2 with lowered expectations, like I did with its predecessor. The original was such a special film, with a story that seemed like it was wrapped up pretty nicely before the credits rolled, how could the sequel prevail? What else is there to tell, and could an audience respond to it?
Yes, it can...on some levels. As a comedy, this sequel is funnier than the original. As an overall film, the original stands tall. This time around, retired super-villain and super-cool dad Gru (Carell) is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to track down a new villain, along with a new, enthusiastic agent named Lucy Wilde (Wiig). Yeah you know what happens between Gru and Lucy right? I mean. Come on now.
Well it seems pretty simple right? Not so much. The filmmakers seem almost confused as to what story they want to tell. Other elements of the plot include Gru dealing with little Agnes's concerns about a lack of a mother figure in her life, while also dealing with Margo's new boyfriend, and then there's Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand) leaving Gru for a new, more evil job. The script's kind of a mess.
It's hard to understand what is moving the plot, and Gru's character forward. Is it his struggle to be a good father? His struggle to date Lucy and fill that void in his life? His struggle to relive or forget his days as a villain? All these are lightly touched on without any real development, and when we reach the ending (We all know what happens with Gru & Lucy right?), it feels forced and unearned, but at the same we as an audience come to expect it so we don't get bothered too much by it.
Clearly the filmmakers knew they struck gold with the Minions, and they dominate the film. They may even get more screen time than Gru. They do still manage to provide plenty of laughs, but they're almost used as a distraction for the flimsy script. Plus, while the Minions take up more screen time, Gru's daughters take up less screen time. They were the heart of the first film, and when we see less of them in this film, the film in turn has less heart.
But what works? Well as I've said, Despicable Me 2 is definitely the funnier of the two films, Minions and all. The voice cast is again great. Kirsten Wiig is perfect as Lucy Wilde. Benjamin Bratt is cool as the villain El Macho, although the character itself isn't that thrilling (Except for one little gag in a flashback).
So, if you're looking for a film with a lot of laughs, then I recommend Despicable Me 2. If you're looking for a sequel that matches the heart and writing of its predecessor, this isn't what you're going to get. As funny and as charming as it can be, the film just doesn't seem to know what story it wants to tell.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Film Review- "The Hangover: Part 3"
A tweet from myself (@ChrisFlaertweet), on May 2nd 2013:
"#Hangover3....All I can say is Ed Helms, I hope it was worth leaving for half of the final season of #TheOffice #Hereshoping"
The Hangover: Part 3
Directed By Todd Phillips
Starring Bradley Cooper as Phil, Ed Helms as Stu, Zach Galifanakis as Alan
....Imagine you just heard Disney announced they were making a film starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. Then you saw the trailers for that film, and then you saw the actual film, and what you saw wasn't quite what you expected. Instead of seeing a film where those three beloved cartoon characters are singing, dancing and having up-beat adventures...you saw a film where they were hired to take a hit out on Scrooge McDuck and steal all his money.
That's kind of like what The Hangover Part 3 is. It takes characters from films of one genre, and then puts them in a film of another genre. In this case, comical characters are put into an action/heist film.
Alan (Galifanakis) has been off his meds for awhile. After his father (Jeffery Tambor) dies of a heart attack, his family and The Wolfpack stage an intervention for him. While driving Alan to a rehab center in Arizona, the group is ambushed by a group of thugs led by Marshall (John Goodman). Marshall has some unfinished business with the recently escaped from prison, Mr. Chow (Jeong), and wants him DOA. Seeing is how Alan is the only one Chow's had recent contact with, Marshall demands The Wolfpack track him down, and takes Doug (Justin Bartha) as insurance. Alan, Stu (Helms), and Phil (Cooper) are soon tracking Chow down all over the west coast, on an adventure that takes them from Tijuana and back to Las Vegas.
First off, this film is not as funny as the original. It's not even as funny as the second installment. It completely throws out the formula of the first two. The humor is actually much darker this time around (A giraffe is decapitated within the first five minutes). If that's your type of humor you'll enjoy it like I did, but the laughs aren't as frequent in this Hangover film. As you may have guessed already, this is more like an action movie than a comedy movie.
BUT...it works. It does have its laughs, and its a good watch. You do retain a general interest in the story (Props to Todd Phillips for all the little ties back to the original movie), you do care about these characters, and you want to see them make it out of this. Especially considering this time around, their predicament really isn't the result of their idiocy, but Chow's.
I don't have much to say about the returning cast members. They all do a fine job. Galifanakis is losing his appeal though, in my opinion. Ken Jeong I find annoying 90% of the time. John Goodman as Marshall is a fine addition. Melissa McCarthy has a funny little cameo as a pawnbroker in Vegas. Not to spoil anything, but some characters from the first film make return appearances, and it's fun to see them all again.
The Hangover: Part 3 is not what you would expect from the conclusion of a comedy trilogy. But you can still walk out of the theater a satisfied viewer. With the exception of the first film, this trilogy won't have that much of a lasting impact. But Part 3 will stay with you for at least a little while, either tickling your funny bone, or just making you go "...Huh."
*Probably some of the funniest laughs will come from the post-credits scene.
**If you were by any chance a little curious as to what it would be like if Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck were hit men...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTSWo2y0NIY
"#Hangover3....All I can say is Ed Helms, I hope it was worth leaving for half of the final season of #TheOffice #Hereshoping"
The Hangover: Part 3
Directed By Todd Phillips
Starring Bradley Cooper as Phil, Ed Helms as Stu, Zach Galifanakis as Alan
....Imagine you just heard Disney announced they were making a film starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. Then you saw the trailers for that film, and then you saw the actual film, and what you saw wasn't quite what you expected. Instead of seeing a film where those three beloved cartoon characters are singing, dancing and having up-beat adventures...you saw a film where they were hired to take a hit out on Scrooge McDuck and steal all his money.
That's kind of like what The Hangover Part 3 is. It takes characters from films of one genre, and then puts them in a film of another genre. In this case, comical characters are put into an action/heist film.
Alan (Galifanakis) has been off his meds for awhile. After his father (Jeffery Tambor) dies of a heart attack, his family and The Wolfpack stage an intervention for him. While driving Alan to a rehab center in Arizona, the group is ambushed by a group of thugs led by Marshall (John Goodman). Marshall has some unfinished business with the recently escaped from prison, Mr. Chow (Jeong), and wants him DOA. Seeing is how Alan is the only one Chow's had recent contact with, Marshall demands The Wolfpack track him down, and takes Doug (Justin Bartha) as insurance. Alan, Stu (Helms), and Phil (Cooper) are soon tracking Chow down all over the west coast, on an adventure that takes them from Tijuana and back to Las Vegas.
First off, this film is not as funny as the original. It's not even as funny as the second installment. It completely throws out the formula of the first two. The humor is actually much darker this time around (A giraffe is decapitated within the first five minutes). If that's your type of humor you'll enjoy it like I did, but the laughs aren't as frequent in this Hangover film. As you may have guessed already, this is more like an action movie than a comedy movie.
BUT...it works. It does have its laughs, and its a good watch. You do retain a general interest in the story (Props to Todd Phillips for all the little ties back to the original movie), you do care about these characters, and you want to see them make it out of this. Especially considering this time around, their predicament really isn't the result of their idiocy, but Chow's.
I don't have much to say about the returning cast members. They all do a fine job. Galifanakis is losing his appeal though, in my opinion. Ken Jeong I find annoying 90% of the time. John Goodman as Marshall is a fine addition. Melissa McCarthy has a funny little cameo as a pawnbroker in Vegas. Not to spoil anything, but some characters from the first film make return appearances, and it's fun to see them all again.
The Hangover: Part 3 is not what you would expect from the conclusion of a comedy trilogy. But you can still walk out of the theater a satisfied viewer. With the exception of the first film, this trilogy won't have that much of a lasting impact. But Part 3 will stay with you for at least a little while, either tickling your funny bone, or just making you go "...Huh."
*Probably some of the funniest laughs will come from the post-credits scene.
**If you were by any chance a little curious as to what it would be like if Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck were hit men...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTSWo2y0NIY
Wish-List For "Community" Season 5
Now that Dan Harmon's back to work on "Community", fans can expect Season 5 to be a return to form, and more like the show it used to be. While I believe Season 4 wasn't that bad, there were some things it didn't handle well. While some plot lines carried over from past seasons were executed (and in some cases concluded) poorly, other elements of the show were otherwise thrown out the window.
How will Dan Harmon address these issues? What will his response to Season 4 be? Whatever he does I'm along for the ride, but I, as I'm sure most fans do, have a little wish-list for Season 5.
1. Bring Back John Oliver/James Brolin/Malcolm McDowell
We haven't seen Ian Duncan since Season 2! I know John Oliver's been pretty busy with The Daily Show, and he'll be even more busy with it when Jon Stewart leaves to direct his first feature film, but before that happens can we get him back for one episode? His character is rooted in the beginnings of the show.
I for one felt the episode where James Brolin as Jeff's Dad, was underwhelming, considering it was built up to be the conclusion of one the show's most important story lines. Considering Harmon began this storyline, I truly hope he can bring Brolin back to bring Jeff's story with his father to a proper conclusion, one that both he and the fans can be happy with.
Malcolm McDowell was so underused in Season 4 the powers that be should be arrested for it, and I hope he can come back to intimidate the study group further. I mean...he's Malcolm McDowell.
2. Write The BEST CHRISTMAS EPISODE EVER
"Intro To Knots" paled in comparison to Christmas episodes from the past seasons. Past "Community" Christmas episodes were real treats, and offered something fun, exciting, and satirical. "Knots" didn't bring much to the table, other than giving Malcolm McDowell some deserved screen time. It didn't even feel like a Christmas episode. It was more like something pulled out of the cliche' sitcom handbook. In short, while I enjoyed the episode, it wasn't a "Community" Christmas episode. That said, I hope Harmon can make up for it.
3. Kill Chang Off
I'm sorry, but we have to get rid of this guy. Sure The Hangover trilogy is over, so maybe Ken Jeong's schedule will open up a bit, but does it really matter? Chang is no longer the interesting character he once was. When he was in power in Seasons 1 and 3, he was a compelling character. Now, he's been reduced to faking amnesia-sorry, Changnesia...what? With the conclusion of "Heroic Origins" his arc to join the study group that started in Season 2, has ended, so I really don't see anywhere else we can go with Chang. If anyone can give this character purpose again it's Dan Harmon, but honestly I'd rather just see Chang written off the show.
4. Explore The Relationships of Jeff/Annie, Tory/Britta, Jeff/Britta...
Five seasons in I think it's time to give these romantic couplings a little more spotlight. Harmon always did a great job of not over-saturating the romance into the show, and I think he can continue to do that. But we have these relationships that should be explored a little further, now that we've spent four years watching them grow.
Maybe Troy/Britta should be left alone. I'm sure not everyone was a fan of it. I loved "Basic Human Anatomy", but one flaw in it was that I really didn't care that Troy and Britta broke up. We spent like one episode in Season 4 developing their relationship, and their relationship wasn't even at the center of the episode, Troy and Abed's was! Again, another storyline Harmon set up, that I hope he can bring to a proper conclusion that'll satisfy both himself and the fans. There's always some drama between exes right?
That, and now that Britta's single again, the Jeff/Annie VS Jeff/Britta debate needs to be addressed. While Season 1 focused on Jeff/Britta, Seasons 2-3 developed Jeff/Annie and moved away from Jeff/Britta. Season 4, from what I could tell, returned to focus on Jeff/Britta. With this possibly being the last season of the show, something's got to give in terms of our protagonist's love life.
5. Make Fred Wilard A Series Regular To Replace Chevy Chase
Wilard's guest spot as Pierce in Abed's Sitcom Illusion in "History 101" was classic. He played Pierce perfectly with the cocky, absent-mindedness from Season 1, and he fit well with the rest of the cast. Dare I say, he could play a better Pierce than Chevy Chase. You don't have to make him Pierce. You could make him a new character, and throw in some meta-references for Abed to spit out. Either way, Fred Wilard has got to come back to the show.
I can only hope someone related to the production of "Community" sees this. A fan can dream right? Regardless, I look forward to the return of "Community"....midseason. Come on, NBC...
Side-Note: I'd really love to see an episode done in the style of Indiana Jones, or an episode without any dialogue, or an episode that pays tribute to the animated musical, or....sorry, I'm done.
How will Dan Harmon address these issues? What will his response to Season 4 be? Whatever he does I'm along for the ride, but I, as I'm sure most fans do, have a little wish-list for Season 5.
1. Bring Back John Oliver/James Brolin/Malcolm McDowell
We haven't seen Ian Duncan since Season 2! I know John Oliver's been pretty busy with The Daily Show, and he'll be even more busy with it when Jon Stewart leaves to direct his first feature film, but before that happens can we get him back for one episode? His character is rooted in the beginnings of the show.
I for one felt the episode where James Brolin as Jeff's Dad, was underwhelming, considering it was built up to be the conclusion of one the show's most important story lines. Considering Harmon began this storyline, I truly hope he can bring Brolin back to bring Jeff's story with his father to a proper conclusion, one that both he and the fans can be happy with.
Malcolm McDowell was so underused in Season 4 the powers that be should be arrested for it, and I hope he can come back to intimidate the study group further. I mean...he's Malcolm McDowell.
2. Write The BEST CHRISTMAS EPISODE EVER
"Intro To Knots" paled in comparison to Christmas episodes from the past seasons. Past "Community" Christmas episodes were real treats, and offered something fun, exciting, and satirical. "Knots" didn't bring much to the table, other than giving Malcolm McDowell some deserved screen time. It didn't even feel like a Christmas episode. It was more like something pulled out of the cliche' sitcom handbook. In short, while I enjoyed the episode, it wasn't a "Community" Christmas episode. That said, I hope Harmon can make up for it.
3. Kill Chang Off
I'm sorry, but we have to get rid of this guy. Sure The Hangover trilogy is over, so maybe Ken Jeong's schedule will open up a bit, but does it really matter? Chang is no longer the interesting character he once was. When he was in power in Seasons 1 and 3, he was a compelling character. Now, he's been reduced to faking amnesia-sorry, Changnesia...what? With the conclusion of "Heroic Origins" his arc to join the study group that started in Season 2, has ended, so I really don't see anywhere else we can go with Chang. If anyone can give this character purpose again it's Dan Harmon, but honestly I'd rather just see Chang written off the show.
4. Explore The Relationships of Jeff/Annie, Tory/Britta, Jeff/Britta...
Five seasons in I think it's time to give these romantic couplings a little more spotlight. Harmon always did a great job of not over-saturating the romance into the show, and I think he can continue to do that. But we have these relationships that should be explored a little further, now that we've spent four years watching them grow.
Maybe Troy/Britta should be left alone. I'm sure not everyone was a fan of it. I loved "Basic Human Anatomy", but one flaw in it was that I really didn't care that Troy and Britta broke up. We spent like one episode in Season 4 developing their relationship, and their relationship wasn't even at the center of the episode, Troy and Abed's was! Again, another storyline Harmon set up, that I hope he can bring to a proper conclusion that'll satisfy both himself and the fans. There's always some drama between exes right?
That, and now that Britta's single again, the Jeff/Annie VS Jeff/Britta debate needs to be addressed. While Season 1 focused on Jeff/Britta, Seasons 2-3 developed Jeff/Annie and moved away from Jeff/Britta. Season 4, from what I could tell, returned to focus on Jeff/Britta. With this possibly being the last season of the show, something's got to give in terms of our protagonist's love life.
5. Make Fred Wilard A Series Regular To Replace Chevy Chase
Wilard's guest spot as Pierce in Abed's Sitcom Illusion in "History 101" was classic. He played Pierce perfectly with the cocky, absent-mindedness from Season 1, and he fit well with the rest of the cast. Dare I say, he could play a better Pierce than Chevy Chase. You don't have to make him Pierce. You could make him a new character, and throw in some meta-references for Abed to spit out. Either way, Fred Wilard has got to come back to the show.
I can only hope someone related to the production of "Community" sees this. A fan can dream right? Regardless, I look forward to the return of "Community"....midseason. Come on, NBC...
Side-Note: I'd really love to see an episode done in the style of Indiana Jones, or an episode without any dialogue, or an episode that pays tribute to the animated musical, or....sorry, I'm done.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Top 5 Episodes of "Community" Season 4
Dan Harmon, the creator of "Community", has announced he will return to his post as show runner for the upcoming fifth season. Harmon left his position after creative differences between the executives at Sony and himself. Many fans are overjoyed at the news of his return, and see this as an opportunity for the show to once again be the critical cult hit it once was. Many fans considered the fourth, "Harmon-less" season a letdown, and the worst season so far.
I believe that while the fourth season was not up to par with the past three, it still had some quality episodes. When Season 4 was bad, it was bad (Changnesia, anyone?). When Season 4 was good, it was good.
With that being said, here are my Top Five Episodes from "Community"'s Fourth Season.
#5: Episode 4.7 "Economics of Marine Biology"
The side story of Abed's fictional fraternity ("Delta Cubes!") was classic "Community". Jim Rash was given some great lines as The Dean in this episode, and the return of Board Members Clark and Richie was a funny moment. The Jeff and Pierce storyline was classic and true to the characters, furthering their development and relationship. While I felt the season finale (and the episodes that follow this one), didn't properly conclude Pierce's story*, this episode acted as a nice little consolation for everyone's favorite Greendale grump.
*Chevy Chase, and presumably the character of Pierce, will not be returning for the fifth season.
#4 Episode 4.1 "History 101"
While not the greatest episode of the series, "History 101" was a solid start to the season. The Hunger Games parody was underdeveloped, and nothing more than a setting for the episode, but it provided some great laughs. Abed's "laugh-track sitcom" illusion of the study group was spot-on. It was meta, and classic "Community" humor. The Muppet Babies illusion, within the illusion, was just icing on the cake. Reading this all on paper make this episode sound like a mess, but in truth this is real fun episode to watch.
#3 Episode 4.8 "Herstory of Dance"
You could place this episode in the middle of a Season 1 DVD, and if you didn't tell me it was from Season 4, I probably wouldn't have noticed. The humor felt very traditional and true to the roots of the show. It displayed the characters and their relationships as the fans have known them the past three years, while moving their stories forward. It's an episode I think Dan Harmon himself would be proud of.
#2 Episode 4.11 "Basic Human Anatomy"
A brilliant episode written by Oscar Winner Jim Rash (Dean Pelton himself). It features some truly wonderful performances from Rash, Donald Glover (Troy), and Danny Pudi (Abed). Not only in this episodes does "Community" mock the body-switching film genre, it puts its unique twist on it, that serves the episode and the characters well
1. Episode 4.9 "Intro To Felt Surrogacy"
I'm a sucker for "Community"'s theme/concept episodes, and this is really one of the best. Maybe it's my fascination with The Muppets, but you can tell that the cast and crew treated this episode with care. From the attention to the detail in how the puppets move and interact, to the musical numbers. Like "Basic Human Anatomy", or "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas", the concept/theme isn't there for the hell of it. It services the plot of the characters, in a fun and unique way. It may not have furthered the overall arc of the show, but it was an emotional and satisfying episode, that showed how the group has grown in four years. "Intro To Felt Surrogacy" will possibly become known as the highlight of Season 4.
So with that we close the books on an uneven, but still enjoyable season of "Community". Now, onto Season 5...
Runners-Up:
Episode 4.9 "Intro To Knots" (The season's Christmas episode)
Episode 4.5 "Cooperative Escapism In Familial Relations (Jeff reunites with his father for Thanksgiving)
I believe that while the fourth season was not up to par with the past three, it still had some quality episodes. When Season 4 was bad, it was bad (Changnesia, anyone?). When Season 4 was good, it was good.
With that being said, here are my Top Five Episodes from "Community"'s Fourth Season.
#5: Episode 4.7 "Economics of Marine Biology"
The side story of Abed's fictional fraternity ("Delta Cubes!") was classic "Community". Jim Rash was given some great lines as The Dean in this episode, and the return of Board Members Clark and Richie was a funny moment. The Jeff and Pierce storyline was classic and true to the characters, furthering their development and relationship. While I felt the season finale (and the episodes that follow this one), didn't properly conclude Pierce's story*, this episode acted as a nice little consolation for everyone's favorite Greendale grump.
*Chevy Chase, and presumably the character of Pierce, will not be returning for the fifth season.
#4 Episode 4.1 "History 101"
While not the greatest episode of the series, "History 101" was a solid start to the season. The Hunger Games parody was underdeveloped, and nothing more than a setting for the episode, but it provided some great laughs. Abed's "laugh-track sitcom" illusion of the study group was spot-on. It was meta, and classic "Community" humor. The Muppet Babies illusion, within the illusion, was just icing on the cake. Reading this all on paper make this episode sound like a mess, but in truth this is real fun episode to watch.
#3 Episode 4.8 "Herstory of Dance"
You could place this episode in the middle of a Season 1 DVD, and if you didn't tell me it was from Season 4, I probably wouldn't have noticed. The humor felt very traditional and true to the roots of the show. It displayed the characters and their relationships as the fans have known them the past three years, while moving their stories forward. It's an episode I think Dan Harmon himself would be proud of.
#2 Episode 4.11 "Basic Human Anatomy"
A brilliant episode written by Oscar Winner Jim Rash (Dean Pelton himself). It features some truly wonderful performances from Rash, Donald Glover (Troy), and Danny Pudi (Abed). Not only in this episodes does "Community" mock the body-switching film genre, it puts its unique twist on it, that serves the episode and the characters well
1. Episode 4.9 "Intro To Felt Surrogacy"
I'm a sucker for "Community"'s theme/concept episodes, and this is really one of the best. Maybe it's my fascination with The Muppets, but you can tell that the cast and crew treated this episode with care. From the attention to the detail in how the puppets move and interact, to the musical numbers. Like "Basic Human Anatomy", or "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas", the concept/theme isn't there for the hell of it. It services the plot of the characters, in a fun and unique way. It may not have furthered the overall arc of the show, but it was an emotional and satisfying episode, that showed how the group has grown in four years. "Intro To Felt Surrogacy" will possibly become known as the highlight of Season 4.
So with that we close the books on an uneven, but still enjoyable season of "Community". Now, onto Season 5...
Runners-Up:
Episode 4.9 "Intro To Knots" (The season's Christmas episode)
Episode 4.5 "Cooperative Escapism In Familial Relations (Jeff reunites with his father for Thanksgiving)
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