Judd Apatow's third film may very well be his best one. In fact, with "Funny People", he has written and directed a masterpiece. Great stuff from start to end. From the hilariously raunchy stand-up comedy shows to the harsh life of George Simmons (Sandler), this film pulls you in and never pushes you away. Apatow's screenplay truly shows his ability to mix comedy with drama. Unlike his other two films ("Knocked Up" and "40-year-old Virgin"), his new one is totally focused on being heartfelt. But what Apatow also shows here is that he is truly a comedic genius. The dirty jokes are there, of course. But he also has an amazing skill of using satire. One example that pops into my head is when rapper Eminem asks comedian Ray Romano if he wants to fight. Ira (Rogen) then asks Romano "what's wrong? I thought everybody loves you". Classic stuff. And trust me, there are a lot of classic laughs to be had.
What "Funny People" undoubtedly has is tremendous acting. You have Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, and Jason Schwartzman. All are impressive, but Adam Sandler stands out from the rest. He is terrific here as George Simmons. Yes, you get the natural Sandler, out-of-control stuff. But what you also get here is the dramatic actor type. And when he is turns into that kind of actor, he is dynamite. Never misses a beat throughout the whole thing. He has turned in two other great performances like this before (in "Punch Drunk Love" and "Reign Over Me"), but this third effort is easily his best by a mile. May not be the best performance of the year, but c'mon now. Give credit where credit is due. One of the best performances of the year so far.
And now let's talk Seth Rogen, who plays Ira Wright. Let me tell you something that I've never said about him before. I really, REALLY admired his performance in this film. Like Sandler, he is still Rogen. That classic laugh and his dirty mind. But now that he has lost all that weight, he added some terrific acting skills that can get him some great roles in the future. In being funny, he goes along with Sandler, but when the going gets rough and he's in a serious scene with Sandler, he holds his ground brilliantly. And though he won't get the same credit as Sandler, this is by far his best performance that he has ever turned in. You saw the talent of Seth Rogen in Apatow's "Knocked Up", and now he is fully utilizing that talent.
The story is simple, but wonderful. George Simmons (Sandler), a famous comedian and actor, is told by the doctor that test results were bad. It's over. The sickness can't be repaired. Bottom line: he's dying. Simmons, who is lonely and sad, goes and hires Ira Wright (Rogen), who he liked very much in his stand-up set. Wright goes on to write jokes for Simmons when he performs. As time passes, there is a sign of a true friendship. Wright thinks so, anyway. Simmons practically has no friends, BTW, so this is good for him. Simmons then starts talking to his long lost love, Laura (Mann). The problem is that she's married and George wants her, bad. Can his friendship with Ira save him from his emptiness, dealing with the sickness? And can George get back with his "true love", Laura?
Judd Apatow's screenplay and direction is truly amazing. From top to bottom, "Funny People" is nearly flawless. Could've been a tad shorter, but it's not monumental. All in all, Judd Apatow has made a terrific film that is killer funny and genuinely dramatic. It is safe to say that he is the king of comedy of this generation.
Rating: 31/2 out of 4
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Watchmen review
When you think of a Zack Snyder film, you see a total feast of eye-candy. And like his previous film "300", this is another spectacular visual feast. But unlike "300", Snyder's new movie is a true masterpiece. "The Dark Knight" took superhero movies to a new level. And now with "Watchmen", the level was raised even higher. Both films are similar in being sophisticated but more importantly similar in its impact. Based on one of the most important graphic novels in American history, "Watchmen" is a movie experience that is hard to forget.
The Watchmen don't have superpowers, with the exception of one team member. Dr. Manhattan is a naked blue man who was once a human named Jon Osterman. When he turned into his new form accidentally, he was equipped with a whole set of powers. People even compared him to GOD with his ability to see the future and his own past. But other than him, the watchmen don't really have powers. They are still in normal superhero attire, though. Masks, capes, latex, boots, and gloves. You name it. But ultimately, they are actually in search of themselves in this so-called corrupt world that we live in. So are they really saving the world? Edward "The Comedian" Blake said it the best, "We're really saving the humans from themselves."
The year is 1985 and Nixon is elected for the fourth time. The Watchmen are simply a washed-up group of vigilantes who believe that they, as a whole, are over and done. Then all of sudden one of the Watchmen, "The Comedian", is found murdered, thrown out his apartment through a window. The remaining, believing member of the group Rorschach, who wears a mask that changes design, plans to find out who murdered his teammate. And to make it worse, there are rumors floating around that someone plans to start a nuclear war. Rorschach wonders if someone is out to kill all the remaining Watchmen so they won't keep the war from happening. Who is planning all this? Who killed Edward "The Comedian" Blake? Do the other Watchmen along with Dr. Manhattan think they can stop this war from ever launching? You will have to watch to find out these answers.
All in all, Zack Snyder's take on the hugely popular graphic novel is terrific. The art design, cinematography, and script are all unique and brilliant. The opening montage of credits is one of the best i have seen. The score is top-notch and really adds to the whole feel to the movie. If you think Zack Snyder went all-out in terms of graphic violence in "300", think again. "Watchmen" is right up there. Truly an experience that must be had more than once. One of the year's best.
Rating: 4 out of 4
The Watchmen don't have superpowers, with the exception of one team member. Dr. Manhattan is a naked blue man who was once a human named Jon Osterman. When he turned into his new form accidentally, he was equipped with a whole set of powers. People even compared him to GOD with his ability to see the future and his own past. But other than him, the watchmen don't really have powers. They are still in normal superhero attire, though. Masks, capes, latex, boots, and gloves. You name it. But ultimately, they are actually in search of themselves in this so-called corrupt world that we live in. So are they really saving the world? Edward "The Comedian" Blake said it the best, "We're really saving the humans from themselves."
The year is 1985 and Nixon is elected for the fourth time. The Watchmen are simply a washed-up group of vigilantes who believe that they, as a whole, are over and done. Then all of sudden one of the Watchmen, "The Comedian", is found murdered, thrown out his apartment through a window. The remaining, believing member of the group Rorschach, who wears a mask that changes design, plans to find out who murdered his teammate. And to make it worse, there are rumors floating around that someone plans to start a nuclear war. Rorschach wonders if someone is out to kill all the remaining Watchmen so they won't keep the war from happening. Who is planning all this? Who killed Edward "The Comedian" Blake? Do the other Watchmen along with Dr. Manhattan think they can stop this war from ever launching? You will have to watch to find out these answers.
All in all, Zack Snyder's take on the hugely popular graphic novel is terrific. The art design, cinematography, and script are all unique and brilliant. The opening montage of credits is one of the best i have seen. The score is top-notch and really adds to the whole feel to the movie. If you think Zack Snyder went all-out in terms of graphic violence in "300", think again. "Watchmen" is right up there. Truly an experience that must be had more than once. One of the year's best.
Rating: 4 out of 4
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Burn After Reading review
The Coen brothers have done it again. Simple as that. They did it with Academy-award winning "No Country For Old Men", and here they are again. Written and directed by the Coens, "Burn After Reading" is extremely "dark", which means that it is a comedy involving violence, blood, and death. This should already be expected from the brothers, as this is their style of work. But their ability to mix the times of intensity along with the comedy is masterful. Like what every actor says of them, "they know what they want."
Well, this film stars Brad Pitt, George Clooney, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, and Richard Jenkins. Heard of any of them? Let's hope so. For those that know them, you know that it is an A-list cast. And yes, they give A-list performances. Pitt and Clooney are effortless and Malkovich is big, bad, and mean with Jenikins as the gentler gym owner. The girls, Swinton, and McDormand, stand their ground with the men and monumentally help the film. Each and every character in this film is dysfunctional one way or the other. If its Clooney's inability to be faithful or McDormand's want for surgery and liposuction, all their flaws somehow relate to one another. And when they mix, everything is just dark but comedic.
Malkovich, a former CIA agent, has lost his files that contain information about this memoir that he plans to write. It falls into the hands of Pitt and McDormand, and they plan to sell it. Of course, when Malkovich finds out about this, he has different plans. The couple of scenes between Pitt and Malkovich are great, whether it is over the phone or the classic scene in the car, it is always hilarious. So how is Clooney in this? Well, he is dating Malkovich's wife (Swinton), who wants to divorce him. Then eh starts dating McDormand. Yes, it sounds confusing, but the Coens masterly bring these dysfunctional worlds together.
"Burn After Reading" is a hilarious adult comedy with some great acting. The script is excellent and the look and feel of the film fits terrifically well with the subject manner. The violence is surprisingly insane and cruel, but you somehow always find yourself laughing during this film. Altogether another fantastically made movie by the Coens. And yes, this is one of their best efforts.
Rating: 31/2 out of 4
Well, this film stars Brad Pitt, George Clooney, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, and Richard Jenkins. Heard of any of them? Let's hope so. For those that know them, you know that it is an A-list cast. And yes, they give A-list performances. Pitt and Clooney are effortless and Malkovich is big, bad, and mean with Jenikins as the gentler gym owner. The girls, Swinton, and McDormand, stand their ground with the men and monumentally help the film. Each and every character in this film is dysfunctional one way or the other. If its Clooney's inability to be faithful or McDormand's want for surgery and liposuction, all their flaws somehow relate to one another. And when they mix, everything is just dark but comedic.
Malkovich, a former CIA agent, has lost his files that contain information about this memoir that he plans to write. It falls into the hands of Pitt and McDormand, and they plan to sell it. Of course, when Malkovich finds out about this, he has different plans. The couple of scenes between Pitt and Malkovich are great, whether it is over the phone or the classic scene in the car, it is always hilarious. So how is Clooney in this? Well, he is dating Malkovich's wife (Swinton), who wants to divorce him. Then eh starts dating McDormand. Yes, it sounds confusing, but the Coens masterly bring these dysfunctional worlds together.
"Burn After Reading" is a hilarious adult comedy with some great acting. The script is excellent and the look and feel of the film fits terrifically well with the subject manner. The violence is surprisingly insane and cruel, but you somehow always find yourself laughing during this film. Altogether another fantastically made movie by the Coens. And yes, this is one of their best efforts.
Rating: 31/2 out of 4
Fast & Furious review
Paul Walker and Vin Diesel are back in the latest installment of the "Fast and the Furious" series of movies. They are back, but are they, along with the movie, better and upgraded? Well, the cars are. The new models and sleek designs will drive fanboys crazy. But other than that, I am afraid to say that this film isn't much of an upgrade over the other movies. Ok, this one is monumentally better than Tokyo Drift, but that film was terrible. It really isn't making much of a statement.
Let's start with the acting. Vin Diesel hasn't been in any "Fast and the Furious" film since the first one, and now that he has returned, he has added to the mediocre cast of actors. Paul Walker, though absent from Tokyo Drift, is back and hits one note. I can describe his performance as "a block of wood". Michelle Rodriguez is back, but gives a minimal and typical Michelle Rodriguez performance. That, of course, is trying to be tough with the guys. Jordana Brewster is ok in this, but surely gives a promising performance. She should obviously be casted in bigger, more serious roles. So all in all the acting in this film is bleh.
The story itself is simple. O'Conner (Walker) and Toretto (Diesel) are planning to take down a heroin importer. And yes, you guessed it, there is going to be a lot of cars used in this plan. The chases are nicely made and clever, but at times turns extremely implausible. The chases underground especially, as it doesn't even look real. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy some of the action and the cars, but the film so often prolongs each sequence and makes the movie altogether longer than it shouldv'e been.
All in all, "Fast & Furious" is below average. I was not a huge fan of Justin Lin's series, but liked it. This film didn't hurt or help my opinion on this series as a whole. If there is going to be another movie in this series, then hopefully the new one will improve on a lot of the loopholes. But until then, the latest one almost seems forced. Just ultimately pure mediocrity.
rating: 2 out of 4
Let's start with the acting. Vin Diesel hasn't been in any "Fast and the Furious" film since the first one, and now that he has returned, he has added to the mediocre cast of actors. Paul Walker, though absent from Tokyo Drift, is back and hits one note. I can describe his performance as "a block of wood". Michelle Rodriguez is back, but gives a minimal and typical Michelle Rodriguez performance. That, of course, is trying to be tough with the guys. Jordana Brewster is ok in this, but surely gives a promising performance. She should obviously be casted in bigger, more serious roles. So all in all the acting in this film is bleh.
The story itself is simple. O'Conner (Walker) and Toretto (Diesel) are planning to take down a heroin importer. And yes, you guessed it, there is going to be a lot of cars used in this plan. The chases are nicely made and clever, but at times turns extremely implausible. The chases underground especially, as it doesn't even look real. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy some of the action and the cars, but the film so often prolongs each sequence and makes the movie altogether longer than it shouldv'e been.
All in all, "Fast & Furious" is below average. I was not a huge fan of Justin Lin's series, but liked it. This film didn't hurt or help my opinion on this series as a whole. If there is going to be another movie in this series, then hopefully the new one will improve on a lot of the loopholes. But until then, the latest one almost seems forced. Just ultimately pure mediocrity.
rating: 2 out of 4
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Public Enemies review
Johnny Depp stars in an excellent action flick directed by acclaimed director Michael Mann. John Dillinger, a bank robber and criminal, has escaped prison. Solution? Melvin Purvis and gang try to catch and ultimately kill him. With this as basically the summary of the film along with strong performances by both Depp and Christian Bale, you have a supreme thriller that is absolutely dynamite. A ticking bomb ready to explode. And when “Public Enemies” explodes, it is purely amazing.
Besides the two main performances, Marion Cotillard joins the mix and gives a solid performance as Dillinger’s worried girlfriend. The love story between the two characters is a roller coaster. It’s as if they almost have a forced love, while at the same time they show true love. The romance is a terrific addition to an already terrific action film.
The cinematography is absolutely original, as the film is shot with a digital HD camera. The handheld camera feel to it makes the audience feel like you are right there in the midst of the gunfire. And in each action sequence, I felt like I was dodging bullets. Mann has perfected the idea of the hunter vs. the hunted in “Public Enemies”. It transforms from an action film to a genuine suspense thriller.
With Purvis constantly searching for Dillinger, the film turns into a classic cat-and-mouse chase. And this constant chase couldn’t have been made any better by Michael Mann or performed any better by Depp and Bale. With a captivating story and masterly crafted action sequences, “Public Enemies” is simply a great movie and one of the best movies of the year.
Rating: 31/2 out of 4
Besides the two main performances, Marion Cotillard joins the mix and gives a solid performance as Dillinger’s worried girlfriend. The love story between the two characters is a roller coaster. It’s as if they almost have a forced love, while at the same time they show true love. The romance is a terrific addition to an already terrific action film.
The cinematography is absolutely original, as the film is shot with a digital HD camera. The handheld camera feel to it makes the audience feel like you are right there in the midst of the gunfire. And in each action sequence, I felt like I was dodging bullets. Mann has perfected the idea of the hunter vs. the hunted in “Public Enemies”. It transforms from an action film to a genuine suspense thriller.
With Purvis constantly searching for Dillinger, the film turns into a classic cat-and-mouse chase. And this constant chase couldn’t have been made any better by Michael Mann or performed any better by Depp and Bale. With a captivating story and masterly crafted action sequences, “Public Enemies” is simply a great movie and one of the best movies of the year.
Rating: 31/2 out of 4
Bruno review
Sacha Baron Cohen is back and at it again. After creating “Borat” and making it a hit, Cohen decided to create “Bruno”. And like “Borat”, Cohen once again doesn’t miss a beat. He’s a comedic genius. He’s outstanding and fabulous. But the best word to describe Cohen is absolutely fearless.
The film is about a gay Austrian model named Bruno, and he just got fired for wearing his unusual suit entirely made of velcro. He then wants to become a celebrity in Los Angeles, and would do anything to get this done. From adopting an African baby to, yes, attempting to become straight. There is no question here that this film may offend many people out there. Cohen not only takes some shots at gay America, but also pokes some fun at Mexicans, African-Americans, and even celebrities. But the bottom line is that all the satire in this film is amazingly funny. I don’t care what anyone says or feels about the content in “Bruno”, but it is undeniably hilarious.
Let us also get one more thing straight, this is not a film for children, immature teens, thin-skinned people, or weak stomachs. Ok, “Bruno” is not for many people out there. But if you aren’t in one of those categories, you will have extreme fun watching this film. But when the poster reads the “R” rating, it really means it. “Bruno” actually pushes the boundaries of the “R” rating. The only thing that may keep this film from being a porno may be the little black boxes covering everything.
But back to my review. This film definitely has some greatness in it. Yes, some situations may seem staged, but a lot of the pranks seem freakishly real. Because of this, “Bruno” is outright hilarious from start to end. You will undoubtedly cringe at some of the insane, shocking, and unbelievable moments. But when you combine cringing with huge laughter, you get a classic comedy that is just as funny as Sacha Baron Cohen’s other creation, “Borat”. I can sum up “Bruno” in simply two words: outrageously outrageous.
Rating: 31/2 out of 4
The film is about a gay Austrian model named Bruno, and he just got fired for wearing his unusual suit entirely made of velcro. He then wants to become a celebrity in Los Angeles, and would do anything to get this done. From adopting an African baby to, yes, attempting to become straight. There is no question here that this film may offend many people out there. Cohen not only takes some shots at gay America, but also pokes some fun at Mexicans, African-Americans, and even celebrities. But the bottom line is that all the satire in this film is amazingly funny. I don’t care what anyone says or feels about the content in “Bruno”, but it is undeniably hilarious.
Let us also get one more thing straight, this is not a film for children, immature teens, thin-skinned people, or weak stomachs. Ok, “Bruno” is not for many people out there. But if you aren’t in one of those categories, you will have extreme fun watching this film. But when the poster reads the “R” rating, it really means it. “Bruno” actually pushes the boundaries of the “R” rating. The only thing that may keep this film from being a porno may be the little black boxes covering everything.
But back to my review. This film definitely has some greatness in it. Yes, some situations may seem staged, but a lot of the pranks seem freakishly real. Because of this, “Bruno” is outright hilarious from start to end. You will undoubtedly cringe at some of the insane, shocking, and unbelievable moments. But when you combine cringing with huge laughter, you get a classic comedy that is just as funny as Sacha Baron Cohen’s other creation, “Borat”. I can sum up “Bruno” in simply two words: outrageously outrageous.
Rating: 31/2 out of 4
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen review
Michael Bay’s new film is similar to all his others. This means many explosions and fire. But what makes this film different from the rest is that Michael Bay has decided to make this one extra-explosive. You think Michael Bay has actually exploded stuff before? Think again. You ain’t seen nothing yet. But is this really a good thing for the film? I don’t think so.
Before we get into the negatives, though, let’s look at the few positives that save the film. Shia LaBeouf gives another promising performance as Sam. He is better here than the first and even his performance in the 4th Indiana Jones film. And Megan Fox is extremely hot. It is obvious that she is NOT in the movie for acting skills, but rather her sex appeal. And yes, she has amazing sex appeal. And though the film overall wasn’t that great, you can’t deny how masterly made and how beautiful the film really is. Truly looks and feels like a Michael Bay film.
But now let’s look at the negatives. Did the first one seem kinda dragged or a little too long? Well, a little, but it wasn’t long enough to be docked points for. It still ended up to be a enjoyable thrill ride. The new one, though, feels so much more dragged. Even though it may not be much longer than the first one in terms of running time, it offers up too much action and too much mayhem that you surprisingly urge all of it to end. And since there are just so many explosions with extremely loud sounds, it starts to get ridiculous and insane. You may actually start to get dizzy or even a headache. And though the first 30 minutes or so is enjoyable, it seemingly loses its way, spinning into a region known as “confused”.
This is certainly not Michael Bay’s best film, but it also isn’t his worst. What Bay needs to learn is that sometimes more doesn’t actually mean more. This isn’t close to “The Rock”, but it isn’t the terrible “Pearl Harbor”.
Rating: 2 out of 4
Before we get into the negatives, though, let’s look at the few positives that save the film. Shia LaBeouf gives another promising performance as Sam. He is better here than the first and even his performance in the 4th Indiana Jones film. And Megan Fox is extremely hot. It is obvious that she is NOT in the movie for acting skills, but rather her sex appeal. And yes, she has amazing sex appeal. And though the film overall wasn’t that great, you can’t deny how masterly made and how beautiful the film really is. Truly looks and feels like a Michael Bay film.
But now let’s look at the negatives. Did the first one seem kinda dragged or a little too long? Well, a little, but it wasn’t long enough to be docked points for. It still ended up to be a enjoyable thrill ride. The new one, though, feels so much more dragged. Even though it may not be much longer than the first one in terms of running time, it offers up too much action and too much mayhem that you surprisingly urge all of it to end. And since there are just so many explosions with extremely loud sounds, it starts to get ridiculous and insane. You may actually start to get dizzy or even a headache. And though the first 30 minutes or so is enjoyable, it seemingly loses its way, spinning into a region known as “confused”.
This is certainly not Michael Bay’s best film, but it also isn’t his worst. What Bay needs to learn is that sometimes more doesn’t actually mean more. This isn’t close to “The Rock”, but it isn’t the terrible “Pearl Harbor”.
Rating: 2 out of 4
The Hangover review
This is what an adult comedy should be. “The Hangover” is purely hilarious from the start all the way to the end. The story is simple enough. 3 friends wake up to find a tiger in the restroom, a baby in the closet, and most importantly, their 4th friend missing. The 3 can’t remember anything, and they go on a wild adventure to find clues and search for their lost friend. Oh, and to make it worse, the missing friend has to get married in a couple of days. Put all this together and you have a killer comedy that turns into a classic mystery film.
This is Todd Phillips’s last film since the acclaimed “Old School”, and this one probably surpasses it. The 3 who really make this film extremely funny is Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis. Their chemistry is amazingly intriguing and just outright outrageous when together on screen. Whether they are drunk or fighting, you can’t help but laugh at these three. Las Vegas is the setting and the saying of this film, “some guys just can’t handle Vegas”, is rectified by “The Hangover”.
The true magic of this Todd Phillips comedy is its ability to make you feel like you are with them every step of the way. You don’t know anything either, and you are as involved in the mystery as the characters are. A perfect Summer comedy that will keep you laughing until it hurts. I will go as far as to say that if you don’t laugh then there is something wrong with you.
Rating: 31/2 out of 4
This is Todd Phillips’s last film since the acclaimed “Old School”, and this one probably surpasses it. The 3 who really make this film extremely funny is Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis. Their chemistry is amazingly intriguing and just outright outrageous when together on screen. Whether they are drunk or fighting, you can’t help but laugh at these three. Las Vegas is the setting and the saying of this film, “some guys just can’t handle Vegas”, is rectified by “The Hangover”.
The true magic of this Todd Phillips comedy is its ability to make you feel like you are with them every step of the way. You don’t know anything either, and you are as involved in the mystery as the characters are. A perfect Summer comedy that will keep you laughing until it hurts. I will go as far as to say that if you don’t laugh then there is something wrong with you.
Rating: 31/2 out of 4
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)