Category Archives: Comedy
Comedy
Flash Movie Review: Wanderlust
The only wandering that was done in this movie was the story line. What I thought would be a fun movie, turned out to be flat with a handful of chuckles. Paul Rudd (Role Models, I Love You, Man), who is always consistent in his performances, could not save this film. I would love to know how much ad libbing Paul did in an attempt to save this movie–the raunchy talking to himself in the mirror scene comes to mind. His wife Linda was played by Jennifer Aniston (Marley & Me, The Bounty Hunter). I only wish Jennifer would change her management company and get a new acting coach. There never seems to be any growth in her performances; she always is the same, with a narrow range of ability. After striking out in each of their business professions in New York City, the couple set out to stay with George’s brother in Atlanta, where a job was waiting in the brother’s waste company. During their road trip south, Linda and George stumbled upon a bread and breakfast owned by a commune. The members’ non pressured, laid back lifestyle intrigued the couple to extend their stay. What could have been a gold mine of hilarious material never took place, with the last half of the movie taking on a ridiculous quality. Such a shame a good idea went up in a haze of smoke. But at least Jennifer got a boyfriend out of the experience. If you insist on seeing this movie, stay through the credits.
2 stars
Flash Movie Review: This Means War
Two grown men fighting over Smurfette; I did not get it. Don’t get me wrong, I like Reese Witherspoon ( Walk the Line, Water for Elephants), who doesn’t? But in this role as Lauren, I felt she was miscast. Top CIA agents FDR Foster and Tuck, played by Chris Pine (Star Trek, Unstoppable) and Tom Hardy (Warrior, Inception) respectively, discover they are both dating the unsuspecting Lauren. What ensues essentially is a testosterone competition between the two agents as they try to win her affections. Using any means at their disposal, including the agency’s, we saw one dating scenario after another being sabotaged by the other agent. It was a goofy premise, but there were some easy laughs one could get out of this fast paced movie. Let us face it, this was the type of movie that did not require common sense. And after seeing Tom Hardy’s intense work in the movie Warrior, I had a hard time believing him in this role. On the other hand, I was amused by Chelsea Handler who played Lauren’s sharp tongued friend Trish. For a nonsensical film, where you just want a couple of good laughs, then this is your movie. However, I am not sure I would want to see it on a first date.
2 1/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: Arsenic and Old Lace
Who knew murder by poisoning could be so hysterical. Reprising their incredible stage performances are Josephine Hull (Harvey, After Tomorrow) and Jean Adair (The Naked City, Something in the Wind) as the spinster sisters, Abby and Martha Brewster. With precise comedic timing and sweet daffiness, these two marvelous actresses were flawless. One day their nephew Mortimer Brewster, played by the classy Cary Grant (North by Northwest, To Catch a Thief), arrived to introduce his new bride to his dear aunts. Imagine the horror when Mortimer discovered his aunts were killing and burying lonely gentlemen in their cellar. There are so many things taking place in this classic movie; I could easily devote a week’s worth of reviews for this black comedy. Directed by the brilliant Frank Capra (It’s a Wonderful Life, Mr Smith Goes to Washington), this film is a perfect example of what it means to be a zany, screwball, dark comedy. Ironically, Cary said this was one of his least favorite performances, that it was way over the top. He donated his salary to the U.S. War Relief Fund. For those who have already seen this movie and to those who have not, it is well worth the visit to watch this amazing cast, hear the loaded lines of dialog and understand what it means to be a classic comedy. Just do not drink the elderberry wine.
4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Ira & Abby
Do opposites really attract each other? This amusing, well written movie explores the relationship of two divergent individuals: free spirited Abby Willoughby, played by Jennifer Westfeldt (Kissing Jessica Stein, Keep Your Distance) and neurotic Ira Black, played by Chris Messina (Julie & Julia, Greenberg). From a chance meeting, the two jump into marriage knowing very little about each other. It is because of Jennifer’s script, that this movie does not come across as a standard romantic comedy. The dialog is not only witty and quick, but delivered by an outstanding supporting cast as well, that includes Judith Light, Robert Klein, Frances Conroy and Fred Willard. These seasoned actors contribute to the quirkiness of this movie, as we watch Ira and Abby deal with parents, friends and each other. A fun movie that is not only easy to watch, but has some substance to it, to make you think.
3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Bridesmaids
With every job I have had, it has been inevitable that I would catch wind about the women’s bathroom, from my female co-workers. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard how disgusting their bathrooms are. Does this movie finally explain the reason? If it does, I missed it since I was laughing so hard; I had tears in my eyes. This movie is not meant to be hight art or make a political statement. All it is meant to do is give women the chance to be the stars in a stupid, goofy comedy; showing men that they can be just as raunchy (well, maybe not as much), crazy and funny. Kristen Wiig (Whip It, MacGruber) plays Annie Walker, best friend and maid of honor to Lillian, played by Maya Rudolph (Idiocracy, Grown Ups). Friction quickly grows between Annie and fellow bridesmaid, Helen Harris, played by Rose Byrne (Get Him to the Greek, X-Men: First Class), setting off a competition to outdo each other, in planning the bridal shower and helping with the wedding. Though the story is predictable, kudos to the women for doing a fine job with the physical comedy. Also, congratulations are in order for the movie’s Oscar nominations.
2 3/4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Enchanted
If you are anything like me when it comes to movies; every now and then you want to take a break from your daily routine, sit down, slow the pinballs in the brain and just laugh. This is the movie to watch. I fell in love with Amy Adams (The Muppets, Julie & Julia) as Princess Giselle in this film. Imagine when a Disney type fairy tale world smacks into present day Manhattan. The evil Queen Narissa played by Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking, Thelma & Louise) banishes the princess to New York City, where her fairy land sensibilities get tested. Waiting for her prince to come and rescue her, she meets divorce lawyer Robert Philip played by Patrick Dempsey (Made of Honor, Valentine’s Day) and her belief of living happily ever after begins to take on a whole new meaning. This movie is perfect for all ages and if I can end here with one last thought–picture the wonderful Amy Adams singing with a pack of rodents. Need I say more?
3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Our Idiot Brother
Paul Rudd is such an affable man; he is someone you would want as a relative. In this movie Paul plays Ned, an innocent, pure hearted individual, who after his incarceration, goes to live with his family members. Now you may be asking yourself, “How did an innocent man wind up in jail?” I will let the movie explain it to you. The heart of this movie is watching Paul in the midst of each of his sister’s tumultuous lives. It took a bit of an adjustment to my cynicism to believe Paul with his sisters, played by Elizabeth Banks (Zack and Miri Make a Porno, The Next Three Days), Emily Mortimer (Shutter Island, Lars and the Real Girl) and Zooey Deschanel (500 Days of Summer, Almost Famous). The movie will be easier to believe if you accept Paul Rudd’s character and not expect much. An enjoyable film that may provide a few chuckles for you.
2 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: The Sitter
If I knew this movie was going to be as bad as it was, I would have brought a jigsaw puzzle with me. Starring Jonah Hill (Superbad, Moneyball) before his weight loss, as Noah Griffith, an unmotivated college student; this role was the same as other roles Jonah has done prior to Moneyball. There was the same straight face sarcasm, the same foul language and the same ridiculous situations. Agreeing to do a babysitting job to help friends of his Mother; Jonah is not prepared to handle the 3 children and what the night has in store for all of them. Yes, I know, a real surprise here; we never would have imagined such a clever plot line. I was bored throughout the movie and can honestly say, for what is being labeled a comedy, I chuckled at a total of three lines of dialog. In fact, even the previews were dumb. So I guess when those movies come out, I will be forced to review reality TV shows.
1/2 star
Flash Movie Review: The Muppets
As this movie started, the feeling that came over me was similar to the one I get finding an old, comfy sweater hanging in the back of my closet–warm fond memories. And I was hoping this movie would add to them. However, it just didn’t quite happen. It had its fun moments and I enjoyed the variety of cameos from different celebrities; but, with the weak story I was a bit bored. Amy Adams, who I usually love in a movie, was stale here. One doesn’t usually associate Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Knocked Up) with a kid’s movie, but surprisingly, he wasn’t too bad. The basic story is Jason, his brother, who happens to look just like a Muppet and Amy help the Muppets, in trying to save their old theater from an evil man. There was the usual scattering of jokes, songs and dance numbers, but what did the younger children think was the best part of the movie–the fart shoes.
2 1/3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Puss in Boots
Do children find getting hit in the crotch funny? This is a question I was pondering, while watching this movie. I felt the writers were tring to appeal to adults and children, yet not being very successful at it. Granted, I still can appreciate a good story, whether the characters are live or cartoon…or should I now say CGI created? But I did not find this movie particularly funny or exciting. The story line was odd, not holding my interest much: Puss in Boots teams up to steal a goose that lays golden eggs. As for the computer graphic imagery, it was good. Based on the children’s reactions around me during the movie, I did not think they were much into the movie either.
2 stars
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