Blog Archives
Flash Movie Review: Grown Ups
Age can be any number you want it to be. When you think about it, where is it written that you have to act a certain way because of your age? I try to encourage my students to enjoy the moment without worrying what someone else might think of them. Deep down I am a kid at heart and I allow that little boy inside of me to come out periodically and play. It was for that reason I thought this DVD would be fun to rent. The cast consisted of some reliable comedic talent such as Chris Rock (Down to Earth, Head of State) and Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids, Friends With Kids). On the other hand since this was an Adam Sandler (Big Daddy, Reign Over Me) movie I knew Rob Schneider (The Animal, The Hot Chick) would be part of the cast. It must be Adam’s good deed to keep Rob employed and off the streets. The story was about a group of friends who after many years return to their childhood home, to attend their old basketball coach’s funeral. After so long carrying the responsibilities that came with being an adult, could the friends reconnect like they did as kids? This comedy puzzled me. How was it that each actor individually could excel at their craft, but put together they were not funny? The script was tired and predictable with lame jokes and simple sight gags. Salma Hayek (Frida, Here Comes the Boom) and Kevin James (Zookeeper, Here Comes the Boom) added very little with their roles. I think what it comes down to is Adam sticks to the formula he created in pumping out these movies with low brow humor. There was nothing horrible in this film; it just did not do anything for me. If you need some mindless entertainment after a rough day, then this would be the ideal movie to sit back and watch. There must have been a lot of people who needed to sit back and relax because the movie studio is working on a sequel. You have been warned.
1 3/4 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
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