Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s This Is The End (B) is a super-raunchy, self-aware, nihilistic comic adventure with zeitgeist to spare. Playing winking versions of themselves, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride and James Franco are among the most hilarious of a raucous ensemble as the apocalypse comes to the Hollywood Hills. Although it overstays its welcome, this is a blissful mash-up of The Goonies, Ghostbusters, Dogma and Entourage and has more offensive laughs per minute than any comedy in a long time.
Tag Archives: Comedy
“The Way Way Back” is Nostalgic Summer Comedy
Being a sucker for movies about lonely teens gaining new confidence, it’s no surprise that I adored Jim Rash and Nat Faxon’s The Way Way Back (A), a coming of age dramedy buoyed by a charming ensemble including Liam James as the troubled hero and Sam Rockwell as his unlikely role model. A beachside summer domicile and a classic water park become the East and West Egg of the action as the protagonist maneuvers life with his insecure mom (the always marvelous Toni Collette) and her slick suitor (a restrained Steve Carell) and his new set of secret friends. Allison Janey is also a delight as the sauced-up next door neighbor. Funny, moving and fun in all the right measures.
“Wreck-It Ralph” is Family Fun
Rich Moore’s Wreck-It Ralph (B+) is a highly creative and charming CGI fantasy about an 8-bit ’80s arcade game character who must become a hero of a different kind in today’s virtual age. Waves of nostalgia, knowing in-jokes and clever hazards help this sometimes overlong film please audiences of all ages.
“Magic Mike” Makes for Lightweight Drama
Steven Soderbergh’s Magic Mike (C) is the origin story of a Tampa-based stripper group (ahem, male entertainment) and is made notable by both the titular character played and danced by a charming Channing Tatum and by the veteran emcee and ringleader placed by a wily and entertaining Matthew McConaughey. Alex Pettyfer plays the film’s mangenue, and his and all the film’s subplots are threadbare indeed. As drama, it doesn’t have heft. As escapism, it’s not quite trifle or truffle. It all compares unfavorably to Boogie Nights, which plumbs the adult entertainment industry with much more vivid aplomb. The fun in Mike comes in some of the ribald choreography and music/dance sequences, but I expected Soderbergh to well, step it up. The magic goes poof pretty quickly.
“Ted” is a Cuddly Buddy Comedy
Seth MacFarlane scores big as director, co-writer and voice of Ted (A-), a teddy bear brought to life as the boon companion of Mark Wahlberg in a hilarious Boston-set comedy. The teddy bear is a boozy, profane sidekick who gets his human companion in trouble a bit, especially as he courts Mila Kunis. The film is funny and an insightful look at rejuveniles gasping for childhood wonder and freedom as the onslaught of adulthood hits. The film is vulgar and very funny. Wahlberg deserves a lot of credit for creating a realistic bond with a plush buddy.
Comedic “21 Jump Street” a Showcase for Central Stars
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s very loose comedic remake of an ’90’s police TV series of the same name, 21 Jump Street (B+) is a riotously funny buddy comedy about older guys posing as high schoolers to help bring down a drug ring. The unlikely pairing of schlubby, hilarious Jonah Hill with hunky and surprisingly witty Channing Tatum is the inspiration that makes this film so successful. The duo’s outrageous misadventures make for a magnificent story punctuated with laughter, nostalgia, wit and raunch. One of the best bits involves the protagonists accidentally ingesting the drug that is circulating throughout the school: the effects on them in art class and physical education make for some great comedy. The film is a bright example of starting with subject matter that seems the fodder of cynical Hollywood studio executives and making something original and special out if it.
Comedy “Pitch Perfect” Takes Viewers Inside A Capella Competitions
Jason Moore’s Pitch Perfect (B) is a charming, often funny and very musical look at the world of competitive collegiate a capella singing groups. It’s a great showcase for Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin and Rebel Wilson, who often steals the show as “Fat Amy.” Just when it seems to devolve into gross-out humor or overly formulaic characters, the film trots out new surprises and dazzles with its bag of vocal tricks. All in all, it’s well worth a watch and a listen.
Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris” a Loving Tribute to Artists
Woody Allen hits a late-career spark of comedic bliss with the supernatural romantic comedy Midnight in Paris (B) featuring Owen Wilson as a man who steps back in time to turn of the century France where he encounters a famous collection of artists, authors and celebrities. It’s essentially Bill & Ted for the intellectual set but told with such color and ebullience that it works as a wistful and enjoyable lark.
“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is a Welcome Comedy
There’s not much “hip” aside from Maggie Smith’s replacement surgery in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (B+), but this senior citizen passage to India contains considerable joys and sentiment. Director John Madden and his muse Dame Judi Dench draw viewers in to the emotional far pavilions of friends and family. More than Cocoon with curry, it’s quite a sleeper hit.
“The Artist” (2011) Brings Back Golden Era Silent Films in Stylish Form
Just saw the year’s best picture and can’t imagine a scenario in which Oscars will disagree. Filmed as a silent movie in black and white with lush symphonic underscoring, The Artist (A+) is funny, romantic, nostalgic and occasionally profound. Jean Dujarden and Benenie Bejo display a chemistry beyond words in this ode to love and Hollywood. The dog is also an amazing supporting cast member. I was worried the film would be too cute for its own good and was quickly won over. Cinematic bliss!
“The Hangover” is a Hoot as Friends Piece Together What Happened Last Night
Todd Phillips’ The Hangover (B+) is vulgar, audacious and altogether winning. Pairing Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis in a hybrid comedy/mystery, the film follows a gang of groomsmen who must piece together what happened the previous night in a debaucherous Vegas bachelor party where the groom mysteriously disappeared. The episodic antics and misadventures of the so-called “Wolfpack” keep upping the ante, and dark hilarity ensues. These hedonistic Hardy Boys are best when displaying their vulnerabilities, with escalating levels of haplessness. The humor and highjinks add up to a delightful entertainment.
“Up in the Air” Captures Unease and Humor in Era of Layoff Culture
In Jason Reitman’s Up in the Air (A+), George Clooney gets his perfect role: a bit of a Br’er Rabbit of the friendly skies. As a job axman on the frequent flier circuit, he falls to earth when paired with spunky Anna Kendrick and affaired with sultry Vera Farmiga. It’s an acerbic, moving film that flawlessly captures the tone of a nation in economic recovery.