Reviews

Fans of Andy Samberg's film Hot Rod have waited a long time to see something that matched the humor and feel of that classic comedy. The Lonely Island has brought its unique brand of comedy to the small screen with SNL skits, and Popstar is a classic return to the big screen. While bizarre and goofy, it was filled with funny moments, especially to those who have seen all the music videos of The Lonely Island. With many references to previous skits, it will be enjoyable for fans of the show, but I could see how those unfamiliar with The Lonely Island will find the movie somewhat dumb and lacking in humor. I found Popstar fairly funny throughout, with a few laugh out loud moments. I will admit the story line was stretched and ridiculous, but it was never meant to be taken too seriously to begin with. I would probably see this again, and would recommend it to those who are familiar with Andy Samberg and Company's previous works.

I'll admit that I am unfamiliar with most of Shane Black's original works, watching The Nice Guys made me want to go back and take a look at his earlier films. The characters were well written, even better cast, and fit well with the theme of the film. There was rare a dull moment, it seemed I was either enjoying the dark comedic tone, or getting engaged in the plot. While the first two thirds of the film seemed excellent, the writers set themselves up for a fantastic finish, but were unable to capitalize on that potential. The script seemed to suddenly turn very basic, with things "falling" into place almost too miraculously to be true. I never felt like I had truly been given an ending worthy of a classic detective story, but the fast pace of the film and humor was enough to make it very enjoyable.

Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne and Zac Efron all reprise their roles in the second installment of the Neighbors series, this time taking on a rowdy sorority next door. While I have to admit, I thought the first Neighbors was hilarious, and trailers had me thinking this would be a fantastic follow up, I was let down. But only a little. While sometimes raunchy for no apparent reason (it is a Seth Rogen film so you have to expect that), Neighbors 2 had enough laughs to keep me reasonably entertained, but never rolling on the floor like I was while watching the first one. As the movie went on, I began to question more and more why a sequel was necessary, and it began to feel like a cookie cutter film based off of the first one's success. Those who enjoyed the first one will probably find something to laugh about with this sequel, but nothing to talk about the next day.

Comedy duo Key and Peele make their feature film debut with Keanu, an action comedy based around the kidnapping of a man's cat. Mel then descends into the drug underworld to track down his lost pet, only to find it is now in the hands of a tough kingpin. Though not as funny as some of their comedy skits, Key and Peele do an adequately humorous job as they will do anything it takes to get their cat back. The backbone of the story itself is a little stretched, and though it was intended to be this way it often seems so far fetched that grown men and women are killing each other over a kitten. While it was reasonably funny, fans of the show will be disappointed as it doesn't live up to it's expectations.

While Money Monster started out as a very well done thriller, the third act differs greatly from its original theme, by giving the film a very blatant political agenda. While I don't mind films that push ideas and philosophies (in fact I believe that it is very important to stand behind something), but the climax of this film was not only very unbelievable, it differed so greatly from the feel of the first half of the movie it felt very strained. George Clooney does an acceptable job in the lead role, but I never felt that Julia Roberts did anything to progress the story. Jack O'Connell was probably the only performer who did anything to stand out, though it didn't take much. Much of the script was unnecessary, it felt longer than it needed to be, and there were more than a few times where I wondered if the film really needed a certain scene. In most cases I don't think they did. Sadly though, I think my biggest disappointment was that it started out with such a grand idea, and such a gripping beginning that I expected more.

Brooklyn tells the touching love story of an Irish immigrant, Ellis Lacey, as she explores a new world, and leaves behind an old. After moving to Brooklyn, Ellis at first feels alone, and struggles to find happiness in her new life. She struggles until she meets Tony, an Italian boy who she falls in love with after meeting at a dance. The story itself is moving and heartfelt, with a very solid script to help drive home the emotions. The music and acting came together to create a film that not only is immersing, it feels real. Saoirse Ronan does a particularly spectacular job, by making the lead character very relate- able and adorable. Emory Cohen plays opposite her, as the sometimes awkward but very likable Tony, and he performs in a way that compliments the two leads as a couple while highlighting how their differences in character make them stronger together. The camera work was my only complaint, some shots felt somewhat unimportant or irrelevant, but overall this was a very excellent and memorable film.

Ron Howard's historical epic In the Heart of the Sea features Chris Hemsworth as a savvy first mate on the whaling ship "The Essex." Based on the true story that inspired the classic novel Moby Dick, the film follows the fated journey of The Essex and its crew, who is eventually stranded after an encounter with a giant whale. Led by a strong script and good direction from Howard, it was an emotional and intense film. While some of the camera work and coloring seemed to not fit with the period of the piece, the set design and decoration was enough to make it feel authentic and real. It lacked some of the grit and emotion that separate a good film from a great one, but this is definitely worth your time.

In Criminal, Kevin Costner plays Jerico Stewart, a sociopath, who feels no empathy, emotion or regret. Imprisoned as a violent criminal, he is given a second chance when a CIA operative is killed in action, and "transplanting" his memories into Jericho's head could be the only way to complete the mission. In a cast full of talent such as Gary Oldman and Tommy Lee Jones, Costner's portrayal of Jerico is over the top, unnecessarily brutal and slightly moronic. Don't get your hopes up about the rest of the cast either, they do little to shine. Tommy Lee Jones is used sparingly in his role of a doctor who provides little to the story outside of performing the surgery, yet somehow is deemed important enough to tag along the rest of the film. Gary Oldman's character also probably has some psychological issues as well, and it feels as though his only purpose is to drive the nonexistent story line with his impatient mistakes. Overall, Criminal fails to deliver any emotional moments, provides poor characters who I was never able to relate to, and quite frankly, never even liked. I never fully decided whether or not I was supposed to root for this violent, blood thirsty beast or if he was intended as the antagonist. The most disappointing aspect of the film is that it is based on the very interesting, thought provoking subject of transferring memories, and the morality of such actions. Never once did they question should they be doing this, or what kind of adverse effects it could have on society. A bland and stereotypical script fails to delve into what could have made this a very thoughtful and enjoyable film.

In The Departed, Martin Scorsese makes his return to the mob underworld, and he does it with a thrilling intensity that overshadows his previous films. From the start, to the closing credits, The Departed is an incredibly exciting film, and there is rarely a slow moment. Unlike GoodFellas and Casino, the characters were written in a way that makes the viewer relate to them in a very personal way. Their trials and struggles make them very human, and I found myself very emotionally involved, hoping for the best for the major characters. Speaking of characters, give credit to the acting cast for filling the roles emotionally and intensely. DiCaprio and Damon were excellent in the lead roles, but Baldwin and Wahlberg were an absolute joy to watch as supporting characters. While the writing was intense, I sometimes felt that the plot had no central point, and it seemed to go on and on without resolve. It is sure to keep the audience guessing, but at times this was frustrating and I wanted to know more that wasn't being given to me. The finale, while intense to say the least, didn't fill all the holes created throughout the film, and is sure to leave many questions with viewers. I would go as far to say the acting is some of the best I've seen though, and if you're a classic Scorsese fan, this is definitely a movie well worth your time.

An all star cast, a classic musical, and new innovations make for an astounding rendition of Les Miserables. Unlike most musical films, all the singing was filmed and recorded live, and it made a difference. There was a passion and emotion present that I have felt so deeply and personally only a few times before. Crowe and Jackman were both fantastic throughout the film, and Anne Hathaway performed the most moving version of "I Dreamed A Dream" that I have heard. Overall, the acting was well done and I only had a few issues with characters. Sacha Baron Cohen brings a sense of raunchy humor and disrespect to a serious and emotional film. I am disappointed in him being cast, as he ruined some potentially moving scenes. The cinematography was not traditional, and there were moments where it distracted from the story. Many shots and scenes were very well done though, and besides a few shots, the cinematography was intriguing. I don't know how to sum it up, so I'll just say this: if you are a fan of Broadway, or past Les Mis films and soundtracks, this film is for you.

If any of you are at all skeptical of the smallish book being made into three feature length films, cast your doubts aside. Jackson took the classic novel, and expanded upon it. While the book was a fun ride, the first film in the trilogy takes it to a whole new depth. The story is adapted beautifully, with enough added detail and back story to provide a fun filled ride. There was barely a slow moment once the story began, and at the end it didn't feel like a (nearly) three hour film at all. Like the Lord of the Rings films, Jackson did a fantastic job of bringing the viewer into the world of Middle Earth. Within the first few minutes I was already in awe of the beautiful and elaborate sets that the characters are placed in. The cinematography is decent, although many shots seem reminiscent of Jackson's earlier films. I was nervous about how Martin Freeman would portray such a beloved character and the uncle of Frodo, but I was convinced that he was the right choice just a few minutes into the film. Bilbo isn't the typical story book hero to begin with, but Freeman brought emotion into the character, and I felt attached to him instantly. Overall, let's just say I plan on seeing it again within the next week. A must see, especially for fans of the previous Lord of the Rings films.

When I watched Ted, I went into it expecting a hilarious film. I have to say I am a little disappointed. Wahlberg and Macfarland were both outstanding and hilarious, although many of the jokes fell short of expectations. What surprised me though was the story. A story right out of a picture book, I felt a real emotional connection to the character, something that is rare in hard R comedies. I love the character development, and the interactions between characters are outstanding. Like I said earlier though, not near as funny as I had hoped. I laughed at a few parts, and there were a few clever cracks, but nothing near as funny as the Hangovers or Wahlberg's previous comedy, The Other Guys. When you see it, don't expect to be rolling on the floor, but it's an enjoyable film, worth seeing once.