Sequels are a tricky thing sometimes. And the new Seth MacFarlane sequel Ted 2, is suffering from just that.
The offensive, wise cracking teddy bear is back, and being honest there are some really hilarious moments and lines in this movie. I mean laugh out loud funny. But they are few and far between, and mostly this shows there are only so many offensive things that a teddy bear can say and do. It is much like the original. And being honest again, this sequel is far more offensive than the original.
In this edition, Ted is involved in a court case where they are saying he is not a person. He wants to become a father with his new human wife, and they need to either adopt or go artificial. That whole basic premise is stupid to say the least, but who cares? The core audience that goes to see this could care less about that. They just want to hear Ted be funny, offensive and they want to see him to drugs and be the life of the party. And he is!
The main problem with this movie is simply it doesn't match up with what it preaches. It's a story about what it means to be human, but it could not have less soul. It just swims on the surface where it's safe and doesn't dare to go deeper. It simply sells out the lowest bidder again. I did love some of the really funny cameos in this movie, and much of the satire and parody of current life and pop culture was pretty darn funny.
Word of caution. I saw a few very young patrons (under 10 years of age or so) at the theater today and it baffled me. Yes, they were with their parents, but in all honesty this is so insanely offensive it is amazingly not for children. This a laced with hard, harsh profane language and incredibly offensive terms and labels. Plus, there is a ton of recreational drug use, and other highly adult visuals that young viewers will certainly be curious about. Just sayin'.
The trailer you'll see and the movie you get are two different things. And don't let the cute talking bear thing fool you. This is harsh, and sometimes very funny stuff, but it is nothing short of highly adult.
Ted 2. On par with the first. Funny at times, but more of the same.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Monday, June 22, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Dope
Dope is an interesting new movie that takes us on a journey that we really haven't been on in a long time.
Dope is a wonderfully written script that translates very well to then screen. The story here is a good one, and to me that's where every good movie really starts. With a good story, and an original script. It dares to take us way inside the horrible drug culture that has taken over many suburbs of America, and do it with some drama and some comedy. All the while not losing it focus.
It's the story of three young high school seniors deep in the inner city of Inglewood, California who call themselves, "geeks." All are extremely intelligent. Their city has been taken over by the worst drug culture imaginable. Our three just want to go to college, and break free from their roots there. But they find that is far easier said than done. The long fingers of the drug culture stretch a long way. And somehow, no matter how hard our three try, they find themselves compromised and involved in the world they are trying to escape.
But the star of this movie is the story, and the amazingly creative turn this movie takes to show them the way out. I have to admit that some of this was leaving me a bit flat until it got really smart, and went in an entirely new direction that elevates this from good to very, very good.
This is not for everyone. This could be very offensive to many was the dialogue is written in the lingo of the area. Lots of offensive slang, and harsh language. But that does give this it's authenticity that it needs. Not very violent with most of it implied. This is a hard R rating and that is well deserved. A terrific music soundtrack helps give this a real slick pace as well. Fine performances and great character development make this sing right along too.
Dope. Not for all, but for some this is very good.
Dope is a wonderfully written script that translates very well to then screen. The story here is a good one, and to me that's where every good movie really starts. With a good story, and an original script. It dares to take us way inside the horrible drug culture that has taken over many suburbs of America, and do it with some drama and some comedy. All the while not losing it focus.
It's the story of three young high school seniors deep in the inner city of Inglewood, California who call themselves, "geeks." All are extremely intelligent. Their city has been taken over by the worst drug culture imaginable. Our three just want to go to college, and break free from their roots there. But they find that is far easier said than done. The long fingers of the drug culture stretch a long way. And somehow, no matter how hard our three try, they find themselves compromised and involved in the world they are trying to escape.
But the star of this movie is the story, and the amazingly creative turn this movie takes to show them the way out. I have to admit that some of this was leaving me a bit flat until it got really smart, and went in an entirely new direction that elevates this from good to very, very good.
This is not for everyone. This could be very offensive to many was the dialogue is written in the lingo of the area. Lots of offensive slang, and harsh language. But that does give this it's authenticity that it needs. Not very violent with most of it implied. This is a hard R rating and that is well deserved. A terrific music soundtrack helps give this a real slick pace as well. Fine performances and great character development make this sing right along too.
Dope. Not for all, but for some this is very good.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Jurassic World
They're back! The man made Dino's in the new movie, and a direct sequel to the original Jurassic Park, it's the new Jurassic World with Chris Pratt.
This of course is a can't miss with fans. It introduces itself to a whole new set of young fans who now get to sit in the theater and see the amazing CG technology bring these reptiles to life in incredible fashion. There was no doubt 20 years ago this was amazing and it still is today. The dinosaurs are incredible to say the least. That part of this is Hollywood at its best as far as special effects go.
Jurassic World though is a side step in the same direction as the original. There is not whole lot of new ideas at all. We are still asking the question of, "Should we be creating extinct monsters for public pleasure because we can?" The answer still appears to be the same as it was in 1993 on film, and that is - no! Dinosaurs had their 150 million year run, and every time we bring them back it all seems to go wrong.
This movie still makes loud social commentary too about greedy corporations that are willing to risk lives for their own profit. And it also shows our main characters making the exact same mistakes as they have in the three previous flicks. So in essence, JW takes no new risks and really no new directions at all. And for many movie purists and critics that will be a problem. But for fans that just want to see dinosaurs fight and eat humans, there will be no such problem.
We have some new dinosaurs and some of the old favorites. And there is no shortage of action scenes to keep everyone engaged. Being honest, there is plenty of human death, and death by the worst way imaginable Some of this could actually be way too intense for young viewers. Could be some bad dreams ahead. There are also some very intense fight scenes that may be too much for little ones. This has a PG-13 rating and that is probably accurate. My feeling is, this is the most intense and graphic of the series, but it has to be. The public demands it.
There is a bunch of general silliness with this too that does not make this better. Pratt plays an expert that can train raptors with his bare hands, and get them to listen to him as he attempts to connect with him. Although a new direction, it fails badly. I am not sure any thinking person buys the fact that these animals would have any interest in being harnessed by anyone or thing. Ridiculous plot line. And we had to create a character for Chris Pratt that make him cool.
But there is some nice humor and general fun with this, that makes it not take itself too serious and that helps. Incredible effects, and a fairly good pace keep this above water. Unlike the original, they waste no time pulling you into the action with our star animals. Long gone is the day of real story telling in these kinds of movies, as fans can't be bothered. They want action, they want to laugh, and they want to see cool, good looking, wise cracking stars on camera. And that's what they get here.
Jurassic World. A new era in this series has begun. Mission accomplished and it's alright. But there is nothing really new here.
This of course is a can't miss with fans. It introduces itself to a whole new set of young fans who now get to sit in the theater and see the amazing CG technology bring these reptiles to life in incredible fashion. There was no doubt 20 years ago this was amazing and it still is today. The dinosaurs are incredible to say the least. That part of this is Hollywood at its best as far as special effects go.
Jurassic World though is a side step in the same direction as the original. There is not whole lot of new ideas at all. We are still asking the question of, "Should we be creating extinct monsters for public pleasure because we can?" The answer still appears to be the same as it was in 1993 on film, and that is - no! Dinosaurs had their 150 million year run, and every time we bring them back it all seems to go wrong.
This movie still makes loud social commentary too about greedy corporations that are willing to risk lives for their own profit. And it also shows our main characters making the exact same mistakes as they have in the three previous flicks. So in essence, JW takes no new risks and really no new directions at all. And for many movie purists and critics that will be a problem. But for fans that just want to see dinosaurs fight and eat humans, there will be no such problem.
We have some new dinosaurs and some of the old favorites. And there is no shortage of action scenes to keep everyone engaged. Being honest, there is plenty of human death, and death by the worst way imaginable Some of this could actually be way too intense for young viewers. Could be some bad dreams ahead. There are also some very intense fight scenes that may be too much for little ones. This has a PG-13 rating and that is probably accurate. My feeling is, this is the most intense and graphic of the series, but it has to be. The public demands it.
There is a bunch of general silliness with this too that does not make this better. Pratt plays an expert that can train raptors with his bare hands, and get them to listen to him as he attempts to connect with him. Although a new direction, it fails badly. I am not sure any thinking person buys the fact that these animals would have any interest in being harnessed by anyone or thing. Ridiculous plot line. And we had to create a character for Chris Pratt that make him cool.
But there is some nice humor and general fun with this, that makes it not take itself too serious and that helps. Incredible effects, and a fairly good pace keep this above water. Unlike the original, they waste no time pulling you into the action with our star animals. Long gone is the day of real story telling in these kinds of movies, as fans can't be bothered. They want action, they want to laugh, and they want to see cool, good looking, wise cracking stars on camera. And that's what they get here.
Jurassic World. A new era in this series has begun. Mission accomplished and it's alright. But there is nothing really new here.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Insidious 3
Here comes another installment of the Insidious series, this would be number 3. A prequel.
As if having two of these wasn't enough, we have to go back to the well yet again to see what is happening still in "then further." Just like the first two. The funny thing about these movies is that they aren't bad movies. But they aren't great either. But they do suffer from being forgettable.
And that's understandable. Being fair, I see all of these movies, and other ones that resemble each other in one way shape or form. And it is hard to keep all these franchises straight. They all kind of look the same, and are the same.
In this version, it takes place before the other two and we learn a bit more about our principle characters and why they are the way they are. Now, not being cruel, I'm not so sure anyone really cares why Elise is the way she is, and how she handles being a medium between the living and the dead. But we do.
The downfall though of this is this franchise has simply run it's course. This is not scary, or original and it's just more of the same. In fact, it is exactly the same as the others. But to it's credit, it's short and tidy and does keep itself moving along. Too bad it's not an original path we are going down.
Insidious 3. For those following the series closely, a hit.
As if having two of these wasn't enough, we have to go back to the well yet again to see what is happening still in "then further." Just like the first two. The funny thing about these movies is that they aren't bad movies. But they aren't great either. But they do suffer from being forgettable.
And that's understandable. Being fair, I see all of these movies, and other ones that resemble each other in one way shape or form. And it is hard to keep all these franchises straight. They all kind of look the same, and are the same.
In this version, it takes place before the other two and we learn a bit more about our principle characters and why they are the way they are. Now, not being cruel, I'm not so sure anyone really cares why Elise is the way she is, and how she handles being a medium between the living and the dead. But we do.
The downfall though of this is this franchise has simply run it's course. This is not scary, or original and it's just more of the same. In fact, it is exactly the same as the others. But to it's credit, it's short and tidy and does keep itself moving along. Too bad it's not an original path we are going down.
Insidious 3. For those following the series closely, a hit.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Spy
Finally, a comedic movie from funny woman Melissa McCarthy that is different than the last few she's made. Spy is fun!
Spy is a comedy that isn't perfect, but it's pretty darn good, and pretty darn funny. Spy is a satire and parody of the James Bond type movie that works on every level. It has a great cast that gives this really creative script a nice lift. Make no mistake, this could have gone either way. This could have been really bad, but they took the time to be creative and make this truly fun, and funny.
Meet Susan (McCarthy). She works for the CIA in a support role. She speaks to an agent in the field through an earpiece, Bradley (Jude Law), and makes sure that he is protected from harm. She is not respected at all, and seems like a wallflower to the agency. But when many agents have their cover blown, the CIA needs to send in an agent that the terrorists do not know. And that agent is Susan.
She goes on an international trip trying to diffuse a situation that is dire. A very portable nuclear bomb has been invented and it is about to be sold into the wrong hands that want to detonate in in New York City. So Susan is the best hope for the agency to save the day.
This movie is very funny, with tons of action to keep everyone engaged. This pokes plenty of fun at James Bond, and tons of other action type movies from era's past with real skill. And it does it all from the way it's written, to the way it's filmed, to the musical soundtrack. McCarthy is funny, and finally has broken away to a degree from the recent summer roles. This is her best true comedy in a long time.
The supporting cast is really strong as well. In addition to Law, Rose Byrne is really funny as the dastardly villain. She is perfectly cast, and the character they created is terrific. Allison Janney is funny too as the CIA boss, and real huge kudos to Jason Statham. He not only does comedy, and plays a bumbling CIA agent, he plays a parody of himself from tons of his own movies. He is really funny in this movie, and the willingness to poke fun at yourself, gives this a real nice flavor. Plus, there are a few funny cameos here.
This is not perfect, it is a hard R rated movie that is inappropriate for young viewers. There is a bunch harsh language and situations that does make rated accurately. It could have been softened of a stitch to give it a PG-13, but that's the world we live in today. By and large, action comedies are R these days. Overall this is very entertaining and fun. And this is set up nicely for more of these to be made.
Spy. Good summer fun!
Spy is a comedy that isn't perfect, but it's pretty darn good, and pretty darn funny. Spy is a satire and parody of the James Bond type movie that works on every level. It has a great cast that gives this really creative script a nice lift. Make no mistake, this could have gone either way. This could have been really bad, but they took the time to be creative and make this truly fun, and funny.
Meet Susan (McCarthy). She works for the CIA in a support role. She speaks to an agent in the field through an earpiece, Bradley (Jude Law), and makes sure that he is protected from harm. She is not respected at all, and seems like a wallflower to the agency. But when many agents have their cover blown, the CIA needs to send in an agent that the terrorists do not know. And that agent is Susan.
She goes on an international trip trying to diffuse a situation that is dire. A very portable nuclear bomb has been invented and it is about to be sold into the wrong hands that want to detonate in in New York City. So Susan is the best hope for the agency to save the day.
This movie is very funny, with tons of action to keep everyone engaged. This pokes plenty of fun at James Bond, and tons of other action type movies from era's past with real skill. And it does it all from the way it's written, to the way it's filmed, to the musical soundtrack. McCarthy is funny, and finally has broken away to a degree from the recent summer roles. This is her best true comedy in a long time.
The supporting cast is really strong as well. In addition to Law, Rose Byrne is really funny as the dastardly villain. She is perfectly cast, and the character they created is terrific. Allison Janney is funny too as the CIA boss, and real huge kudos to Jason Statham. He not only does comedy, and plays a bumbling CIA agent, he plays a parody of himself from tons of his own movies. He is really funny in this movie, and the willingness to poke fun at yourself, gives this a real nice flavor. Plus, there are a few funny cameos here.
This is not perfect, it is a hard R rated movie that is inappropriate for young viewers. There is a bunch harsh language and situations that does make rated accurately. It could have been softened of a stitch to give it a PG-13, but that's the world we live in today. By and large, action comedies are R these days. Overall this is very entertaining and fun. And this is set up nicely for more of these to be made.
Spy. Good summer fun!
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - San Andreas
This time of the year big computer generated action flicks come a dime a dozen. San Andreas is another one of them, but so?
Sometimes we need a little mindless action to take the sting out of real life sometimes. Especially when it isn't from the 5,000 superhero movies we are fed. San Andreas has some issues of course, but overall it's mission accomplished.
This is the story of the real life San Andreas fault in California and told in a fictional scenario of it unleashing record setting earthquakes that devastate southern Nevada, Los Angeles, and eventually the grand finale of San Francisco. There is plenty of CG effects that show absolute devastation, and there's enough human suffering to fill that need in tons of movie goers. There is also a huge soundtrack and plenty of dramatic effects, bells and whistles to go around. But this does have a fairly decent story.
It's the story of a small family in Southern California. Ray (The Rock) and Emma (Carla Gugino) are getting a divorce. They have a 20 year-old daughter Blake (Alexandra Deddario). They are all mourning the loss of another daughter that drowned a few years earlier. Now they all have to face the challenge of surviving these earthquakes. What this is in the end, is parents reuniting and going off to save their daughter and bring her home safely, and that's just fine.
Yeah, there's some general silliness, and plenty of eye rolling moments as there are with all of these big budget flicks. You can't help but wonder too the timing of this glorified look at the worst disasters that can impose their wrath in the aftermath of the real life Nepal earthquakes. The attempted humor that is infused into this does look a bit ridiculous as a result. I don't think there is much joking around in real quakes. But the movie maker can't help fact that you make movies when you do and life does go on.
Overall this is just summer escapism that fills the screen and your senses big time for about 2 hours. Truth is too, there is nothing really new as far as special effects are concerned and this does look like a ton of other big disaster movies. But alright, it'll do.
San Andreas. A nice rainy day matinee, may not be worth the full price ticket. Rental for your home theater too later.
Sometimes we need a little mindless action to take the sting out of real life sometimes. Especially when it isn't from the 5,000 superhero movies we are fed. San Andreas has some issues of course, but overall it's mission accomplished.
This is the story of the real life San Andreas fault in California and told in a fictional scenario of it unleashing record setting earthquakes that devastate southern Nevada, Los Angeles, and eventually the grand finale of San Francisco. There is plenty of CG effects that show absolute devastation, and there's enough human suffering to fill that need in tons of movie goers. There is also a huge soundtrack and plenty of dramatic effects, bells and whistles to go around. But this does have a fairly decent story.
It's the story of a small family in Southern California. Ray (The Rock) and Emma (Carla Gugino) are getting a divorce. They have a 20 year-old daughter Blake (Alexandra Deddario). They are all mourning the loss of another daughter that drowned a few years earlier. Now they all have to face the challenge of surviving these earthquakes. What this is in the end, is parents reuniting and going off to save their daughter and bring her home safely, and that's just fine.
Yeah, there's some general silliness, and plenty of eye rolling moments as there are with all of these big budget flicks. You can't help but wonder too the timing of this glorified look at the worst disasters that can impose their wrath in the aftermath of the real life Nepal earthquakes. The attempted humor that is infused into this does look a bit ridiculous as a result. I don't think there is much joking around in real quakes. But the movie maker can't help fact that you make movies when you do and life does go on.
Overall this is just summer escapism that fills the screen and your senses big time for about 2 hours. Truth is too, there is nothing really new as far as special effects are concerned and this does look like a ton of other big disaster movies. But alright, it'll do.
San Andreas. A nice rainy day matinee, may not be worth the full price ticket. Rental for your home theater too later.
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