DVD Movie Review - Horrible Bosses 2

Horrible Bosses 2 brings back the original cast with almost the same premise (3 idiots attempt to be criminals), but are the jokes just as funny the second time around?

STORY:

After the events of the first movie, Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis), and Dale (Charlie Day) decide to start their own company and create their very own product.  Their first big order comes from Bert Hanson (Christoph Waltz) and his son, Rex (Chris Pine).  But just as everything seems to be looking up, the three get screwed and end up in debt.  Instead of legally trying to fix the problem, the boys turn to Dean MF'ER Jones (Jamie Fox) and decide to try their luck in kidnapping.  Crude humor, stupidity, free cookies, American dreams, table biting, stick-drawings, toilet flushing, and fight clubbing ensues.

"You want the three of us to do another Horrible Bosses movie?  Sounds great...just as long as I 

can talk about my genitalia throughout the entire story."

THOUGHTS:

Just like any other R rated comedy that has even the slightest bit of notoriety, trying to write a sequel that delivers a fresh humorous story is the hardest endeavor for anyone in Hollywood.  And it's sad to say, but Horrible Bosses 2 is no different.  What worked in the original film is attempted here in the second and even though the movie has its hysterical moments, it still slows down dramatically in the middle and some of the jokes become tedious instead of spontaneous.  But don't misunderstand; if you loved the first one, you'd be right at home with the second.  Why?  Because of the returning cameos from the first film.  These small scenes help lift the film back onto its feet when the plot starts to drag a little.  So of you enjoyed Kevin Spacey's evil character or Jennifer Aniston's nymphomaniac dentist, then you'll love their appearances here in the second.

THE MUDDLED MIDDLE:

Horrible Bosses 2 starts off with a fresh and hilarious beginning as the three friends travel down the road of business entrepreneurs.  And the film even ends with some very entertaining scenes (the ending chase sequence is laugh-out-loud comical).  But it's the middle that gets a tad hairy.  It feels like the writers had a beginning and end, and then just decided to throw some crap in the middle to fill two hours of your time.  And you would think with the inclusion of Chris Pine in the cast the story would achieve new heights, but it's his part of the plot and a Jennifer Aniston cameo that actually brings the film's momentum to an almost full stop.  And you have to wonder why, because the movie just about touches the two hour mark.  Why wouldn't they just cut a little more out to keep the momentum going?

"I still can't get over the fact that this arm helps pilot the USS Enterprise.  Exquisite."

THE ACTING:

Just as with the first movie, Charlie Day wins the funniest person award.  His facial expressions and the way his voice gets high pitched when he's upset, definitely adds many laughs.  If you enjoyed Day's antics and whining in the original, then you'll once again love his scenes here.  Jason Bateman returns as the only level-headed guy in the bunch and feels almost normal opposite the other two.  He's in the movie just to point out every dumb idea and to try to stop the characters when something goes awry.  And then we come to Jason Sudeikis, who portrays the A-hole/horndog character that used to be funny, but now is more of a cartoon than anything else.  Yes, his character is created to disrupt the natural order, but they wrote him way over the top.  He's so stupid and so far away from the norm that his character doesn't fit in the story and most of the time will just aggravate the viewer with how adolescent he acts.  If there are any jokes that run too long or make you cringe, sadly, they'll be falling out of his mouth.  Chris Pine makes his debut in the series and plays the suave millionaire, Rex Hanson, to a T.  But when he's attempting to add humor to the conversation, he falls a little short.  It's actually his subplot that feels tacked on to the rest of the film, even though his character is what drives the story.  And last but not least is Christoph Waltz, appearing as Bert Hanson, Rex’s daddy.  He normally has the stand-out role in any movie, but here he comes and goes in a blink of an eye and only turns up to make you hate him.

"Ladies, when Hollywood asks you to be in a film at my age as just a sexual piece of meat, 

you scream yes and never look back." 

THE CAMEOS:

If you're looking for the crudest, most vulgar dialogue in the film, then look no further than Jennifer Aniston's Dr. Julia Harris.  She returns as Dale's ex-boss and still has an unbelievable thirst for sexual activity of any kind.  Some of her scenes are a little long and have nothing to do with the plot, but there are a few moments where she will make you laugh.  Kevin Spacey pops back in the story as Dave Harken and literally shows the entire cast what a real actor looks like.  Even though his scenes are quick and filled with dialogue about balls, you can feel his animosity towards the trio and you'll be sad when his cameo ends.  Jamie Foxx reprises his role of the smooth, yet confused, Dean MF'ER Jones.  At first he'll seem like a throw-away character, but towards the end, he has some of the funniest moments in the movie.

"I don't care if the story's lacking...I'm going to knock this Frank Underw--I mean Dave Harken 

character out of the park.  Deal with it." 

CONCLUSION:

Horrible Bosses 2, just as expected, isn't better than the first go-around, but still has its moments to shine.  The middle is a tad slow and some of the jokes are beaten to death, but if you thought the first movie was funny, then you'll also be entertained by the second.  The main characters seem like a slight repeat, but it's the cameos that help elevate the movie a tad higher than mediocre.  With Charlie Day leading the humor department and Bateman trying to even out the stupid, Horrible Bosses 2 is a comedy for fans of the franchise…everyone else should wait until it appears on TV.

3 out of 5 Stars (minus a star for the slow middle and for some regurgitated jokes)

DVD Movie Review - St. Vincent

St. Vincent easily blends dark humor, tragedy, drama, love, and friendship in one remarkable package.

STORY:

Maggie (Melissa McCarthy), a recent divorcee and her son, Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher), are attempting to start a nice calm life together.  But when they meet their new neighbor, Vincent (Bill Murray), all hell breaks loose.  See Vincent doesn't seem to have a polite bone anywhere in his body.  And on top of that he hates people and couldn't care less about anyone but himself.  But then things get complicated when Maggie needs a babysitter for Oliver and only Vincent is available.  Busted faces, religious jokes, pregnant strippers, and a character finally played by McCarthy that isn't an obnoxious mess ensue.

"Do I look like a man that wants to strap a proton pack on his shoulders again?  I've got 

real problems.  For instance: I've run out of vodka."

THOUGHTS:

You've seen the trailers of this movie and thought, "Bill Murray doing ridiculous crap like making a little kid mow dirt is hilarious.  This film will be a laugh riot."  Not so fast.  Before you rent St. Vincent because you're in the mood for a comedy, make sure you know just what you're getting into.  Most of St. Vincent's funny bits are dark humor, showcasing the absurdities in life and pushing the boundaries of their consequences, but there's much more to the story than Murray doing stupid crap and making jokes.  The film is more about everyday problems and how the main characters deal with these obstacles.  It's also about how people can do the most unexpected things given the right circumstances.  So you will laugh a little at Murray in the beginning, but come the middle and end of the story, you'll see why he's considered one of the most iconic actors of his time. 

At about midpoint, the film takes a turn for the dramatic and certain situations arise which might make the eyes tear up, but the best thing this movie has going for it is the ending.  It's not all sad.  The worst thing a film can do is leave a feeling of depression after the credits and this movie doesn't even come close.  But the story will definitely take you on an emotional roller coaster ride.  You'll be angry in the beginning.  Laugh a tad there afterwards.  Sadness will then kick in as some tragedies occur.  And then the ending is uplifting.  So if you were worried about sitting through a straight tear-jerker, relax…the movie is still quite funny by the end.  And that's really what puts this film in a league of its own when it comes to story.  Anyone can write a plot that continually hurts the characters straight through until the end, but being able to bring humor into the darkest of situations takes talent.  Not to mention the dialogue being superb and the acting unbelievable from everyone involved. 

"Ha.  You think you can just buy your way into the greatest franchise of the 80's? You have to--"

"Will twenty cover it?"

"Better make it forty."

THE ACTING:

Don't worry; Murray is still the highlight and main character throughout the film.  So if you're here to see him in his finest, he won't disappoint.  The only slight problem is the accent that he tries to pull off.  It's not a bad accent, it's just that it comes and goes…sometimes even in the same sentence.  Does it affect his performance?  Not in the least.  His transformation from hated neighbor to what he becomes is astounding.  Yes, the dialogue is top notch and the story is excellent, but Murray is still delivering his lines to perfection.  Now, there's only one other person that can match the power of the Bill Murray and that's Jaeden Lieberher.  He's the other anchor of the story.  Most of the film includes Murray, but when he's not on screen, Lieberher is pulling his own weight.  This young kid is excellent.  Every scene and every line is delivered with veteran qualities and when the two (Lieberher and Murray) share scenes together, they're hilarious, sad, and exceptional all at the same time.  St. Vincent is as much Murray's as it is Lieberher's film. 

Melissa McCarthy finally stepped away from the annoying character she's been playing for years and delivered a subtle cautious mother that's at the end of her rope.  Her character's reactions to the environment and Vincent are hilarious, but McCarthy also delivers quite a fantastic dramatic performance when needed.  You might even say she's a pretty good actress…as long as she continues to portray other characters besides an obnoxious woman trying to force people to laugh.  Naomi Watts plays Daka, a pregnant stripper that has dealings with Vincent throughout the movie.  You may think the character is a little over the top in the beginning, but towards the end you'll realize just how down-to-earth she actually is and how Watts' performance hits the nail right on the head.  Last but not least is Chris O'Dowd as Brother Geraghty.  He's Oliver's teacher and the film's comic relief that comes in small but exceptional doses.  Again the writing and dialogue is fantastic, but his delivery of each nutty line is perfect.  He even makes fun of religions (one of the most sensitive subjects in stories) and does so with grace and respect that keeps the jokes hilarious without making a mockery of the subject.

"Hey, easy with the seat belt...it's vintage."

CONCLUSION:

St. Vincent is an excellent portrayal of life through the eyes of ordinary people.  The acting is fantastic.  The story and dialogue are unbelievable.  It even takes two actors (Murray and McCarthy) that are known for comedy and creates exceptional dramatic performances.  Will it make you laugh?  Sure if you find dark humor funny.  Will it make you cry?  Probably.  Will you feel good after it's all said and done?  Definitely.  St. Vincent may not be the comedy you were expecting from a veteran comedian, but it's still definitely worth a couple hours of your time.

4.5 out of 5 Stars (minus a half star for the silly accent)

DVD Movie Review - 22 Jump Street

22 Jump Street comes out swinging with absurd sequel parodies, hilarious dialogue, and embarrassing humor.

STORY:

Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) are having trouble with adult undercover.  To quell their misgivings, Chief Hardy (Nick Offerman) sends them back to Jump Street.  But 21 Jump Street doesn't exist anymore.  So the pair heads across the street to 22 Jump Street: a high-tech version of 21 Jump Street hidden in a church that has a Vietnamese Jesus with “swagoo”.  Since the plan worked last time, Jenko and Schmidt are given the exact same investigation, only this time they're heading to college.  The assignment: find the supplier of a new drug called Whyphy on campus.  Mexican wolverines, octopuses, slam poetry, meat-Q sandwiches, open investigations, relationship therapy, and unorthodox fight scenes ensue.

"It's time to stop all these shenanigans.  That means no more eating other kids' crayons, Schmidt, and

if you're going to steal another kids' homework, Jenko, at least change the name 

before you turn it in."

THOUGHTS:

The film begins with a "previously on" and after the first couple of minutes, you'll realize that 22 Jump Street is well aware of itself and the writers, actors, and director are all in on the joke.  22 Jump Street could have went the route of straight comedy and tried to play off its strengths from the first film, but instead it understands it's a sequel and makes that the running gag throughout the film.  The difference this time is the budget has increased, the cast has increased, and the set sizes have increased.  What does this mean?  It means you'll get the same embarrassing humor as the first movie with almost the exact same plot, except everything feels grander.  You'll see bigger and better guns, more high-tech gadgets for stealth operations, nicer cars (Lambos), and the victim this time around is black, which Schmidt adamantly points out, "makes them care more."

Now if you get offended by comedies that step over the line, you're probably going to have a bad time and that's a shame, because the story may have similarities to the first movie, but the humor is fresh and there's even a tiny bit of character growth.  So who is this movie really for?  People that enjoy inappropriate, senseless, and pointless humor.  Loving 21 Jump Street is definitely a requirement.  And if you did enjoy Hill's nerdy, innocent Schmidt, teaming up with Tatum's athletic, loud Jenko, then you'll have little complaining to do at the end of this movie…it's that simple.

"You're going to have to tell me where the bad guys are, because even though they look cool, I can 

barely see out of these glasses."

A SEQUEL, BUT THE SAME:

It’s exactly same.  What worked in the first movie isn't only referenced in the second, it's damn near copied.  In 21 Jump Street, thirty year olds had to go undercover and act like children.  Happens in this one too.  They got high and there was a montage of them doing stupid crap.  Also present in this one.  Schmidt fell for a girl and Jenko made friends.  Here too.  But even though the second movie follows in the first one's footsteps, each and every comedy bit has been heightened and exaggerated further than you ever thought possible.  So copying the premise from the first movie could be seen as 22 Jump Street's one problem, but only from viewers that haven't seen a trailer or read a review and have no idea what kind of movie they're in for.

"We really appreciate all the information about your rear end, but can you hold off talking at 

least until we ask a question?" 

THE HUMOROUS ACTING:

Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are the perfect Odd Couple for the current generation.  Hill represents the intelligent, warm-hearted crowd, while Tatum represents the slightly stupid, but really fun crowd.  Are their characters deeper than the stereotypes?  A little, but who cares.  They're damn funny and the movie hits on all the right notes.  And even though they're hysterical together, both actors have their own laugh-out-loud scenes.  Towards the end, Hill has one of the best fight scenes ever filmed in a comedy and Tatum will make you piss your pants when he realizes what's been going on between Schmidt and the Captain.  Speaking of Captain Dickson (Ice Cube), he—again—steals every frigging scene he's in, no matter how many actors are present.  His dialogue is beyond ridiculous and he has one moment—during a buffet dinner—that is over-the-top-balls-funny. 

Jillian Bell plays Mercedes, a strange roommate that enjoys watching and listening to everything Schmidt says and does.  Towards the end her character will really shine though, as she's more involved with the story than first perceived.  Rob Riggle pops back in for another memorable scene as the jail-bird, Mr. Walters and Dave Franco spends a few minutes mumbling behind bars.  The lovely Amber Stevens ends up playing the only non-comedic character named Maya.  Even though she's not making you laugh, she's helping balance out the movie, so it doesn't appear to be all nonsense.  As for the rest of the cameos in the film, do not…repeat DO NOT miss the ending credits.  Those last few minutes are absolutely hysterical and really tie the perfect bow around an outrageous comedy.

"...but no one said we were going to have to learn to read."

CONCLUSION:

22 Jump Street is exactly what you think it is: a copy of the original with more outlandish jokes, senseless fighting, pointless explosions, and better weapons.  This film puts a new meaning to the saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."  With great writing, fantastic comedic deliveries, and a bigger budget, where can you possibly go wrong?  If 21 Jump Street made you laugh throughout, then 22 Jump Street will easily do the same.  Now, if you don't appreciate silly humor, don't feel bad, because at this very moment someone's probably making a documentary about ants that you'll enjoy a little more.

4 out of 5 Stars (minus a star for almost being an exact copy of the first)

DVD Movie Review - Trust Me

Trust Me is the type of movie that would have easily garnered 5 out of 5 stars…and then the last ten minutes happens.

STORY:

Howard (writer and director Clark Gregg—A.K.A. Agent Coulson) is an ex-child star that becomes an agent.  He seems to be in the perfect position of his career with children giving him the middle finger, people hitting him with cars, and parents basically using him as a barista.  On the cusp of losing the next child star, Howard is found down and out by a lonely thirteen year old named Lydia (Saxon Sharbino).  Lydia's life hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows either, but Howard sees talent and his ticket to the big time hidden within her.  Will Howard be able to make her a star?  Grape throwing, back-stabbing, hysterical dialogue, and terrible CGI wings ensue.

"Listen, you work hard.  But look at the way you're drooping, and your leaves for God's sake...How am 

I supposed to promote you for the Jungle Book, if you don't take care of yourself?"

THOUGHTS:

Trust Me has the makings of a fantastic movie: a wonderful story; a humble, bumbling, yet lovable main character; unbelievable acting; and witty dialogue.  And then the ending occurs and you instantly lose the emotional connection you've spent over an hour building.  If nothing else, Trust Me demonstrates that Clark Gregg is excellent writer, fantastic actor, and extremely talented director.  So what does that mean?  It means there isn't one person—from the always exceptional Sam Rockwell to the newly discovered Saxon Sharbino—that gives a mediocre performance in the film.  Everyone goes above and beyond their abilities.  And if you haven't seen Gregg outside the Marvel universe, then you're missing out.  The man can act.  And having a great story idea with these brilliant actors should make for an exquisite film.  So what the hell happened?

Sometimes a writer has a vision for a story and after creating that vision, never really takes the time to determine if all the pieces work.  Sure, you'll see Trust Me's ending and then try to remember all the little hints you seemed to miss along the way (especially the humongous one in the first two minutes) while enjoying funny one-liners and witty dialogue.  But the question becomes: is keeping the theme worth the price at the end?  Even if the movie concluded the way you were hoping or expecting with no twists, it still would have been great.  But instead, Gregg ends the movie his way (which is admirable); essentially killing all character arcs and murdering the uplifting theme you thought the film had.  What can possibly be better than a story about a down-on-his-luck agent that might just get his chance to finally shine, whether in life or career?  Apparently, a story that ends with you depressed, aggravated and scratching your head.

"I'm sorry, hold that thought.  This dang thing in my ear has been picking up radio waves 

from Japan all day."

FOOLED YOU:

Just like last week's Fading Gigolo, Trust Me is categorized under comedy, but—again—that's just the packaging.  About an hour into the film the plot takes an unexpected tragic turn.  This plunges the film head first into a heavy drama, but the "expected ending" from this point, still would've kept the uplifting theme.  Except the last ten minutes adds an even more dramatic twist and everything is thrown out the window.  So if you're just looking for laughs from Trust Me, it's best to watch the first hour and then turn it off.

"Now you listen hear, pal, Spongebob is a great show and Sponge Out of Water will be an awesome 

movie...no matter how ridiculous it looks."

THE ACTING:

Hats off to Saxon Sharbino.  Her acting throughout the film is exceptional.  Not only does she fit easily alongside Gregg or Rockwell, but she also holds the entire film together.  It's really her story you become more engrossed in and if her acting slipped just a little, the whole movie would've went completely downhill.  This is casting at its finest.

Sam Rockwell graces the screen as Aldo, Howard's competition, and more importantly, the film's antagonist.  Now, if you know anything about Rockwell, you'll know that the man can act the crap out of any dick-ish character.  And this film is no exception.  The only problem is he's only in it for about ten minutes, but luckily, those ten minutes are stretched throughout the movie so you can enjoy his comedic greatness during all ninety minutes of film.

Clark Gregg is also fantastic in the movie.  He's able to evoke laughs one minute and then utter sadness another.  But his real triumph is directing all the other actors in the film.  Even Amanda Peet (who portrays Marcy, Howard's love interest), an actress mostly known for her pretty face and nakedness in The Whole Nine Yards, turns up the talent.  Paul Sparks stops by to play Ray, Lydia's drunken yet protective father.  And he'll make you hate him one moment and then feel for him the next.  Allison Janney spends her time as Meg, a woman that loves to give Howard a hard time.  And last but not least, Molly Shannon jumps in front of the camera as Janice, the mother of a child actor that enjoys screaming and hitting people with her car. 

"Hey, I'm just saying: whoever smelt it, dealt it."

CONCLUSION:

Trust Me storms out of the gate as a witty comedy, then it tickles the drama tree, and then it flies completely off the rails at the end.  If you're looking for tragic turns and twist endings coated in comedy, then Trust Me is your one stop shop.  With exceptional acting, witty dialogue, and an almost great story, Trust Me falls into the category of films that can only be watched once, due to the "what the f*ck" ending.  If you do happen to rent Trust Me, watch the first hour and twenty minutes and then shut it off and just imagine the rest.  It'll end up as a great movie in your mind and more importantly, it'll leave you feeling content.

4 out of 5 Stars (minus a star for the last ten minutes)

DVD Movie Review - The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The joys of making the mixed-tape have never been so tragic.  It’s a complete and utter shame that kids these days will never feel the absolute letdown when the girl you passed said cassette tape to, looks at it, and then moments later sends it to the bottom of the trash pile to rot out its days lonely and humiliated.  What the hell do kids make today, anyway?  Ipod playlists?

STORY:

Freshman hermit, Charlie (Logan Lerman), spends most of his precious time staring at other kids, reading, never masturbating (seems legit), and seeing flashbacks in his head.  That is until Emma Watson walks into his life, along with her rainbow-flying stepbrother, to teach Charlie how to ride in the back of a pick-up truck, while barreling through a tunnel.  Crazy high school antics ensue.

I'm queen of the...oh, forget it.

THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:

Five words: do not read the book.  Simple enough.  I attempted to breeze through the NY Times bestseller by Stephen Chbosky (Chbosky also wrote and directed the movie), because of all the hype and then I wanted to be able to compare the two.  Well, I never went passed page 50.

Never judge a book by its cover, unless... 

The book is written in a series of love notes to a friend (that’s you the reader), that have absolutely no sense of cohesion whatsoever.  I’ve seen better paragraph structure from 5^th graders shackled with A.D.H.D., while skydiving out of a Cessna.  Alright, maybe I’m reaching too far with that one: minus the A.D.H.D.

Love this.

Seriously…this is what constitutes a best-seller?  Holy crap, I’ve been writing all wrong.  I should just ramble on about whatever slop comes to mind at any given time, and BAM—best seller. 

But, this brings us to the good news…

THOUGHTS ON THE MOVIE:

Thank goodness Stephen Chbosky made the movie.  That way, every citizen that doesn’t have the time to read the book, can bypass that mess and enjoy a coming-to-age story in less than two hours.

Some of the passages/love-notes from the book are read by the movie’s protagonist, but they’re shortened, to the point, and don’t go off the rails after three words. 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower can be called a Dramedy.  A little more drama than comedy—I guess you can’t win them all.

Is that girl on the end having fun, or what?!

The movie has those scenes where you’re totally embarrassed for the characters.  And if that’s happening, then the acting and dialogue is top notch.  Every actor/actress plays the perfect role, and not once did I think of that ass-clown wizard, while watching this movie.  Thumbs up.

Yeah, I think my magic days are behind me.

The story deals with all the problems you can throw at one freshman, without him going off the deep end—well, you’ll have to watch the movie to see the outcome.  Homosexuality, teen crush, a friend’s death, a family member’s death, awkward sex, awkward break-ups, assaulting one’s better-half, weird high school dances, drug and alcohol addictions, mixed cassette tapes, bad music, pretty girls, terrible choices, molestation, and even the kitchen sink is thrown in just for good measure and a couple of laughs.

Now, if you’re not a fan of awkward situations, example: male teen dressing in drag, and then singing and dancing in front of the camera; or conversations about oral sex and the like, then you might want to hold off.  Not that those scenes are in a lot of the movie, but they are there.  So if you’re renting this for your twelve-year old because he gets a hard-on for Hermione Granger, then maybe you should watch it first, and then decide what’s good for your kid.  Otherwise, have at it.

Ummm...yeah, this speaks for itself.

It’s a perfect high school romp that will have you laughing out loud in some spots.  I couldn’t contain my chuckles watching Charlie attempt to deal with his first girlfriend, who happens to be a gothic Buddhist.

"I'm going to take your pants off now." Oh, oh...okay.

Dylan McDermott who plays Charlie’s father in the movie, has around 15 minutes of screen time, but in those minutes, he has some of the most memorable dialogue.  McDermott rattles off his thoughts about his daughter’s boyfriend, and then there’s a great line when Charlie asks him for 30 dollars.  Absolutely priceless.

Yep, I'm just that smooth.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower could have went down the depressing road very easily, but luckily it toes the line instead, leaving you pining for the old days.  Guys, if for some reason your relationship with your girl is on the fence, this might not be the best rental for movie night.  Those hilarious scenes with Charlie’s first girlfriend might hit a little closer to home than you’d like.  Just saying.  Otherwise, it’s a solid teen exploration film.  

4 out of 5 stars (minus 1 star for making me attempt the book first)