THE HANGOVER: PART II -- Review

There is something tragically sad when Hollywood feels the need to take a good thing and destroy it. Granted the failure of Part II was not an epic fail, but it was close enough to have been a complete disappointment.

The Hangover Part II is one of those films that you go into hoping for something to be delightfully surprised by, and granted there were a few jokes that were quite shocking, but the overall effect of the film did not survive the curse of unnecessary sequels. The first film was such a shock to the system that there was little wrong that could be done and no matter what your tastes are for humor The Hangover appealed to you. The wildly over the top and insanity that the wolfpack brought was a unique thing that charmed us all. Part II unfortunately took advantage of the original fans and gave us little to walk away with.

I honestly question if the final film failed because of the lack of secrecy surrounding the film as they suffered several "leaks" during the production process with regards to story and casting of cameo appearances. I have read interviews stating that director Todd Phillips respected the wishes of cast and crew to not push to keep Mel Gibson for the "surprise" cameo as the tattoo artist, and on some scale I almost respect the director for that, but in a way (regardless of my lack of respect for Gibson today) I actually wish he had been used. It would have been an "in-your-face" that the film just lacked. I missed the insane LVPD who used the wolfpack as stun gun test dummies and I feel that, although still not as great, the Gibson cameo would have been on a level appropriate for The Hangover.

Overall I was not impressed by the Part II. Too much time was spent on the "family dynamics" which were practically useless for the film. Not enough time was spent developing cameos that could have actually added to the franchise. Paul Giamatti could have been such a badass and he just wasn't utilized to the best potential for the characters and film. Liam Neeson was so unrecognizable as the tattoo artist that the cameo was COMPLETELY LOST and the joke fizzled and fell so short that the film no longer felt like it had anything to do with The Hangover. There was one additional cameo at the end of the film that was so painful to watch and listen to that I wish it had almost been left out. Actually aside from Chow and the final cameo there was little that brough the 2nd film back to the original.

I am very sad to report that I give The Hangover Part II a 1.5 out of 5. I had such hopes that the franchise would at least survive a second film, but that did not seem to be the case. I know it has been thrown around for the idea of a third installment if Part II does well, and I honestly doubt the film will do well enough. Even though my love for Galifianakis runs strong, he couldn't even save the film in his over the top insanity. My only recommendation is to pass on The Hangover this week and maybe pick it up in the $5 bin at Target/Wal-Mart.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES -- Review

When it comes to pirates there are very few things that can go wrong. Well, a lot can go wrong, but Disney has found an amazing ensemble cast that brings to life their amusement park ride to such perfection that even after four installments we have yet to get bored with the series. Truth is I sort of missed Gore Verbinski as the director, but Rob Marshall did a decent job having primarily come off of directing musical. But it wasn't just the director who left the franchise, Will Turner and Elizabeth Swan, have (THANKFULLY) moved on as well, and I was glad that there was no reference or cameo to them and we were left with only our most favorite of the characters. In 2007 I remember wondering if another Pirates film would get made, and here it is, almost 4 years later and at the risk of taking the franchise beyond the 3rd film, On Stranger Tides does not miss a beat.

With the return of Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), Gibbs (Kevin McNally) and Barbossa (Geoffry Rush), it is only a matter of minutes before you are shown the pace at which the 4th installment will be taking you on this high seas adventure. Johnny Depp reprises his character will a consistency that is amazing because it has been almost 4 years since we last saw the quirky pirate on screen, and it is as though he never left. With a slightly updated wardrobe, a few new scars and a treasure chest full of one-lines and jokes that remind you why you love this character so much. With the butting conflict between Jack and Barbossa, the rivalry between pirates is as entertaining as ever. In addition to the original characters, Penelope Cruz and Ian McShane join the cast as Sparrow's love interest Angelica and her father, the infamous pirate Blackbeard. These two characters breathe new life into the series and rises the bar to the talent and character chemistry. Although they seem to have been overlooked by press during the junkets as all eyes were turned to the new comer Astrid Berges-Frisbey who plays the mermaid Syrena, but without giving too much away, she is cute and serves a purpose but there are far more crucial characters that bring the film to life.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides brings back everything there is to love about the pirates we have spent the last 8 years with and introduces a handful of new characters, a feisty female pirate, and a witty Blackbeard that will give Jack and Barbossa a run for their money when it comes down to a battle of wits.

Highlights:
1) JACK IS BACK!

2) The opening scene is typical of the humor of Pirates and it sets the pace for the film so you know you will be in for one wild ride.

3) Ian McShane as Blackbeard is as fun to watch as his portrayal of the ruthless Al Swearenger in 'Deadwood'.

4) The final scene of the film will leave you laughing until you cry as Angelica tries to put Jack in his place.


Downside:
Don't bother catching the film in 3D. Although the film is fun, the 3D is distracting as the "blurry images" are seen regardless of actually wearing your 3D glasses.

Overall Pirates of the Caribbean: On Strangers Tides is a fun family film that will have you falling in love with pirates all over again. I give the film a 4 out of 5 and beg Disney "PLEASE GIVE US ONE MORE!"

BRIDESMAIDS -- Review

I have always wondered what would happen if all of the "dirty laundry" us women carry around was aired (or screened) in front of the general public. Not just our moments of madness when it comes to life, work, and dare I say relationships... but what if we all just let it hang out? Well, Bridesmaids does just that and it seems like there is no turning back from where this film takes it.

From the opening scene (which I will not give away) you are immediately introduced into one of the craziest WTF moments. Being about 3-5 minutes of pure uncomfortable awkwardness that you will feel with the character that will have you gasping in shock, and I'm sure that on some level EVERYONE will be able to relate to the events that are being played out, be it in a past relationship or even a current fling, and that alone sets the mood for what the rest of the film will bring you. Kristen Wiig is hilarious as Annie, and every woman in the theater will be able to relate with her and what she is going through. I know so far this sounds like it is a woman's film... and it probably is... but if you want to get a little glimpse into the mindset of us ladies (as I'm sure there are those of you out there still saying "I just don't get women") than this might just help you out a tiny bit. Of course there are moments that will turn your stomach as they are so out there that it's amazing they even made the final cut, but overall this is a down to earch hilarious and sometimes over the top "true" tale of what it's like to be a woman.

From the casting choices, to the typical ass-hole we have all (at some point) fallen for, and ulitmately the female rivalries that these ladies go through will outshine the insanity of Alan, Phil and Stu. Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly) is brilliant on the big screen as Megan (the groom's sister), Kristen Wiig (SNL and Paul) makes for the perfect leading lady as Annie, Rose Byrne (Damages) is hilarious in her uptight and snobby-ness that she brings to Helen as that one friend who likes to take control of everything, and Maya Rudolph (Away We Go) is adorable as as the bride Lilian and Annie's best friend. There is of course one additional actor, Chris O'Dowd (Pirate Radio), who steals the show at times just for just for being the rock that all of these ladies desperately need.

I hate that I enjoyed this film as much as I did, but sadly for me there is nothing better than watching characters that truly feel like real people dealing with things that we deal with and can truly relate to, rather than the picture perfect hollywood lives we usually are force feed in films and tv. Bridesmaids truly is the female response to The Hangover and the shock value of some of the scenes is so outragous that there is no controling the laughter or jaw-dropping reactions. It gives a punch to the stomach and a kick to the groin, but there are also moments that will touch us in unexpected ways.

Bridesmaids is one of those 'R' rated comedies that deserves to get noticed. These ladies are exceptional and if you are looking for something that will make you laugh-out-loud than this is something I recommend you check out. I just hope you all can hold your lunch as there are scenes that will challenge all of your sense. I give Bridesmaids a 3.5 out of 5.

Forever book trailer released

Maggie Stiefvater has released a trailer for the third installment to her Wolves of Mercy Falls series. Check out the trailer for FOREVER and then pre-order the book. =)



http://www.fountainbookstore.com/autograph-maggie

Fast Five Rio Premiere -- Recap

When it comes to red carpet events most people picture gorgeous men in suits and beautiful women is designer dresses, photographers and of course a variety of media outlets to catch sound bites from the celebrities walking the carpet. However every once in a while something different happens. Fast Five brought their Rio red carpet premiere to viewers around the world through live streaming, using several different outlets including Facebook, as well as streaming live to a dozen movie theaters around the country. This seems like an impressive move, but the success of the event is up for debate. Hosted by Fast Five star Tyrese Gibson and former Miss USA Susie Castillo, the red carpet ran a total of 60 minutes, although at times it felt like it was much longer. However had it not been for the over zealous Tyrese, the event would have been a massive fail.

Opening the event was an interview with director Justin Lin who had little to say outside of great compliments for the Fast family. Even after being asked several times if there was plans to be a sixth film, Lin kept mum on the subject.

Dwayne Johnson was the next star to walk the carpet. Dwayne confessed to felling very welcome as one of the newest additions to the family, but the attention quickly turned to a discussion regarding a fight sequence in the film. Tyrese spilled that the fight between Dwayne and Vin Diesel was something that will make Fast Five memorable and Johnson chimed in by saying that “they knew as a team that they had an incredible opportunity to do something”. He added that he would have loved to see Stallone and Schwarzenegger face off, only being beaten if Bruce Willis was thrown into the fight, and that the fight with Diesel was to make up for a fight of that caliber having not yet existing in film. Tyrese wrapped up the interview by asking if Vin and Dwayne were to face off in the real life, who would win? Johnson replied with “I would whoop his ass.”

Paul Walker followed and the only thing that became obvious during this round of questions was the previously unknown bro-mance that exists between Tyrese and Paul, ending with a rather long embrace shared between the two stars. Following Paul was a very awkward moment with the host of MTV Brasil, where he practically dissed a young teen who was attending the event. Needless to say this was only the beginning of the downhill turn the premiere had suddenly taken. With audio issues that plagued the remaining interviews, more awkward moments made by unprepared hosts and timing issues, it suddenly felt like a very unprofessional event and those of us sitting in the theater only hoped that the arrival of the lead star would change things for the better.

Vin Diesel arrived to the carpet in one of the movie’s matte painted Dodge Chargers. Granted this was the highlight arrival, but the interview was just as awkward as the lead up. Host Susie Castillo struggled to keep the momentum moving, and the late arrival of Tyrese was the only saving grace. The first real laugh was brought out when asked if Vin could say one thing to the Fast fans, what would it be and he answered “I live my life one quarter mile at a time,” at which point it became obvious there was a pre-party before the carpet. Trying to bring things back to a serious note, Tyrese once again asked straight up if Vin and Dwayne were to face off, who would win. Vin responded by stepping up to the camera and saying “I’m a New Yorker. I’m the last kid to fuck with.”

Unfortunately there was still another twenty minutes to go before the premiere was scheduled to end and it was a slow drag to keep things moving. With a few sneak peak clips thrown into the mix and what felt like filler interviews with the remaining cast, the only thing left to do to kill time was for Tyrese to plug Twitter accounts, Paul Walker’s company AE Performance, and a little self-promoting regarding his upcoming album. It was a little painful to watch but the few laughs were worth the hour viewing. It was a nice change to see a cast and crew so full of love and respect for each other that it almost because a bit sickening sweet. I’m not sure if live streaming is the way of the future, or if this screening was enough of a success for Universal to try it again but it will be interesting to see what happens in the future.

CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF THE MOVIE HERE:  http://lunch.com/t/6nbf

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS -- Review

Under most circumstances I love period pieces. All of the research and work that goes into a production from start to finish that makes the film feel authentic. Wardrobe, hair styles, make-up, props, vehicles/transportation, speech, etc. All of the little things that can ultimately make or break a period piece if it is supposed to feel realistic. Right off the bat we are told that "THIS FILM TAKES PLACE IN 1931", like we are being beat over the head with that fact, which I get but I think the images you are shown give you enough to be able to come to that conclusion for yourself.

Water for Elephants is a pretty picture to look at, with potential for something quite good based on their casting choices, but the flick itself falls flat. I can't quite tell you where it missed the ball, but there is just something that doesn't feel right. It might be that the film is too short to really give it the one-two I was hoping for. It might be that the book is so dark and twisted that the studio felt it wouldn't translate well to audiences through a visual medium so they left out some of the more grusome details. It might just be that the cast did not get into the roles enough to deliver truly believable characters. All I know is that when I walked out I felt like I had spent 2 hrs watching people talk in mono-tones and wasn't sure where to go from there.

I'll be honest, I have not read the novel, and in a way I was glad because the last few films I have gone to see that were based off books let me down as they did not live up to the potential of the stories. I went in expecting Christoph Waltz to be this horribly delicious evil man, living up to the type-casting that he has been subjected to since playing Col. Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds, but no. He was sadly not as visious as I wanted him to be. I know it's gross that I'm saying this but I wanted to see him throw around and beat Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), but no he was a bad man... but not a "BAD" man. Even Reese Witherspoon was her usual self, as she gave an average performance. Robert Pattinson did a decent job portraying a 1930s american, and it was nice to see a little color to him than the usual pale white we've been seeing for the last 3 years.

I think my biggest issue with Water for Elephants is that it is presented as a flashback film, and there is no point to it. Maybe the telling of the story in this method is pulled off in the novel, but for the film I'd rather have been unaware of the outcome of these characters than know going in that no matter how much shit they go through in the end everything turns out ok in a happy ending. It made the suspense of the film a little less effective since we knew the main characters were truly in no real danger at all.

All in all I give Water for Elephants a 1 out of 5 for effort.

SUCKER PUNCH -- Review

What happens when a guy falls asleep playing a video game - say Resident Evil or Lara Croft - who had previously spend the early morning hours playing an old throwback version of Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter? Well most likely he's dreaming of girls who can kick ass... but might somehow resemble Sailor Moon. Yeah I said it.  The Sucker Punch trailers gave off the appearance of being something cool like a post-apocalyptic version of Annie, however the reality of the film had it being nothing more than a lame attempt at creating a "hot action flick".  The lead character Baby Doll (Emily Browning) looks like the female version of Draco Malfoy in a Sailor Moon costume and although she seems to be able to fight, the over abundance of visual effects completely takes away any necessity to truly know how to act, let alone fight.  With her hair color changing from scene to scene and the "film tricks" used to transition between realities the film becomes more of a bore than an entertaining "pretty" action film.  I know this sounds harsh... BUT if you give off the appearance of being nothing more than a one trick pony I'm sure people will eventually see through the "cool" blind have up to hide the lack of... story... acting... talent... ummm dare I say lack of everything?

Sucker Punch should have been a film full of eye candy, but it left me constantly checking my watch to see how much longer I had to stay until the end.  Granted the cast of ladies was not a complete waste (and shockingly enough Vanessa Hudgens who plays Blondie did not bother me as it was a role that she did little and almost never spoke) as Emily Browning and Jena Malone hold their own throughout the film and Scott Glenn as the Wise Man starts out cool but then turns into a running joke with horrible one liners before sending the girls off into battle.

With a backdrop that changes from World War II to the set of Lord of the Rings as the ladies battle orcs (which I'm surprised Peter Jackson didn't try to sue because I'm sure they were designed by the exact same team of WETA developers used for the LotR series).  It was a cool concept, although not completely thought through.  The "bosses" that needed to be defeated in each level were interesting however not well developed as some of the story just did not connect.  I almost wish Zach Snyder had given up the film-making side and just created an amazing video game because then I would at least feel like I'm achieving something by interacting with the characters and story.

I'm sorry but all in all I can't even say that Sucker Punch is a film strictly meant to be nothing more than eye candy, because it could have been so much better.  Yes there are a few AMAZING scenes (although completely created by CGI).  Over all it felt like a better attempt at making Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (and if you've seen that movie I'm sure you get what I'm hinting at).  Sometimes an idea is better left alone and I personally feel that this is one of them.  The only thing I can say is that if you do not believe me now... go see the film and let me know what you think after you see the crap they dished out as the ending.

I give the over all film a 1 out of 5.  Visuals for Sucker Punch are a 2.5 out of 5.  Soundtrack is a 4 out of 5.  So maybe to spare yourself the pain I just endured you'll just go buy the soundtrack and wait til the film comes out on DVD.  I wished that's what I had done.