This one looked really stupid from the previews, didn't it? Well, never being one to turn down an R-rated comedy, I saw it anyway. I was pleasantly surprised by the result.
The story follows three middle-aged men (John Cusack, Craig Robinson, and Rob Corddry) and their young companion (Clark Duke) as they attempt to relive their youth after drifting apart over the years. When they take a trip to the old ski lodge they used to frequent, they discover things aren't the way they remember them. After a crazy night spent in a hot tub, they get sent back in time where they are faced with a difficult decision: change their lives for the better or go back to 2010.
Physics (and metaphysics) issues aside, the story is obviously fairly nonsensical. It was that silliness that made it the perfect fit for this movie. It was structured just enough, while just being silly enough to enhance the comedy. Like I said, there were obvious logical issues, but what more can you expect from a comedy?
The humor was fantastic. Just enough silliness to please the potty-humor crowd, while having some pop culture jokes and references as well. Well written and funny throughout. The cast was perfect for this too, providing the diversity needed for the jokes to be pulled off. The group had such conflicting personalities that it just made everything that much funnier. The only issue here is that it wasn't as quotable as many recent blockbuster comedies have been. While it was certainly funny throughout, there weren't many laugh-out-loud moments of hilarity.
This movie was well dont done and definitely surpassed my expectations. Minor issues keep it from being spectacular, but it is definitely worth a watch. 4/5 stars.
-Joe
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
TV Week of 3/19
Good TV this week, especially considering that I got to watch it all due to spring break.
My CBS Monday shows were all reruns, so nothing to talk about there. However, I did get to watch the Ricky Gervais show for the first time and I thouroughly enjoyed it. As I type this, I'm eagerly awaiting the new episode that airs in about an hour. The show is a cartoon adaptation of Ricky's wildly popular radio show from around ten years back. Two cohosts and Gervais himself talk about anything and everything, often leading to exchanges that are quite funny, if not completely random. I highly recommend checking this one out on HBO.
American Idol is still ho hum. Nothing to see here.
Being off from school, I was able to watch Robot Chicken for the first time in a while. The newer episodes don't have the kick as the older ones do, which is dissapointing. I'm still a huge fan of the older ones, but the new ones are taking the show in the wrong direction. They tend to have fewer sketches, which are longer timewise to compensate. I don't think that was a good choice; the older ones have some hilarious 5-seconders, which leads to gut-busting strings of a dozen or more sketches. Still a funny show, but not the comedic genious I've come to expect from Doug Goldstein and Tom Root.
Thursday night from NBC was just a amusing as ever. If anyone is not watching their three hour block of comedy on Thursday nights, I highly recommend that they start. The Office and 30 Rock are still just as funny as ever, and Parks and Recreation is really beginning to pick up. Last night's episode was very well-written and extremely funny, and it should be Hulu'ed as soon as you finish reading this. Andy Samberg guest stared too, which made it even better. Community and The Marriage Ref are two new additions to the lineup, and both can be very funny. Community is my favorite new show, for combining dry humor with a diverse cast. The writing is superb and the acting even better. Its an all-around great show. The Marriage Ref is hit or miss, depending on the cast (which changes weekly), but can be very funny as well.
Thats about all for now, have a great weekend everyone!
-Joe
My CBS Monday shows were all reruns, so nothing to talk about there. However, I did get to watch the Ricky Gervais show for the first time and I thouroughly enjoyed it. As I type this, I'm eagerly awaiting the new episode that airs in about an hour. The show is a cartoon adaptation of Ricky's wildly popular radio show from around ten years back. Two cohosts and Gervais himself talk about anything and everything, often leading to exchanges that are quite funny, if not completely random. I highly recommend checking this one out on HBO.
American Idol is still ho hum. Nothing to see here.
Being off from school, I was able to watch Robot Chicken for the first time in a while. The newer episodes don't have the kick as the older ones do, which is dissapointing. I'm still a huge fan of the older ones, but the new ones are taking the show in the wrong direction. They tend to have fewer sketches, which are longer timewise to compensate. I don't think that was a good choice; the older ones have some hilarious 5-seconders, which leads to gut-busting strings of a dozen or more sketches. Still a funny show, but not the comedic genious I've come to expect from Doug Goldstein and Tom Root.
Thursday night from NBC was just a amusing as ever. If anyone is not watching their three hour block of comedy on Thursday nights, I highly recommend that they start. The Office and 30 Rock are still just as funny as ever, and Parks and Recreation is really beginning to pick up. Last night's episode was very well-written and extremely funny, and it should be Hulu'ed as soon as you finish reading this. Andy Samberg guest stared too, which made it even better. Community and The Marriage Ref are two new additions to the lineup, and both can be very funny. Community is my favorite new show, for combining dry humor with a diverse cast. The writing is superb and the acting even better. Its an all-around great show. The Marriage Ref is hit or miss, depending on the cast (which changes weekly), but can be very funny as well.
Thats about all for now, have a great weekend everyone!
-Joe
Saturday, March 13, 2010
She's Out of My League
From the previews, "She's Out of My League" looked hilarious. It delivered in that regard, and exceeded expectations in others.
The story follows Kirk (Jay Baruchel), an airport security guard with no self-confidence but a huge heart. When Kirk is granted the good fortune to meet a "solid 10" named Molly (Alice Eve), she asks him out several times as a way of dating someone "safe". Kirk's friends and family start to agitate the relationship, however, and Kirk struggles with the concept of dating a woman so gorgeous.
Jay Baruchel was perfect for his part. Not only did his physical apearance fit the part, but he also was able to really get into character and it was very convincing. Eve wasn't particularly outstanding and was obviously chosen for her looks, but she wasn't bad at all. Kirk's friends, Stainer (TJ Miller), Jack (Mike Vogel), and Devon(Nate Torrence), were all very good for their parts, and their group dynamic was quite funny. Miller had a particullarly noteworthy performence. Most of the smaller parts did at least decently and the whole cast felt well done.
The story is where this comedy particularly shines. The whole thing was a nice twist on the classic date movie story, and it was well executed. Making it a comedy definitely allowed for more character depth and it really allowed the concept to be fully explored. Even though it wasn't constantly funny, there was just enough to make it work. The comedy enhanced the story and the story enhanced the comedy. It's nice to finally see a hilarious movie that is also intellectually stimulating. They're rare these days.
With incredible dry humor and a unique and compelling plotline, "She's Out of My League" was quite a sucess. If you're expecting gut-busting, immature humor throughout, however, look elsewhere. This is a adult movie with comedy interweaved with a well-written story. Very well done. 4.5/5 stars
-Joe
The story follows Kirk (Jay Baruchel), an airport security guard with no self-confidence but a huge heart. When Kirk is granted the good fortune to meet a "solid 10" named Molly (Alice Eve), she asks him out several times as a way of dating someone "safe". Kirk's friends and family start to agitate the relationship, however, and Kirk struggles with the concept of dating a woman so gorgeous.
Jay Baruchel was perfect for his part. Not only did his physical apearance fit the part, but he also was able to really get into character and it was very convincing. Eve wasn't particularly outstanding and was obviously chosen for her looks, but she wasn't bad at all. Kirk's friends, Stainer (TJ Miller), Jack (Mike Vogel), and Devon(Nate Torrence), were all very good for their parts, and their group dynamic was quite funny. Miller had a particullarly noteworthy performence. Most of the smaller parts did at least decently and the whole cast felt well done.
The story is where this comedy particularly shines. The whole thing was a nice twist on the classic date movie story, and it was well executed. Making it a comedy definitely allowed for more character depth and it really allowed the concept to be fully explored. Even though it wasn't constantly funny, there was just enough to make it work. The comedy enhanced the story and the story enhanced the comedy. It's nice to finally see a hilarious movie that is also intellectually stimulating. They're rare these days.
With incredible dry humor and a unique and compelling plotline, "She's Out of My League" was quite a sucess. If you're expecting gut-busting, immature humor throughout, however, look elsewhere. This is a adult movie with comedy interweaved with a well-written story. Very well done. 4.5/5 stars
-Joe
Monday, March 8, 2010
Random Musings
Just thought I'd talk about some random stuff since I haven't seen any movies or substantial shows lately.
First, The Marriage Ref was a pretty good show. It premiered last Thursday and wasn't half bad. The idea is that a random panel of celebrities comments on the arguments married couples have. Some of the arguments are quite random too, which adds to the hilarity. I'm not sure if the funniness of the pilot was due to the show simply being funny, or if it was that specific trifecta of judges. We'll find out Thursday I suppose.
This next one is a bit random, but it needs to be said: Dave Chappelle is still the funniest comedian of the 21st century. Bar none. Just saying. The Rick James sketch is still the best of all time.
I just finished watching Rules of Engagement and I'm definitely glad it's back on. Warburton is perfect for his part and I'm a big fan of David Spade. Adhir Kalyan is surprisingly good hear as well, joining the cast just last season as Spade's assisstant. This is a weekly one to watch for me for sure.
Last but certainly not least is last night's Oscars. Most of them were fine by me, but I feel like Up in the Air (and more specifically George Clooney) flew severely under the radar. I was really pulling for District 9 in several places, especially writing, but I understand that not everyone was as crazy about it as I was. A good night, just a couple questionable ones.
My next post most likely be Shes's Out of My League, which I am very much looking forward too. Thanks for reading.
-Joe
First, The Marriage Ref was a pretty good show. It premiered last Thursday and wasn't half bad. The idea is that a random panel of celebrities comments on the arguments married couples have. Some of the arguments are quite random too, which adds to the hilarity. I'm not sure if the funniness of the pilot was due to the show simply being funny, or if it was that specific trifecta of judges. We'll find out Thursday I suppose.
This next one is a bit random, but it needs to be said: Dave Chappelle is still the funniest comedian of the 21st century. Bar none. Just saying. The Rick James sketch is still the best of all time.
I just finished watching Rules of Engagement and I'm definitely glad it's back on. Warburton is perfect for his part and I'm a big fan of David Spade. Adhir Kalyan is surprisingly good hear as well, joining the cast just last season as Spade's assisstant. This is a weekly one to watch for me for sure.
Last but certainly not least is last night's Oscars. Most of them were fine by me, but I feel like Up in the Air (and more specifically George Clooney) flew severely under the radar. I was really pulling for District 9 in several places, especially writing, but I understand that not everyone was as crazy about it as I was. A good night, just a couple questionable ones.
My next post most likely be Shes's Out of My League, which I am very much looking forward too. Thanks for reading.
-Joe
Thursday, March 4, 2010
American Idol Week 2
So here I am again, watching American Idol for the millionth year in a row. I didn't bother commenting on week 1 because it was terrible, but I think everyone improved enough that I can comment on this week.
First off, the guys all got much better. Every single one. Michael Lynche started things off strong, showing his real talent for the first time in my opinion. He improved immensely from last week and I found his rendition of "It's a Man's World" enjoyable and refreshing. Andrew Garcia also gave a great performance despite what the judges said, although it still didn't live up to "Straight Up" from Hollywood week (if you still haven't seen it, check it out here). Regardless, it was definitely better than last week's. Other than those two, Lee Dewyze and Alex Lambert continued their ascent, getting better and more confident as time goes on. If they can let go of their nerves, the other contestants better watch out. Jermaine Sellers and Tim Urban are my picks for elimination, although I wouldn't be surprised if legions of young girls kept Tim in it for a few more weeks.
The girls, on the other hand, were just as bad as last week for me. Crystal Bowersox was fantastic, as I'm sure everyone knows by now, but she was the only one. No one else is memorable; it's like they're happy being mediocre. No one is taking chances and it's going to hurt them if they don't get their act together. Didi Benami and Haeley Vaughn are most likely going home.
Still a crappy season but at least it's getting better.
-Joe
First off, the guys all got much better. Every single one. Michael Lynche started things off strong, showing his real talent for the first time in my opinion. He improved immensely from last week and I found his rendition of "It's a Man's World" enjoyable and refreshing. Andrew Garcia also gave a great performance despite what the judges said, although it still didn't live up to "Straight Up" from Hollywood week (if you still haven't seen it, check it out here). Regardless, it was definitely better than last week's. Other than those two, Lee Dewyze and Alex Lambert continued their ascent, getting better and more confident as time goes on. If they can let go of their nerves, the other contestants better watch out. Jermaine Sellers and Tim Urban are my picks for elimination, although I wouldn't be surprised if legions of young girls kept Tim in it for a few more weeks.
The girls, on the other hand, were just as bad as last week for me. Crystal Bowersox was fantastic, as I'm sure everyone knows by now, but she was the only one. No one else is memorable; it's like they're happy being mediocre. No one is taking chances and it's going to hurt them if they don't get their act together. Didi Benami and Haeley Vaughn are most likely going home.
Still a crappy season but at least it's getting better.
-Joe
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