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Movie Review: “Minions” Continue to Charm in the Adorable Animated Prequel

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : July 9, 2015
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Category: Movie Reviews

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We all loved the villain-worshiping Minions from the hilarious Despicable Me films, but can the Twinkie-looking creatures succeed in starring in their own animated feature? Parents and children rest easy, because the Minions triumph in their leading roles.

As we see in the beginning of the film, Minions have been around for centuries and were born to serve a “despicable” master. Finding a leader was easy. But keeping one seemed to be a problem, as death would quickly follow them. Eventually the Minions have no one to serve, and manage to live a “normal life” amongst themselves. Unfortunately, not being able to oblige their true purpose in life has made them feel weary and restless.

Though we see ALL the hundreds of Minions (voiced by Pierre Coffin), we focus on the three hoping to save the group from a meaningless life. Kevin, Stuart, and Bob set out to find a new evil master. It isn’t long before they are recruited by the devious, super-villain, Scarlet Overkill (voiced by Sandra Bullock). But before they can rejoice in the fact that they’ve found a new master and home for their family, they must complete one evil task. Steal The Queen of England’s crown so that Scarlet may take over the world! Or, if they fail to complete this mission- be destroyed.

Unlike Despicable Me, the plot of Minions is thin and there isn’t much depth to the story. However, they do squeeze a lot of lemonade with the one lemon their given. We’re introduced to many new, fun characters. Some of whom are voiced by Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, and Jon Hamm. And yes, you will see a young Gru and find out just how the Minions met their MOST despicable master.

The simple premise is stretched out for a duration of 91 fully entertaining minutes. Maybe it’s the fast pace story-line? Maybe it’s the laughable, slapstick comedy? Or maybe it’s that these little yellow guys are just so darn cute, you can’t help but enjoy watching them no matter what. I can’t really pinpoint it.

Minions doesn’t offer much besides a good time and some chuckles for the audience. Ultimately, it’s interesting to see the origins of Gru’s ever so loyal Minions and find out how they came to meet. For the parents who want to take their kids to the theater this weekend, Minions is not only a safe choice, but it’s a delightful, fun-loving, animated film.

Rating: 3.5/5

Minions opens in theaters July 10.

“Minions” Official Trailer HD

Movie Review: “Ted 2” – Same Raunchy Jokes in a Less Satisfying Sequel

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : June 26, 2015
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The crude, childhood bear that miraculously came to life is back! And this time around he’s ready to start a family of his own.

The film begins with Ted (Voiced by Seth MacFarlane) getting married to his girlfriend from the previous film, Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth). The two are more in love than ever, and it seems that everyone is having a great time. Everyone that is, except for John (Mark Wahlberg). He and Mila Kunis’ character have now divorced. It’s been six months and he still hasn’t been able to get back into the game.  No, he just continues to mope, smoke weed, and watch A LOT of porn.


A year goes by, and marriage bliss quickly faded for the newlyweds. They are constantly at each other’s throats. Luckily, they are advised to have baby. Apparently, having a child is a sure way to fix a marriage! Once the couple decides on adoption, it is discovered that the state doesn’t recognize Ted as a person. He is eventually revoked of his basic civil rights and his personhood when the courts declare him to be property. Ted’s marriage is annulled and he loses his job. Naturally, they take this to court, and are defended by the young, attractive, inexperienced lawyer, Samantha (Amanda Seyfried).

For the most part Ted 2 does its best to stay original and refrain from a copycat sequel. The only time this fails is when we see the return of psycho Donny (Giovanni Ribisi). He has teamed up with a Hasbro executive and plans to kidnap Ted, AGAIN, and hopefully make millions of Teds for little kids all over the world. Because this was such a big part of the first film, this subplot just felt a tad forced and desperate. It’s as if they thought movie didn’t have enough conflict and was lacking a true climatic moment. Honestly, I would have been interested to see a new villain with new motives.

If you couldn’t already figure out the new love interest for John, it doesn’t matter. Whether or not, you liked Mila Kunis’ character, there was a lot more depth to their relationship. John and his new love make no difference to the film whatsoever, and are just another uninteresting subplot. Though she does make for a great pun of some hilarious jokes.

There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and the film is extremely entertaining. But this movie doesn’t quite stick like the first one. Even with the parallels of America’s history of prejudice and intolerance, which was effective at times, the film still can’t scratch the surface of its dirty, college humor. Nonetheless, for fans of the first film, Ted 2 is still worth the watch.

Rating: 3/5

Ted 2 opens in theaters June 26.

“Ted 2” Official Trailer HD

Interview: “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” Cast and Director

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : June 18, 2015
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Category: Interviews, Movie Reviews

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Perhaps the best movie of the year, “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is a funny, poignant drama reminiscent of the great John Hughes films from the 80’s. I sat down with stars Thomas Mann, Olivia Cooke, RJ Cyler and director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon to discuss first impressions, what they hope people remember about them after they are gone, and more!

“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” opens in theaters June 19.

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Movie Review: “Pitch Perfect 2” is an Aca-Awesome Sequel

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : May 15, 2015
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The Barden Bellas are back and ready to pitch-slap the world’s best a cappella groups!

It’s been three years since we last saw our Bella’s beat out the exuberant Treblemakers for the national title. Since then, they have gone on to be reigning champs. But just before this all female singing group could finish out their college careers with 4 straight national wins, an unfortunate mishap occurs during a live broadcast performance at the White House. This results in the Bellas being banned from competing in the United States. Their one shot at redemption and reinstatement is to win the international competition, in which no American group has ever won. To make matters worse the undefeated champs from Germany, Das Sound Machine, are incredible!

Anna Kendrick returns as Beca, the aspiring music producer, who is now focused more on life after college and is secretly interning at a record label.  Brittany Snow also returns as Chloe, who purposely is failing college every year so that she may remain a Bella. And we are introduced to a new freshman, Emily (Hailee Steinfeld), who desperately wants to become a Barden Bella.

For the most part, Pitch Perfect 2 hits all the right notes. For starters, the film skips straight to the girl’s senior year in college and avoids dragged out year by year sequels. Also, Beca and Jesse (Skylar Astin) are still together and going strong. Nice to see they didn’t have a dramatic break up that would lead to an inevitable reunion. Only problem here is we don’t get nearly enough time with the lovable Skylar Astin. I would have much rather watched more of Jesse’s plan for life after college versus any time spent with newcomer, Emily. I can’t quite put my finger on why Steinfield never clicked with me. Other than her character writing the touching, original song “Flashlight,” Emily is just wasted time that could be spent on the growth of an already beloved character.

Speaking of beloved characters, Bumper (Adam DeVine) and Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) are still keeping their love affair under-wraps. It’s a hilarious and unique pairing that audiences will surely enjoy.

Pitch Perfect 2 is definitely flashier than the first film, yet it is also less charming. Under the direction of Elizabeth Banks, the movie focuses on a sort of girl power theme. That isn’t a bad thing, but it would have been nice to maybe see a collaboration between the Treblemakers and Barden Bellas. It’s a performance I still hope to see one day.

Overall I praise the film for its effort in an original sequel.  Instead of recycling story-lines, they allow their characters to develop through new experiences while also highlighting how bittersweet it can be to move on after college.

There is no doubt that fans of the first film will be satisfied with Pitch Perfect 2.  The movie is an extremely fun, comedy packed with awe-inspiring musical numbers to which you can’t help but sing-along.

Rating: 4/5

Pitch Perfect 2 opens in theaters May 15.

“Pitch Perfect 2” Official Trailer HD

Movie Review: “Hot Pursuit” is a Hot Mess that Fails in Every Aspect

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : May 8, 2015
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Not even the Oscar-winning lead actress can save this pathetic excuse for a comedy.

I’m not really sure why Reese Witherspoon signed on to this film. She certainly doesn’t need the work, and the movie is slightly beneath her. But I guess she felt after her captivating performance in Wild, she would just do a flick that requires much less thought and effort.

Hot Pursuit might as well be this year’s Tammy; a lazy, predictable, disaster road trip comedy that manages to have everything go wrong up until it’s final destination. We’ve seen this formula many times. For the most part, films like these never have any real substance, and the slapstick comedy fails to produce any real laughs. The exceptions are a few rare gems like Dumb and Dumber, Overnight Delivery, and Road Trip (Personal favorites).

In Hot Pursuit Reese Witherspoon plays, Cooper, an uptight, by-the-book cop who is stuck working in the evidence room. She has no life and no boyfriend. She’s too intense and scares guys off. But things start looking up for Cooper, when her boss assigns her to protect a newly widowed drug dealer’s wife, Daniella (Sofia Vergara). She must get Daniella safely to Dallas so that she may testify against a murderous drug lord. Of course, what should be a simple task turns into a road trip from hell. As they race through Texas, they are chased by dirty cops and vicious gunmen. They never seem to catch a break. And in a twisted turn of events, they suddenly become two wanted fugitives.

Oh and if you were concerned about Officer Cooper’s love life, don’t be. She runs into a random man (Robert Kazinsky) who’s had trouble with the law himself, and what do you know? He likes how intense she is. It’s a forced romance that lacks chemistry, intrigue, and in all honesty is completely forgettable.

I wish I could say Hot Pursuit was at least funny at times, but the film uses recycled shticks that are poorly executed. The story-line and jokes have no originality, and I could care less about these characters. That might be the most frustrating aspect of the film. Cooper and Daniella never seem to connect with each other, nor do they “make a good team.” A redeeming factor in a comedy that begins with two people hating each other is the end result of them finally caring for one another. Unfortunately, throughout their journey, Cooper and Daniella never have a genuine moment where the audience can believe that these two would become “real” friends.

Hot Pursuit might as well not even be on your radar this weekend. There are plenty of other great films out that provide a much better source of entertainment. Just go see Avengers: Age of Ultron, or Ex Mchina, or literally anything else.

Rating: 1.5/5

Hot Pursuit open in theaters May 8.

Movie Review: “Dumb and Dumber To” Suffices for a Sequel

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 14, 2014
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It’s been 20 years since we last saw Lloyd and Harry traveling together to “sunny Aspen, Colorado.”  Now they’ve come back for another disastrous road trip.  Only this time, the drive is a lot less fun.

For the past 20 years Lloyd (Jim Carrey) has been hospitalized due to his heart break over “Mary Samsonite.”  Harry (Jeff Daniels) has been visiting him every week, changing his diaper and urine bag.  But when Harry tells Lloyd he must stop visiting due to his own new-found illness, we learn that Lloyd is fine and this has just been an elaborate prank.  After the two stop laughing over the unfathomable joke, they focus on the fact that Harry needs a relative to donate a kidney so that he may live.  He soon discovers that he has daughter, Penny (Rachel Melvin), that was given up for adoption by his ex-girlfriend Friada (Kathleen Turner).  With Friada’s resources, the two are able to seek out Penny and hopefully gain her kidney.  What follows is an inappropriate love interest, new enemies, deceit, and of course, the predictable slap stick comedy.

If you hated the first Dumb and Dumber for some reason, refrain from ever watching this sequel.  The Farrelly brothers have basically recycled the premise and numerous jokes from the previous movie only to result in what I’d call a weak synonym.  Fans will either find their formula nostalgic or just plain lazy.

It is obvious Carrey came prepared to give 110% for his return as the dim-witted Lloyd Christmas.  However, I can’t say the same for his best friend.  Daniels does an adequate job playing Harry Dunne, but it’s clear Jim Carrey has taken full control of the wheel during this second ride.

Dumb and Dumber To is worth the watch for fans of the original.  Go in with low expectations, enjoy as many laughs as you can squeeze out from the film, and come out somewhat content.

Side note: Stick around for the end of the closing credits.

Rating: 2.5/5

“Dumb and Dumber To” Official Trailer HD

Dallas: Win Passes to a Special Advanced Screening of “Laggies”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : October 14, 2014
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Category: Movie Reviews, Special Events

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LAGGIES

Monday, October 27, 2014
7:30 PM
AMC NorthPark 15
8687 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, TX 75225

To enter and win passes for this screening you can either go to www.gofobo.com/rsvp and enter this code: TCFLIX7JT6

OR

Direct Link – http://l.gofobo.us/wmON9HAZ

Synopsis

Overeducated and underemployed, 28 year old Megan (Keira Knightley) is in the throes of a quarterlife crisis. Squarely into adulthood with no career prospects, no particular motivation to think about her future and no one to relate to, Megan is comfortable lagging a few steps behind – while her friends check off milestones and celebrate their new grown-up status. When her high-school sweetheart (Mark Webber) proposes, Megan panics and– given an unexpected opportunity to escape for a week – hides out in the home of her new friend, 16-year old Annika (Chloë Grace Moretz) and Annika’s world-weary single dad Craig (Sam Rockwell).

Lynn Shelton, whose unique directorial voice created such astutely observed comedies as YOUR SISTER’S SISTER and HUMPDAY, crafts a sweet, coming-of-age romantic comedy about three people who find their lives intertwined in the most unconventional way. Keira Knightley shines as Megan, a rare female slacker hero who shows us that while you never stop growing up, you can choose stop lagging, and start living on your terms.

OPENING DATE:          Opens in select theaters Friday, October 31, 2014

Rated R for language, some sexual material and teen partying.

Movie Review: “The Skeleton Twins” Provides Enough Meat on the Bones of this Indie Gem

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : September 19, 2014
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Girl Most Likely was a disappointing, failed attempt at the indie genre for Kristen Wiig.  So much so, that my standards were kept low when walking into The Skeleton Twins.  But, once again, Wiig’s unsurprising chemistry with another SNL alum creates an on-screen bond that immediately pulls you into their story.

The Skeleton Twins (directed by Craig Johnson, and written by Johnson and Mark Heyman) solely focuses on its two title characters.  Bill Hader channels his inner “Stefon” as Milo, the snarky, gay, depressed out-of-work LA actor.  He opens the film with an attempted suicide that reunites him and his twin sister Maggie (Wiig), who he hasn’t seen in 10 years.  Like her brother, Maggie is also unhappy, but hides her depression behind her marriage to a happy-go-lucky, Luke Wilson, to whom she has had trouble staying faithful.  Maggie insists Milo stay with them until she knows he is okay.  Milo agrees to come back to New York to live with Maggie for a little while.  At this point, the two of them attempt to revisit their past, try to make adjustments to their disturbed selves, and finally realize how important it is for their well-being to have each other in their lives.

What really makes the thematic material in The Skeleton Twins so grasping is that it has such an understanding on a siblings’ connection.  Throughout the film it’s referenced that the two had a rough upbringing, which has forced them to rely on one another since childhood.  Even though Maggie and Milo are miserable with their lives, their presence together is a silver lining.  The two not only share a bond, but also understand each other completely.  They make jokes, get high, and even have one of the best scenes this year, a sing-a-long to Starship’s “Nothing Gonna Stop Us Now.”

The Skeleton Twins’ grim tone throughout the film is balanced with its uplifting message of how sometimes the person in your life who completes you can make you realize why life is worth living.  There is also enough comic relief through Wiig and Hader’s hilarious, witty banter for you to continuously have a laugh.  Watching these two on-screen together is a rare treat no one should miss.

Rating: 4.5/5

The Skeleton Twins opens in select theaters September 19.

Movie Review: “And So It Goes” is a Generic Feel-Good Family Film

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : July 24, 2014
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Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton team up for the first time in a comedy that will warm your heart, but most likely escape your mind once you leave the theater.

Oren Little ( Douglas ) is a successful, self-centered realtor living in a somewhat secluded, peaceful home.  But, his life is quickly turned upside down when his estranged adult son shows up out of the blue and drops a bomb on him.  He is about go to jail for nine-months and needs his dad to look after his almost 10 year-old daughter, Sarah (Sterling Jerins).   At first Oren is adamant that he won’t be looking after the granddaughter he never knew existed.   Luckily, Leah (Diane Keaton), the kind, self-less next door neighbor steps in assuring Oren’s son that she will be in good hands.  And so, begins a story you can probably already predict.

Love is not just felt for young Sarah; it is also spreading its way to an unlikely couple.  Leah and Oren share a sweet romance, but not an exciting one.  Michael Douglas definitely still has “it.”  Charm, wit, class, he exudes all of it when he is on screen.   Diane Keaton on the other hand offers some shrilling and quite annoying cries throughout the film.  The cries aren’t as bad as they were in Something’s Gotta Give, but my gosh.  Whoever thought the constant whiney sobs of woman are hilarious is seriously mistaken.  Keaton plays a very likeable character and caring one at that, but somehow her moments of comedy failed to produce any real laughs.  Douglas and Keaton have great chemistry as friends, but as lovers their relationship felt forced.

Though the romantic aspect of And So It Goes was weak, the family story-line was surprisingly enjoyable.  Seeing Oren with his granddaughter or even his limited moments with his son can’t help but make you smile.

And So It Goes hardly stands out among the films currently in theaters, and I can’t even say it should be in your top choices to see this summer.  However, if you are in the mood for a light, uplifting, and simple comedy, then I do recommend you sit back and enjoy this endearing story.

Rating: 2.5/5

And So It Goes hits theaters July 25.

And So It Goes Official Trailer HD

Movie Review: “Tammy” Puts a Halt in Melissa McCarthy’s Winning Streak

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : July 2, 2014
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She made us cry laughing in Bridesmaid. She had us falling out of our seats in The Heat.  And she was the only good thing in The Hangover 3.  But, Melissa McCarthy’s hilarity hits a bump in her latest comedy, Tammy.

In a cliché, slapstick comedy way, Tammy (McCarthy) has the worst day of her life. She totals her car after hitting a deer; she gets fired from her job at a burger joint, and then comes home to find out her husband is having an affair with the neighbor. After running home to her mom’s house she decides she needs to get of town and clear her head. Grandma Pearl (Susan Sarandon), who has a car and plenty of cash, overhears everything and forces Tammy to take her along for the ride. Thus begins the typical, reckless road trip where everything goes wrong.

The film is filled with an all-star cast, including Kathy Bates, Sandra Oh, Alison Janney, Mark Duplass, and many more. So you know the acting wasn’t the problem.

I don’t mind the movie’s generic story-line; it’s more that I expect a certain level of laughs when watching McCarthy now. The majority of the so called comedic moments was so weak and forced that I felt like I watching an Adam Sandler rom-com. Frankly, the script was lazy.

Fans are better off skipping Tammy and re-watching The Heat as we wait and hope for better from Melissa McCarthy’s upcoming projects.

Rating: 2/5

“Tammy” Official Trailer HD