"Wealth, Travel, Fame…I can take you to movies that have all of that." -Me and Orson Welles
“This is a game of wit, cunning and deception. Fourteen strangers enter a glamorous lakeside estate and in each of their rooms is a mysterious box....
Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway return to portray their iconic roles as Miranda Priestley and Andy Sachs. While some may have been skeptical at first, this...
Featuring 1,200 synchronized illuminated drones moving in perfect harmony with the unforgettable music, this extraordinary experience celebrates 25 Years...
“Long-buried wounds rise to the surface when iconic pop star Mother Mary (Anne Hathway) reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume...
Have you ever dared to ask yourself, what’s the worst thing you have ever done? In the new dark comedy, The Drama, the answer rocks the lives and...
I sat down with Wyatt Russell, J. Quinton Johnson, & Glen Powell, stars of Richard Linklater’s hilarious new film, “Everybody Wants Some”. We discussed self discoveries, how to hit on girls when your in college, and films they felt gave them insight into the High School and College years!
“Everybody Wants Some” opens in theaters April 8.
Fourteen years ago “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” was the word-of-mouth hit that surprised everyone with its slow success. Such a simple plot, with lovable characters. The simplicity is why the film was so great. Writer and star, Nia Vardalos who play Toula, took the time to not only write a thought-out plot, but also give proper character development to both the lead and supporting cast. Which is why we cared so much about each and every person in the movie.
Now, the Portokalos has returned and expanded. Toula (Vardalos) and Ian (John Corbett) have a 17 year-old daughter, Paris (Elena Kampouris), whose just about had it with her smothering Greek family. As she begins to apply for college she must decide between a school near by or out of state, adding worry to her already troubled parents. But this is not the only story-line. You see in this sequel we are given multiple plots that are somewhat interesting.
While trying to find out if Alexander the Great is one of his ancestors, Gus (Michael Constantine), discovers that his marriage license was not signed by the priest, meaning him and Maria (Lainie Kazan) were never officially married. This is where the wedding part comes in. Maria demands a “real” proposal and “real” wedding…que the cliche montage of the quirky wedding preparations. All the while, Toula is so busy trying to fix her parent’s marriage, that she is neglecting her own.
Yes, there is a lot going on in this film. Luckily, its not so much that you can’t follow the story. It’s just hard to care about so many different plots. It would have been nicer, if “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” followed its predecessor’s formula and stuck to one central focus.
I do admire the film for at least attempting an original story instead of recycling from the previous film. And even though the movie wasn’t anything special, it was still enjoyable. Luckily, we had the pleasure of knowing all these characters in a better setting, so regardless of the subpar premise, I was still happy to see their current situations.
Ultimately, the greatest factor of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” was the merging of two different cultures and how though it can involve a lot of hilarious obstacles, there is a genuine and heart-warming quality about seeing two different people accepting each other and their families. “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” just didn’t have that kind of heart to it.
That being said “My Big fat Greek Wedding 2” is still worth a watch. Fans will get enough laughs out of the jokes and be happy to see the entire cast reunited again.
Rating: 3/5
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” opens in theaters March 25.
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” Official Trailer HD
I sat down with directors Byron Howard & Rich Moore to discuss their incredible new animated film, “Zootopia”. We talked about not giving up on your dream job, the stereotypes directors fight against and which message from a film impacted them the most as a kid!
John Magaro plays Charlie Geller in “The Big Short”, the new release from Paramount Pictures that continues the movement of socially conscious dramas. This story begins just prior to the financial implosion the mid-2000s that was precipitated by the abrupt end of the housing boom. I sat down with Mr. Magaro to discuss film – and finances.
Okay, let’s not get ahead ourselves. Yes, this film is easily predictable, cheesy, and at times very unrealistic. But with the past few months being filled with intense and dramatic Oscar contenders, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey’s new comedy is just the break we all need.
Directed by Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect) and written by Paula Pell (Saturday Night Live); Sisters follows Maura (Poehler) and Kate (Fey), two sisters who are in two totally different ruts. While Maura struggles with focusing too much on helping others instead of herself, Kate can’t seem to hold a job or even keep track of her daughter (Madison Davenport). To make matters worse they both find out their parents (James Brolin and Dianne Wiest) have decided to sell their childhood home. They return to their old house to clean out their rooms, but soon decide they must throw one last epic party with all their past classmates and Maura’s new crush (Ike Barinholtz) before saying goodbye. What starts off as a dull gathering of old friends, soon turns into a wild and unforgettable rager.
Beyond the slapstick comedy, there is heart. Maura’s need to take on other people’s problems versus dealing with her own and Kate’s inability to take on adult responsibilities adds depth and relatability to these characters. As always, Poehler and Fey, have great chemistry. Though there are flaws and the party might have dragged a little too long. It’s hard to notice or care through the charm of this dynamic duo.
It was also nice to see Ike Barinholtz as an attractive love interest. A nice change from his over-the-top, annoying sidekick role we saw in Neighbors and currently on The Mindy Project. And pro wrestler, John Cena continues to show off his comedic chops after his hilarious role in Trainwreck.
Amy Poehler and Tina Fey’s last project, Baby Mama, still holds a soft spot for me, and I did care more for that story-line. However, Sisters is still enough of a good time that you won’t even think to make the comparison. So, if you are one of the few that could care less about seeing Star Wars this weekend, hit up Sisters and enjoy the party.
Sisters opens in theaters December 18.
Rating: 3.5/5
M. Knight Shyamalan was once known for his great films such as The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and Signs. Unfortunately, his more recent projects have subjected us to some underwhelming, pieces of crap like The Happening and After Earth. Well folks, I’m pleased to say that Shyamalan’s newest film, The Visit, succeeds as a highly entertaining horror-comedy!
Kathryn Hahn plays a single mother of two who has not spoken to her parents since she left home at the age of 19, and ran off with an older man. Now, her parents have reached out to her through the internet and ask that her children come to visit their Nana (Deanna Dunagan) and Pop Pop (Peter McRobbie), whom they’ve never met.
Per the kids’ wishes, the mom sends them to their grandparents’ isolated, Pennsylvania farmhouse in the woods for a week while she goes on a cruise with her new boyfriend. The eldest child, Becca (Olivia DeJonge), is an aspiring filmmaker. She takes this opportunity to document her entire trip, and hopefully uncover exactly what happened the day her mother walked out on her parents and maybe even mend their relationship. Alongside her, as a second camera operator is her younger, germ phobic, rapping brother, Tyler (Olivia DeJonge).
The trip starts all well and good, Nana makes plenty of tasty treats and Pop Pop enjoys listening to Tyler’s ridiculously, hilarious raps. Seems as though it will be a great week for the kids; that is until they discover why bed time is at 9:30pm. Nana goes from a harmless, nocturnal sleepwalker to a straight up psychotic, creepy, crawler within each passing night! And what exactly is Pop Pop doing when he disappears inside his mysterious shed?
As things are turning eerie fast, the kids are desperate to have their mother come get them before anymore craziness unfolds.
Shyamalan has not only redeemed himself as a filmmaker, but he has also brought originality to the found-footage genre. His combination of humor and terror will have audiences uncomfortably laughing while still on the edge of their seats as they nervously anticipate what’s to come.
The acting is good overall, especially when it comes to the two kids, who could have ruined the whole film if they were wrongly cast. Oxenbould was given some cheesy lines and potentially bad jokes, but his delivery and timing is so on point that you can’t help but enjoy every second he’s on screen. But the real stand out here is Nana. Dunagan gives an incredible performance as the disturbing grandmother who seesaws from sweet and nurturing to plain insanity.
The Visit provides comedy, horror, family, and best of all, a startling amount of effed up sh**. Literally!
Rating: 4/5
The Visit opens in theaters on September 11.
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.
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.
