Movie-Holic

Comedic films, like ‘Dinner for Schmucks’, are a genre where you must really like the ensemble so as you can enjoy the film itself. If there are a few in the cast where their type of comedy is not one which you generally enjoy, the movie then suffers because of it. However, there is always that silver lining that can possibly pull the move from the brink of utter disappointment into where you can at east chuckle a few times. For me, this is what happened with ‘Dinner for Schmucks’.

Being a fan of The Office I like to see how Steve Carell continues to grow as a comedic actor. I think the bumbling idiot type of character never grows old (as in Chris Farley, and vintage Jim Carey). And I was so glad that the movie centered around the innocent actions of Carell’s character. It was the type of things that you know are going to happen, but you feel bad as they happen. Of course, at the same time you are laughing at the various ridiculousness of Carell’s comedic style.

But…

Dinner for Schmucks The Basic Premise

The story of Dinner for Schmucks actually revolves around Tim (Paul Rudd) who is looking for advancement in his investment firm. However, in order to do that he must abide by some crazy dinner rules to evaluate executives. This “Dinner for Shmucks” then is how Rudd’s character meets up with Barry (Carell). A rather odd person, but one that you want to like.

As the story progresses, and Barry continues to wreck everything in Tim’s life, the dinner date gets closer and closer. Included in all of these mishaps is the usual girlfriend who is upset by the things going on, the complex series of events that are set off in a chain reaction, the crazy characters that are met along the way, and the torment within the main character over whether they should do the right thing or not.

While the plot is “cookie-cutter” in form it does leave you with some laughs and enjoyment.

Dinner For Schmucks The Downfall

What really keeps me from completely enjoying this movie is not the “cookie-cutter” plot, or the fact that Paul Rudd is yet again the main character. What really keeps this movie from scoring very high on my “must see again” meter is the forced issue of having Zach Galifianakis within the story line as an acquaintance (and nemesis) of Barry. It just didn’t work. At least for me. Of course, I’m not a fan of Galifianakis so that may play a large part of my troubles with this section of story.

The whole thing just seemed forced to me as if the writers, and director Jay Roach, wanted to add another comedic element. They really didn’t need to do that.

Dinner for Schmucks is Saved by Carell

Which leads me to my opening statements. The movie is saved by the presence of Carell. It is what kept me from turning it off and moving on to another. Would I watch it again? Probably not, but it was good enough to laugh.

If you’re looking for a Steve Carell movie for a night at home, then pick up Dinner for Schmucks. It is good for a laugh or two.

Battle: Los Angeles is one of those movies that should have been one of the biggest hits of the year. But, because of the movie critics, it faltered.

I have for a long time had a love/hate relationship with movie critics. You know, those guys who get paid “the big bucks” for going to movies, sitting in premieres, rubbing shoulders with actors, and writing reviews, showing off the fact that they can use dictionary.com, ripping apart movies because they feel it is their God-given gift to do so? And, we, the little people, are suppose to take everything they say as the gospel truth as far as how great, or how deplorable, a movie it is.

Yeah well… movie critics suck.

Battle: Los Angeles Is Not A Critic Favorite

A quick look at what movie critics said about the movie Battle: Los Angeles would lead you to believe that is simply was the worse movie in existence. USA Today, Washington Post and Variety all gave the movie bad reviews. As well as hundreds of other movie websites, magazines, and newspapers. And, because of this, many people missed out on a tremendous fun-filled, chaotic ride.

Battle: Los Angeles – The Basics

There is a reason why I am coming down on movie critics in this review of Battle: Los Angeles. I was swayed by the many bad reviews and missed seeing this in a large theater. Opting instead to wait for Blu-Ray. Never again.

The movie itself is not just another alien invasion film like most of the critics suggested. While the concept is not original, when done correctly it is one that grips your imagination and heart.

Battle starts off with Staff Sergeant Michael Nantz (Aaron Eckhart having his retirement papers signed. After he finishes his current training detail he is out. However, alien invaders have different ideas. As a worldwide invasion commences, Nantz is pulled back into action. Joined with a platoon of Marines, led by newly commissioned Lt. Martinez (Ramon Rodriguez), they are given the task of traversing the streets of Santa Monica to get to a police station where some civilians are said to be taking refuge.

From then on, the movie is intense, chaotic, and at times, heart wrenching. The Marines, after reaching the police station, must hurry to get back to the F.O.B. (Forward Operating Base) before the Air Force levels the area with a enough bombs to sink California. However, the alien invaders have different ideas.

Battle: Los Angeles – The Acting

One of the biggest critical points of many of the movie critics was the actual dialogue throughout. After that was the acting on the part of Eckhart, Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Michael Pena, Ne-Yo, and Bridget Moynahan. And, I will have to agree with some of it to a point.

The dialogue was a little cliche. It was full of one-liners that were cheesy at best. Things like, “I’d go to hell and back for you.”, “I need you to be a brave little marine for me.”, and about ninety-nine calls of “Retreat, hell!” abounded throughout the movie. While many of the critics treated this with contempt. It didn’t bother me. In fact, it added to the craziness that was Battle: Los Angeles

Battle: Los Angeles – Huge Over the Top Action

Because of the bad reviews I was not expecting much out of Battle I even set it for a late night viewing, so if I fell asleep I wouldn’t worry about missing anything. But, as the movie got the action started, I didn’t have to worry about falling asleep. My heart got racing so fast that I found myself having to hit the pause button just to calm down.

As the Marines start onto the streets of Santa Monica the action is non-stop. There are several instances of fire fights, explosions, people being blown up, saving kids from falling, and “painting” the big target. With very little time for letting you catch your breath before the next sequence started, Battle: Los Angeles solidifies itself into action movie stardom.

However, the action is not the only part that gets your heart pumping.

Intense, Heart Wrenching and Heart Warming

Without giving away too much about the movie, there are some kids at the police station when the Marines get there. Just the fact that there are children going through this ordeal gives the movie much more humanity and gives reason for some tugging at your heart strings. There are intense moments where you feel the fear, the pain, and the sadness from the children, and the Marines, throughout each sequence.

But, there is more.

I am opening myself up to being called too soft or sentimental with this. But, there were moments where I couldn’t help but swell up with… not really pride, but… awe. Awe at the strength, the perseverance, and the intensity of the characters. It made me feel like I was going through everything with them.

I realize not everyone will feel that way, but this intensity and the heart wrenching moments were really what cemented the movie as one of my favorites that I could watch over and over again. In fact, I’ve seen it three times within two days!

Battle: Los Angeles – Should You See It?

If you were swayed by the movie critics about this movie and missed out seeing it at the theaters, then I do feel sorry for you. Mainly because I can sympathize with you. I so wish I had seen Battle: Los Angeles on a big screen with theater sound. But, I didn’t.

And for that alone, movie critics suck.

If you like high octane action movies with intense moments, explosions, cheesy dialogue, and a tremendous display of human courage then Battle: Los Angeles is definitely for you. If you feel that District 9 was a good movie (like the USA Today critic), then there is no help for you anyway.

Battle: Los Angeles may not win an Oscar, but it should be seen. It is a fun flick that is great for anytime you want to enjoy an action packed ride at home. Watch it. You’ll be glad you did.

Battle: Los Angeles Movie Trailer

In the realm of “buddy” movies that involve a road trip, there are several instant classic hits. Due Date, which stars Robert Downey Jr. (Ironman) and Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover), was dubbed as the next great buddy movie that involved a cross country road trip.

Sadly, it didn’t turn out that way.

There were some moments where I thought Due Date was going to start getting funny, but was let down again and left with an empty 95 minutes of my life.

In the tradition of hilarious road trip movies such as Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Tommy Boy, The Blues Brothers, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, Dumb & Dumber, and even the cult classic Beavis & Butthead Do America stand head and shoulders above Due Date.

Due Date – A Quick Look

The movie had tremendous appeal for audiences because of the once again wildly popular Robert Downey Jr. and the mildly amusing Zach Galifianakis. Downey Jr. plays Peter Highman who is a highly strung architect who is in Atlanta at the time when his wife is getting near the date to deliver their first child. Hence, the name Due Date. He is tasked with the mission of going home to L.A. after a business meeting. This would not be any problem, except for the introduction of Ethan Tremblay (Galifianakis) into the story line.

From there things get progressively worse from being kicked off the flight they are both on to crashing the rental car off a bridge, one of them getting shot after being detained at the US/Mexican border.

As I said, tremendous appeal. It should have been a non-stop laugh fest. However, the laughs were very few and very forced at times. I actually felt like I had to laugh at certain points because the situation supposedly called for it.

Due Date – The Acting

I am not quite sure where the movie went wrong. With the power of both Downey Jr. and Galifianakis in the picture it should have been on par with Tommy Boy and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. The only problem with that is the lack of chemistry between the two was painfully evident.

Chris Farley and David Spade were made to act together. Everything they did turned into comedic gold. The same thing with John Candy and Steve Martin. They made those top “buddy” movies special because they were special together.

Downey Jr. and Galifianakis were not.

It’s not that they did a bad job of acting. They just didn’t go a good job together.

Due Date – The Comedic Element

As is the case with many movies the movie trailers and teasers make the movies seem much better than they actually are.

I was looking forward to this movie as the trailers were put together in such a way that they made you laugh. But, when you put the scenes in the context of the movie… the laughter just wasn’t there.

The comedy seemed forced as the relationship between the two characters were forced because of their situation.

Due Date – The Good

In every movie there has to be some good in it. I don’t care if it is the worse movie in the history of movies… there has to be at least one scene, one word, one moment where something good happens.

Jamie Foxx provides this with his appearance as Peter’s friend in Texas. Without giving any spoilers it involved a truck, Tremblay in the back, and speeding over large bumps in the road. I actually did laugh at that moment.

Due Date – The Verdict

If you are a fan of either one of these actors you might just find enjoyment in that alone. But, if you are looking for a good comedic movie… keep looking.

But…. if you want to waste 95 minutes of your life…

Click here to get the Due Date [Blu-ray]

Zach Snyder is well under way with the new Man of Steel movie. This Superman reboot has every fan holding their breath as to how well the final picture is actually going to be. For myself, I hope it is a cinematical masterpiece that exceeds all expectations. And, of course, action. Full on action.

Anyway, the Superman Homepage has some evidence that the movie is actually getting underway. They have posted what is said to be the structures for Clark Kent’s hometown of Smallville.

As you can see from the photos the buildings look they are built to resemble buildings that have sustained damage. Damage from what? Did Superman do it? We can only guess for now.

Man of Steel is going to have a star studded cast in Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Michael Shannon, Antje Traue, Russell Crowe, Julia Ormond and Christopher Meloni. Plans are for a December 2012 release.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon has opened up across the country and the reviews continue to pour in. I asked a few days ago if you were planning on going to the theater to see the new Transformers movie and let it out that I was going the day after opening.

Well, I have seen Transformers: Dark of the Moon and continue to try and catch my breath. This is a movie like no other. If you have already seen it, you know what I am talking about. If not, then you must go.

Transformers: The Basics

While this review is not concerned with how close the story, the robots, and the mayhem stayed with the actual cartoon, it is for those who simply love movies.

I grew up in the ’80′s, but was not a big Transformers fan. I didn’t watch the cartoons, didn’t play with the cars, and really couldn’t tell you any of the robot names other than Optimus Prime and MegaTron. And, I probably never will see the cartoons or play with the toys. But, I now love Transformers.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon is the third movie in the franchise – and most definitely the best one. It continues the story of the Transformers on earth, the life of Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), and the special detachment of service men that are assigned to work with the robots.

This particular installment focuses on the return of Sentinal Prime. A general of Cybertron who was lost when his ship was lost in space. The cargo in this ship was an invention that would save all of the Transformers from extinction. As the Decepticons hide out around the world, they maneuver the humans into finding the ship on the dark side of the moon along with the precious cargo.

From there mayhem ensues. And it is edge of your seat mayhem that does not stop until the end credits roll.

Transformers: A Review for Movie Lovers

As I mentioned, I have not been a fan of the Transformers toys or cartoons. So, coming into this review it is not about the “true” story. It is about the movie itself. And what a movie it is.

Michael Bay may have redeemed himself in the eyes of many Transformers fans after they shred The Revenge of the Fallen to bits of scrap metal. I can’t say much, I loved it. However, you can tell that a lot more thought went into Dark Side of the Moon. This goes into every aspect of the movie.

The action is elevated exponentially as well as the actual storyline and flow of each sequence. Gone is the choppy, almost forced, sequences. Only to be replaced with a seamless transition into each scene.

The same type of comedic instances (crass language, sexual innuendos, and witty comments) are found, but with a little less offense to them.

The biggest change overall would be the way that the robots are portrayed and interact. They actually look real. This, in my mind, cements it as one of the best action movies of all time. The realism is superb.

What About The Action?

Over the top sequences is what makes a truly memorable action thriller. And Michael Bay knows how to deliver that. I have to admit there was one aspect to the movie that I would give a low grade for. It took awhile to get into the action.

But, when it did… you didn’t dare to blink.

The first half of the movie consists of a lot of building up of the storyline. A lot of historical aspects are brought into the story to help the viewer understand what is actually going on. While this is necessary, I found it a little tedious. Then again, I just wanted the fighting, the explosions, the screaming, the mayhem to begin.

As the Decepticons began to put their plan into action, Dark of the Moon distanced itself from other action movies as an example. An example of how to do it right.

Fast, Non-Stop, Over the Top Action

The Decepticons take over Chicago, destroy buildings, and take a lot of human life. As the special forces sneak into the city they find an almost ‘War of the Worlds’ type invasion. Without releasing any spoilers, the team heads into a skyscraper in order to shoot a rocket into one of the ‘pillars’ that the Decepticons are using to bring Cybertron into Earth’s proximity. From there it gets fast, furious, non-stop and breathtaking.

The fight scenes between Autobots and Decepticons – especially when Optimus Prime goes on a rampage – are much better than the first two installments.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon – Should You See It?

When it comes to summer blockbusters, Transformers: Dark of the Moon is exactly what one should be. It is pure high-octane enjoyment for anyone looking for a thrilling ride at the movies. The first hour and a half is a little slow, but it is justified with the intense hour that follows.

Should you see it? Yes. However, do yourself a favor before you do. Go to the bathroom first. Because once it starts… you won’t have time to.

Should you wait for the Blu-Ray or DVD release? No. The experience of seeing it in full surround sound and a giant theater screen is how Transformers: Dark of the Moon should be seen at least once or twice. I, myself, plan to go again in a few days. Once I catch my breath.

Have you seen it yet? What did you think?