Funny People

“Don't cry, you're making a scene. Everyone will think I broke up with you.”

Although undoubtedly more mature, Sandler still isn’t a high quality master

Funny People is yet another film from Judd Apatow. He’s been on a role these days, so why stop? Apatow’s protégé Seth Rogan takes the lead role as aspiring comedian Ira Wright, who begins writing jokes and working as the personal assistant to the ailing legendary George Simmons, played by Adam Sandler.

I have not come to expect great things from Sandler. Granted, we all love to watch and laugh at Billy Madison, but, truly, Sandler has not left any sort of significant impact on American film. Although undoubtedly more mature in this film, he still doesn’t strike the high quality note that he seems to be attempting.

The film had its funny moments, and it keeps viewers entertained for the expected amount of time for a film like this. However, the film was at least an hour too long, and that extra hour of plot exposition gives us no greater appreciation for the characters or the real point of the film. I believe Apatow was trying to make a more mature film. And, although he succeeded at this, it does not come remotely near to the quality of either The 40 Year Old Virgin or Knocked Up.

Although led by a decent cast, the best in show, by far, was Leslie Mann, who played Laura, George Simmons’ former love interest. Although it took quite some time to reach a true appreciation for her character, Mann’s performance was believable and heartfelt. I would not be surprised to hear her name buzzing during awards season.

The film wasn’t as bad as I seem to be making it out to be, but it certainly wasn’t as good as most of us had hoped. I give it a C+.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

“Fight back, you coward!”

Another big jab at the Harry Potter saga

Having never really enjoyed a Harry Potter film, I didn’t have any expectations of the film. In fact, I wasn’t even sure which film we were on until I bought my ticket. OK, then. Film 6. That means, lots of Voldemort, horcruxes, a big battle scene at the end, right? Well, sort of.

We all know the plot to Harry Potter, so saving spoilers doesn’t count here. Whoever wrote this screenplay (and I’m not looking it up, just so I can protect lives) needs to be shot. What the fuck have they done to my favourite childhood books? Why did this film spend the majority of its span concentrating on Quidditch and the love circle of Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny? If I had not read the books, I would be totally stumped as to what a horcrux is. How are they going to show Harry the memories of Marvolo Gaunt and Hepsibah Smith? How is Harry going to know to look for school relics? And, where are they going to hold Bill and Fleur’s wedding if the Burrow is burned down? As you can tell, I am most displeased with the screenplay.

One good thing about the film, however, is that the young Harry Potter kids have FINALLY learned how to act, and can hold their own against the likes of Dame Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, and Jim Broadbent. The screenwriters (and director) should take note of their actors’ credit in keeping the score I am about to give this film passing. With that being said, I hope that much will be compensated for the next two films (since Deathly Hallows is being made into two films). I give the film a C-.

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen

Absolute rubbish. D-

The Brothers Bloom

“I have at different times in my life, sold sand to an Arab and ice to an Eskimo.”

The Con mans steal our hearts in this explosive dramedy.

Another trip to the Naro Expanded cinema in Norfolk to watch a film in the uncomfortable seats. But, once again, it was worth it, and I am pleased to find the first bit of gold for the 2009 movie season, and I hope the Oscar people are listening. The Brothers Bloom had it all – comedy, romance, an exciting plot, explosions, Rachel Weisz, and, once again, a silent Rinko Kikuchi.

The film followed two brothers who have made their living since children as con men. And they are in for one last big job – Penelope (played by Rachel Weisz). The Brothers Bloom (Adrian Brody and Mark Ruffallo), along with their silent bomb-crafting sidekick Bang Bang (Rinko Kikuchi), set out to make their final fortune. But, of course, it isn’t that simple!

I really appreciated that this film had a plot that kept me interested and laughing from beginning to end, and all the main characters, despite their great character flaws, were all very loveable. I also liked that there was a very important emphasis on the importance of family bonds; it strikes a home run with me. The main point – all of us suck, essentially, but that doesn’t mean we can’t love, live, and laugh.

Although the entire ensemble probably deserves recognition to some degree, there is no doubt that the ladies carried this film. Rachel Weisz, in the lead as Penelope, gave us a quirky, sympathetic, and loveable character. Rinko Kikuchi, as Bang Bang, although silent, seemed to come in the shots at exactly the right time, with the most perfect facial expressions, and the most outrageous costume changes, making herself the comedic master of the film. I appeal to the Academy to consider Rachel Weisz for Best Actress and Rinko Kikuchi for Best Supporting Actress, and will do all I can with the Rysh Guild to have them recognized.

I want to write so much more about this film, but I would hate to ruin the surprises. This is, as of the near end of summer, the best film so far of 2009, and would recommend it to anyone. I give it an A.

Star Trek

“Live long and Prosper”

The Original Series might have been good, but for non-Trekkies, the film does wonders too!

It’s been a while since I’ve updated my reviews, so I’m going to give ‘em all at once. First comes ‘Star Trek’. As a non-Trekkie, I wasn’t so excited to see this film, with the exception of seeing Anton Yelchin act. But, I must say, the film was done very well, and is easily capable of making any newbies interested in the series.

Presumably, the film is used as a prequel to the series – Trekkies, feel free to correct me. Because I don’t feel like screwing up a summary or even a synopsis of the film, I will keep it to that, and I will concentrate mostly on the acting and directing. As far as the acting goes, there was pretty much no flaw the entire film. The cast did a great job of making these characters believable. And, although a small role for him, I was still impressed with Anton Yelchin, who played Pavel Chekov, and I can’t wait to see him in more. He’s a very promising young actor, and there are hopefully great things in store for him. I was also impressed with Zachary Pinto, who was able to emulate and improve Mr Spock.

As far as the direction goes, JJ Abrams has done to ‘Star Trek’ what Peter Jackson has done to ‘The Lord of the Rings’. The entire orchestration of cinematography, art, special effects, setting, costumes, and sound made this film appealing to all the senses. And, the film went beyond the constrains of sci-fi, just as the series had done, in portraying positive messages, including, my favourite, the importance of embracing one’s humanity.

I came in with zero expectations, and left very satisfied. And, I will be buying the film when it comes out on DVD. So, therefore, I give it a B+.