A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas (2011)/Review

Release Date: 4 November 2011 (USA) Runtime: 90 min

Genre: Comedy

Six years after their Guantanamo Bay adventure, stoner buds Harold Lee and Kumar Patel cause a holiday fracas by inadvertently burning down Harold's father-in-law's prize Christmas tree.

Director: Todd Strauss-Schulson
Writers: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg

Cast
Patton Oswalt, Isabella Gielniak, Kal Penn , Neil Patrick Harris . Austin Bickel , Inga R. Wilson, John Cho, Bobby Lee Thomas Lennon , Amir Blumenfeld, Paula Garcés, Danny Trejo, Marvin Cruz, Allyson Lengers Shirley Benyas, Esteban Andres Cruz
Storyline
Six years have elapsed since Guantanemo Bay, leaving Harold and Kumar estranged from one another with very different families, friends and lives. But when Kumar arrives on Harold's doorstep during the holiday season with a mysterious package in hand, he inadvertently burns down Harold's father-in-law's beloved Christmas tree. To fix the problem, Harold and Kumar embark on a mission through New York City to find the perfect Christmas tree, once again stumbling into trouble at every single turn. Written by Mandate Pictures

______________________________________

Filming Locations: Detroit, Michigan, USA
Production Co: Kingsgate Films, Mandate Pictures, New Line Cinema
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital  | DTS (as Datasat Digital Sound) | SDDS
Original Music by William Ross       
Cinematography by Michael Barrett       
Film Editing by Eric Kissack            
Production Design by Rusty Smith       

______________________________________

Review

A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas is not going to surprise anyone. It follows the same successful formula and chemistry between John Cho and Kal Penn as the first two. The film also is rude, inappropriate and has questionable taste just like the first two. So while the basic concept is the same, it has been plugged into a Christmas setting making fun of the holiday and managing to shoot Santa Claus in the face in the process. Damn it's funny! I'm not big on buddy comedies but behind closed doors I secretly love Harold & Kumar. White Castle was funny, Guantanamo Bay was even funnier taking on the issue of race and national security, and 3D Christmas is poking fun at religion and holidays. Because many may be afraid of being ridiculed for touching sacred subjects and therefore don't, Harold & Kumar movies repeatedly take on the challenge and find something original to laugh about. Sure making a baby high, John having his penis stuck to a metal frozen pole, and poking fun at the Catholic sex scandals may be inappropriate to some, but everything's fair in comedy and what the filmmakers have done will make you laugh over and over. So while much of the film may be ridiculously over the top, it all works. And while we don't see enough of Bobby Lee in the film who seems to be able to make you laugh without doing much, we do get Neil Patrick Harris playing himself as a closeted heterosexual. That scene is not just really funny throughout, but it steals the show. His scene is nothing short of a "must see" moment that is destined to be classic.

_________________________________________________________________________________

WATCH TRAILER

»»  read more

Jack and Jill (2011)/ Movie Review

Release Date: 11 November 2011 (USA) 

Taglines: His twin sister is coming for the holidays... ...and it ain't pretty.

Genre: Comedy

Family guy Jack Sadelstein prepares for the annual event he dreads: the Thanksgiving visit of his identical twin sister, the needy and passive-aggressive Jill, who then refuses to leave.

Director: Dennis Dugan
Writers: Adam Sandler (screenplay) Steve Koren (screenplay), Ben Zook (story)
Cast : Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes, Al Pacino, Elodie Tougne , Rohan Chand, Eugenio Derbez , David Spade, Nick Swardson, Tim Meadows , Allen Covert, Norm MacDonald, Geoff Pierson ,Valerie Mahaffey , Gary Valentine,   
Storyline

Jack Sadelstein (Adam Sandler) is a successful advertising executive in Los Angeles with a beautiful wife (Katie Holmes) and kids, who dreads one event each year: the Thanksgiving visit of his identical twin sister Jill (also Adam Sandler). Jill's neediness and passive-aggressiveness is maddening to Jack, turning his normally tranquil life upside down. Written by Columbia Pictures  

Filming Locations: Allure of the Seas
Production Co: Broken Road Productions, Happy Madison Productions
Sound Mix: SDDS  | DTS (as Datasat Digital Sound) | Dolby Digital
Original Music by Rupert Gregson-Williams        
Cinematography by Dean Cundey        
Film Editing by Tom Costain        
Casting by Roger Mussenden & Jeremy Rich       
Production Design by Perry Andelin Blake       

The trailer is the highlights

The standard that Adam Sandler movies has set is pretty low, but even with such low expectations going to the movie, the movie still felt terrible. The gag is twins and ignoring that healthy identical twins with different genders is impossible, we get to see Adam Sandler dress up as a woman. And, we get to see Adam Sandler dress up as a woman a lot, ridiculously lot and so much so, that Jack Adam Sandler and the rest of the cast are just supporting actors to the almighty squawking of Jill Adam Sandler.
We could say this is just Adam Sandler up to his usual antics but Jill Adam Sandler hogs up the screen time and nothing about her really makes any sort of logical sense. There is Al Pacino as himself who falls for Jill, a possibility that the writers explain away as madness or nervous breakdown of Al Pacino. Then, there is Jill who is loved by the kids and Jack's wife Erin (played by Katie Holmes) for reasons that Jill doesn't portray on screen and we are never shown, all we are shown is the mean and manipulative Jill. The Jill that Adam Sandler portrays is his own immature rendition of a woman, filled with toilet humor and displays of uncharacteristic skills and strength as positive attributes. Jill is portrayed uninteresting and vacuous though written differently, and that being the center of the movie makes the movie uninteresting and tiresome.
The movie would have been an acceptable Sandler movie if Jill had been played by a woman who could actually portray a big heart. The previous Sandler movies were enjoyable movies, but Jack and Jill is a real stinker, barely watchable. The only thing I found interesting was the background opulence of everyone around, thrown around so casually that it really feels like the big guys involved in the movie have severely lost touch with their audience and given way to sloth where they think anything they do is magical. Avoid the movie.

WATCH OFFICIAL MOVIE TRAILER

»»  read more

Puss in Boots (2011)/Movie Review

A story about the events leading up to the sword fighting cat's meeting with Shrek and his friends.

No regrets at all in watching this animated fantasy-Western adventure.
I see Puss' humble origins as a kitten growing up in an orphanage in the Mexican town of San Ricardo. He develops an unlikely friend in one odd egg named Humpty Alexander Dumpty. Circumstances eventually break up the two friends. After several years, Humpty seeks out Puss (with the help of sultry seductress Kitty Softpaws) to convince him to help get Jack's magic beans from Jack and Jill. I know this sounds like a messy mishmash of fairy tale characters, and it was. The artists also take liberties in their visual interpretation of these characters, including the Golden Goose (which I personally found corny).
Thanks to the Shrek films, we already know Puss in Boots and what to expect from him. His Zorro-like swashbuckling exploits, his charm with the ladies and his cute wide-eyed pleading look are all here, and Antonio Banderas too! Selma Hayek voices Kitty delightfully. This new character is quite likable, and you would like to see more adventures of the two cats. As for Humpty (voiced by Zach Galifianakis of "Hangover" fame) though, here lies the prickly problem. You may or may not like him, both his look and his character. Humpty can really be annoying!
There are so many hilarious isolated situations that could make you laugh out loud. I certainly did at several points. My favorite funny moment was that when Humpty changed into his Golden Egg costume. I'm sure you can get an absurd image just by reading that last sentence. Haha! His line when he was running and commented that he needed powder to prevent friction in his pants (he was apparently not wearing underwear) really made me guffaw! You have to hear it to believe that a line like that made it into a children's cartoon flick.
The artwork was of course flawless. The textures are palpable. The action sequences are exciting and funny at the same time. The fight scenes mixed with dance moves were quite interesting to watch as well. The 2D version looked adequate enough to enjoy the adventure. Overall this is a fun movie to watch with the whole family.

 

Genres: Adventure | Animation | Comedy | Fantasy
Release Date: 27 october 2011 (US)
Taglines: Rebel. Lover. Hero.

Cast overview :
Antonio Banderas- Puss in Boots (voice)
Salma Hayek -Kitty Softpaws (voice)
Zach Galifianakis- Humpty Dumpty (voice)
Billy Bob Thornton-  Jack (voice)
Amy Sedaris -Jill (voice)
Constance Marie -Imelda (voice)
Guillermo del Toro- Moustache Man / Comandate (voice)
Rich Dietl -Bounty Hunter (voice)
Ryan Crego - Luis (voice)
Tom Wheeler -    Bartender / Hotel Owner / Mean Boy / Wagon Driver / Rodrigo (voice)

Directed by Chris Miller       
Writing credits:  Charles Perrault, Brian Lynch, David H. Steinberg, Tom Wheeler, Jon Zack  
Original Music by Henry Jackman       
Film Editing by Eric Dapkewicz       
Production Co: DreamWorks Animation

MOVIE TRAILER

»»  read more

Johnny English Reborn (2011)

Release Date: 23 September 2011 (India) Runtime:  101 min
Genres: Adventure | Comedy | Thriller
Taglines: Laugh at the face of danger

Johnny English goes up against international assassins hunting down the Chinese premier.

Director: Oliver Parker
Writers: William Davies, Hamish McColl ,Robert Wade &    Neal Purvis
Cast overview
Roger Barclay , Eric Carte , Rowan Atkinson, Togo Igawa, Eleanor Wyld, Mandi Sidhu, Margaret Clunie , Gillian Anderson , Rosamund Pike , Dominic West , Tim McInnerny , Mariella Frostrup Daniel Kaluuya , Miles Jupp, Pik Sen Lim
Original Music by  Ilan Eshkeri       
 Cinematography by  Danny Cohen       
Film Editing by  Guy Bensley       
Casting by  Lucy Bevan       
Production Design by  Jim Clay       
Art Direction by  Paul Laugier & Mike Stallion         
Costume Design by  Beatrix Aruna Pasztor       

Storyline

Rowan Atkinson returns to the role of the accidental secret agent who doesn't know fear or danger in the comedy spy-thriller Johnny English Reborn. In his latest adventure, the most unlikely intelligence officer in Her Majesty's Secret Service must stop a group of international assassins before they eliminate a world leader and cause global chaos. In the years since MI-7's top spy vanished off the grid, he has been honing his unique skills in a remote region of Asia. But when his agency superiors learn of an attempt against the Chinese premier's life, they must hunt down the highly unorthodox agent. Now that the world needs him once again, Johnny English is back in action. With one shot at redemption, he must employ the latest in hi-tech gadgets to unravel a web of conspiracy that runs throughout the KGB, CIA and even MI-7. With mere days until a heads of state conference. Written by Universal Pictures  

Filming Locations:  Ealing Studios, Ealing, London, England, UK
Production Co:  Universal Pictures, Relativity Media, Studio Canal
Sound Mix:  Dolby Digital  | DTS (as Datasat Digital Sound) | SDDS

Review

Agent Tucker played by the famous and well known Daniel Kaluuya is exactly what many movies are missing. Agent Tucker is the missing link to all those movies which lacked the ignition to make them blockbusters. Tucker plays Johnny Englishes (Rowan) sinister assistant in the epic race to find the third member of the assassination group Vortex. Tucker brings action, comedy and drama to the screen with a performance which is sure to win him an Oscar and major roles in the years to come. Many people say that this sequel does not live up to the expectations of the prequel but i can surely say that this movie had me and the edge of my seat with laughter as well as the audience who attended the screening.

MOVIE TRAILER 

»»  read more

50/50 (2011)/Movie Review

Release Date: 30 September 2011 (USA) Runtime: 100 min
Taglines:  It takes a pair to beat the odds

Genres:  Comedy | Drama

Inspired by a true story, a comedy centered on a 27-year-old guy who learns of his cancer diagnosis, and his subsequent struggle to beat the disease.

Director: Jonathan Levine
Writer: Will Reiser

Cast overview,:
Joseph Gordon-Levitt ,Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas , Rachael
Anjelica Huston , Serge Houde , Andrew Airlie, Matt Frewer, Philip Baker Hall , Alan
Donna Yamamoto, Sugar Lyn Beard, Yee Jee Tso     , Sarah Smyth , Peter Kelamis , Jessica Parker Kennedy ,

Original Music by Michael Giacchino       
Cinematography by Terry Stacey       
Film Editing by Zene Baker       
Casting by  Sandra-Ken Freeman & Francine Maisler       
Production Design by Annie Spitz  

Storyline
Inspired by personal experiences, 50/50 is an original story about friendship, love, survival and finding humor in unlikely places. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen star as best friends whose lives are changed by a cancer diagnosis. Rogen also serves as producer, along with Evan Goldberg and Ben Karlin. Jonathan Levine directs from a script by Will Reiser. “We worked with Will on Da Ali G show, and it was shortly after that we learned he was sick.” Rogen recalls. “As shocking, sad, confusing and generally screwed up as it was; we couldn’t ignore that because we were so ill-equipped to deal with the situation, funny things kept happening. Will got better, and when he did, we thought the best way to pull something good out of the situation was to get him to write a screenplay. Ideally we wanted to make a film that would be as funny, sad, and hopefully as honest as the experience we went through. As soon as the script was completed, it quickly became a passion project for all of us. It helped us come to terms with Will’s struggle as well as our own experiences.” 50/50 is the story of a guy’s transformative and, yes, sometimes funny journey to health. 50/50 draws its emotional core from Will Reiser’s own experience with cancer and reminds us that friendship and love, no matter what bizarre turns they take, are the greatest healers.

Filming Locations: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Production Co: Mandate Pictures, Point Gray See more »
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital  | SDDS  | DTS (as Datasat Digital Sound)

Review
The perfect balance between drama and comedy, '50/50' depicts cancer the right way
by Movie_Muse_Reviews (IL, USA)
Most movies don't know how to handle cancer. Heck, most people don't know how to handle cancer — and I'm not talking about the patients. Cancer, or any other terminal illness for that matter, almost always plays some kind x-factor in a film — that is when a film even dares to enter a realm often deemed depressing and "not for the movies." Most often, scripts will position cancer as a tearjerking emotional turning point in a film or as the initial spark of some banal "live life to the fullest" comedy.
"50/50" puts an end to that. Written semi-autobiographically by cancer survivor Will Reiser, it would seem it takes one to write one. Although cancer drives the entire story, the story doesn't fixate on cancer or melodramatize the terrible truths we already know about potentially fatal illness. Perhaps you could tell as much from the trailer thanks to some typical Seth Rogen antics, but the injection of contemporary R-rated humor is neither irreverent, insensitive nor an attempt to simply put a positive spin on a depressing subject. Life — believe it or not — doesn't stop for cancer. People don't sit in the hospital the entire time and then lie at home in bed the rest. Reiser's story provides a mostly unforced and honest depiction of a young man's diagnosis and treatment for potentially fatal spinal cancer, one where cancer isn't the conflict in and of itself, but the way it so dramatically changes the behavior of the people whose lives it enters and positively and negatively alters relationships.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt continues his spree of playing absolutely lovable main characters as Adam, a play-it-safe 27-year-old who after the initial shock handles his diagnosis in stride, keeping his ups and downs internal other than when the script cues him to let it out a bit. The more external symptoms come from Adam's girlfriend (Bryce Dallas Howard), best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) and mother (Anjelica Huston).

Other than focusing on these relationships, director Jonathan Levine ("The Wackness") puts particular emphasis on character perspective, which will change instantaneously at points throughout the film. In one terrific sequence, Adam enters the hospital for his first chemo treatment and gets bummed out by all the sick and ailing people in the hallway. After the older men he meets while getting treatment (Philip Baker Hall and Matt Frewer) give him some marijuana-filled pastries, he leaves down the same hallway high as a kite, suddenly elated despite the same negative images lining the hall. Levine understands that so much of how you deal with cancer relates to mood and perspective at any given time.

Levine coaxes brilliant and thoughtful performances out of his actors. Even though Rogen exerted his usual shtick a bit more than needed, he handles his character as written, someone who wants desperately to help his best friend but hides behind shallow self-centered form of support that many men turn to because they can't communicate emotions all that well.

The women of "50/50" also deliver if not more so. Howard's character is an unlikable mess but she gives her performance convincingly. Anjelica Huston perfects the ideal on-screen mother, the best since Melissa Leo's Oscar-winning mother in "The Fighter." Anna Kendrick also continues to blow me away with her talent. She plays a psychiatrist working on her PhD who receives Adam as just her third patient. She gives such lifelike quirks to her characters and Katie plays right to her strengths.

But in a drama/comedy about cancer, the key lies in tone and for that Levine should become an A-list director. "50/50" could have easily turned into a Hollywood hack-job like the various comic-toned cancer films before it, a film that either overplays the dramatic or overcompensates with the humorous, but "50/50" might be one of film's best balancing acts between the two. The shifts feel completely natural between moments of deep sentiment and moments of levity. Those who can't help but fixate on this being a movie about cancer will likely have to remind themselves to feel serious when "50/50" just wants you to simply absorb it as you would any other film.

Other than some predictable moments and plot devices to give the film a nicer Hollywood sheen, "50/50" provides a genuine and heartfelt movie experience, one that neither goes for the emotional sucker punch nor the sugarcoated version. Instead of making us look at cancer in a specific way, it makes us look at the way we look at cancer — or any uncomfortable subject — the way we talk about it or don't talk about it, the way we interact with those who live with it and the way we cope with it ourselves. That way when someone we love has a serious problem, we can ultimately do what's best for that person

Trailer 

»»  read more

I Don't Know How She Does It/Movie Review

Release Date: 16 September 2011 (USA) Runtime:  USA:95 min

Sound Mix:  Dolby Digital | DTS (Datasat Digital) | SDDS  Genre: Comedy

A comedy centered on the life of Kate Reddy, a finance executive who is the breadwinner for her husband and two kids.

Directed by Douglas McGrath

Writing credits : Aline Brosh McKenna &  Allison Pearson

Original Music by Aaron Zigman

Cinematography by Stuart Dryburgh

Film Editing by Kevin Tent & Camilla Toniolo

Cast

Sarah Jessica Parker, Christina Hendricks Pierce Brosnan, Greg Kinnear, Kelsey Grammer, Seth Meyers,

Olivia Munn, Jane Curtin, Mark Blum, Busy Philipps, Sarah Shahi,Jessica Szohr, Emma Rayne Lyle ,

Julius Goldberg

Production Companies : Weinstein Company, The

Filming Locations:  New York City, New York, USA

 

Review

Worst Movie ever

Author: ann amith from United States

Let me start by saying I LOVE SJP in SATC. She has flopped in most of her major motion pictures, but this is by far, one of the worst movies I have ever seen in my life. Thank goodness my friend had free passes for us, because I can not imagine wasting any amount of money on this garbage. The plot, acting, and entire movie was horrible. It was honestly painful to sit through and I would not recommend this movie to anyone. I love watching movies, and I have seen some bad ones in my time, but this one honestly takes the cake! I do not understand why she continues to be casted in anything because she should have ended her career on a high note with SATC because I don't think she will ever redeem herself as a quality actress.

»»  read more

Friends with Benefits (2011) /Movie Review

Runtime: 109 min  Release Date: 9 September 2011 (India)

Genre: Comedy | Romance

Sound Mix: Dolby Digital | DTS (as Datasat Digital Sound) | SDDS

Filming Locations: Los Angeles, California, USA

While trying to avoid the clichés of Hollywood romantic comedies, Dylan and Jamie soon discover however that adding the act of sex to their friendship does lead to complications.

Director: Will Gluck

Writing credits (WGA) : Keith Merryman, David A. Newman, Will Gluck, Harley Peyton

Cinematography by Michael Grady

Film Editing by Tia Nolan

Casting by Lisa Miller Katz

Cast

Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Patricia Clarkson, Jenna Elfman, Bryan Greenberg, Richard Jenkins,

Woody Harrelson, Nolan Gould, Andy Samberg, Shaun White, Andrew Fleming, Catherine Reitman

 

Production Companies

• Screen Gems (presents)
• Castle Rock Entertainment
• Zucker Productions (as Zucker)
• Olive Bridge Entertainment

 Review

A movie without benefits, 7 September 2011

Author: SteveMierzejewski from Poland

Don't waste your time on this one. A weak, predictable plot highly dependent on simulated sex scenes between the two main characters to maintain viewer interest. Of course, if you're into that kind of thing, you'd probably think this was the movie of the year. If you're looking for some depth or acting quality, you've come to the wrong film.

And what's with Justin Timberlake? Is he gay or putting a little too much glitter on his speech to give it a gay twist? I'm not trying to be funny here because one of the running gags is that people keep asking him if he is gay. I suppose this is supposed to have us all convulsed with laughter, otherwise I don't have any idea why they are beating us to death with this angle. I suspect Mila Kunis did her best with the underdeveloped character she was given, and its the reason I rated the film so highly. Anyway, if you really want to explore the 'can men and women be friends' theme, watch the best in this genre, 'When Harry Met Sally'. At least you won't regret the time you spent watching it.

»»  read more

Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)/Movie Review

 Release Date: 26 May 2011 (India)  Runtime: 91 min

Genres: Animation | Action | Adventure | Comedy | Family

 Sound Mix: SDDS  | DTS  | Dolby Digital (Dolby Surround 7.1)

Official Sites: http://www.kungfupanda.com/

Po joins forces with a group of new kung-fu masters to take on an old enemy with a deadly new weapon.

Director: Jennifer Yuh

Writers: Jonathan Aibel|Glenn Berger

Executive Producer Guillermo del Toro

Original Music byJohn Powell | Hans Zimmer

Film Editing by Maryann Brandon| Clare De Chenu

Cast

Jack Black|Angelina Jolie|Dustin Hoffman|Gary Oldman|Jackie Chan|Seth Rogen|Lucy Liu|Jean-Claude Van Damme|Danny McBride|Michelle Yeoh|David Cross|James Hong|Dennis Haysbert|

Victor Garber

Box Office

Budget: $150,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend: $47,835,000 (USA) (29 May 2011) (3925 Screens)

Gross: $163,942,842 (USA) (21 August 2011)

Production Co: DreamWorks Animation
Review

The question that has been floating around about Kung Fu Panda 2 is if it is Shrek 2 or Toy Story 2 of animated sequels? It's Toy Story 2 kind of animated sequel - a genuine good movie that takes risks and succeeds rather than rehashing the first movie.

Po isn't as much of a gastro-kung-fu fighter and fanboi from the first movie but has grown in his personality; he's less the Jack Black as a panda and more of a character that stands on it's own. However, Po is now the tragic hero in a Greek style prophecy which foretells of a warrior in black and white who would defeat a certain Lord Shen who has invented a new weapon that could spell the end of kung-fu. As Po learns that he is adopted, he struggles to find out about his past and the strange symbol from his nightmares. The heavy subject matter doesn't weight down the movie and is continually and cleverly able to escape into funny moments without losing gravitas. It successfully weaves the topics of fatherhood, friendship and family into a colorful story that even though we know how it will end, it gets there very very emphatically.

 Kung Fu Panda 2 didn't go the route of being a purely children's movie and didn't go the route of being built on jokes of Po's eating and Po's weight.The fortune cookie philosophy of master Shifu is slightly missed but purely a small quibble in a good movie. Highly recommended movie.

»»  read more

Bridesmaids (2011)/Movie Review

Release Date: 13 May 2011 (USA)  Runtime: 125 min

Genres: Comedy

Sound Mix: Dolby Digital  | DTS  | SDDS

Official Sites: http://www.bridesmaidsmovie.com/

Picked as her best friend's maid of honor, lovelorn and broke Annie looks to bluff her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals with an oddball group of bridesmaids

Director:  Paul Feig

Writers:  Kristen Wiig, Annie Mumolo

Original Music by Michael Andrews

Cinematography by Robert D. Yeoman

Cast

Kristen Wiig , Terry Crews,  Maya Rudolph , Jessica St. Clair,Tom Yi, Elaine Kao, Michael Hitchcock, Kali Hawk, Joe Nunez, Rebel Wilson , Matt Lucas, Jill Clayburgh, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper,     

Plot

Annie (Kristen Wiig), is a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. Annie's life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian's maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she'll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you'll go for someone you love.

Box Office

Budget: $32,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend: $26,247,410 (USA) (15 May 2011) (2918 Screens)

Gross: $167,661,310 (USA) (21 August 2011)

Production Co: Universal Pictures, Relativity Media, Apatow Productions
Filming Locations:  Oxnard, California, USA

Review

This is like a big slap in the face to all the lame chick flicks out there as of now and a breakthrough, star making leading role for the brilliant and hilarious Kristen Wiig. I have never seen a comedy in a long time that was as consistently funny and I mean laugh on the ground with tears coming down your face funny as well as touching and for once genuine characters that you can relate to and have an instant, believable, bond and chemistry on screen that makes the ongoing crazy shenanigans all the more effective and hysterical. The showstopper, scene stealing, laugh riot Melissa McCarthy was fantastic and no wonder has her own sitcom and she should host or be apart of SNL or something she is so freaking funny I almost wet myself! Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig should make more comedies together and are much better than Tina Fey and Amy Poehler were in Baby Mama, they are a comedy dream team and the rest of the cast is the cherry on top. The movie goes through typical issues from the average chick flick like jealousy, insecurities, narcissism, cat fights, self-doubt, self-pity, self-destruction you name it but it deals with those is a more honest, realistic non sugar-coated way that was refreshing and smart from the norm and raises the bar so high for chick flicks (which is more anti of that anyways) and comedies in general that I personally can't see any comedy this year or in the future surpassing its comedy greatness, it's golden!!! Overall if you were waiting for a movie that will truly make you laugh harder than you ever laughed before in the theaters in a long time your wish has been granted, wear depends just in case because you might need them. Highly Recommended! The most satisfying comedy in the past decade that I never wanted it to end and forget about the overrated The Hangover and its unnecessary sequel and bring on Bridesmaids 2 already! 4.5 out of 5 stars.

»»  read more

Zookeeper (2011)/Movie Review

Release Date: 8 July 2011 (USA)   Runtime: USA: 102 min

Genres: Comedy | Family | Romance

Taglines:  Welcome to his jungle.

Director:  Frank Coraci

Writers:  Nick Bakay (screenplay), Rock Reuben (screenplay)

Original Music by  Rupert Gregson-Williams

Cinematography by Michael Barrett

Storyline

A group of zoo animals decide to break their code of silence in order to help their lovable zoo keeper find love -- without opting to leave his current job for something more illustrious.

Box Office

Budget: $80,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend: $20,065,617 (USA) (10 July 2011) (3482 Screens)

Gross: $76,771,335 (USA) (21 August 2011)

Production Co: Columbia Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Broken Road Productions

Filming Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Soundtracks

"So Much Class"  

Written by Asani Charles, Joshua Sullivan, Gyula Dobos, Vernis Washington, Joseph Sabin and Vincent Reynolds

Performed by Doctor Jay featuring J. Sabin

Courtesy of The Creative Shop

By Arrangement with BZEE ROC Music Group, LLC

CASTS:  Kevin James,  Rosario Dawson , Leslie Bibb , Ken Jeong , Donnie Wahlberg , Joe Rogan, Nat Faxon , Steffiana De La Cruz , Nick Bakay , Jackie Sandler , Nicholas Turturro , Thomas Gottschalk, Brandon Keener , Robin Bakay , Gary Valentine

AWARDED:

2011 Teen Choice Award

Nominated

Choice Summer Movie Star: Female

Rosario Dawson

REVIEW

Kevin James plays Griffin Keyes, an average guy in an average job. He has a kind heart and an above average ability to relate to the animals in his care as the zookeeper of The Franklin Park Zoo in Boston.

The film opens with Griffin breaking up with his long time girlfriend Stephanie (Leslie Bibb). He weathers the disappointment and we fast forward 5 years where Griffin has now become the head zookeeper. At a celebration of his brother's upcoming wedding, Griffin spots Stephanie and his old feelings for her bubble to the surface. Lost and confused Griffin's animal buddies come to his rescue by 1 - letting him in on the secret that animals can communicate with humans (in English no less) and 2 - teaching him how to win the female of his species (advice that may be better left as that - advice) Some physical humor and not so funny scenes and lines fill out the movie for the long 104 minutes. Rosario Dawson plays Kate, the obvious new love interest for Griffin.

Unless you're between the ages of 8 and 12 leave this one unseen - it is  not worth the matinée price. Maybe catch it some time when it has been "formatted to fit this screen" and "shortened to fit in the time allotted".

»»  read more

Our Idiot Brother (2011)/Movie Review

Release Date:  26 August 2011 (USA)  Runtime:  USA: 90 min

Genres:  Comedy

A comedy centered on an idealist who barges into the lives of his three sisters.

Director:  Jesse Peretz

Writers:  David Schisgall, Evgenia Peretz

Original Music by Eric D. Johnson & Nathan Larson

Cinematography by Yaron Orbach

Production Co:  Big Beach Films, Likely Story

CASTS

Paul Rudd, Nick Sullivan, Francesca Papalia, Bob Stephenson, Elizabeth Banks, Peter Hermann,

Adam Scott, Kelly Briter, Rashida Jones, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer, Steve Coogan, Kathryn Hahn, T.J. Miller, Shirley Knight, Matthew Mindler, Sterling K. Brown, Hugh Dancy, Kayla Squiteri

REVIEW

As has been stated many times already, Ned (Paul Rudd) is not an idiot. Well, he kind of is. He lacks understanding of normal social protocol, and not in a genius kind-of-way, but as a hippie. Prone to frequent breakdowns in communication, one such instance lands him in jail. When he's out, he's off to live with his family. His sisters all treat him like he's an idiot. Hence, the title, "Our Idiot Brother."

Ned is a good and caring guy. His sisters are completely different and completely different from each other — one is even British. In their own way, they are all selfish, demanding and insensitive people. But don't worry, Ned is our hero and protagonist. If you are currently sighing in relief, I understand. A career spanning two decades with 30-plus movie credits, and we've only seen Paul Rudd in the lead role a handful of times.

Rudd has infused Ned with all the charm, likability and overall appeal that we have come to expect from him. Surprisingly, the less likable actresses playing the three unlikable sisters were at least able to add some humour to their characters. The three supporting actors probably could have stolen the show if they were given more time: Steve Coogan as the husband with a penchant for exhibitionism; Hugh Dancy as a creepy artist turned cultist; and Adam Scott as Rudd's long lost brother — not literally, he just has the same presence.

"Our Idiot Brother" is a comedy, one of those heart-warming comedies, where all of the characters start coming around to see the value of having Ned in their life. It takes them longer than us to realize his positive aspects because most of them are not fully-developed characters, especially the mother, I'm not sure what the point of her was.

Unfortunately, it's not a particularly funny comedy, but it is a likable one. A few ill-fated groin jokes would have been better off in a different movie, and a few jokes lost their humour after they appeared in the trailer, and after that there's only a few left to discover. It is funny, but not as funny as you would expect a comedy to be. But did I mention likable? Because that's what "Our Idiot Brother" is: sweet, charming and overall appealing.

»»  read more

Fright Night (2011)/Movie Review

Release Date: 19 August 2011 (USA) Runtime: USA: 106 min

Genres: Comedy | Horror

Taglines: You can't run from evil when it lives next door.

Director: Craig Gillespie

Writers: Marti Noxon (screenplay), Tom Holland

Storyline

A remake of the 1985 original, teenager Charley Brewster (Yelchin) guesses that his new neighbor Jerry Dandrige (Farrell) is a vampire responsible for a string of recent deaths. When no one he knows believes him, he enlists Peter Vincent (Tennant), a self proclaimed vampire killer and Las Vegas magician, to help him take down Jerry.

Production Co:Albuquerque Studios, DreamWorks SKG, Gaeta / Rosenzweig Films

Budget: $17,000,000 (estimated)

Casts

Anton Yelchin , Colin Farrell , Toni Collette , David Tennant , Imogen Poots , Christopher Mintz-Plasse , Dave Franco ,Reid Ewing , Will Denton , Sandra Vergara , Emily Montague , Chris Sarandon , Grace Phipps , Chelsea Tavares , Lisa Loeb

_____________________________________

Review

To be honest the 2011 update of FRIGHT NIGHT stands perfectly on its own even without the familiarity of the original. As a film the remake gave me everything the original struggled to give me- a fun and engaging movie experience.

Anton Yelchin stars as Charlie, a teen trying to leave his geek past behind by blowing off his former best friend Ed (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) in order to stay connected with his attractive and popular girlfriend Amy (Imogene Poots). Ed turns Charlie’s attention to Charlie’s brooding neighbor, Jerry (Colin Farrell), accusing him of being a vampire.

There you go- if you’re familiar with the original you know the story, if not, then that’s all you really need to know. I have seen the original and I do like it, but in all honesty I may have come late to the party. I didn’t understand all the love I’ve seen regarding it and then when I saw the update all I could think was how much I enjoy the remake infinitely more. There’s very little in the remake I had issues with and the stuff that I did have issues with are minor and will likely grow on me after subsequent viewings. Multiple viewings is the other key factor- where I have no desire to watch the original on a regular basis, I could have sat and watched his version a few more times and be delighted to do so.

What I believe FRIGHT NIGHT gets right was the decision to cast Colin Farrell. From beginning to end Farrell’s performance as Jerry is nothing short of awesome. Jerry as a character is menacing yet playful at the same time- a mix that Farrell plays almost flawlessly, making both aspects of the character a ton of fun to watch. Anton Yelchin also does a great job playing off the awkwardness of trying to leave behind his geeky childish days in exchange of popularity and hot girls. Yelchin adds in another layer when he has to convey the absurdity of his neighbor being a vampire to others. As far as cast goes the only one that didn’t fully work for me was Christopher Mintz-Plasse- I didn’t hate him, but there are moments where I could have easily done without him. I also love David Tennant as Peter Vincent- updated as an egotistical Criss Angel type of Vegas performer. Tennant lends to the goofier side of the film, but I found him to be quite hilarious.

With all the different aspects and characters at play the film is edited together tightly. Not a second of the film felt wasted and even the quiet moments have a distinct sense of purpose but are incredibly subtle. FRIGHT NIGHT has maintained the fun and playful comedy as well instead of opting for a darker overall tone. Make no mistake there are some sinister moments to the film, but they are all done with a certain playful attitude.

»»  read more

30 Minutes or Less (2011) /Movie Review

30 Minutes or Less (2011)

Genre:  Action | Adventure | Comedy | Crime

Runtime:  83 min

Plot:

Two fledgling criminals kidnap a pizza delivery guy, strap a bomb to his chest, and inform him that he has mere hours to rob a bank or else..

Casts:

Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari, Nick Swardson, Dilshad Vadsaria , Michael Peña

Bianca Kajlich, Fred Ward

Directed by Ruben Fleischer
Writing credits  Michael Diliberti and Matthew Sullivan

Original Music by Theodore Shapiro

Cinematography by Jess Hall

Country:  Germany | Canada | USA

Language:  German | Spanish | English

Filming Locations:Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

Company:  Columbia Pictures

Top Review

As most of you know, 30 Minutes or Less released this weekend to join the countless number of comedies we've seen this summer. My initial expectations for this movie were somewhat high as I thought we would be seeing a clever comedy about a pizza delivery boy having to go through a series of hilarious trials in order to get a bomb off his chest. Instead what I got was a simple, sexual joke infused, and foul mouthed comedy that was not as funny as I had hoped.

To give you a refresher on the plot, 30 Minutes or Less is about a lazy, careless pizza delivery boy named Nick (Jesse Eisenberg) who really has no interest in his responsibilities. The arrogant jerk, which Eisenberg seems to be a master at playing, has no real friends with the exception of his loyal Indian pal Chet (Aziz Ansari), a hard working, rule abiding teacher who just want to be successful. Their simplistic life of playing video games and drinking beer is soon interrupted, when an irresponsible, vulgar, and idiotic man-child named Dwayne (Danny McBride) and his naïve, clueless, innocent sidekick Travis (Nick Swardson) kidnap Nick and strap a bomb to his chest. The price for Nick's freedom, $100,000 for funding Dwayne's personal plans and Nick must deliver in 10 hours or less.

»»  read more

Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D/Review

Official Site : http://spykidsmovie.net/

 Release Date: 19 August 2011 (India) Runtime: USA: 89 min

Genres: Action | Adventure | Comedy | Family | Sci-Fi

Sound Mix:  Dolby Digital  | DTS  | SDDS

A retired spy is called back into action, and to bond with her new step-children, she invites them along for the adventure to stop the evil Timekeeper from taking over the world.

Director:  Robert Rodriguez

Writer:  Robert Rodriguez (screenplay)

Original Music by Robert Rodriguez  &Carl Thiel

Cinematography by Jimmy Lindsey &  Robert Rodriguez

Film Editing by Dan Zimmerman

SUMMARY

On the surface, Marissa Cortez Wilson (Jessica Alba) has it all...married to a famous spy hunting television reporter, a new baby and intelligent twin step kids. But in reality, trying to mother Rebecca (Rowan Blanchard) and Cecil (Mason Cook), who clearly dont want her around, is her toughest challenge yet. Also, her husband, Wilbur (Joel McHale), wouldnt know a spy if he lived with one, which is exactly the case - Marissa's a retired secret agent. Marissa's world is turned upside down when the maniacal Timekeeper (Jeremy Piven) threatens to take over the planet and she's called back into action by the head of OSS, home of the greatest spies and where the now-defunct Spy Kids division was created. With Armageddon quickly approaching, Rebecca and Cecil are thrust into action when they learn their boring stepmom was once a top agent... now the worlds most competitive ten year olds are forced to put their bickering aside and rely on their wits. With a little help from a couple of very familiar Spy Kids, Carmen (Alexa Vega) and Juni Cortez (Daryl Sabara), and some mind-blowing gadgets, they just may be able to save the world and possibly bring their family together while they're at it.

Cast

Jessica Alba, Joel McHale, Rowan Blanchard, Mason Cook, Jeremy Piven, Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara

Danny Trejo, Belle Solorzano, Genny Solorzano, Ricky Gervais, Elmo, Jett Good,  Chuck Cureau

Box Office

Budget: $27,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend: $11,644,672 (USA) (21 August 2011) (3295 Screens)

Gross: $31,201,190 (USA) (4 September 2011)
Production Co: Dimension Films, Troublemaker Studios

Filming Locations: Troublemaker Studios - 4900 Old Manor Road, Austin, Texas, USA

REVIEW

The action was very well done and the acting was sound. Loved Alba, thought Piven was great. Re. Joel McHale: so often talk show hosts can't act (they play themselves), but though he wasn't called on for much, he was believable as someone other than Joel McHale. I enjoyed the head-twisting Guillermo Del Toro-esque stuff. Loved the art design. The inside of the machine and all the swirling gears...that was cool.I know the text about family is maybe a tad hackneyed but it was more strident than before in this one, which made me wonder a tad re Rodriguez's own anxiety. In any case, I was entertained and the kids were too (which made me feel good about time with the kids!) I loved it. We even kept the 4-d smell card (which admittedly did not work very well) so we could remember the experience. Summary: We have seen all the Spy Kids movies and I thought this one was the best. I felt like RR finally hit his stride. Honest. Maybe I'm missing something but I loved it.

»»  read more