Movie Review - Saturday Night

Director: Jason Reitman
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 99 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennot, Corey Michael Smith, Ella Hunt, Dylan O’Brien, Emily Fairn, Matt Wood, Lamorne Morris, Kim Matula, Finn Wolfhard, J.K. Simmons, Willem Dafoe, Brad Garrett
 
Description: At 11.30 p.m. on October 11^th 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. Find out what happened behind the scenes in the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of “Saturday Night Live”.
 
Review: “Saturday Night Live” is an entertaining sketch comedy show. In the movie “Saturday Night” we see what happened in the 90 minutes before its first episode aired. A half-finished set and a nerve-wrecking deadline, it’s not really looking great. But on October 11^th 1975, this show changed television forever.

We are taken behind the scenes of the first groundbreaking episode of “Saturday night Live”. And it’s a crazy, chaotic 90 minutes. If you enjoy fast-paced punchline comedy performances, you will be in for a treat. This doesn’t leave any room for in-depth relationships or characters. But is that always necessary? As an absurd sketch, this comedy succeeds in its purpose and the way its filmed really fits with the sketch show it’s about.

It's clear that the actors we’re having a great time in this film. Few characters really stand out though, but the dialogues are sharp. Moreover, the tension builds well towards the start of the live broadcast. The nervous, chaotic film draws you in until the end. I had a blast watching “Saturday Night” and it’s a fun look behind the scenes.

Rating: 4/ 5

90s Movie Review - A Bug's Life

Director: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton
Genre: Animation/ Family/ Comedy/ Adventure
Runtime: 96 minutes
Year: 1998
Starring: Dave Foley, Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Hayden Panettiere, Phyllis Diller, Richard Kind, David Hyde Pierce, Joe Ranft, Denis Leary, Jonathan Harris, Madeline Kahn, Bonnie Hunt, Michael McShane, John Ratzenberger, Brad Garrett, Roddy McDowall, Edie McClurg, Alex Rocco, David Ossman, David L. Lander

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 15: A MOVIE SET IN SPRING

Description: A misfit ant, looking for "warriors" to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers, recruits a group of bugs that turn out to be an inept circus troupe.

Review: After Disney Pixar brought us the first fully computer animated film “Toy Story” in 1995, everyone was waiting for the next project. In 1998 they came with “A Bug’s Life”, an animation about the insect world.

“A Bug’s Life” tells the story of an ant colony that is terrorized by a group of grasshoppers. Every year the ants have to give the grasshoppers a large amount of their food in exchange for protection. This year something goes wrong, because of ant Flik. He has to get help, but no one think’s he will succeed.

This clumsy ant, who thinks beyond the ‘ant tradition’, manages to find other insects to help them in their war against the grasshoppers. Flik thinks he is dealing with strong and brave insects, but they are actually a touring group of circus artists.

Like in “Toy Story” the audience is presented a colorful and diverse group of characters, with lots of quirks. The show is stolen by the macho ladybug, a fat caterpillar, a cynical praying mantis and a stick-insect. But also the ant queen. All get wise lessons: believe in yourself. This is brought to us the Pixar way, without any false sentiment.

Although the story is pretty predictable, the style is breathtaking. It has some great action scenes. And the story is filled with visual and textual jokes, that will make children and adults laugh.
“A Bug’s Life” is probably one of the lesser popular Pixar films, but to me a joy to watch and totally worth your time!

Rating: 3,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - Rataouille

Director: Brad Bird
Genre: Animation/ Family/ Comedy
Runtime: 110 minutes
Year: 2007
Starring: Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano, Brian Dennehy, Peter Sohn, Peter O’Toole, Brad Garrett, Janeane Garofalo, Will Arnett, Julius Callahan, James Remar, John Ratzenberger, Teddy Newton, Tony Fucile, Jake Steinfeld

Description: A rat (Patton Oswalt) who can cook makes an unusual alliance with a young kitchen worker (Lou Romano) at a famous restaurant.

Review: In 1995 Pixar brought us “Toy Story” and it started a revolution within the world of animations. Pixar has been very successful ever since.
The quality of the images is unprecedented. The fur of the rats looks realistic, great details, reflections, light and shadowing, the water, it’s all stunning. With the humans they choose a more cartoony style, which is a good choice. This movie isn’t one of those super sweet Disney movies and has hardly any clichés.
The story works and has enough tempo. Off course a rat can’t talk and cook, but in the world of Disney everything is possible. The characters are interesting and there aren’t any typical characters. Leading character Remy, the cooking rat, is so loveable. He is different from the other rats, but is brave enough to be different.
The do it every time, Pixar just knows what the audience wants and they are always very original. “Ratatouille is one of my favorite Pixar movies and in my eyes a masterpiece.

 Rating: 5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Tangled

Director: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard
Genre: Animation/ Fantasy/ Family/ Adventure
Runtime: 90 minutes
Year: 2010
Starring: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Ron Perlman, Brad Garrett, Jeffrey Tambor

Description: The magically long-haired Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) has spent her entire life in a tower, but now that a runaway thief (Zachary Levi) has stumbled upon her, she is about to discover the world for the first time, and who she really is.

Review: With “Tangled” Disney seemed to be going for the classic Disney story, including magic, a captured princess, a thief with a heart of gold, a castle and great songs.  
“Tangled” is based on the fairytale of Rapunzel and not exactly the textbook example of a literal fairytale adaptation. The creators have rearranged and adapted elements in such a way as o create a pleasant balance between a classic fairytale and a modern adventure, seasoned with a large dose of satire.
As a baby, Princess Rapunzel is kidnapped by an old woman and locked into a tower because of the magical effects of her hair. Growing up in captivity with extremely long hair, young Rapunzel dreams of a life fir herself. That more or less offers itself when bandit Flynn Ryder comes to hide from the authorities in her tower. Together they venture to escape, where they are hunted by the royal guard, a vengeful horse, a pair of Ryder’s former colleagues and, of course, the evil ‘mother’.
The fleshing out of the characters is refreshing. Although the princess is not as otherworldly as one might expect, her innocence and girlish enthusiasm work disarmingly. The newfound freedoms drive Rapunzel to euphoria, but meanwhile she frets like a small child over her supposed betrayal of the person for whom she harbors a somewhat bizarre maternal love. The protagonist is not the usual nasty witch either, but primarily a highly narcissistic, meddlesome mother who is blind to her less beautiful traits. Observing her obsession with eternal youthfulness, it is probably no coincidence that she resembles Cher. Flynn Ryser, who is not a prince, but a thief) delightfully counterparts Rapunzel’s neuroses, but the absolute starring role is reserved for Rapunzel’s pet Pascal: a silent chameleon with a genius facial expression.
“Tangled” is not animated in the traditional way, but uses modern computer animations. Its all beautiful, very colorful and overwhelming at times. But never impose themselves in an effort to be the best in show. Because of its satirical tone and humor, the film feels more like a Pixar film, but with the fairytale theme it is most definitely a Disney movie. And it will also be a classic one over time.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Reviews - Christopher Robin

Director: Marc Forster
Genre: Adventure/ Family
Runtime: 104 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, Jim Cummings, Brad Garrett, Toby Jones, Peter Capaldi

Description: A working-class family man, Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor), encounters his childhood friend Winnie-the-Pooh, who helps him to rediscover the joys of life.

Review: Winnie the Pooh belongs to us all. I think we all grew up reading A.A. Milne’s stories about the honey loving bear and his friends Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga and Roo. You are warned, this movie has a high level of cuteness! Before Disney got its hands on the Marvel universe, Winnie the Pooh was its best-selling merchandise title. And many people claim that this film was just for that purpose. I think there is a much deeper meaning and it’s one of the sweetest films I have seen this year.
The film centers around Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh’s human friend. In the opening scene we see young Christopher Robin, Pooh and all the other friend during a farewell party. Christopher has to go to boarding school and won’t be able to visit his forest friends. Leaving is friends also means leaving his past behind and a part of himself.
When we meet Christopher again, he is a grown man, married with a daughter, working for a suitcase company. All he does is work and he barely has any time for his wife and daughter. But then there is Pooh. Because Christopher lost a little too much of his old self.
Losing your childhood, losing your fantasies, all for a mind numbing job. The longing for getting in touch with you inner child and all the great things you experiences as a child. Something that Disney does very well and this movie captures perfectly. And there is nothing wrong with this formula, it’s a perfect family film. And with all these great, recognizable characters, that candy sweet message at the end never bothers you.
“Christopher Robin” is one of the most adorable, sweet and kind hearted movies I have seen this year. Loved it!

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 15: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

Director: Dave Green
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Comedy/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 112 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Laura Linney, Stephen Amell, Tyler Perry, Tony Shalhoub, Brad Garrett

Description: After facing Shredder, who has joined forces with mad scientist Baxter Stockman (Tyler Perry) and henchmen Bebop and Rocksteady to take over the world, the Turtles must confront an even greater nemesis: the notorious Krang (Brad Garrett).

Review: Dave Green takes over on directing this Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle sequel, from Jonathan Liebesman. Green imitates the camera movements and explosive action that Michael Bay loves so much. The movie looks visually great, but there is one thing I don’t understand. Why do they need to pimp this so much? Why do the turtles call each other Donnie or Mikey, when they clearly have perfect names and they never did this in the cartoon? And their party van is way too high tech, too over the top. Why couldn’t they just keep it retro? Bigger isn’t always better you know.
“Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” is entertainment, I give them that. And they somehow please the fans by adding Bebop, Rocksteady, Krang and Casey Jones into the film. But it’s all so superficial and the story is very random. Shredder does look better now and the film has some nostalgia here and there. But everything is pimped way too much.

Rating: 2/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 11: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

Director: Don Scardino
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 100 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Alan Arkin, Jim Carrey, Olivia Wilde, James Gandolfini, Jay Mohr, Michael Herbig, Brad Garrett

Description: A veteran Vegas magician (Steve Carell) tries to revive his career after his longtime partner quits, he gets fired from his casino act, and an edgy new "street magician" (Jim Carrey) steals his thunder.

Review: The story of “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” is almost a standard as the routine that Burt & Anton do in their magic show. But because the reviews that weren’t that great made me think this was an awful movie, I did enjoy it for some reason. It’s the good kind of bad, if you know what I mean.
Burt and Anton have been best friends since childhood. Magic was what brought them together and 30 years later they have a show in Las Vegas. But their show isn’t as successful as it used to be and the friendship is also not as strong. When an unconventional street illusionist steals their thunder, all hell breaks loose.
“The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” is very over the top. The character of Burt Wonderstone reminded me a bit of Will Ferrell’s Ron Burgundy. Completely convinced of himself and totally blind for the inevitable. But I loved “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy”. I didn’t love this film, but it had its moments. Steve Carell is really funny and Jim Carrey (who isn’t in this movie as much as I thought) is hilarious as always. In fact, Carrey steals the show. You really have to be in the right mood to find this film funny. And if you normally don’t enjoy Carell or Carrey, this movie won’t change your mind.
It’s an okay comedy, but very disposable. I don’t think it will stay with me long. But make sure to stay ‘till after the credits. That’s a really funny addition to the film.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

TV Review: "Fargo" Season 2

Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Crime

Year: 2015

Number of episodes: 10

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Ted Danson, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Bookime Woodbine, Zahn McClare, Cristin Milioti, Jean Smart, Rachel Keller, Brad Garrett, Jeffrey Donovan, Kieran Culkin, Adam Arkin, Nick Offerman

Description: Various chronicles of deception, intrigue and murder in and around frozen Minnesota. Yet all of these tales mysteriously lead back one way or another to Fargo, North Dakota

Review: After a great first season of“Fargo”, a second season had to happen. There is a new storyline, new characters, but you can still see the Coen Brother’s touch.

This season is set in the late ‘70s, where cop Lou Solverson (Molly’s - from season 1 - dad in his younger years) tracks down a family who is involved in a very complex conspiracy. The married couple Ed and Peggy Blumquist, get themselves into a series of crimes and blunders. Like season one, it’s about the everyday man who accidentally walks the criminal path.

The perspective changes during the series. There is not one leading character and we get to know something about every character of importance.

Patrick Wilson plays Lou Solverson, the younger version of the character Keith Carradine played in season one. Besides dealing with a difficult case, he is also worrying over his wife who has cancer. Staying professional in his job and also preparing for the possibility he might be a single dad soon. Wilson is very strong is his role. Ted Danson plays his father in law and also the sheriff. His character is calm and soothing, yet a very believable sheriff. Kirsten Dunst is probably the strongest performer in this season. We see her as Peggy Blumquist, a role we’ve never seen her in before. She really shines.

Season 2 was good, but it never lives up to season 1. The storylines are less interesting and there aren’t any characters that are as memorable as for example Lorne Malvo, Lester Nygaard and Molly Solverson from season 1. Dunst character comes close and so do Mike Milligan and Indian Hanzee, but season 1 of “Fargo” was way better.