10s Movie Review - 6 Underground

Director: Michael Bay
Genre: Action
Runtime: 128 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Mélanie Laurent, Dave Franco, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Ben Hardy, Corey Hawkins, Adria Arjona

Description: Six untraceable agents, totally off the grid. They’ve buried their pasts so they can change the future.

Review: Under the names One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six, six people work together to eliminate notorious criminals. They all disappeared by staging their own deaths. As ghosts from the past living in freedom, they are all brought together by One, a billionaire mastermind and leader of the team. With their unique skills, they start a mission to change the future. A mission in Florence brings them to Rovachs, the blood-thirsty dictator of Turgistan.
After Michael Bay broke through in the mid-90s with the spectacular action film “Bad Boys”, “The Rock” and “Armageddon”, he spend half of last century making Tranformers movies. From 2007 to 2017 he delivered us five films in this franchise. And they were all not that great. Which is pretty much the standard for a Michael Bay movie. They are all spectacular, but not that great. With a budget of 150 million dollars, Bay made the Netflix film “6 Underground”.
And from the first minutes of the film, you can see where that budget went, because like any Bay movie, it’s super flashy, sexy and over-the-top spectacular. Because the film looks fantastic.
As a viewer, you’re kind of searching for the how and what in the story. But there is hardly any time to take a breath and think about this. There is not really a very deep story here. But what this movie lacks even more is logic. Why is the death driver being replaced by a trained sniper? And is it just me or is One the worst person to be a leader of this team? And if they want to do good, why do they keep on driving into crowds and probably killing innocent people? I think a film like this doesn’t need logic, as long as it doesn’t take itself too serious. Unfortunately Michael Bay always takes himself very seriously.
Ryan Reynold is the lead in this action flick and he is surrounded by a cast that looks great on paper. And it doesn’t surprise you that all of them look beautiful, are almost flawless at what they do and don’t really have any depth. The dialogues are exchangeable and sometimes even unnecessary and the jokes feel like the ones that didn’t make it in any of the “Deadpool” films.
It's clear that “6 Underground” is all about the visual flair and spectacular action. Don’t expect any more then that.

Rating: 2,5 / 5

00s Movie Review - Superbad

Director: Greg Mottola
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 114 minutes
Year: 2007
Starring: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bill Hader, Seth Rogen, Emma Stone, Joe Lo Truglio, Dave Franco

Description: Two co-dependent high school seniors (Jonah Hill, Michael Cera) are forced to deal with separation anxiety after their plan to stage a booze-soaked party goes awry.

Review: “Superbad” is a harsh comedy, about teens trying to get laid before school ends. It sounds lame and unoriginal, but “Superbad” is much more original and honest than you would expect.
Jonah Hill plays the foulmouthed teenager Seth. All he wants is for the pretty Jules to be his girlfriend. His plan is to get her drunk at a party. He convinces his friend Evan that this is the way to get the girl he likes, Becca, to fall in love with him too.
The only problem is the booze. They are under 21 and can’t buy it. The solution: their nerdy friend Fogell, who just got a fake ID, that says he is a 25 year old organ donor called McLovin. Their quest to get alcohol begins.
The harsh dialogues and remarks are fired in speed tempo, by both Jonah Hill and Michael Cera. The timing of both actors is perfect and they both do a great job. But it’s Christoph Mintz-Plasse that steals the show, together with the two crazy cops, portrayed by Bill Hader and Seth Rogen.
“Superbad” is filled with original and hilarious moments. The film also has heart and turns cartoonish characters into real people. Not that the movie has any depth, but it’s a great study of the teenage psyche. “Superbad” has realism and honesty, something that a lot of teen comedies don’t have.
“Superbad” is super funny!

Rating: 5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Fright Night

Director: Craig Gillespie
Genre: Horror/ Comedy
Runtime: 120 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Colin Farrell, Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots, Toni Collette, David Tennant, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Dave Franco

Description: Teenager Charlie Brewster (Anton Yelchin( suspects that his new neighbor Jerry (Colin Farrell) is a vampire.

Review: The horror movie “Fright Night” from 1985 isn’t one of the most well known movies from the 80’s. On the contrary, it’s a typical, very underrated genre film that got a cult status from a limited group of fans. Building of the tension, the atmosphere and the traditional vampire mythology make the original “Fright Night” an enjoyable film.
So there was a lot of skepticism when they decided to remake this horror classic and give it a modern twist. Thankfully the makers of “Fright Night” don’t make the same mistakes as predecessors that decided to make a modern version of a classic horror flick. The original source material has been handled well. Off course the setting and characters are spiced up a bit and are translated to the 21st century. The neighborhood this movie is set on, is well chosen. A place where many people work nights, a perfect place for a modern vampire. Director Craig Gillespie also succeeds in combining horror and humor together.
The star of the film is Colin Farrell. The flamboyant Irishman easily creates a memorable movie vampire, that can’t be compared to any other vampire. Jerry is a seemingly charming guy, but also a very self-assured killing machine. Fun fact is that Chris Sarandon, who played the role in the original, has a cameo. The British David Tenant also has a remarkable role, as horror magician Peter Vincent. Sometimes mocking, but has enough charm to not overdo it. Only the transformation from cynic to vampire slayer is a bit unbelievable. The movie also loses its tension towards the end.
Aside from some small negatives, “Fright Night” is an above average horror film. It’s not a movie you’re constantly comparing its predecessor, it has enough power to stand on its own. Finally a remake that manages to succeed and has the perfect balance between horror and comedy.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 137: The Disaster Artist

Director: James Franco
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 104 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: James Franco, Dave Franco, Alison Brie, Seth Rogen, Megan Millally, Ari Graynor, Jacki Weaver, Josh Hutcherson, Zac Efron

Description: When Greg Sestero (Dave Franco), an aspiring film actor, meets the weird and mysterious Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) in an acting class, they form a unique friendship and travel to Hollywood to make their dreams come true.

Review: “The Room”, from mysterious film maker and actor Tommy Wiseau, is knows is probably the worst movie ever made. It appears that it cost him about six million dollars, but the movie only made 1800 dollars in the first weekend.
“The Room” was known for its bad dialogues, even worse acting and strange story. But it has grown to be an absolute cult classic. But who was Wiseau? How did he get the money to finance this film? And where was he really from, claiming he was from New Orleans but he has a strange Easter European accent.
We don’t know the answer to those questions, but James Franco isn’t trying to answer them. He did speak to Wiseau on a daily basis, because Franco doesn’t only direct. He also portrays Wiseau. And with that he gives away one of the best performances of his career. Wiseau is quite the character and it’s really easy to fall into a cartoonish character that you are impersonating. When you look at Franco as Wiseau, you don’t see the actor Franco. You see Wiseau.
Greg, played by James Franco’s real life brother Dave Franco, is ambitious and wants to be an actor. During an acting class, he meets Wiseau. He looks up to him, because Wiseau gives his all without caring about what others think. Wiseau isn’t talented, but the two decide to move to Los Angeles and pursue an acting career. When they get no after no, they decided to make their own movie. Wiseau writes the script for “The Room”.
Most part of the film is spend on the filming of “The Room”. It’s clear that Wiseau is an unpredictable man. And people around him don’t really know what to think of him. Greg is the only one that still believes in him.
Franco didn’t turn Wiseau into a caricature, but actually gave his character a lot of heart. As for the whole movie, it has so much heart.
James Franco is so talented and he made an absolute fantastic film with “The Disaster Artist”. His directing is so good, but he excels as the actor here. For me the best movie of 2017.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 122: Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising

Director: Nicholas Stoller
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 91 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Seth Rogetn, Rose Byrne, Zach Efron, Chloë Grace Moretz, Dave Franco, Selena Gomez, Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

Description: When their new next-door neighbors turn out to be a sorority even more debaucherous than the fraternity previously living there, Mac and Kelly (Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne) team with their former enemy, Teddy (Zac Efron), to bring the girls down.

Review: For freshmen students Shelby, Beth and Nora decide to start their own sorority outside campus, so they can have parties. And sadly to say, Mac and Kelly Radner are their neighbors. Because after having a fraternity next door, now they are going to have a sorority. And again they are going head to head.
Comedy sequels don’t have a good reputation, but this doesn’t really go for “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising”. It’s not better than “Neighbors”, but it’s again really funny. And when a comedy does what it has to do, make you laugh, it succeeds.
Seth Rogen and Rosey Byrne are again so much fun as the married couple that tries to scare away their new partying neighbors. Their little daughter, that is now not a baby anymore, has the disturbing habit to find her mother’s vibrator and use it as a doll. Zac Efron is also back and surprises again with his humor. Chloë Grace Moritz feels the one out of place in “Neighbors 2: Sororty Rising”. Comedy isn’t yet her genre.
“Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising” is a fun comedy sequel, with some really good jokes. Better than I expected, just as fun as I hoped.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 54: 22 Jump Street

Director: Phil Lord, Chris Miller

Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Crime

Runtime: 111 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube, Dave Franco, Nick Offerman, Peter Stormare, Rob Riggle, Wyatt Russell, Jillian Bell, Amber Stevens, Dax Flame, Ashlyn McEvers, Jimmy Tatro, David Stephen Mitchell, Johnny Pemberton, Joe Chrest, Kate Adair, Libby Blanton, Amber Carollo

Description: After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) when they go deep undercover at a local college.

Review: In 2012 we got the movie version “21 Jump Street”, a TV show which starred Johnny Depp. The movie, starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum and a huge amount of jokes, was a success. So when a movie is successful, there will off course be a sequel.

This time Schmidt and Jenko have to go undercover again. Not at a high school, but college. They have to infiltrate the dealers and find the supplier. Technically the same story, but then set at college. But the makers know that and mock it. That’s why “22 Jump Street” is better than I initially thought, because of the self-mockery.

Schmidt and Jenko are two completely different guys. Schmidt is smart and thinks things through, Jenko has a physical strength and is more impulsive. Those differences are also a central theme in the movie. This often gives us some clichés and stereotypes.

What is left is a movie that has much of the same, but still was surprisingly funny. Especially the way the movie mocks itself (stay for the end credits) and the great chemistry between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, make this a fun night at the movies.

Rating: 3/ 5

In the Picture: The Characters from "Neighbors"

I saw it on the first night in theatres, that doesn’t happen to me very often. It was a really funny film and the characters made that happen. Here are the characters from “Neighbors”. 

 

Mac Radner

Played by: Seth Rogen

Mac is happy that he’s a new dad and the fact that they bought their first house. He is still trying to adjust and to open that door to the next chapter of his life. Mac wants to party with the younger guys, but he also tries to be a more responsible man as well. Deep in his heart he is accepting the fact that he’s getting older and that his home life is very fulfilling. 

 

Kelly Radner

Played by: Rose Byrne

Kelly is from Australia and met Mac in high school. She is trying to adapt to her newest role as a mother. Although she feels like partying with her friends, Kelly also realizes that this part of her life is about taking care of her family. She is willing to accept that, as long as her husband Mac joins her.

 

 

Teddy Sanders

Played by: Zac Efron

Teddy moves in next door to the Radners as the president of a fraternity. He is very popular, has the looks and is liked by everyone. When he meets Mac and Kelly, they get along. Teddy even invites them over to a party. But as the couple starts complaining about the noise, Teddy goes to battle with them. Teddy is also on a point in his life where he has to realize he is growing up. Soon a life of partying, drinking and fun is over.

 

Pete Regazolli

Played by: Dave Franco

Pete is Teddy’s best friend and the vice president of the fraternity. He tags along with Teddy as they go head to head with the Radners. When he bangs Teddy’s girl, their friendship is out the door. Pete also sees that rebelling against their neighbors isn’t the right thing to do.

 

Favorite Character: Mac Radner

 

Me & 3 Dave Franco Movies

Without even realizing it, I watched three movies starring Dave Franco in a short period of time. He’s never the main star, yet, but I see a bright future for this guy. Although he isn’t as good as his brother James, and he probably never will, he’s not bad to watch. So here are three movies starring Dave Franco.

 

Now You See Me

Genre: Thriller

Year: 2013

Director: Louis Leterrier

Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Mark Ruffalo, Mélanie Laurent, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine

Description: An FBI agent (Mark Ruffalo) and an Interpol detective (Mélanie Laurent) track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.

Opinion: It’s visually an amazing movie, but the director doesn’t have great tricks up his sleave. It’s all very predictable and not all the characters get the attention they deserve.

Favorite character: Alma Dray (Mélanie Laurent)

Most memorable quote: “Whatever is about to follow, whatever this grand trick is, is really going to amaze. Look closely, because the closer you think you are, the less you'll actually see”. –Thaddeus Bradley-

Best scene: The opening scene, where we meet the four horsemen.

Fright Night

Genre: Horror/ Thriller/ Comedy

Year: 2011

Director: Craig Gillespie

Cast: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, Toni Collette, Imogen Poots, David Tennant, Dave Franco, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

Description: Charlie (Anton Yelchin) suspects that his new neighbor Jerry (Colin Farrell) is a vampire.

Opinion: Definitely not bad for a remake. My brother is a huge fan of the original and was pleasantly surprised by this one. It’s a very enjoyable horror, with little touches of subtle humor in it.

Favorite character: Peter Vincent (David Tennant)

Most memorable quote: “That is a terrible vampire name. Jerry?” –Charlie Brewster-

Best scene: Jerry is asking Charlie if he has some beer for him. By this time Charlie is doubting his friend’s stories, that Jerry is a vampire. While Charlie is getting the beer out of the fridge, Jerry is standing outside. But Charlie doesn’t invite him inside, because if he is a vampire that would give him all access.

Neighbors

Genre: Comedy

Year: 2014

Director: Nicholas Stoller

Cast: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne, Dave Franco, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

Description: Kelly and Mac (Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen) are settling down in a quiet neighborhood with their newborn child, until a fraternity moves into the house next door.

Opinion: A good comedy that managed to make me cry of laughter. Both verbal and physical humor, great comedic performances by Rogen, Byrne and Efron.

Favorite character: Mac Radner (Seth Rogen)

Most memorable quoteL “He puts his dick in your mouth while you were asleep!” –Pete- “I wasn’t asleep.” –Assjuice- Best scene: The fight between Mac and Teddy.

Favorite of the 3: “Neighbors”

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 54: Warm Bodies

Director: Jonathan Levine
Genre: Comedy/ Romance/ Horror
Runtime: 98 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich, Analeigh Tipton, Rob Corrdry, Dave Franco

Description: After a highly unusual zombie (Nicholas Hoult) saves still-living girl Julie (Teresa Palmer) from an attack, the two form a relationship that sets in motion events that might transform the entire lifeless world.

Review: The love between a human and a different creature (vampires, werewolves, aliens) has been done a couple of times. In “Warm Bodies” we can add another one to the list: the zombie. But I’m not going to compare it too “Twilight”, because this movie is just too much fun and the vampire movie just isn’t.
In “Warm Bodies” we see a world where a zombie epidemic has taken over most of mankind. A small group of people stay hidden in the city, with a giant wall surrounding them. We meet zombie R, who has forgotten his name, can hardly talk but is sharing his thoughts with the audience. He falls for the beautiful Julie and wants to protect her from the other zombies. Julie doesn’t trust the situation, but sees that R is different.
“Warm Bodies” is based on a book by Isaac Marion and loosely based on “Romeo & Juliet”. With that the movie is filled with humor and romance and a bit of horror elements as well. Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer have great chemistry. I also love the soundtrack, every song is just chosen perfectly.
“Warm Bodies” is a romantic comedy, but then with zombies. There is a perfect balance between humor and romance. It’s original and fresh and a joy to watch!

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 47: Now You See Me

Director: Louis Leterrier
Genre: Thriller
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Mark Ruffalo, Mélanie Laurent

Description: An FBI agent (Mark Ruffalo) and an Interpol detective (Mélanie Laurent) track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.

Review: “Now You See Me” introduces the four illusionists in the opening sequence. All of them with their own specialty. The magicians are brought together by a mysterious figure and they get a Las Vegas show. In that show it seems that ‘the four horsemen’ are robbing a bank in Paris. FBI agent Dylan Rhodes and Interpol agent Alma Vargas have the task to find out how they pulled it off.
Because you’re constantly shifting between the four illusionists and the two law enforcers, it’s really hard to see the ethnic difference between good and bad. It’s never clear who the real protagonist is in the movie. The story is missing an edge. With that the characters aren’t all as important. Of the four magicians, there are only two that really have a purpose. The other two stay in the background. Eventually we get a pretty predictable twist in the end.
The visuals are amazing, it’s a very good looking movie. And it’s certainly a very good concept. But it’s not as sensational as the tricks in the film.

Rating: 2/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Famous Acting Brothers

It's time for Hollywood brothers!! No need to explain it further, here are my favorite acting brothers.

5. Mark Wahlberg & Donnie Wahlberg
Just to be clear, the Wahlbergs as actors! Forget about their singing/ rapping period. Both Mark and Donnie are the living proof that there are singers that can actually act. I really like to watch Mark Wahlberg,especially in "The Fighter" and I'm really looking forward to see "Ted". And Donnie was fantastic in the series "Band of Brothers". Mark is my favorite of the two.

4. Ben Affleck & Casey Affleck
The Affleck brothers are perhaps the best ones on this list. Both of them are very good and I even like Ben a bit more as a director. And I love their collaboration in "Gone Baby Gone" where Ben directed and Casey acted. Fantastic! Casey is my favorite of the two.

3. James Franco & Dave Franco
Everyone knows how much I love James. Don't know much about Dave yet but I enjoyed him in "Fright Night" and "21 Jump Street". I don't need to explain why James is so good, just watch "127 Hours". James is still my favorite of the two.

2. Andrew Wilson, Owen Wilson & Luke Wilson
A threesome! Andrew is the least known of the bunch, but how cool was he in "Whip It"? Owen Wilson is great in anything, but I think my favorite movies are "Midnight in Paris" and "Marley & Me". Luke Wilson is adorable and I loved him in "Old School". My favorite of the three is Owen.

1. Chris Hemsworth & Liam Hemsworth
Only recently discovered by me, but this is one handsome looking family! Chris is gorgeous, Liam is gorgeous. And they are Australian, love that accent. Oh, and they can act as well. Loved Liam in "The Hunger Games" and Chris in "The Avengers" and "Snow White and the Huntsman". Favorite..... hard to say. Hmmm. I'll go with Chris.

They almost made the top 5: Alec, Stephen & William Baldwin, Beau & Jeff Bridges.