TV Show Review - The Four Seasons

Season: 1
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Number of episodes: 8
Year: 2025
Starring: Tina Fey, Will Forte, Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, Marco Calvani, Kerri Kenney, Erika Henningson   

Description: Three suburban couples vacation together each season, but tensions arise when one couple splits up and the husband brings a much younger woman on subsequent trips.  

Review: A 25-year marriage is hard work, but the love is worth it, the group friends in “The Four Seasons” agree. Until one of them decided to end their marriage.

A trio of befriended couples can’t figure out how you define love after 25 years of marriage. Is it a soulmate? Or just devotion?

When the friend meet up in Spring, one of them decides he wants to leave their partner. He is unhappy and is marriage is boring, he tells his friends. We follow the group of friends a full year; during Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Each season taking up two episodes.

You really fly through this series, since each episode is about 30-minutes long. And you will effortlessly care about these characters. Especially Danny, played by Colman Domingo, and Claude, a role by Marco Calvani, really stole my heart. “The Four Seasons” is a lighthearted, warm and comical series, without becoming bland. Not a series you would expect a shocking twist from, but it does happen.

It's a fun series, that will have a second season, which is needed after that major cliffhanger. A great assemble cast, that portray characters you really care about. Would recommend.

10s Movie Review - Beautiful Boy

Director: Felix van Groeningen
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 112 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Steve Carell, Timothée Chalamet, Maura Tierney, Amy Ryan

Description: A heartbreaking and inspiring experience of survival, relapse and recovery in a family coping with addiction over many years.

Review: “Beautiful Boy” relentlessly portrays the effect of addiction on family and surroundings. With the huge opiate crisis plaguing the United States, “Beautiful Boy” about a son who becomes addicted to drugs will hit like a bomb. It’s based on the memoirs of father and son David and Nic Sheff. Nic’s books are about the addiction itself, while his father’s books are more about the effect this addiction has on the rest of the family. Director Felix van Groeningen brings these two perspectives together in “Beautiful Boy”, resulting in a deeply moving film. Rarely has the subject of addiction in American film been so sincerely told without completely demonizing or romanticizing the addict and drugs.

David Sheff is a successful journalist who lives with his second wife and their two children in a beautiful house in a woodland area. Nic, Davids son from his first marriage, also lives with them. He spends most of his time in his room. David is hopeless when his son has not come home for several days. When Nic finally does come home, it is soon clear that he is on drugs. Nic eventually goes to rehab and after this, he decides to go to college. But he relapses. What follows is a cycle of recovery and relapse to the drugs that seem to have no end. this cycle has been portrayed impressively. Each time Nic reaches for the drugs again makes you gasp. “Beautiful boy” grabs you by the throat, gives you a brief respite only to tighten the grip around your neck.

Belgian director Felix van Groening feels perfectly at home in Hollywood, with his first English-language film. He already showed his talent, with especially “The Broken Circle Breakdown”. Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet are the stars of the film. Chalamet perfectly captures the smallest of emotions and proves again that he is one of the greatest talents in Hollywood. Carell also plays excellently here as a concerned father who seems to be succumbing to his son’s addiction. Consequently, the most heartbreaking scenes are the interactions between father and son. Van Groeningen brings out the very best in his actors. The strength of “Beautiful Boy” is that at no point does it make moral judgments about the user and the drugs.

“Beautiful Boy” is full of raw emotion, but eventually lapses into repetition. Of course, this shows well the cycle of addiction, but at the cost of the rawness. But that is really the only point of critique I have. Overall, this is a heartbreaking story with fantastic performances by both Chalamet and Carell, who play off of each other very well and are great separate as well.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - Little Miss Sunshine

Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 99 minutes
Year: 2006
Starring: Abigail Breslin, Greg Kinnear, Alan Arkin, Toni Collette, Steve Carell, Paul Dano, Bryan Cranston, Wallace Langham

Description: A family determined to get their young daughter (Abigail Breslin) into the finals of a beauty pageant take a cross-country trip in their VW bus.

Review: In the American tragi-comedy “Little Miss Sunshine” we meet the Hoover family. A family with eccentric and quirky members. It’s a road movie and the members of the family get to know each other and themselves better and everything changes after this trip. 

“Little Miss Sunshine” has quality. The script is executed very well and the humor is fantastic. If it’s a VW van that malfunctions, the extreme positivism of father Richard or the comments that the coke sniffing grandpa gives his family, it’s great humor.

Up against those hilarious moments, there are also some surprising emotional scenes. This gives it all a perfect balance between comedy and light drama. The Hoovers are real people, although not ordinary, you come to love all of them.

The cast is amazing. Young Abigail Breslin is the shining star of the bunch, with a bright future ahead. Alan Arkin is very funny as grandpa and Steve Carell really impresses as depressed suicidal uncle Frank. Toni Colette, Greg Kinnear and Paul Dano also perform very well.

“Little Miss Sunshine” is one of those movies that puts a smile on your face. It’s one of my all-time favorite movies. 

Rating: 5/ 5

00s Movie Review - Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Director: Adam McKay
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 90 minutes
Year: 2004
Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner, Chris Parnell, Fred Willard, Kathryn Hahn, Fred Armisen, Seth Rogen, Vince Vaughn, Luke Wilson, Tim Robbins, Ben Stiller, Missi Pyle, Jack Black

Description: Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) is San Diego’s top-rated newsman in the male-dominated broadcasting of the 1970s, but that’s all about to change for Ron and his cronies when an ambitious woman (Christina Applegate) is hired as a new anchor.

Review: “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” could have easily been a juvenile, forgettable comedy. But director Adam McKay really created a hilarious film, that is a favorite for a lot of people.
We meet the arrogant and quirky Ron Burgundy, who is one of the most successful news anchors in 1970s San Diego. When Veronica Corningstone enters, he gets some rivalry, because she is a very ambitious women with only one big dream: becoming a lead anchor. At first Veronica gets simple stories to cover, like a fashion show for cats, but she doesn’t accept being just that kind of news woman.
When “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” was released in 2004, it wasn’t very well-received by critics. But through the years, the film has gained a cult-status and is a comedy classic. There was even a sequel in 2013.
The constant bickering between Will Ferrell and Christina Applegate’s characters is hilarious and we get fun supporting roles from Paul Rudd, Fred Willard and Vince Vaughn. But it’s Steve Carell that steals the show, as weatherman Brick Tamland. He is seriously the dumbest movie character and you question yourself how it’s possible Brick is still alive. Carell is hilarious in his role.
“Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” is definitely one of my favorite comedies off all-time.

Rating: 4/ 5

10s Movie Review - The Big Short

Director: Adam McKay
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Brad Pitt, Marisa Tomei, Rafe Spall, Jeremy Strong, Melissa Leo, Margot Robbie, Selena Gomez, Karen Gillan, Finn Wittrock, John Magaro, Hamish Linklater, Jay Jablonski

Description: In 2006-2007 a group of investors bet against the US motgage market. In their research they discover how flawed and corrupt the market is.

Review: “The Big Short” is based on the true story of fraud within American banks, right before the financial crisis. Four outsiders try to expose these banks and want to make money from it at the same time. Dr. Michael Burry starts this, when he discovers that most mortgages aren’t as safe and secure as they seem. Most banks think he is crazy and there are only a few others that believe him.
The cast of “The Big Short” is one to be proud of. They are all big names in Hollywood and are all seemingly enjoying the roles they’re playing. Christian Bale portrays the eccentric Dr. Michael Burry, Steve Carell is the loud Mark Baum, Ryan Gosling is the slick Jared Vennett and Brad Pitt plays the reluctant Ben Rickert. All characters are well-developed and the performances are fantastic.
And that’s where I’m going to stop with the positive, because aside from this, I hated this movie. And it’s not the director or the style it is filmed in. It’s simply the theme and story. Adam McKay tried so hard to create an intense and interesting film with the somewhat dry material he had. But in my opinion he didn’t manage to do that. At least not for me.
The film is too long and it drags. I think 90 percent of the dialogue and story didn’t interest me at all and sometimes I had no idea what they were talking about. This movie made me feel dumb, but then again I don’t know much about the financial world nor am I interested in it.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad movie. Because it’s well-made and all performances are great. Most critics praise this movie and it’s a typical film for the Academy Awards. “The Big Short” simply didn’t do it for me because of the theme it was dealing with. And if a movie’s theme doesn’t appeal to me and I can’t sympathize with any of the characters, you lose me as a viewer.
A movie not for everyone, and I’m sadly one of the haters. And I don’t often share the more unpopular opinion.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Crazy Stupid Love

Director: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Genre: Drama/ Comedy/ Romance
Runtime: 118 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, Marisa Tomei, Kevin Bacon, John Carroll Lynch, Analeigh Tipton, Joey King

Description: A middle-aged husband's (Steve Carell) life changes dramatically when his wife (Julianne Moore) asks him for a divorce. He seeks to rediscover his manhood with the help of a newfound friend, Jacob (Ryan Gosling), learning to pick up girls at bars.

Review: Filmmakers have tried so many times to create a romantic comedy that is liked by women and men. But they have only managed to succeed a couple of times. “Crazy Stupid Love” is one of them.
Cal is a decent, good 40 something guy, with a solid job, nice kids and a beautiful wife. During a nice dinner with his wife Emily, she surprises him with a request for a divorce. Because she slept with someone and they have drifted apart. Cal doesn’t know how to handle the situation and goes to bars, sobbing about his failed marriage. In that bar there also happens to be Jacob, a handsome, smooth talker that can score any woman any night. The two meet each other and Jacob decides to help Cal rediscover his manhood.
Cal and Jacob are the central figures in “Crazy Stupid Love”, but there are other characters struggling with love in many shapes and forms. And it’s one of the strongest elements of the film. All those different characters and their different feelings and emotions, they make sure everyone can relate to someone in this film. “Crazy Stupid Love” is fresh and has some surprising moments.
Every member of this cast seems perfect for their role. There is not one star, they are all equally good. And the humor and drama is in perfect balance.
“Crazy Stupid Love” is probably one of the best film to watch on a date.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Reviews - Vice

Director: Adam McKay
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 133 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, Alison Pill, Eddie Marsan, Justin Kirk, Jesse Plemons, Bill Camp, Shea Whigham, Tyler Perry, Naomi Watts, Alfred Molina

Description: The story of Dick Cheney (Christian Bale), an unassuming bureaucratic Washington insider, who quietly wielded immense power as Vice President to George W. Bush (Sam Rockwell), reshaping the country and the globe in ways that we still feel today.

Review: Director Adam McKay was once know for his absurd comedies with Will Ferrell, but has since made some less humorous films. In 2015 he brought us “The Big Short”, which focused on Wall Street. And with “Vice” he puts Dick Cheney in the spotlight. Is it a good career switch for McKay? I can say it is, because “Vice” is, even though very ambitious, a very strong political drama, a well-executed film with a comedic edge.
Because of the daily doses of idiotic Trump news, you would almost forget about the time that George W. Bush was president, which was also not the best political period for America. If it is completely Bush’s fault, that’s up for debate. It more luck than wisdom for Bush. And the political games he left for Dick Cheney. A man who became powerful by staying in the background. In “Vice” his political career is shown, and that career is much longer then we think. He started there when Nixon was president.
Cheney isn’t interested in politics at first. He chooses to be a Republican based on a speech Donald Rumsfeld gives. He becomes Cheney’s mentor. But student becomes teacher in this scenario.
When Cheney says his goodbyes to politics, he is tempted to work as Vice President for the unexperienced Bush. And when he becomes VP, he manages to draw all the power to himself.
Christian Bale looks nothing like Dick Cheney in real-life, but thanks to the fantastic make-up department Bale is unrecognizable and Cheney is born. He plays his role with perfection. But the satire doesn’t always work for Bale. Steve Carell and Sam Rockwell, who play Rumsfeld and Bush, are better suited for this style.
“Vice” has a few absurd scenes, that you wouldn’t expect in a political themed film. But here is where McKay separates himself from the rest. It doesn’t always work well, but it is original.
If politics don’t interest you, this movie is not for you. Even if it is brought with more wit and satire. If you do like it, it’s a nice change from all the raw and serious political dramas.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 28: Freeheld

Director: Peter Sollett
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Julianne Moore, Ellen Page, Michael Shannon, Steve Carell, Luke Grimes, Skipp Sudduth, William Sadler

Description: New Jersey police lieutenant, Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore), and her registered domestic partner, Stacie Andree (Ellen Page), both battle to secure Hester's pension benefits when she is diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Review: “Freeheld” is based on the true story of a police officer fighting for equality. After Laurel Hester is diagnosed with terminal cancer, it appears that her life partner has not right to receiving her pension when she passes, while her heterosexual collegues do get to leave their pension to their partner. It’s an interesting theme, especially for the more conservative parts of America: equal rights for everyone, no matter the sexual orientation.
Julianne Moore is very convincing cop as cop Laurel Hester and her relationship with Stacie Andree is very believable. Moore can easily carry this film.
The so-called freeholders, who decline Laurel and Stacie’s request, are somewhat one-dimensional. The antagonists don’t convince as much as the protagonists do.
Julianne Moore’s performance is very strong and Ellen Page also does a fine job. Steve Carrell’s characters is very loud, but he is in it just enough to not make him annoying. For me Michael Shannon has the most memorable performance. I love him as an actor, he is very solid in all his films. Although his character Dane is very uncomfortable with the homosexual theme at first, he fights for Laurel and stand by her until the end. The emotional load is much bigger because of this character and the fantastic performance by Shannon.
The message is clear, but the story is a bit one-sided because of the weak antagonists.

Rating: 3,5/ 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

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 35: Minions

Director: Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin

Genre: Animation/ Comedy/ Family

Runtime: 91 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, Steve Coogan, Jennifer Saunders, Geoffrey Rush, Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin

Description: Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock), a super-villain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb (Jon Hamm), hatches a plot to take over the world.

Review: After the successful animation “Despicable Me” it was expected that there was going to be a spin-off/ origin story about the cute little yellow helpers: the minions. And they are capable of carrying their own movie.

In ”Minions” we see that the yellow men have been around for millions of years and they don’t grow older or reproduce. The minions always want to serve the biggest and most evil villain. After a war, they decide to build their own life in a cave. But after many years, they think it’s time to find a new master.

Three of the minions are send out for this mission. The relatively serious Kevin, the stubborn Stuart and the childish Bob. To focus on only three of them it’s easier to follow for kids and because of the three different characters there is a certain group dynamic. The fact that the minions speak an unknown language could be the films handicap, but interesting enough it isn’t. Their tone and body language often say enough for us to understand them. The comedy of the film is of the slapstick kind, for young viewers it’s a hilarious film.

I read several bad reviews for “Minions”, but I think it’s a perfect film for the targeted audience and I enjoyed the animation.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Marry, Kiss, Cliff - Round 11

Andy Stitzer (“The 40 Year Old Virgin”), Mark (“Love Actually”) and Spock (“Star Trek”)

Marry: Mark is such a sweet guy, who knows how to sweep a girl off her feet. I think he would make a loving and caring husband. (And if a zombie apocalypse would start, he would easily kill them. Yes, that’s the same guy!)

Kiss: Andy Stitzer is the sweetest guy ever. I would easily marry him too, but I most definitely don’t want to push him off a cliff. So I would kiss him instead, because this guy has had all the bad luck one man can handle.

Cliff: Spock is way too serious for me and his haircut is just a no-no!

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 29: Foxcatcher

Director: Bennett Miller

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 134 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, Sienna Miller, Vanessa Redgrave, Anthony Michael Hall

Description: The greatest Olympic Wrestling Champion brother team joins Team Foxcatcher led by multimillionaire sponsor John E. du Pont (Steve Carell) as they train for the 1988 games in Seoul - a union that leads to unlikely circumstances.

Review: “Foxcatcher” starts with the message that the movie is based on a true story. Dangerous, because the genre of sports movies often fall into clichés and a lazy story. “Foxcatcher” manages to avoid it for a big part. That’s because the story doesn’t only focus on wrestler Mark Schultz, it also centers coach John Du Pont. Mark leads a lonely and apparent agonized life. Everything is about sports. It gets him a gold medal at the Olympics in 1984. Years later it’s just train, eat, sleep for Mark. Untill he gets a mysterious call that changes his life forever. The call is from John Du Pont, an eccentric millionaire with big plans for Mark and wrestling in general. Du Pont, rich due to arms trade, decides to sponsor the wrestler.

There is a reason for that. Wrestling isn’t only a passion, their characters match. DuPont is also a loner. Where Mark has no one else besides his brother, Du Pont has a similar past. Together the two outsiders complement each other and manage to be successful. With excellence, intensity and dominance the world is at their feet. Until all of this also affects their mutual relationship. What started as a dream, is slowly turning into a nightmare.

Although the tension isn’t always there and some supporting characters don’t really work, the story is solid. An extra plus is the sublime acting. Steve Carell convinces, in this unconventional, serious role. Mark Ruffalo also does a very good job. But it’s Channing Tatum that impressed me the most. Off course he has the physique of a wrestler, but he also shows his acting skills. Everyone talks about Carell and Ruffalo, but I think Tatum’s performance was the best.

The developments in the movie, including the wrestle matches, are very detailed. The movie has a dark tone and atmosphere. You feel that throughout the entire movie. Same as the length and slow pace of the movie.

“Foxcatcher” is a powerful movie, with a strong story and great acting. But due to the length and the slow pace I would not rewatch this movie.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Battle: Adventureland Vs. The Way Way Back

Both movies I really loved the first time I watched them. They are both coming of age movies, centering around a guy who just tries to feel normal and start a job at a park. “Adventureland” Vs. “The Way Way Back”

 

 

CAST

Adventureland: The leading part is for the easy likeable Jesse Eisenberg. His love interest is played by Kristen Stewart and the really funny roles are for Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. Ryan Reynolds also has a role.

The Way Way Back: Relatively unknown Liam Jones plays the leading role. His mother is portrayed by Toni Collette and his douche of a stepdad is played by Steve Carell. A great role by the way. Sam Rockwell plays my favourite character in the movie, it’s impossible to not like this guy. Also a fun roles for Allison Janney and Maya Rudolph, and AnnaSophie Robb plays the love interest.

STORY

Adventureland: It’s set in 1987. Eisenberg plays college graduate James Brennan who takes a ‘nowhere’ job at his local amusement park. He thinks it’s the perfect course to get him prepared for the real world.

The Way Way Back: Duncan is a shy guy, who goes on vacation with his mom, mom’s new boyfriend and the boyfriend’s daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds just the place. He starts working at the local Water Park, where he finds an unexpected friend in manager Owen.

EFFECTS

Adventureland: The movie has a cool 80’s vibe, due to the clothes, music and surroundings.

The Way Way Back: It’s mostly about the characters and the story here. You do get a summer feeling while watching the movie.

WINNER

“The Way Way Back”. It’s such a good film, I can’t fault it. It’s a guarantee to make you feel better and gives you an instant smile.

Best & Worst: Steve Carell

He got his fame for his role in “The Office” which is one of the best comedy shows ever. Later Steve Carell got a lot of lead roles in comedies and even in more dramatic movies he proved he had what it takes. Here are my picks for best and worst of Steve Carell.

 

How could I not go with this. “Little Miss Sunshine” is one of my all-time favorites and every time I watch it, it puts a big smile on my face. The movie literally makes me feel better. All the great characters, so quirky together, and that cool, yellow van that they are driving. And Steve’s characters Frank is just so sad, yet loveable.

Honorable Mentions: “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy”, “The Way Way Back”, “Despicable Me”, The 40 Year Old Virgin”

 

It’s a spin-off movie, because Carell already played this characters in “Bruce Almighty”. That one I liked, but “Evan Almighty” isn’t that good. It’s not a total stinker though, but it’s not Carell’s finest moment.

Dishonorable Mentions: “Dinner for Schmucks”

Quotables: "The Way Way Back"

I fell in love with this movie when I first saw it. I just love coming of age stories. Especially when it has great, memorable characters (Sam Rockwell!!!) and some cool quotes. I really love this movie and here I am sharing the best quotes from “The Way Way Back”.

Owen: You disappoint me, kid. You're late. You planning on making a habit of this?

Duncan: What?

Owen: You're fired!

Duncan: But I just...

Owen: [sticks out his hand] You make a valid point. Welcome back. With benefits.

 

Duncan: How long have you been working there?

Owen: Oh, the park? Um, I've always been there. Ever since I was a small Cambodian child. Of course, that was after 'Nam. I was in the shit. Then I joined the circus to become a clown fighter. I know about 46 ways to kill a clown. I hate clowns. I'm kidding except for the part where I really do hate them.

Owen: Seriously, when's the last time you bought jeans?

Duncan: My mom buys my jeans.

Owen: Good. Always take things literally. How's that working out for you? Does that get you laid?

Susanna: So. You're a big fan of REO Speedwagon?

Duncan: What?

Susanna: Can't Fight This Feeling?

Duncan: Oh, no. My mom must have put that on there.

Susanna: Oh. And you just got to it and thought "what the hell?" I'm going to sing the shit out of it anyway.

 

Betty: So how was your winter? Because our year was a challenge. My niece was raped in October.

Pam: Oh, my God!

Betty: I know. Not even food courts are safe.

In the Picture: The Characters from "Th Way Way Back"

“The Way Way Back” is a movie I only saw recently, but fell in love with immediately. And it has some great characters, interesting ones with actual depth and emotions. One of them actually made it to my list of favourite movie characters.

Duncan

Played by: Liam James

Duncan is a very quiet 14-year old, who goes on a vacation with his mom and her new boyfriend. He doesn’t really want to go, but has no other options. To try to make the best of it, Duncan decides to check out the town and he discovers a water park. This changes his vacation.

Owen

Played by: Sam Rockwell

Owen is the manager of ‘Water Wiz’, a local water park. He takes Duncan under his wing. Although Owen might look like a tough guy, he has a heart of gold and he is the only one that sees the true Duncan.

Pam

Played by: Toni Collette

Pam is Duncan’s mother. Duncan feels abandoned by her, and Pam doesn’t get him. She is constantly trying to reach out to him, but then falls back in the arms of boyfriend Trent. Drinking, late night partying and smoking marijuana.

Trent

Played by: Steve Carell

Trent is Pam’s new boyfriend. To her, he is a perfect guy. Trent is constantly verbally and emotionally abusing Duncan, often making comments and gestures that are belittling and rude at him. And he’s also not very faithful to Pam. Trent is simply a big ass douche.

Betty Thompson

Played by: Allison Janney

Betty is the cocktail loving vacationing neighbor of Trent and Pam. She likes her parties, drinks and guys and lives her life like she is catching up on her own teen years. Betty isn’t always very subtle and she seems nosy, but she only means well.

Susanna Thompson

Played by: AnnaSophia Robb

Susanna belongs to a popular groups of girls, but she actually doesn’t want to. She is intrigued by Duncan, because he’s an outcast, much to the liking of her friends. Susanna also takes part in Duncan’s growing happiness.

Caitlyn

Played by: Maya Rudolph

Caitlyn works at ‘Water Wiz’. She is a kind woman, loved by Owen, although she doesn’t want to give in to those feelings herself. She also appreciates Duncan’s help and presence at the water park.

 

 

Favorite Character: Owen

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 78: The Way Way Back

Director: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash

Genre: Drama/ Comedy

Runtime: 103 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Liam James, Steve Carell, Toni Colette, AnnaSophia Robb, Alisson Janney, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, Amanda Peet, Rob Corddry

Description: Shy 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James) goes on summer vacation with his mother (Toni Colette), her overbearing boyfriend (Steve Carell), and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen (Sam Rockwell), manager of the Water Wizz water park.

Review: Duncan is a 14 year old boy, who is on his way to a beach house for the summer, with his mom, her new boyfriend Trent and the boyfriend’s daughter. Duncan and Trent don’t get along, he’s not happy with his mother’s choice. It’s going to be a long summer. But when Duncan meets Owen, who works at the local waterpark, there is a silver lining.

There are many characters in “The Way Way Back” that give the film a lot of color. Liam James, as Duncan, does a great job and so does AnnaSophie Robb. But it’s the adults that steal the show. It’s fun to see Steve Carell as the douchebag Trent. This ws the first time I wanted to slap him in the face, well performed by Carell. Allison Janney and Toni Colette are solid but my favorite character is portrayed by Sam Rockwell. He is the silly Owen, but he has a heart of gold. And he’s actually Duncan’s savior, the one who appreciates him for who he is. Rockwell really stole my heart in this movie.

“The Way Way Back” is a special film, an honest film, like “Juno and “Little Miss Sunshine”, that leave a smile on your face afterwards.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 75: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Director: Adam McKay

Genre: Komedie

Runtime: 113 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner, James Marsden, Dylan Baker, Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear, Kristen Wiig

Description: With the 70s behind him, San Diego's top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy, returns to take New York's first 24-hour news channel by storm.

Review: Ron Burgundy and his wife Veronica have left San Diego behing and live in New York with their son. They work as a team anchoring for a news show. When Veronica Is promoted and Ron is fired, his life falls apart. Ron and Veronica separate and he returns to San Diego. When he manages to get a job at a 24 hour news channel, he decides to assemble to old news team.

Ten years ago “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” was a small success, but Will Ferrell’s character Ron Burgundy grew to be a cult hero. The somewhat idiotic anchorman from the 70’s, with his fancy mustache and hilarious one-liners has always been popular among fans. And how happy those fans where when a long awaited sequel finally happened.

Like the first movie, the sequel is a chain of fun moments. Will Ferrell excels as Ron Burgundy and you sometimes feel ashamed for him. Paul Rudd and especially Steve Carell reprise their roles very well. How I love Brick, who is hopefully not based on a real person. Like many comedy sequels, “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” lacks pacing in the story. There are also varieties on scenes from part one and many cameos.

“Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” can’t live up to the first, but it was again highly enjoyable. Just because it’s so silly and you know the characters so well. Stay classy San Diego!

Rating: 3,5 / 5

Movie Moments: "The 40 Year-Old Virgin

This movie is so funny and we can thank Steve Carell for that. I don’t think anyone else could have done a better job. Here are my favorite moments from “The 40 Year-Old Virgin”.

Moment # 1: Meet Andy
We meet Andy, who wakes up with a huge boner. He starts working out, making breakfast, talking to his elderly neighbors. Andy is a nice guy with absolutely no social life.

Moment # 2: The guys find out
Andy is invited to a pokergame with his co-worker from Smart Tech. They start talking about sex and when they ask Andy about his sex adventures, they find out he’s still a virgin.

Moment # 3: Andy’s fulfilling life
Andy tries to explain to Dave why he doesn’t need to get laid. He has a very fulfilling life. We see him playing the tuba, painting miniatures, playing videogams, singing karaoke and reading comic books.

Moment # 4: Andy and the drunk lady
Andy picked up a woman in a bar. She had a little to much to drink, but she drives Andy anyway. Seems that she is a very reckless driver and a bit crazy too.

Moment # 5: Waxing
Jay advices Andy to get his chest waxed, so Jay, Dave and Cal join him when Andy goes to a waxing salon. And it hurts like hell.

Moment # 6: Condoms
Andy went on a date with Trish and they end up in her bed. When Trish is going to the bathroom Andy has to put on a condom, but he has no idea how to use them. He uses a lot of them, but it doesn’t work out. And then Trish’ daughter walks in.

Moment # 7: Health clinic
Andy takes Trish’ daughter Marla to a health clinic, to learn about birth control. He sees a model of a vagina and when he picks it up it falls apart and he can’t put it together anymore.

Moment # 8: Heat of the moment
Andy and Trish had a fight and she gets in her car and drives off. Andy follows her on his bike, but Trish is to fast. He takes a shortcut, but when a huge billboard pops out of nowhere he flies trough it.

Moment # 9: Hair medley
After Andy’s big moment, all the characters start singing a medley from the musical Hair.



Favorite Moment: : Moment# 5: Waxing

In the Picture: The Characters from "The 40 Year Old Virgin"

I recently rewatched "The 40 Year Old Virgin" and I decided to give all the characters some individual attention.

Andy Stitzer
Played by: Steve Carell
Andy is 40 years old and still a virgin. He is involuntarily celibate. Andy lives alone and is somewhat childlike. He collects action figures and plays videogames. But Andy is a very kind, shy and loveable man.

David
Played by: Paul Rudd
David is Andy’s co-worker. He really wants a serious relationship, but he is still hung up on his ex-girlfriend. It’s almost disturbing.

Cal
Played by: Seth Rogen
Cal also works at SmartTech and has a perverted sense of humor. He talks about sex a lot, many forms of it.

Jay
Played by: Romany Malco
Another co-worker of Andy. He’s the only one in a serious relationship of the SmartTech group. But he’s whipped. Jay is not aloud to do anything, he’s kinda her bitch.

Trish
Played by: Catherine Keener
Trish is a storeowner across the street of Andy’s work. They hit it of immediately and Andy goes on a date with her. She is really nice and is seriously interested in Andy.

Paula
Played by: Jane Lynch
Paula is the storemanager of SmartTech. She should actually be sued for sexual harassment, because she makes sexual remarks to her colleagues all the time. She even wants to be Andy’s sexbuddy. Strange woman.

Beth
Played by: Elizabeth Banks
Beth is a woman Andy meets at a bookstore, where she works. She seems interested in Andy and she would be perfect for Andy to finally lose his virginity. But Beth’s a bit crazy.

Favorite Character: Andy Stitzer