10s Movie Review - Paul

Director: Greg Mottola
Genre: Comedy/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 104 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Simon Pegg , Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Sigourney Weaver, Blythe Danner, Jane Lynch, John Carroll Lynch, Jesse Plemons, Jeffrey Tambor, David Koechner, Joe Lo Truglio

Description: Two English comic book geeks (Nick Frost, Simon Pegg) traveling across the U.S. encounter an alien (Seth Rogen) outside Area 51.

Review: Simon Pegg is a great comedic actor, Nick Frost is hilarious. But they are best when they are together. So seeing them in a comedy about an alien, not directed by Edgar Wright, excites us. It’s not as good as any of the Cornetto films, but “Paul” is definitely funny enough to watch and rewatch.
“Paul” follows two British nerds, Graeme and Clive, who saved money to go to Comic Con. On their way, they want to spot some UFO’s. They bump into Paul, an alien, who has been on planet earth for already 60 years. Graeme and Clive decide to take Paul on their road trip. Of course that’s not a very good idea.
Like I stated before, Pegg and Frost aren’t working with Edgar Wright this time. Greg Mottola is the director and he knows how to make a buddy movie work. Just look at “Superbad”. Here he has to combine the British humor from Pegg and Frost with the typical American humor from Seth Rogen. I can say, that I miss Wright, because it’s a little but to ordinary. But “Paul” is still a very enjoyable watch with lots of successful jokes. It’s a very good comedy. And Seth Rogen is a great choice for voicing Paul.
I really enjoyed “Paul”, it’s a funny film, with three excellent comedic performances.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World

Director: Dean DeBlois
Genre: Animation/ Family/ Adventure/ Fantasy
Runtime: 104 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, America Ferrara, F. Murray Abraham, Jonah Hill, Kit Harrington, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig
 
I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2022 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 6: THIRD MOVIE IN A TRILOGY

Description: When Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) discovers Toothless isn’t the only Night Fury, he must seek ‘The Hidden World’, a secret Dragon Utopia before a hired tyrant named Grimmel (F. Murray Abraham) finds it first.
 
Review: Hiccup and his great friend, the dragon Toothless, have a day job freeing captured dragons. A new world is created so that dragons and humans can live together in harmony. When their mode of existence is jeopardized y a new villain named Grimmel, Hiccup brings the all the dragons together to stop Grimmel. 
The “How to Train Your Dragon” series is one of Dreamworks’ more successful series and one of my favorites for sure. The stories of Hiccup with his dragon Toothless capture the imagination of many young viewers. The makers also keep the films light in terms of story and theme. And so does part three, which offers plenty of action and entertainment as well as a light, positive message. In this third part they face a new enemy. 
I love the visuals and the story, the character of Hiccup especially is one that many kids could identify with. And Toothless is of course amazing. I’m a fan of this series and the third installment didn’t disappoint.
 
Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - A Boy Called Christmas

Director: Gil Kenan
Genre: Family/ Adventure/ Fantasy
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Maggie Smith, Michiel Huisman, Jim Broadbent, Joel Fry, Henry Lawful, Kristen Wiig, Toby Jones, Stehen Merchant

I WATCHED THIS FOR MY 2021 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 51: A CHRISTMAS MOVIE
 
Description: In the origin story of Father Christmas an ordinary boy (Henry Lawful) sets out on an extraordinary adventure to find his father (Michiel Huisman) who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of Elfhelm.

Review: If you are looking for a new Christmas movie that is not too sweet, tells an original story and is suitable for the whole family, you should check out thi Netflix production. In “A Boy Called Christmas”, based on a children’s book by Matt Haig, the mysterious Aunt Ruth tells the children she is babysitting a bedtime story. It’s about Nikolas, the son of a poor lumberjack, who goes to northern Finland in search of an elf village that seems to exist only in stories.
The film has a lot of characters, which can be an overkill here and there. In addition, the message about magic and faith is a bit muddled. But the fine cast and the sympathetic tone will all make up for that. It’s a film with heart and the gets you into the Christmas spirit.
A very fun Christmas movie for the whole family.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Review - Wonder Woman 1984

Director: Patty jenkins
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ science Fiction
Runtime: 151 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen

Description: Diana (Gal Gadot) must contend with a work colleague (Kristen Wiig) and businessman (Pedro Pascal), whose desire for extreme wealth sends the world down a path of destruction, after an ancient artifact that grants wishes goes missing.

Review: Compared to the first theatrical adventure revolving around superheroine Wonder Woman, the sequel offers mostly repetition. Despite the generous running time, the filmmakers never make it clear why the film had to be set in the year 1984. Where the first “Wonder Woman” film had us all applauding DC again, “Wonder Woman 1984” sadly doesn’t.
“Wonder Woman 1984” revolves around Diana Prince, aka Wonder Woman. This superheroine lives an anonymous life, trying to forget her late love Steve Trevor. When she hears about the Dreamstone, a relic that allows dreams to come true, she wishes her great love would come alive. The financially troubled Maxwell Lord also covets this stone. Meanwhile, Diana’s shy and geeky co-worker Barbara Ann Minerva also makes use of the magical object and transforms into the monstrous Cheetah. However, the Dreamstone has a dangerous side and takes its toll on all its users.
Director Patty Jenkins unfortunately failed to meet the success of the 2017’s “Wonder Woman”. This is due to several factors. First, the story. “Wonder Woman 1984” tries to be more light-hearted and comedic, and in that Jenkins fails quite a bit. The choice was made to set the story in 1980’s, but I believe the sole purpose is just the fashion and neon colors. Chris Pine is a great example, as he is mainly used to walk around dressed in strange clothes. He is supposed to be the comedic note and has little depth, whereas his return is supposed to be emotional.
Cheetah’s origins is also a negative. The caricatured Barbara, stereotypical geeky girl with glasses and frizzy hair. She wishes to be as strong and confident as Diana, and after losing the glasses and changing her outfits, all of a sudden all heads turn and she is smoking hot. Jenkins doesn’t manage to avoid clichés here. And when Barbara eventually turns into Cheetah, it doesn’t look great either.
“Wonder Woman 1984” lacks heart. But Gal Gadot is still a perfect Diana Prince. Her charm, charisma and warmth are what somewhat save the film from being a total fail. She makes Diana sympathetic. However, this isn’t enough to captivate for the full runtime.

Rating: 2,5 / 5

Movie Reviews - Downsizing

Director: Alexander Payne
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 135 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig, Christoph Waltz, Hong Chau, Udo Kier, Jason Sudeikis, Neil Patrick Harris, Laura Dern

Description: A social satire in which a man (Matt Damon) realizes he would have a better life if he were to shrink himself to five inches tall, allowing him to live in wealth and splendor.

Review: What would you do if you had the option to shrink, which means your money is worth so much more.
In Alexander Payne’s new movie, this is the question at the start of the film. Paul and Audrey are your every day couple, with not a lot to spend. They want more space and nice things, but that’s simply not possible with their payments. Paul sees a Norwegian professor in the news, who managed to shrink people. A great invention, because you would waist less and everything you have is worth more.
A couple of years after the experiment, ‘downsizing’ is a popular procedure. More people choose to be downsized, like friends of Paul and Audrey. They tell them how amazing it is and how it changed their lives in a good way. And especially because their money is worth more. Paul and Audrey are also thinking about downsizing. If they sell everything, they can live as a king and queen. It’s the solution for all their problems.
After the downsizing process in the film, the movie goes downhill. New plots unfold, which makes to story go in so many different directions. Payne loses focus and towards the end the story goes into another direction, which makes it feel endless. “Downsizing” has such an interesting starting point, but this all gets a little lost.
“Downsizing” is a bit of a mess, but there is still a lot to enjoy. De first half is fast paced, filled with humor and has really nice scenes. Matt Damon is really good and most supporting roles are well performed. At the end, you’re left with mixed feelings. I really love Alexander Payne’s work, but “Downsizing” is not one of my favorites.

Rating: 2,5 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 125: Mother!

Director: Darren Aronofsky
Genre: Drama/ Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 121 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer, Brian Gleeson, Domhnall Gleeson, Kristen Wiig

Description: A couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence.

Review: “Mother!” starts pretty conventional: a couple lives a calm and peaceful life in a beautiful house. Their life changes when they provide shelter for two stranger. The husband (the characters don’t have names) feels okay about it, it’s his idea. But the wife feels uncomfortable and thinks it’s strange to simply invite strangers into their house. She does everything to make their house a home, when she sees intruders destroy it. But he loves the adoration he gets from them.
Director Darren Aronofsky builds up to ultimate chaos, with two trumps: leading lady Jennifer Lawrence and the house it’s set in. Aside from some shots of the house from afar, the camera stays indoors and is only a few feet away from Lawrence. Wandering through the halls, rooms and stairs her character’s feeling of being lost and helpless grows.
Aronofsky always gets the best from his actors and Jennifer Lawrence is no exception. It’s one of her strongest roles. The fact that she is the only character that responds to the situation the way we all probably should, you get the impression that there is more going on than we eventually led to believe. This is definitely not a movie for everyone, especially when we go towards the climax of the film. It’s pretty fucked up actually. But you have enough to talk about after seeing “Mother!”.
“Mother!” is original, unconventional, a bit disturbing and very well done.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 90: Sausage Party

Director: Greg Tiernan, Conrad Vernon
Genre: Comedy/ Animation/ Adventure
Runtime: 89 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Seth Rogen, Michael Cera, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, James Franco, Danny McBride, Edward Norton, Craig Robnson, Nick Kroll, Paul Rudd, David Krumholtz, Salma Hayek

Description: A sausage strives to discover the truth about his existence

Review: If you put the creative minds of Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and Jonah Hill together, before you know it you get another hilarious concept. And I think there had to be some weed involved when the idea for “Sausage Party” was born. An animation about talking food, that has to run before they get eaten. It sounds super weird and it somehow is, but it’s damn funny.
“Sausage Party” is not the kind of animation you want to watch with your children. It’s adult humor. And it’s a giant wink to Pixar and Disney. The food in the Shopwell supermarket starts their day with a song, every day. If people buy them, they are chosen. But none of them know what happens to them. Sausage Frank and bun Brenda happen to fall out of the cart, right before the registry. And soon they are about to find out what their actual fate is.
“Sausage Party” is child unfriendly. It’s politically incorrect, sexist, stereotypical, has unsubtle sex jokes and many food related word puns. There is a very macabre scene where the food finds out what really happens to them and there is off course that so-called food porn at the end of the film. And the fact that the villain in the film is a vaginal shower, says enough.
Rogen and Goldberg give the finger to anyone that claims animation is only for kids and that there is always supposed to be a message hidden somewhere. So you shouldn’t take “Sausage Party” too seriously. What “Sausage Party” is, is original, fun and crossing the line. And I like it!

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 134: Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

Director: Jake Kasdan
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 92 minutes
Year: 2007
Starring: John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, Kristen Wiig, Raymond J. Barry, Tim Meadows, Chris Parnell, Craig Robinson, Harold Ramis, Martin Starr, Jack McBrayer, Frankie Muniz, Adam Herschman, David Krumholtz, Cheryl Tiegs, Patrick Duffy, Morgan Fairchild, Cheryl Ladd, Jane Lynch, Simon Helberg, Jack Black, Jonah Hill, Justin Long, Paul Rudd, Jason Schwartzman

Description: Singer Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly) overcomes adversity to become a musical legend.

Review: Every genre is parodied these days. With “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” it’s a parody of the music biopic. John C. Reilly plays the title character and the movie is a parody of films like “Ray”and especially “Walk the Line”, the story of Johnny Cash. For the fans of “Knocked Up” and “Superbad”, this is a fun comedy. For the ones who didn’t like those, “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” isn’t going to be entertaining.
The film is filled with comedy that is anything but subtle and it is very crude at times. A lot of caricatured scenes and juvenile sex jokes. The most embarrasing scene is the moment where Dewey Cox wakes up after an orgie, in his hotel room.
The songs in the film are fun and catchy and sometimes have hilarious lyrics. And John C. Reilly is really funny in this movie. He can easily carry this comedy.
“Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” doesn’t take itself seriously, that’s why this film eventually is very funny. If you, as a viewer, do take it serious, you will hate it. Just pause your brain and enjoy the comedy.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 100: Ghostbusters

Director: Paul Feig
Genre: Comedy/ Action/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 116 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Chris Hemsworth, Ed Begley Jr., Bill Murray, Andy Garcia, Cecily Strong, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Steve Higgins, Zach Woods, Charles Dance

Description: Following a ghost invasion of Manhattan, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig) and Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy), nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon), and subway worker Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones) band together to stop the otherworldly threat.

Review: The movie got a lot of negative critique, even before the movie was released. A new “Ghostbusters” movie with an all-female cast. Director Paul Feig never intended to do a remake or to copy the eighties version of the film. This movie breathes new life into the concept. In 2016 Venkman, Stanz, Spengler and Zeddmore never existed. Bill Murray even has a small cameo as a scientist that doesn’t believe in ghosts. The Ghostbusters from the 1984 and 1989 movies are not a part of Feig’s universe.
Physicist Erin Gilbert is trying to make a career at a prestigious university, but is reminded of the book she once wrote with her friend Abby Yates. A book about ghosts. Abby is still seriously investigating the paranormal, with her engineer friend Jillian Holtzmann. When there is a ghost sighting in the city, the three check it out and realize that they were right all along. When also Patty Tolan joins them, who knows a lot about the city, the four women get an office, hire the very dumb secretary Kevin and try to catch ghosts for a living.
The plot is not that different from the original film. The story is a bit bland. But the film is supposed to be a comedy. And it is a really funny film, all thanks to the great women. Melissa McCarthy is really on a roll with both physical and verbal humor. Kristen Wiig is really strong, Leslie Jones is hilarious and Kate McKinnon is crazy. I also loved Chris Hemsworth, as the dumb (yet hot) secretary Kevin. But there is also the problem. It’s definitely a women’s film, because every male character is either a douchebag or very stupid.
There are many nods to the original film and I really liked that. “Ghostbusters” got a lot of crap and not all deserved. Is it better than the original? No. It does look better, but that’s logical because of today’s techniques. I really enjoyed the film and I thought it was very funny. Sceptic at first, a little surprised and very entertained.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Battle: Interstellar Vs. The Martian

They are very different movies, but both science fiction and also both happen to have Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain in it. I would like to let those two movies go head to head in this battle. Let’s see who wins the battle: “Interstellar” Vs. “The Martian”.

 

 

ACTORS

Interstellar: Matthew McConaughey is the lead and his has proven over the years that he can easily carry a movie. I haven’t been a fan since the beginning, but I’ve come to love McConaughey. Anne Hatahway not so much though, I just never really liked her acting. Jessics Chastain on the other hand is one of my favorites and she is really good in “Interstellar”. And Michael Caine as well.

The Martian: Matt Damon is fantastic in his role as Mark Whatney. Most of the scenes he is in, he is alone. He gives away a great performance, it might even be his best. Jessica Chastain is good as well, very strong and solid.

STORY

Interstellar: It’s a Christopher Nolan directed film, so it’s anything but standard. A group of explorer’s have to travel through a wormhole in order to save humanity. Time is different there, so what’s in space is seven years on earth (or something like that). I didn’t really like the ending.

The Martian: During a mission to Mars, astronaut Mark Whatney is presumed dead and his crew returns. Not knowing that Whatney was actually still alive. Now he is alone on a planet where nothing grows. He has to ‘science the hell out of it’. It’s a great story and so well executed. It was also a lot funnier than I expected it to be.

EFFECTS

Interstellar: If you know Nolan’s work, you know that he is great with effects. Although he doesn’t overuse CGI, it always looks stunning.

The Martian: The movie looks very good, also not overusing any CGI. Just clean and solid.

WINNER

I think “Interstellar” is a bit overrated, so I’m going with “The Martian” which I absolutely loved and it was one of my favorites of 2015.

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 140: The Martian

Director: Ridley Scott

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction

Runtime: 142 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Peña, Sean Bean, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, Aksel Hennie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mackenzie Davis, Donald Glover, Nick Mohammed, Chen Shu, Eddy Ko, Enzo Cilenti, Jonathan Aris, Gruffudd Glyn, Naomi Scott, Geoffrey Thomas

Description: A limo driver's blind date sparks a tale of love, betrayal, friendship, and grace centered around two working-class New York City couples.

Review: Director Ridley Scott, known for his movies “Alien” and “Blade Runner”, is no stranger to science fiction. “The Martian”, based on the book by Andy Weir, is the perfect story for Scott. It’s a heroic story, has a great cast with big names and a big budget.

With a science fiction movie, there is always a scientific side to it. Hence the word science. At first it looks like it’s going to be a drama, when astronaut Mark Watney is left for dead on Mars after a big storm. When Watney wakes up he has to stay alive with the supplies that are left. It could have gone to fear, sadness and complaining. The fact that it might be the end for him on Mars, makes sure that Watney does everything to avoid that fate. With science. With his botanic background he manages to grow potatoes on a planet where nothing grows. And he is very inventive in ways to stay alive. This strength makes sure Watney doesn’t lose hope and becomes a real hero.

The scientific element can also be less accesable, but “The Martian” manages to use a clever way to explain it to us. Watney keeps a videolog, where he explains what he does and why. He never seems lonely and this makes this film anything but boring. On earth, where they eventually find our Watney is still alive, they discuss the issue in a way the viewer can understand and without any extreme sentiment. Towards the end it does get a bit more dramatic, but that’s understandable.

One thing I didn’t expect to get was humor. “The Martian” is very funny at times and makes this movie a lot lighter than I eventually thought. And Matt Damon is amazing in his role. I really loved his performance, it can easily be called one of his best. I also loved Jessica Chastain, as always.

“The Martian” is a fresh take on science fiction, a movie that was even better than I thought it would be. One of the best of 2015.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 80: How to Train Your Dragon 2

Director: Dean DeBlois

Genre: Animation/ Family/ Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy

Runtime: 102 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig, Djimon Hounsou, Kit Harington

Description: When Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace.

Review: After the surprising success of “How to Train Your Dragon” in 2010, a sequel was not that surprising. That’s what happens with well received animation movies. The world fell for the adventures of Viking son Hiccup and his dragon Toothless. But a sequel doesn’t necessarily mean it’s also going to be a hit. Sometimes they are made pure for the money, but in this case the makers really care for the characters they created. “How to Train You Dragon 2” is a good example of how a sequel should be made. And to be fair, the sequel is even better!

Since the end of the first movie, five years have gone by on the island Berk. Hiccup and his friends are grown and in a great opening scene we see how they are in the middle of a dragon race. Hiccup’s dad, Stoic the Great, is preparing him to become the next leader of Berk, but Hiccup wants to go on adventures with his dragon Toothless. There is so much more to explore. While being on one of his adventures, Hiccup stumbles upon Drago Bludvist, an infamous dragon hunter, who wants to disturb the peace between man and dragon.

Like the first film, the sequel is based on the book series by Cressida Cowell. Dean DeBlois is the man who managed to translate it to the big screen. The visuals are amazing and the story is strong. The movie is intelligent, but also very funny. The characters make brave and confronting decisions. The movie has light moments, but also doesn’t fear to have so more heavy themes in it. The fact that we know this sequel is part of a trilogy, makes it even more exciting. Maybe DeBlois will make an even better third film!

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 149: The Skeleton Twins

Director: Craig Johnson

Genre: Drama/ Comedy

Runtime: 93 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Luke Wilson, Ty Burrell, Boyd Holbrook

Description: Having both coincidentally cheated death on the same day, estranged twins reunite with the possibility of mending their relationship.

Review: Milo Dean is unhappy with his life and decides to step out of it. Right at the time that his estranged twin sister Maggie wants to take a pill overdose, she gets a call that Milo is in the hospital. It brings the two back together after ten years of not speaking to each other.

That Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig work well together, we have already seen on “Saturday Night Live”. They were part of the cast for many years. The two of them team up again in “The Skeleton Twins” and it works like a charm. It’s clear that the duo had a lot of fun making it and they are well attuned. Especially the scene were Milo is trying to make Maggie feel better by lip syncing to an eighties song, you can see how well Wiig and Hader function on screen as a duo.

What I found fascinating was to see all these comedic actors in more serious roles. Kristen Wiig has already proven a couple of times that she can also do light drama. Bill Hader also finds his way around the genre. Luke Wilson and Ty Burrell, who have supporting roles, are both convincing as well. When you put drama and comedy on a scale, it wouldn’t be balanced, because the drama has the upper hand. Although the movie deals with some heavy themes, the drama is kept light by the touch of comedy that sometimes has a dark edge.

“The Skeleton Twins” is a strong drama, that especially succeeds because of the great chemistry between the two lead actors. It’s their power that made us care for them and their story.

Rating: 4/ 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.

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 127: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Director: Ben Stiller

Genre: Drama/ Comedy/ Fantasy/ Adventure

Runtime: 115 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott, Sean Penn, Patton Oswalt, Katherine Hahn, Shirley Maclaine

Description: When his job along with that of his co-worker are threatened, Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.

Review: It started as a short story in The New Yorker in 1939 and this is the second movie based on this story. The first adaptation dates from 1947, so it’s not strange to see “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” with a more modern touch.

Ben Stiller plays the leading role, but also directed the film. Walter Mitty leads an unremarkable life. He has been working for LIFE magazine as a photo developer. He is a daydreamer, where he sees himself as a mountain climber and a hero. Collegue Cheryl is often the leading lady in his day dreams. Walter’s secure life is about to collapse when the magazine decides to only publish digitally. With that he also has to find the negative of the photo that’s supposed to go on the last issue of LIFE. From that moment on Walter is determined to find its photographer Sean O’Connell.

“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” has some good dry humor. Here you see that Ben Stiller has a comedic background, but not of the silly category. The film often has a melancholic feel to it. The desire for the seemingly unattainable, lamenting missed opportunities, craving the past; all feelings that many people recognize. The visuals are stunning and that in combination with the music make “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” a true cinematic adventure. The film has a clean style, seamless transitions and beautiful graphics.

Ben Stiller is really good in this film both as Walter and as a director. Kristen Wiig was the perfect choice to play the natural charming Cheryl. Sean Penn is cool as ever and Adam Scott is a very convincing douchebag.

Even the biggest cynic would have trouble to keep that smile of his face while watching “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 108: Hateship Loveship

Director: Liza Johnson

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 104 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Guy Pearce, Hailee Steinfeld, Nick Nolte

Description: Sabitha (Hailee Steinfeld) is a wild teenage girl who orchestrates a romance between her nanny Johanna (Kristen Wiig) and her father Ken (Guy Pearce), who is a recovering addict.

Review: Kristen Wiig is known for her humor, but lately she has shown us her dramatic side. And not without success, because she is fantastic at playing this vulnerable, plain Jane. In “Hateship Loveship” she plays caretaker Johanna, who is appointed to help out the elderly Mr. McCauley with his granddaughter Sabitha. Together with her friend Edith, Sabitha starts a correspondence between Johanna and her estranged father Ken, so Johanna thinks he’s interested in her.

The story is simple and simple stories often make the best movies. The acting by Wiig is very timid and the movie is pretty silent and uneventful. You don’t need much to make a good movie, but “Hateship Loveship” does need a bit more. The start of the film is great, but in the second half it focuses more on Johanna and Ken, instead of Johanna and Sabitha. Eventually the story ups its tempo and a lot happens within a short period of time. Like they wanted to stuff all of it in a certain amount of time. The story wasn’t treated with the respect it deserved.

This all makes “Hateship Loveship” just an average flick, where it could have been so much more. We certainly can’t blame Kristen Wiig.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Saturday Night Live Cast Members

“Saturday Night Live” is still the most popular sketch show in America and it has brought us some of today’s favourite comedians and actors. Here are my favourite SNL Cast member of all time.

5. Jason Sudeikis

I don’t know why, but he always stuck. He didn’t really cross any lines, but he was always present and hard to overlook somehow. I especially liked him in combination with Kristen Wiig.

 

4. Adam Sandler

Maybe not the best actor, but a great comedian. I especially loved him as Opera Man, where he sang the most ridiculous songs about even more ridiculous subjects.

 

3. Dan Aykroyd

Dan Aykroyd was a part of the cast in the first four seasons. His humor was intelligent, he could easily join the Monty Python crew. He was one of the Coneheads, the Blues Brothers and off course his perfect impersonation of Julia Child.

 

 

2. Will Ferrell

Will Ferrell is very versatile. He could play characters from George W. Bush, to Alex Trebek and Steve Butabi. And don’t forget the cheerleader and the cowbell guy.

 

 

 

1. Kristen Wiig

Kristen Wiig was one of the most vital females of SNL history. She could be glamorous, over the top and often very awkward. As the female A-hole and one of the Fingerlakes siters, but also very annoying and absurd characters like Penelope, Gilly and the Target lady. Who doesn’t love Kristen?

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: John Belushi, Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray, Steve Martin, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Chris Farley

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 82: Girl Most Likely

Director: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 103 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Annette Bening, Matt Dillon, Darren Criss, Christopher Fitzgerald

Description: Imogene (Kristen Wiig) is a failed New York playwright awkwardly navigating the transition from Next Big Thing to Last Year's News. After both her career and relationship hit the skids, she's forced to make the humiliating move back home to New Jersey with her eccentric mother and younger brother (Annette Bening, Christopher Fitzgerald). Adding further insult to injury, there's a strange man sleeping in her old bedroom (Darren Criss) and an even stranger man sleeping in her mother's bed (Matt Dillon).

Review: Poor Imogene. The heroine of the American comedy “Girl Most Likely” has a lot to deal with. after being dumped by her boyfriend and getting fired from her job, Imogene doesn’t see a silver lining anymore. At least not the way things are going now. So she decides to pretend committing suicide, so her ex-boyfriend comes crawling back. The plan doesn’t work and she is forced to move in with her eccentric mother. Poor Imogene.

The comedy is likeable because the characters aren’t taken too seriously. Imogene is a bit of a loser, brother Ralph is still a little kid inside, their mother wants to gamble away everything she has and mom’s boyfriend George works for the CIA, although Imogene doubts that. Does this bring us anything good? Some jokes are lame, but most of them succeed pretty well. And they are all so quirky. The story isn’t topnotch, but the acting is on a very high level. Especially Kristen Wiig excels.

“Girl Most Likely” is a film which is balanced by the positives and negatives. What keeps it on the good side is the fact it doesn’t give in to sentimentality and clichés. A light comedy, with a quirky side.

Rating: 3/ 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

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 8: All Good Things

Director: Andrew Jarecki
Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Romance
Runtime: 101 minutes
Year: 2010
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst, Frank Langella, Philip Baker Hall, Nick Offerman, Kristen Wiig

Description: Mr. David Marks (Ryan Gosling) was suspected but never tried for killing his wife Katie (Kirsten Dunst) who disappeared in 1982, but the truth is eventually revealed.

Review: Today the American Kathleen Durst is still missing. On January the 31st of 1982 the student from Manhattan, who was 29 at the time, disappeared. Thirty years later Andrew Jarecki makes the movie “All Good Things”. The movie is inspired by the life of Kathleen and her husband Robert Durst, son of an influential real estate agent.
The two main characters, Katie and David, are very well introduced and the movie has a strong start. The bond between them and the viewers is developed, so you can easily relate to the characters. The young David Marks meets student Katie. Very soon a passionate and tender romance develops. The natural chemistry between the actors Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst makes it all very believable and their relationship looks very real.
After David decides to work for his father, things start to go downhill for them. And even David’s behaviors changes and not in a good way. David is no longer the man Katie fell in love with.
From that moment on, and the moment where Katie disappears, the movie is going in a different direction. It gets a bit confusing and I find it hard to keep my attention. I loved the beginning, but disliked the last part of the movie.
The fact that we never find out what really happened to her makes the ending a bit more bearable. This movie could have been so much better.

Rating: 2,5/ 5