10s Movie Review - This is 40

Director: Judd Apatow
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 134 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Chris O’Dowd, Megan Fox, John Lithgow, Albert Brooks, Maude Apatow, Iris Apatow, Jason Segel, Lena Dunham

Description: Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debbie (Leslie Mann) are both about to turn 40, their kids hate each other, both of their business are failing, they’re on the verge of losing their house, and their relationship is threatening to fall apart.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 38: A FILM WITH LESLIE MANN
 
Review: “This is 40” is a personal dramedy by Judd Apatow, a spin-off of “Knocked Up”, which explores the life of a couple that is about to turn 40.

Although my life is very far from theirs, many things are relatable when it comes to turning 40. The film show everyday family life with honesty and doesn’t shy away from topics like the struggles of parenthood, financial issues and relationships.

It is a comedy and it does have some really fun moments, many of the humor feels a bit juvenile and tasteless. Also, the film is over two hours long, which is way too long for a comedy like this.

I think the film is a mixed bag. I like the relatability of the film, and Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann are really good together. But the runtime is too long, and some of the jokes are questionable.

Rating: 3/ 5

10s Movie Review - How Do You Know

Director: James L. Brooks
Genre: Romance/ Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 121 minutes
Year: 2010
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson, Jack Nicholson, Kathryn Hahn

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 21: A FILM WITH JACK NICHOLSON

Description: After being cut from the U.S.A. softball team and feeling a bit past her prime, Lisa (Reese Witherspoon) finds herself evaluating her life and in the middle of a love triangle, as a corporate guy (Paul Rudd) in crisis competes with her current, baseball-playing beau (Owen Wilson).

Review: Lisa has just been cut from the U.S.A. softball team and struggling what to do with her life. With that she is also dealing with two men in her life.
 
There is no good reason for this movie to be two hours long. And don’t fall for the excellent cast. A romcom with Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson and Paul Rudd sounds like a great idea. And then Jack Nicholson, working again with director James L. Brooks, as previous in “Terms of Endearment” and “As Good As It Gets”. Well, we got fooled.
 
It took me some time to get into the story, but there isn’t really a story. There is so much going on, there is no focus on a clear plot. It’s verry messy. The actors are doing fine, with what they’re given. But there’s not much to work with.
 
“How Do You Know” is a very forgettable romcom. Already forgotten.
 
Rating: 2/ 5

10s Movie Review - Mute

Director: Duncan Jones
Genre: Mystery/ Science Fiction/ Thriller
Runtime: 126 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Paul Rudd, Justin Theroux

Description: A mute bartender (Alexander Skarsgård) goes up against his city’s gangster in an effort to find out what happened to his missing partner

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 6: A FILM WITH PAUL RUDD
 
Review: Berlin, sometime in the future. Bartender Leo, mute since and accident in his youth, and waitress Naadirah make a nice couple. That ha can’t talk and had rather old-fashioned Amish ideas, she actually likes. But Naadirah has a secret, and before she can tell Leo, she disappears without a trace. Leo goes looking for her, and stumbles upon some remarkable surgeons.

This film immediately reminded me of “Blade Runner” in setting and style, but also a bit of “John Wick”. It’s an interesting blend of film noir and science fiction. The film suffers from a somewhat messy script, but does succeed in having a good final twists. A fairly unknown movie, that I feel is worth watching.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Review - Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Director: Gil Kenan
Genre: Adventure/ Fantasy, Comedy
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, William Atherton
 
Description: When the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join to protect their home and save the world from a second ice age.

Review: Inside a mysterious object lurks a dark force that could unleash the ice age on the world once again. It is up to the Ghostbusters to stop this new evil.

“Ghostbusters” (1984) remains a classic that reflects the spirit of its time and has been and always will be one my all-time favorite films. When “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” was announced, I was not excited about it, at all. But it was a pleasant surprise and I actually loved that film. “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” really peaked my interest now. And although it’s a fun time, it’s not as good as its predecessor.
The opening scene, in which the new generation of Ghostbusters hunt a ghost, is immediately the highlight of the film. We see the characters work together, making sarcastic remarks and doing their tasks perfectly.

At the end of “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” it was a fun surprise to *SPOILER* see the old cast members showing up for the finale. Annie Potts, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson and especially Dan Ayrkroyd have a bigger role in this part. Even William Atherton returns for this sequel. Some new characters are introduced, with Kumail Nanjiani being the most prominent one. He was supposed the be the comic relief, but I found him a bit annoying. Patton Oswalt is in it as well and I would have loved to see his character in more scenes.

As for the returning cast, they are given little to do. It’s not as adventurous as you might expect and is trying to evoke nostalgia in the wrong way.

I would probably watch another installment with this cast, because I found “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” entertaining enough. But director Gil Kenan didn’t succeed into making it as amazing as Jason Reitman’s “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Review - Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

Director: Peyton Reed
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jonathan Majors, Corey Stoll, Kathryn Newton, Bill Murray
 
Description: Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) are dragged into the Quantum Realm, along with Hope’s parents (Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer) and Scott’s daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton. Together they must find a way to escape, but what secrets is Hope’s mother hiding? And who is the mysterious Kang (Jonathan Majors)?

Review: “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” is the third part in the “Ant-Man’ series. Peyton Reed is again the director, having now directed the entire trilogy.

Since the Avengers are at rest, the threat and action is moved to a place where Ant-Man and his family have been before: the Quantum Realm. The ultimate threat in the film comes from one person and that is Kang, a mysterious man living in the Quantum Realm. Jonathan Majors portray him and does this so well. “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” is primarily the film within the larger MCU that serves as his entrance, and this is the film biggest achievement. Otherwise, plenty happens, but it’s all not very innovative or exciting. The stakes are not terribly high, outside having to save family and loved ones, which is fairly predictable.

The performances are good, the humor is there and I just love Paul Rudd. He can do no wrong. But if it weren’t for the character of Kang, this movie was not per say necessary.

Rating: 3/ 5

20s Movie Review - Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Director: Jason Reitman
Genre: Adventure/ Comedy/ Fantasy
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Logan Kim, Celeste O’Connor, Annie Potts, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Bob Gunton, Sigourney Weaver

Description: When a single mom (Carrie Coon) and het two kids (Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard) arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.

Review: I was not excited for this movie at all, when I heard about it for the first time. When I saw the trailer I got a bit more excited and after seeing it I’m sad I never saw it in theaters.

WARNING!!! THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!

Callie leaves with her son Trevor and daughter Phoebe for a small town in Oklahoma, where she inherited the house from her absent father. It soon becomes apparent that Callie’s father had some rather strange habits and the village was not particularly fond of him. Phoebe learns that her grandfather was one of the original Ghostbusters, and using old items of his, she figures out how to track down ghosts.
“Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is a movie you can watch as a standalone. It is not so much a sequel, but rather a story that takes place years after the original “Ghostbusters” from 1984. Phoebe and Trevor are the grandchildren of Egon Spengler, one of the four original Ghostbusters.  The actor who portrayed him back in the day, Harold Ramis, is no longer with us. To honor him, he was incorporated into the film anyway, and they did this very respectfully.
Phoebe is a scientist who is way too smart for her age. Unfortunately, she does have to go to summer school because she is new to the town. There she meets Mr. Grooberson, who is interested in the unexplained earthquakes the town is dealing with. Together they find out there is more going on than just earthquakes.
Paul Rudd is an actor I always enjoy watching. I’m surprised that his role isn’t as big as I expected it to be. I wished he was in it more. He’s well-accompanied by Carrie Coon and Finn Wolfhard, but it’s really Mckenna Grace’s movie. I think I go to far to say that she carries the movie, but she is such a talent and the best and most interesting character in the film.
Director Jason Reitman is the son of Ivan Reitman, who, of course, directed the original “Ghostbusters”. You can see Reitman’s love for the film, how he paid respects to the late Harold Ramis and how he treated the original source material with such respect as well. As I stated before, it’s a film you can easily watch without seeing “Ghostbusters” and “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” stands on its own too. But the film maybe even more enjoyable if you know the original film or if you are a fan, like I am. So much nostalgia, not only for nostalgia sake. And that moment where we see Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson, I jumped for joy.
I thought I didn’t need this film, but I clearly did. I also believe that the people loving the original film as much as I do, will appreciate “Ghostbuster: Afterlife” more.

Rating: 4/ 5

10s Movie Review - The Fundamentals of Caring

Director: Rob Burnett

Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Runtime: 97 minutes

Year: 2016

Starring: Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, Selena Gomez, Megan Ferguson, Jennifer Ehle, Bobby Cannavale, Julia Denton

Description: A man (Paul Rudd) suffering a family loss enrolls in a class about care-giving that changes his perspective on life.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2020 MOVIE CHALLENGE

WEEK 32: A NETFLIX ORIGINAL FILM

Review: “The Fundamentals of Caring” is a Netflix Original film about Ben and Trevor. After a terrible tragedy and a divorce, Ben decides to go to work as a care-giver for the eighteen-year-old Trevor. The cheeky teenager is in a wheelchair due to muscular dystrophy and does exactly the same thing day in day out. He has breakfast at the same time every day with waffles and sausages, he watches the same TV show every day and goes to the park from one to four once a week. Ben wants to get Trevor out of his rut by going on a road trip together.

It's inevitable not to think of movies like “Intouchables” and “Me Before You” when you start watching “The Fundamentals of Caring”. But it wouldn’t be fair to compare them with each other. So I will not, because this movie has a lot good things to be said about.

Despite the fact that “The Fundamentals of Caring” deals with heavy subject matter, it never becomes a heavy film. Everything is played out very light-hearted and funny. And it has a great balance between serious and funny.

Paul Rudd is one of those actors you can impossibly dislike. He is one of the most loveable actors in Hollywood and I always enjoy watching him. He fits his role perfectly and I really loved him in this. Selena Gomez, on the other hand, comes off as a bit annoying at times. But she is in the film just enough to not be bothered by it completely.

The concept might not be original, because it has been done before and it has been done better. But “The Fundamentals of Caring” is a really strong film, that I would probably rewatch at some point. A hidden gem on Netflix.

Rating: 4/ 5

90s Movie Review - Clueless

Director: Amy Heckerling

Genre: Comedy/ Romance

Runtime: 97 minutes

Year: 1995

Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Donald Faison, Wallace Shawn, Breckin Meyer, Jeremy Sisto, Dan Hedaya

Description: Rich high school student Cher (Alicia Silverstone) tries to boost a new pupil's popularity, but reckons without affairs of the heart getting in the way.

Review: “Clueless” is a teen comedy directed by Amy Heckerling, who was also responsible for “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”. You could see “Clueless” as a satire, that is loosely based on Jane Austen’s novel “Emma”.

If there is someone that belongs in the ‘in-crowd’, it’s Cher Horowitz. She is almost sixteen, rich and very popular. Some might think she is shallow, but selfish… Anyone can go to her for advice about the more important things in life, like dating, shopping and looks. Cher and her best friend Dionne decide to give new girl Tai a make-over, because Tai is totally clueless. But that causes for a lot of unwanted change in Cher’s life.

Cher is played by Alicia Silverstone, who broke through with this role. She is perfect for the role. You could say it’s all very over the top, but that’s what suits this film.

“Clueless” is a fun film and a favorite with the girls who were teens themselves when the movie came out. The dialogues are catchy and some of the teen problems are pretty recognizable.

“Clueless” has it all: charm, intelligence, humor and romance. It’s a shallow film with layers and a healthy dose teen humor. No matter how many times you see it, “Clueless” entertains me every time.

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

Movie Reviews - Avengers: Endgame

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 181 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan, Danai Gurira, Bradley Cooper, Josh Brolin, Tessa Thompson, Evangeline Lilly, Pom Klementieff, Tom Holland, Jon Favreau, Elizabeth Olsen, Dave Bautista, Sebastian Stan, Michelle Pfeiffer, Katherine Langford, Tilda Swinton, Letitia Wright, Kerry Condon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chadwick Boseman, Winston Duke, Frank Grillo, Ty Simpkins, Sean Gunn, Emma Fuhrmann, Hiroyuki Sanada, Benedict Wong

Description: After the devastating events, the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to undo Thanos' actions and restore order to the universe.

Review: “Avengers: Endgame” isn’t only the finale to last year’s “Avengers: Infinity War”, it’s also the end of the journey that film studio Marvel started eleven years ago together with its many fans. “Avengers: Endgame” is supposed to be a tribute to all the experiences and memories we have from the past years in this universe.
Thanos left a dystopian world behind with the snap of his fingers. The titan completed his mission, perfectly balanced out life and the Avengers have been defeated for the first time. And it paid its toll, because the superheroes have obviously suffered from it. They are broken, damaged. Nonetheless the team is determined to defeat their nemesis once and for all, after a new sign of hope.
The Marvel universe grew over the years, but “Avengers: Endgame” focuses on the six original Avengers. They don’t need any introduction and are the praised characters it all started with. The playing field is known and the returning directing Russo brothers don’t pay a lot of attention on background stories. This film is simply for the fans.
“Avengers: Endgame” is a true Marvel film. Humor, sharp dialogues, extravaganza, spectacle. And it has sky high ambitions. Somehow some elements feel uninspired. No introduction to Captain Marvel and Tony and Nebula’s return feel unsatisfying. And some developments don’t live up to our expectations or rules of logic.
I didn’t like what they did to Bruce Banner/ Hulk. It felt weird and I really don’t understand the choice for this. I did like the sacrifice one character made. Thinking it was going to be the other one, it was a cool twist that it eventually turned around. And Scott Lang’s role in the story was pretty cool.
During the end fight, they go all out. It’s a fantastic moment and the definite highlight of the film. The moment where Captain America says ‘Avengers assemble’, that just gave me goosebumps. An epic fight, a great finale.
In “Avengers: Infinity War” the focus was on Thanos, but here the attention had to be divided over several characters. Some protentional plot points have been sacrificed because of that. The end of the film is really strong and it feels like a perfect ending. And it is one final tribute to the Marvel universe. But from the last minutes of the film, you can also conclude that Marvel is not done with new stories yet. So it’s not really the end, but a new beginning.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Reviews - Ant-Man and the Wasp

Director: Peyton Reed
Genre: Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 118 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline lilly, Michael Douglas, Michael Peña, Walton Goggins, Judy Greer, Bobby Cannavale, Michelle Pfeiffer, Laurence Fishburne

Description: As Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) balances being both a Super Hero and a father, Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) present an urgent new mission that finds the Ant-Man fighting alongside The Wasp to uncover secrets from their past.

Review: After the big spectacle that is “Avengers: Infinity War”, Marvel studios gives his fans a moment to breath, with the smaller but also important “Ant-Man and the Wasp”. The first film from 2015 was very well received and was a true joy to watch. With director Peyton Reed returning, we get a trusted and very solid sequel with a high tempo and a high entertainment level.
Scott Lang is home on house arrest and his allies Hank and Hope are wanted. But somehow to cross paths again and have to work together. Don’t expect big threats, but a more personal touch and individual life situations that are on the line.
Paul Rudd was already a big surprise as Scott Lang and again he does a great job. But the biggest enrichment in this film is the introduction of The Wasp, portrayed by Evangeline Lilly. Hope is a strong power woman, not afraid to take the lead or to get her hands dirty.
The humor is also what made the first film strong. Again clearly present in the sequel. Especially character Luis, played by Michael Peña. And Langs sassy daughter Cassie.
For an soactacular adventurous action movie, “Ant-Man and the Wasp”is fairly small and that is what Marvel needed right now. And the fans, after all we had to deal with in “Avengers”Infinity War”.
“Ant-Man and the Wasp” eventually doesn’t manage to live up to the first film, but it is a fun time, filled with humor and good characters. I really enjoyed it and it’s a movie I would rewatch.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

10s Movie Review - This is the End

Director: Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen
Genre: Action/ Comedy
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Jason Segel, Danny McBride, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Craig Robinson, Paul Rudd, Mindy Kaling, Aziz Ansari, Kevin Hart, Rihanna, David Krumholtz, Emma Watson

Description: While attending a party at James Franco's house, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel and many other celebrities are faced with the apocalypse.

Review: Relaxing with his friend Seth Rogen, smoke some weed, play video games and eat junk food. That’s the weekend Jay Baruchel had in mind in “This is the End”. Sadly for him, that chill weekend ends up in the apocalypse.
Against his will Jay joins Seth for a house warming party at James Franco’s house. The new mansion is filled with Hollywood’s finest. When Jay and Seth quickly go to a store, they witness a weird happening where people are sucked into the sky. It’s followed by a giant sink hole in front of Franco’s house.
“This is the End” is a comedy that can go two ways: you either love it or you hate it. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg have proved themselves before, with the comedy “Superbad”. And again they manage to make us laugh. It’s the end of days, packed with simple, tasteless jokes and pretty enjoyable (sorry to say) death scenes of famous movie stars. By mocking themselves and Hollywood, “This is the End” never has a dull moment.
“This is the End” is a film that is self-aware and not to be taken too seriously. The actors exaggerate their own character, and that’s why it’s a fun movie that I love. A guarantee for laughs.

Rating: 4/ 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 2017 - # 12: The Little Prince

Director: Mark Osborne
Genre: Animation/ Fantasy
Runtime: 108 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Paul Rudd, James Franco, Marion Cotillard, Jeff Bridges, Paul Giamatti, Ricky Gervais, Albert Brooks, Benicio Del Toro, Mackenzie Foy

Description: A little girl (Mackenzie Foy) lives in a very grown-up world with her mother (Rachel McAdams), who tries to prepare her for it. Her neighbor, the Aviator (Jeff Bridges), introduces the girl to an extraordinary world where anything is possible, the world of the Little Prince.

Review: “Le Petit Prince” is the most well-known book written by Antoine de Sainte-Exupéry. His books are still very loved. The story is filled with critical topics about society and is combined with childish naïve observance. And this is what is so great about “The Little Prince”: how it reaches youthful viewers, but also adults.
The girl that centrals the story lives in a grey, sober world. Order and rules and regularity rule and there is no room for possibilities and self-exploration. Her neighbor, The Aviator, lives in an old house and is seen as a rebel, that no one understands and isn’t accepted by the neighborhood. Both worlds come together, when The Aviator starts telling the girl the story of the Little Prince.
The film is brought to us with lots of fantasy and beautiful emotions. The film also combines computer animation with classic-romantic stop-motion techniques. The main message here is to let kids, stay kids for as long as possible. The tough, cold reality as an adult will eventually come. Let your creativity and playful nature finds its way.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 99: Wet Hot American Summer

Director: David Wain
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 97 minutes
Year: 2001
Starring: Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Molly Shannon, Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Christopher Meloni, Ken Marino, Joe Lo Truglio, Marguerite Moreau

Description: Set on the last day of camp, in the hot summer of 1981, a group of counselors try to complete their unfinished business before the day ends.

Review: It’s August 1981. The campleaders at Camp Firewood are trying to make the best of the last day of summer camp.
The movies has some big names: Paul Rudd, Janeane Garofalo, Elizabeth Banks, Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler. And they all have done some really funny things. Well, this is not one one of those movies. I love a good satire and spoof when done well, but “Wet Hot American Summer” is just not funny and sometimes it goes a little too far into the absurdism that it’s just not funny anymore.
I did like Paul Rudd and Christopher Meloni though, but overall the movie is not that interesting and there is some really bad acting in it. “Wet Hot American Summer” is not a good comedy, because it isn’t funny enough.

Rating: 2/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 77: Ant-Man

Director: Peyton Reed
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 117 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Anthony Mackie, Judy Greer, Michael Peña, John Slattery, Hayley Atwell

Description: Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, cat burglar Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Review: In “Ant-Man” we follow Scott Lang. Scott is a burglar who was just released from prison and is trying to straighten his life. He wants to do good for his daughter. Scott realizes that this isn’t easy: he is fired and his ex only lets him see his daughter when he has a steady income. Scott decides to do one last burglar job: break into a safe of a rich man. In that safe isn’t any money though, but a suit. This suit belongs to Hank Pym, a genius inventor. Pym set up the burglary and wanted Scott to steal the suit. The suit gives you the ability to shrink to ant size. Scott has been chosen to wear it and becomes Ant-Man, to stop Prym’s protégé Darren Cross.
Originally Edgar Wright was going to direct “Ant-Man”. Peyton Reed took over that job and he did it well. This time the hero isn’t a millionaire, God or scientist. He is an average man, even with a criminial past. And it’s not the end of the world that’s at stake, or the universe. It’s a lot smaller, but still important. This makes it all fresh and new.
It takes some time for something to really happen, but once we are there “Ant-Man” is great. There is a lot to enjoy: great action sequences, interesting characters, humor. The scenes where Ant-Man shrinks and enhances himself again are fantastic.
A lot of questions were raised when Paul Rudd was cast as Scott Lang, but I think he showed everyone he is capable of carrying a big movie like this. He did a great job, he is charismatic, funny and really perfect for the role.
“Ant-Man” is a highly enjoyable Marvel film. I loved it!

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 69: Captain America: Civil War

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 147 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Tom Holland, Emily VanCamp, Daniel Brühl, Frank Grillo, William Hurt, Martin Freeman, Marisa Tomei, John Slattery, Alfre Woodard

Description: Political interference in the Avengers' activities causes a rift between former allies Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.).

Review: The brothers Joe and Anthony Russo did a great job on “Captain America: Winter Soldier” and I was really excited when I found out they were also directing the third installment of this franchise. They really understand the Marvel universe.
The film opens with a scene in Lagos, Nigeria. There the memers of the Avengers are chasing down bad guy Crossbones. The mission ends in a blood bath. And after their actions in New York, Washington and Sokovia, the United Nations wants to close the Sokovia Accords. This means the Avengers can only work on request by the UN.
Tony Stark signs the documents. Steve Rogers thinks it’s a bad plan. Together with Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye and Falcon, he doesn’t sign. During the ceremony, where all the others do sign, the king of Wakanda is killed in an attack. The main suspect is the Winter Soldier. The hunt for Steve’s friend tears the Avengers even further apart.
This Marvel film is mostly about loyalty, family and friendship. Steve Rogers is the one we focus on, of course. He stands for loyalty and friendship and would never abandon his friend Bucky. Steve never doubts Bucky’s story and wants to defend him no matter what. A great thing about “Captain America: Civil War” is that both teams, team Captain America and team Iron Man, have good points and bad points. You would expect that as a viewer you have to lean towards Steve Rogers, but Tony Stark also has some good points. The most awesome part of the film is the showdown between both teams, on a airfield in Leipzig. Well shot, great action, perfectly choreographed fight scenes and humor. And it’s fun to see new heroes Spider-Man, Black Panther and Ant-Man here too.
There is a lot going on in “Captain America: Civil War”, which sometimes makes it feel a bit messy. Lots of characters, old an new ones. But the movies shines when it has to shine: the action and fight scenes and the comedy.

Rating: 4/ 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 - # 52: Admission

Director: Paul Weitz
Genre: Comedy/ Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Lily Tomlin, Michael Sheen, Wallace Shawn

Description: Portia Nathan (Tina Fey) is a Princeton admissions officer who is up for a major promotion. She takes a professional risk after she meets a college-bound alternative school kid who just might be the son she gave up years ago in a secret adoption.

Review: Two of Hollywoods favorite comedy stars are joined together in “Admission”. Fey plays Portia Nathan, an admissions officer at Princeton, who is an absolute control freak. Rudd is teacher John Halsey, who’s school is visited by Portia.
Tina Fey is known for her amazing humoristic timing and her great comedic ideas. And Paul Rudd is someone very often seen in Judd Apatow movies and he knows how to win over a crowd. Both actors are holding back in this movie, it could have been a lot better. The story isn’t the flaw, because that’s just fine. There aren’t a lot of jokes, the romantic storyline is very bland and the melodramatic touch is just minimal.
“Admission” isn’t a movie that I will remember for a very long time, it’s very average. Maybe they should give Fey and Rudd another chance, because they both have the potential to make a great comedy together.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 33: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Director: Stephen Chbosky

Genre: Drama/ Romance

Runtime: 103 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Kate Walsh, Dylan McDermott, Paul Rudd, Joan Cusack, Nina Dobrev, Melanie Lynskey

Description: The 15-year-old Charlie (Logan Lerman) is an endearing and naive outsider, coping with first love, the suicide of his best friend, and his own mental illness while struggling to find a group of people with whom he belongs. The introvert freshman is taken under the wings of two seniors, Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller), who welcome him to the real world.

Review: Charlie had a rough year and doesn’t have any hope for it to get better this year. He even starts counting down the days he has left going to school.

The American Stephen Chbosky wrote the book with the same title, made it into a script and decided to direct the movie himself. Because who else then the author knows the book the best? And it’s visible, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a fantastic film that makes you remember the John Hughes films from the 80’s. He can’t avoid the typical high school clichés, but because the film has an authentic feel to it, that never bothers you. With that the plot is much more original then other movies in the genre.

It’s hard not to see Hermione Granger when you watch Emma Watson, but she managed to make you forget about her Harry Potter past. It’s obvious that Watson is a good actress. Leading actor Logan Lerman is very convincing as the vulnerable and fragile Charlie and Ezra Miller’s performance is very impressive as the flamboyant Patrick. The three also have great chemistry. All the actors touch you and you can sympathize with all of the characters.

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is made with a lot of love, which sometimes gave me goose bumps. That scene in the tunnel especially. A perfect mix of drama, humor and romance with a pleasant nostalgic feel to it.

Rating: 4,5/ 5