Search
Search results

Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated Good Boys (2019) in Movies
Jul 7, 2020
South Park Meets Super Bad In This Summer Comedy
Good Boys is a 2019 comedy movie directed by Gene Stupnitsky and written by Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg served as producers under their Point Grey Pictures production company. It was also produced by Good Universe and Quantity Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures. The film stars Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams, and Brady Noon.
Entering 6th grade and dealing with their own personal problems, friends Max, Thor and Lucas are presented with the opportunity to attend a party thrown by the popular kids. However nervous that this will be their first "kissing" party, Max and his friends lose his dad's valuable drone while spying on his neighbor Hannah to learn more about kissing. And their journey to get it back is full of chaos and shenanigans they likes of which they are not prepared for.
Now this movie was really funny and had me laughing. Man it got me reminiscing about how my friends and I were pretty much our own version of the gang from South Park. What I enjoyed the most was that the movie had a great way of showing the kids struggle to understand things that you would think they would know because of how they act older by cussing and talking about other adult stuff. I really liked their group dynamic and the acting from them was really top notch. This movie really made me laugh but also made me miss my group of friends that I grew up with and used to hang out with all the time. I give this movie an 8/10 and say that if you are looking for something to make you laugh, then you need to check out this movie.
Entering 6th grade and dealing with their own personal problems, friends Max, Thor and Lucas are presented with the opportunity to attend a party thrown by the popular kids. However nervous that this will be their first "kissing" party, Max and his friends lose his dad's valuable drone while spying on his neighbor Hannah to learn more about kissing. And their journey to get it back is full of chaos and shenanigans they likes of which they are not prepared for.
Now this movie was really funny and had me laughing. Man it got me reminiscing about how my friends and I were pretty much our own version of the gang from South Park. What I enjoyed the most was that the movie had a great way of showing the kids struggle to understand things that you would think they would know because of how they act older by cussing and talking about other adult stuff. I really liked their group dynamic and the acting from them was really top notch. This movie really made me laugh but also made me miss my group of friends that I grew up with and used to hang out with all the time. I give this movie an 8/10 and say that if you are looking for something to make you laugh, then you need to check out this movie.

Bob Eckstein recommended In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex in Books (curated)

Simon Pegg recommended Ace Ventura - When Nature Calls (1995) in Movies (curated)

Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972) in Movies
Jan 28, 2021
The self confessed king of cinema surrealism, Luis Buñuel has 15 feature films listed as 7.5 or higher on IMDb, proving his life’s work is more loved and respected as you might think. This title was the only one I had really heard of being talked about by serious film folk that stuck in my mind, so it was as good a place as any to start with. It is an odd beast that I had a little trouble getting onboard with. It feels entirely 70s and kitsch, and on the surface feels at times little better than The Confessions of a Window Cleaner, or some such bawdy farce. To say it is a comedy is to take comedy to mean intellectual absurdism that pokes fun at the conventions and habits that lurk inside humanity, and the sophistication that masks our base instincts and flaws. I got the “joke”, it just all feels very dated now.
The cast have a lot of fun in the dreamlike landscape of manners and appetites, and the symbolism that abounds is indeed quite clever and arch if you want to analyse it. What I did like is how it feels increasingly like an actual dream, where things done and said begin to lose true meaning, and events and places merge into one flow of madness. You can definitely see a lot of ideas here that have been borrowed by other films since, and I appreciate what it tries to do, but ultimately this one left me a little cold. It has a pompous and smug air about it that is not for me, although I totally understand why it is held in high regard. I will probably never choose to watch it again.
The cast have a lot of fun in the dreamlike landscape of manners and appetites, and the symbolism that abounds is indeed quite clever and arch if you want to analyse it. What I did like is how it feels increasingly like an actual dream, where things done and said begin to lose true meaning, and events and places merge into one flow of madness. You can definitely see a lot of ideas here that have been borrowed by other films since, and I appreciate what it tries to do, but ultimately this one left me a little cold. It has a pompous and smug air about it that is not for me, although I totally understand why it is held in high regard. I will probably never choose to watch it again.

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Krampus (2015) in Movies
Dec 15, 2020
Krampus is an absolute gem of a Christmas movie. It manages to pack in a bit of festive spirit, whilst simultaneously being a fun-as-hell horror ride, and has enough strikingly creepy imagery, ensuring it satisfies horror fans, and potentially a slightly younger audience at the same time.
The first third is sort of a comedy, as the characters are introduced against the familiar backdrop of having the dreaded experience of extended family over for the holidays. The cast are all great - Adam Scott, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, Conchata Ferrell and Krista Stacker all carve out personas with their own unique traits, and all do it in a relatble manner. The shining star is of course Toni Collette, who just manages to be fantastic in everything she's in, even a silly comedy horror like Krampus. The kid actors are great as well, especially Emjay Anthony as lead character Max.
When the horror starts to unfold, it's executed in a sort of gateway-horror style. It's fun enough to appeal to a younger audience as mentioned, but still has creepy moments. For instance, when the titular Krampus is first glimpsed, bounding across rooftops in a blizzard, it's a striking visual that manages to be quite haunting. The whole aesthetic is fantastic, festive one minute, dark and cold the next, with an almost Nightmare Before Christmas look to all of the monsters. Krampus himself looks horrifying when he is finally revealed in all his demonic yuletide glory. There's also an incredibly charming animated segment around the midway point that just adds even more to the overall experience.
If you're looking for an alternative Christmas movie, then you can do a lot worse than Krampus. It's hugely entertaining and memorable, and just a good time all round, and the best movie to include a scene involving murderous gingerbread men (sorry Gingerbread Man...)
The first third is sort of a comedy, as the characters are introduced against the familiar backdrop of having the dreaded experience of extended family over for the holidays. The cast are all great - Adam Scott, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, Conchata Ferrell and Krista Stacker all carve out personas with their own unique traits, and all do it in a relatble manner. The shining star is of course Toni Collette, who just manages to be fantastic in everything she's in, even a silly comedy horror like Krampus. The kid actors are great as well, especially Emjay Anthony as lead character Max.
When the horror starts to unfold, it's executed in a sort of gateway-horror style. It's fun enough to appeal to a younger audience as mentioned, but still has creepy moments. For instance, when the titular Krampus is first glimpsed, bounding across rooftops in a blizzard, it's a striking visual that manages to be quite haunting. The whole aesthetic is fantastic, festive one minute, dark and cold the next, with an almost Nightmare Before Christmas look to all of the monsters. Krampus himself looks horrifying when he is finally revealed in all his demonic yuletide glory. There's also an incredibly charming animated segment around the midway point that just adds even more to the overall experience.
If you're looking for an alternative Christmas movie, then you can do a lot worse than Krampus. It's hugely entertaining and memorable, and just a good time all round, and the best movie to include a scene involving murderous gingerbread men (sorry Gingerbread Man...)

Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Girls Trip (2017) in Movies
Jul 11, 2019
The previews for “Girls Trip” are a bit deceiving. Like many comedies, the trailer only shows half jokes and makes the film look like it leans toward the slap stick side of comedy rather one filled with clever humor. The first few minutes feel a little forced in their attempt to make people laugh. But rather quickly that impression fades.
The audience rolled with laughter at the screening for “Girls Trip” for pretty much the entire length of the film. Perhaps the funniest comedy about a squad of misbehaving women since “Bridesmaid;” each moment comes at you fast and is funnier than the last.
Highschool friends Ryan (Regina Hall), Sasha (Queen Latifa), Lisa (Jada Pinkett Smith), and Dina (Tiffany Haddish) travel to New Orleans for a girls trip to reconnect and cut loose after years apart. Hot guys, loud music, and adults-only jokes, their trip is filled with mishaps. The comedic style is a little chaotic, but its so much fun to watch.
Also really enjoyable are the musical appearances by Ne-Yo, Mariah Carey, and Diddy. The plot is largely about the entertainment industry and its more human side.
“Girls Trip” also has a surprising amount of depth running through its storyline. The four ladies had grown apart and had their issues with each other here and there after high school. On the trip, years of misunderstandings surface to get hashed out. Strong themes of friendship, inner strength and honesty with oneself are a core part of the film.
Ryan herself has become a celebrity over the years alongside her famous football player husband, and Sasha has developed a tabloid website. The two women are diametrically opposed to each other at points. Their struggle for understanding gives viewers a glimpse of the effect the scorning public eye has on celebrities and their personal lives.
The audience rolled with laughter at the screening for “Girls Trip” for pretty much the entire length of the film. Perhaps the funniest comedy about a squad of misbehaving women since “Bridesmaid;” each moment comes at you fast and is funnier than the last.
Highschool friends Ryan (Regina Hall), Sasha (Queen Latifa), Lisa (Jada Pinkett Smith), and Dina (Tiffany Haddish) travel to New Orleans for a girls trip to reconnect and cut loose after years apart. Hot guys, loud music, and adults-only jokes, their trip is filled with mishaps. The comedic style is a little chaotic, but its so much fun to watch.
Also really enjoyable are the musical appearances by Ne-Yo, Mariah Carey, and Diddy. The plot is largely about the entertainment industry and its more human side.
“Girls Trip” also has a surprising amount of depth running through its storyline. The four ladies had grown apart and had their issues with each other here and there after high school. On the trip, years of misunderstandings surface to get hashed out. Strong themes of friendship, inner strength and honesty with oneself are a core part of the film.
Ryan herself has become a celebrity over the years alongside her famous football player husband, and Sasha has developed a tabloid website. The two women are diametrically opposed to each other at points. Their struggle for understanding gives viewers a glimpse of the effect the scorning public eye has on celebrities and their personal lives.

Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Shazam! (2019) in Movies
Aug 11, 2020 (Updated Aug 11, 2020)
Spawn, Kick Ass and Don't Die
Shazam!- is the PG-13 verison of Kick Ass, Deadpool and Spawn. Mix all those movies together and you get Shazam!. A movie that has comedy, dark humor, action, suspense and viloence. In the end its trying way to hard to be the PG-13 verisons of Kick Ass. Deadpool and Spawn and in the end it just doesnt work. Its a good superhero movie, i give it that but it drags on for way to long than its supost to. Their are to many here's the end moments but nope its still going. What feels like the end its not, and goes on.
The plot: We all have a superhero inside of us -- it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In 14-year-old Billy Batson's case, all he needs to do is shout out one word to transform into the adult superhero Shazam. Still a kid at heart, Shazam revels in the new version of himself by doing what any other teen would do -- have fun while testing out his newfound powers. But he'll need to master them quickly before the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana can get his hands on Shazam's magical abilities.
Also you got the main actor who is not buff at all and put him into a buff suit, that also ruined the movie. It just makes him look buff but in reality he is not.
The comedy/humor is all over the place. It can be funny, serious or dark or even all three at the same time.
I give it this it is better then Man of Steel, Batman vs. Superman and Suicide Sqaud. I think Aquaman and Wonder Woman are better though.
Shazam! is a decent movie, its just all of the place and doesnt know what it wants to be.
The plot: We all have a superhero inside of us -- it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In 14-year-old Billy Batson's case, all he needs to do is shout out one word to transform into the adult superhero Shazam. Still a kid at heart, Shazam revels in the new version of himself by doing what any other teen would do -- have fun while testing out his newfound powers. But he'll need to master them quickly before the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana can get his hands on Shazam's magical abilities.
Also you got the main actor who is not buff at all and put him into a buff suit, that also ruined the movie. It just makes him look buff but in reality he is not.
The comedy/humor is all over the place. It can be funny, serious or dark or even all three at the same time.
I give it this it is better then Man of Steel, Batman vs. Superman and Suicide Sqaud. I think Aquaman and Wonder Woman are better though.
Shazam! is a decent movie, its just all of the place and doesnt know what it wants to be.

Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) in Movies
Jan 6, 2018
What an sad but enlighting movie
One of Jim Carey's best films ever that isn't a comedy. This movie has look at life as if we could erase what we don't want to remember. However once we get a better view at what we want to lose sometimes we want it even more. This is what happens when the girl he is seeing wants all the memories of him and her erased and when he wants the same treatment so he can't feel the pain that's when he see things in a whole new light you may say and sees how much better his life is with her and wants to love her more and be with her. Carey rarely plays dark and emotional roles but, maybe he should have done this more because he hits it out of the park.

Pete (121 KP) rated The Circle (2017) in Movies
Jul 19, 2017
Tom Hanks... need i say more (2 more)
Karen Gillan (hot)
The idea behind the film
How the film was as a whole, could have been alot better (3 more)
Emma Watson
Without ruining it, the finish could have been alot better
The attempt at comedy
Could have been alot better
Maybe this would have been alot better without Emma watson, we will never find out. But in my opinion, it says alot when karen Gillan was by far the better actress and sadly had half the screen time compared with Watson.
As per normal, Hanks was brilliant in his role and what made it even better was you get to see his darker side.
Overall, as a thriller, theres a crushing lack of suspense.
The idea was brilliant, the film was not. I had high hopes when watching but ended somewhat disappointed.
As per normal, Hanks was brilliant in his role and what made it even better was you get to see his darker side.
Overall, as a thriller, theres a crushing lack of suspense.
The idea was brilliant, the film was not. I had high hopes when watching but ended somewhat disappointed.

Awix (3310 KP) rated Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018) in Movies
Feb 8, 2019
Slightly curious true-life tale of literary forger Lee Israel (McCarthy) and her accomplice Jack Hock (Grant). Somewhat unevenly pitched between cheerily amoral caper comedy and downbeat, naturalistic drama exploring big ideas about creativity and authenticity, but the story is well told and fairly involving.
I'm not entirely sure how the two stars have both managed to swing Oscar nominations, for this particular movie at least - it's not as if either of them is actually bad, but they're both essentially delivering variations on their standard performance (McCarthy: abrasive, acid-tongued loudmouth; Grant: pantomime dame). It's hard to shake the impression that McCarthy has managed to get herself Oscar nominated mainly for putting on a wig, but there is a long if somewhat ignoble tradition of the academy rewarding actresses for being brave enough to de-glam themselves on screen. So it goes.
I'm not entirely sure how the two stars have both managed to swing Oscar nominations, for this particular movie at least - it's not as if either of them is actually bad, but they're both essentially delivering variations on their standard performance (McCarthy: abrasive, acid-tongued loudmouth; Grant: pantomime dame). It's hard to shake the impression that McCarthy has managed to get herself Oscar nominated mainly for putting on a wig, but there is a long if somewhat ignoble tradition of the academy rewarding actresses for being brave enough to de-glam themselves on screen. So it goes.