Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Proposal (2009) in Movies
Aug 9, 2019
To make matters worse a tenacious immigration clerk suspects the false conspiracy and threatens fines and felony charges if the bond is not truly romantic. In an effort to make their rouse seem more convincing the two not-so-in-love birds decide to visit Andrew’s family in Alaska.
Through a variety of comedic events and heart to heart discussions their relationship grows. But this new understanding of one another, and appearance of Andrew’s ex-girlfriend, threaten the marriage ploy.
While it is a cute movie the preposterous premise is the core obstacle with the film. Can anyone actually believe a person would ever fall in love with a boss so heinous that the office instant messages warnings of her arrival?
Further detracting from the film’s romantic attempts is the use of disjointed screwball comedy. These scenes, ranging from Ramone’s (Oscar Nuñez) bachelorette strip tease to Grandma Annie’s (Betty White) dancing in the wilderness, would have been more appropriate in “Animal House” than a romantic comedy.
Still the film does have some redeeming qualities; Ryan Reynolds’ bold delivery combines well with Sandra Bullock’s awkward appeal. Also the meritorious supporting cast will surely make you laugh. But if you are looking to be enchantingly swept away this is not the right film.
More funny than romantic the problematic premise makes “The Proposal” simply an OK comedy.
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated Elvira, Mistress of the Dark (1988) in Movies
Oct 27, 2019
Elvira, Mistress of the Dark brings a backstory to Cassandra Pearson's character Elvira, gothic late night horror hostess. The film starts during one of Elvira’s shows when she receives a telegram telling her to go the reading of a will for a dead relative and, in the events that follow she finds out that she really is a witch.
Elvira is odd in the fact that it is almost in the style of an 80’s teen movie but it isn’t quite one. There are a few teens in the cast but the film does focus on Elvira and other people in the town.
Elvira, Mistress of the dark is rated 15 and is a comedy with a couple of scenes of peril and one jump scare. A lot of the humour focuses on Elvira’s rather ample bosom but in a quite tasteful way, it’s not a ‘Sex comedy’.
She Could be Chaplin!: The Comedic Brilliance of Alice Howell
Anthony Slide and George Stevens
Book
Alice Howell (1886-1961) is slowly gaining recognition and regard as arguably the most important...
Hello, Darlings!: The Authorized Biography of Kenny Everett
9.0
Rate It
Book
Spontaneous, hilarious, irrepressible and, of course, trailblazing - Kenny Everett was revolutionary...
Clare in the Community: Series 10 & a Christmas Special Episode of the BBC Radio 4 Sitcom: Series 10
Full Cast, Harry Venning, Alex Lowe and Sally Phillips
7.0
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Book
This is the complete tenth series of the Sony Award-winning comedy series - plus a Christmas...
Chekhov: Shorts
Anton Chekhov and Stephen Mulrine
Book
This collection features Chekhov's best-known short plays in brand new translations: three farces,...
Home Alone 4 (2002)
Movie
Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House is a 2002 American made-for-television Christmas family comedy...
Queenie has a breakdown after she splits up with her (white) boyfriend, and suffers so badly with anxiety. Her family believe that the ‘cure’ is to pull herself together, and can’t understand the need for counselling. I’m glad she does it though, because her actions after the split had involved risky sexual behaviour, and her life (personal and work) was unravelling. This is just what happens to some people with anxiety. And Queenie’s childhood has been far from ideal.
Queenie is a great character though: she’s funny, intelligent, outspoken, sensitive and independent. She has some great friends, and her family, even though they have their faults (and whose family doesn’t?!), are there for her - and they’re all fascinating characters.
I really, really enjoyed this. It’s not some cute and fluffy read, and it can be quite raw at times.
For those who appreciate trigger warnings, there may well be some in this book, but it’s a book that reflects Queenie’s life.
Candice Carty-Williams will definitely be a name that I watch out for in future!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
Plays for Young People: Citizenship; Scenes from Family Life; Totally Over You
Book
A collection of three plays for young actors written by Mark Ravenhill: Citizenship, Scenes from a...
Otway93 (580 KP) rated Silent Movie (1976) in Movies
Dec 27, 2019
The film follows Brooks character, a moviemaker with an original idea, a new silent movie with some of the biggest stars of the 70s. The film is mainly based around hiring the cast and saving the studio from being bought by an evil conglomerate.
Despite the movie being completely silent apart from a single word, the jokes in the title cards are hilarious, and the return of traditional slapstick comedy is somehow very comforting.
The cast is what really makes this film. The comedic talents of Mel Brooks, Dom Deluise, Marty Feldman and Sid Caesar are brilliant, with hilarious cameos from 70s stars Burt Reynolds, Paul Newman, Marcel Marceau and Liza Minelli, this film is perfect for the whole family!