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Dork_knight74 (881 KP) rated Game Night (2018) in Movies
Dec 12, 2018 (Updated Dec 12, 2018)
Meh
Ok, this was a strange one. I would list it as a "dramatic comedy" (is that a thing?). With some semi-fun characters and some (kinda predictable) twists it was interesting enough to get through the whole thing. The cinematography was good and the acting was, well, ok. Not the greatest comedy out there but I honestly think Jason Bateman movies are hit or miss. Overall, I'd say this was fun enough to make it worth a watch on "movie" night.
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Thunder Force (2021) in Movies
May 9, 2021
Terrible and unfunny script (1 more)
Wasted talent.
Getting the crabs is never a laugh.
Positives:
- I laughed three times:
o Jason Bateman's "Crab-man" talking about his ironic star-sign;
o Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy's love-making scene: the most
innovative use of butter since "Last Tango in Paris"!
o The duo struggling to get in and out of their Lamborghini supercar: purely
because it looks just like me these days trying to get in and out of my wife's
Mazda MX5!
Negatives:
- It singularly fails my "six laughs" test for a comedy. The script by Ben Falcone - McCarthy's husband - is just eye-rollingly unfunny. The pair must have laughed themselves silly over their own jokes. It's just a shame that their sense of humour diverges so wildly from mine (or indeed anyones?)
- Melissa McCarthy must be an acquired taste - one I've never acquired. "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" proves what a class act she can be.... but this does her reputation no good at all.
- It's criminal to have actors of the quality of Octavia Spencer, Jason Bateman and Melissa Leo and use them in such a poor way. Bateman is actually the funniest turn in the piece, but that's not saying much.
Summary Thoughts on "Thunderforce":
There are some movies that you just wish had been drowned at birth. This is one. I normally don't regret spending two hours watching a movie, but this one felt like wasted time. With "Twist" I thought I might have found my worst film of the year. But no, there's a new contender in town.
(For the full graphical review, please check out the One Mann's Movies review here - https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2021/05/09/thunderforce-getting-the-crabs-is-never-a-laugh/ . Thanks).
- I laughed three times:
o Jason Bateman's "Crab-man" talking about his ironic star-sign;
o Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy's love-making scene: the most
innovative use of butter since "Last Tango in Paris"!
o The duo struggling to get in and out of their Lamborghini supercar: purely
because it looks just like me these days trying to get in and out of my wife's
Mazda MX5!
Negatives:
- It singularly fails my "six laughs" test for a comedy. The script by Ben Falcone - McCarthy's husband - is just eye-rollingly unfunny. The pair must have laughed themselves silly over their own jokes. It's just a shame that their sense of humour diverges so wildly from mine (or indeed anyones?)
- Melissa McCarthy must be an acquired taste - one I've never acquired. "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" proves what a class act she can be.... but this does her reputation no good at all.
- It's criminal to have actors of the quality of Octavia Spencer, Jason Bateman and Melissa Leo and use them in such a poor way. Bateman is actually the funniest turn in the piece, but that's not saying much.
Summary Thoughts on "Thunderforce":
There are some movies that you just wish had been drowned at birth. This is one. I normally don't regret spending two hours watching a movie, but this one felt like wasted time. With "Twist" I thought I might have found my worst film of the year. But no, there's a new contender in town.
(For the full graphical review, please check out the One Mann's Movies review here - https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2021/05/09/thunderforce-getting-the-crabs-is-never-a-laugh/ . Thanks).
Ross (3282 KP) rated Game Night (2018) in Movies
Nov 19, 2018
Funny, surprising comedy
I wasn't expecting much from this film, probably just 90 minutes of spousal competitiveness and awkward banter between friends. I was pleasantly surprised to find it had a story (quite a complex one for a comedy) and a few proper laugh out loud moments. Far from focusing on the game night instead, that is used more of a background and a link to some of the odder characters involved.
The chemistry between Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams is top-notch and enables most of the humour.
A strong recommendation for a decent funny film with a decent plot.
The chemistry between Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams is top-notch and enables most of the humour.
A strong recommendation for a decent funny film with a decent plot.
Blazing Minds (92 KP) rated Game Night (2018) in Movies
Nov 1, 2021 (Updated Nov 3, 2021)
So how funny could Game Night really be? That was the question I asked myself after seeing the hysterical trailer for the movie before its cinematical release, so now that Game Night has now arrived from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital Download and on Blu-ray™ and DVD. It was time for me to check out the movie on Blu-ray.
Game night stars Jason Bateman (the “Horrible Bosses” films, TV’s “Arrested Development,” TV’s “Ozark”) and Oscar nominee Rachel McAdams (“Spotlight,” “Dr. Strange”) as they take Game Night’s to an extreme, this is not just about sitting at home playing Monopoly or Cluedo, this is about taking the evening a step further into hysterical situations.
Game night stars Jason Bateman (the “Horrible Bosses” films, TV’s “Arrested Development,” TV’s “Ozark”) and Oscar nominee Rachel McAdams (“Spotlight,” “Dr. Strange”) as they take Game Night’s to an extreme, this is not just about sitting at home playing Monopoly or Cluedo, this is about taking the evening a step further into hysterical situations.
Gareth von Kallenbach (965 KP) rated Extract (2009) in Movies
Aug 9, 2019
While some might argue potty mouth humor is a constant from Mike Judge, the man behind “Office Space” and “King of the Hill”, I always seem to be curious when he takes on a new project. Judge’s latest film “Extract” combines his classic comedy style with a slightly more mature kind of humor.
A small company, Reynold’s Extract, is about to be bought out much to the joy of the depressed and sexually frustrated owner, Joel Reynold (Jason Bateman). Joel, tired of working long days with disgruntled employees, would love nothing more than returning to a simpler life at home with his wife, Suzie (Kristen Wiig). When the factories irresponsible employees accidently injure long time worker, Step, the deal begins to go south.
The sudden appearance of attractive new employee, Cindy (Mila Kunis) who has the eye of both frustrated Joel and recently damaged employee, Step, further complicates the situation. As does Reynold’s best friend, Dean (Ben Affleck), the local bartender filled with creative ideas on “bettering” Joel’s situation.
As the film progressed I keep wondering is the movie really funny or is Jason Bateman just so entertaining that it doesn’t matter. The honest truth is probably a little of both. With that said I did laugh, mostly at the blatant delivery by the aforementioned Bateman and at the scattered comedic moments derived from the unexpected nature of the film, it is not everyday you encounter a movie about an flavor extract company.
The eclectic cast of actors, from various avenues of fame, works seamlessly together. The most unexpected acting choice is Ben Affleck as Dean a role that could have filled by any number of lesser celebrities, possibly Rob Schneider.
Still the plot is unique and the story varies greatly from Judge’s traditional support of the working class. In “Extract” the protagonist is the boss man, not an underpaid employee.
A delightful little flick about working, neighbors, and other relationships, “Extract” is a creative yet diluted tale
A small company, Reynold’s Extract, is about to be bought out much to the joy of the depressed and sexually frustrated owner, Joel Reynold (Jason Bateman). Joel, tired of working long days with disgruntled employees, would love nothing more than returning to a simpler life at home with his wife, Suzie (Kristen Wiig). When the factories irresponsible employees accidently injure long time worker, Step, the deal begins to go south.
The sudden appearance of attractive new employee, Cindy (Mila Kunis) who has the eye of both frustrated Joel and recently damaged employee, Step, further complicates the situation. As does Reynold’s best friend, Dean (Ben Affleck), the local bartender filled with creative ideas on “bettering” Joel’s situation.
As the film progressed I keep wondering is the movie really funny or is Jason Bateman just so entertaining that it doesn’t matter. The honest truth is probably a little of both. With that said I did laugh, mostly at the blatant delivery by the aforementioned Bateman and at the scattered comedic moments derived from the unexpected nature of the film, it is not everyday you encounter a movie about an flavor extract company.
The eclectic cast of actors, from various avenues of fame, works seamlessly together. The most unexpected acting choice is Ben Affleck as Dean a role that could have filled by any number of lesser celebrities, possibly Rob Schneider.
Still the plot is unique and the story varies greatly from Judge’s traditional support of the working class. In “Extract” the protagonist is the boss man, not an underpaid employee.
A delightful little flick about working, neighbors, and other relationships, “Extract” is a creative yet diluted tale
Gareth von Kallenbach (965 KP) rated The Switch (2010) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
I had one thought when I entered the movie theater to see “The Switch”: what a hodge-podge cast. Leading lady, Jennifer Aniston (Kassie Larson), why she was once the face of 1990’s television! Jeff Goldblum (Leonard), I still think of him each time I encounter the subject of Dinosaurs. And Juliette Lewis (Debbie), she was in that Roller Derby flick, “Whip It” with the girl from Juno. How was a cast like this, enhanced by Arrested Development’s Jason Bateman, as male lead Wally Mars, going to make a film about a woman deciding to have a baby on her own?
None of the characters are perfect and the clothes are less than dazzling but the content and execution of “The Switch” is so honestly human that it manages to be subtly touching. Moreover, “The Switch” provides a new film perspective on love in New York City avoiding the overdone glitz and glamour of say “Sex and the City”.
But what is important to emphasize here is laughter. I didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did. Keep in mind there have been a number of comedic films that have attempted to touch on the subject of single women who choose to have and raise children on their own. I assumed films such as “The Back-Up Plan” and “Baby Mama” had completely covered the topic’s comedic angles, but l was wrong. This film is funny.
Still there were some scenes that could have been cut. The action could have moved at a quicker pace and it takes the first fifteen minutes of the film for the audience to connect with these imperfect characters.
However, “The Switch” is a very layered film; both human and well written while at the same time sharply funny. Moreover, this film is the much-anticipated proof that Jason Bateman does have what it takes to captivate as a lead on the big screen, so long as he has a strange son figure by his side
None of the characters are perfect and the clothes are less than dazzling but the content and execution of “The Switch” is so honestly human that it manages to be subtly touching. Moreover, “The Switch” provides a new film perspective on love in New York City avoiding the overdone glitz and glamour of say “Sex and the City”.
But what is important to emphasize here is laughter. I didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did. Keep in mind there have been a number of comedic films that have attempted to touch on the subject of single women who choose to have and raise children on their own. I assumed films such as “The Back-Up Plan” and “Baby Mama” had completely covered the topic’s comedic angles, but l was wrong. This film is funny.
Still there were some scenes that could have been cut. The action could have moved at a quicker pace and it takes the first fifteen minutes of the film for the audience to connect with these imperfect characters.
However, “The Switch” is a very layered film; both human and well written while at the same time sharply funny. Moreover, this film is the much-anticipated proof that Jason Bateman does have what it takes to captivate as a lead on the big screen, so long as he has a strange son figure by his side
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Gift (2015) in Movies
Jul 1, 2020
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
The Gift- is a unique psychological horror film directed by Joel Edgerton. This is Joel's directoral debut and he did a excellent job. Joel also produced it, wrote it and acted in it. I love the psychological espect of this film, and also the twist and turns throught it until the very end of the film.
The plot: When married couple Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) unexpectedly encounter Gordo (Joel Edgerton), an acquaintance from Simon's past, little do they know that their perfect lives will be thrown into a terrifying tailspin. At first, Simon doesn't recognize Gordo, but after a troubling series of uninvited encounters and mysterious gifts, a horrifying secret emerges. As Robyn learns what really happened between Simon and Gordo, she begins to question how well she knows her spouse.
The Gift is a excellent psychological horror film with twist and turns throught it.
The plot: When married couple Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) unexpectedly encounter Gordo (Joel Edgerton), an acquaintance from Simon's past, little do they know that their perfect lives will be thrown into a terrifying tailspin. At first, Simon doesn't recognize Gordo, but after a troubling series of uninvited encounters and mysterious gifts, a horrifying secret emerges. As Robyn learns what really happened between Simon and Gordo, she begins to question how well she knows her spouse.
The Gift is a excellent psychological horror film with twist and turns throught it.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Gift (2015) in Movies
Jul 12, 2020
An average thriller
I recall watching this at the cinema when this was first released and thought it was alright, and watching it again 5 years later my view hasn't really changed.
This has a good cast, I always love Jason Bateman and it's nice to see Joel Edgerton directing and acting and I think he does a good job in both. The plot itself seems very similar to other stalker/obsessive/revenge films but it's still quite entertaining and fortunately not overly long. The problem is I wouldnt say this is particularly thrilling or tense. The ending is a little surprising but it feels rather lacklustre in general as a psychological thriller. I also found character motivations and actions to be a little unusual and unexplainable, to the point it makes the film even more unbelievable than it is to begin with.
Overall it's an average watchable psychological drama which is sadly ultimately forgettable.
This has a good cast, I always love Jason Bateman and it's nice to see Joel Edgerton directing and acting and I think he does a good job in both. The plot itself seems very similar to other stalker/obsessive/revenge films but it's still quite entertaining and fortunately not overly long. The problem is I wouldnt say this is particularly thrilling or tense. The ending is a little surprising but it feels rather lacklustre in general as a psychological thriller. I also found character motivations and actions to be a little unusual and unexplainable, to the point it makes the film even more unbelievable than it is to begin with.
Overall it's an average watchable psychological drama which is sadly ultimately forgettable.
David McK (3169 KP) rated Hancock (2008) in Movies
Apr 11, 2021 (Updated Jul 11, 2022)
"Good job" / "no, you did a good job"
You know that bit in Superman 3 (I think) where Superman goes bad?
Straightening the leaning tower of Pisa, blowing out the Olympic torch, drinking, etc?
That's pretty much how this film starts, with Will Smith's Hancock a hard-drinking, hard-living (and miserably lonely) 'superhero' more concerned about his next drink than saving the day.
However, when he recues publicist Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman), Hancock soon becomes convinced to change his way of life, voluntarily surrendering himself to the authorities (who are sick of the damage he has caused and the ensuing financial implications of the same) and going to prison until the public starts missing him and the police need his help.
There is a real surprise in the third Act of the film, which does take it in a totally different direction that it had been going up to that point.
Straightening the leaning tower of Pisa, blowing out the Olympic torch, drinking, etc?
That's pretty much how this film starts, with Will Smith's Hancock a hard-drinking, hard-living (and miserably lonely) 'superhero' more concerned about his next drink than saving the day.
However, when he recues publicist Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman), Hancock soon becomes convinced to change his way of life, voluntarily surrendering himself to the authorities (who are sick of the damage he has caused and the ensuing financial implications of the same) and going to prison until the public starts missing him and the police need his help.
There is a real surprise in the third Act of the film, which does take it in a totally different direction that it had been going up to that point.
Gareth von Kallenbach (965 KP) rated Horrible Bosses 2 (2014) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
Kurt, Nick and Dale are back, and with them comes all the rest in Horrible Bosses 2. This time around, we see our would-be criminals (Jason Sudekis, Jason Bateman and Charlie Dale, respectively) as their own bosses.
Horrible Bosses 2 opens on the trio as a guest on a cheesy day-time talk show. They are there to show off their new invention, the Shower Buddy. This spot gets them some notice from the head of a big time, SkyMall-esque, corporation who wants to place a large order. But when the deal goes south, our boys have to figure out a way to save their own skin, and get back at the corporation.
The greatest thing about this sequel? It was not just a rehashing of the first movie. Yes, there are a lot of the elements there, but the plot was different enough that it could have been a movie of its own and not a prequel. Of course, there were some great call backs to the first movie during the film and the closing credits. But there were new things introduced, and not just the same old re-hashing.
Sudekis, Bateman and Day have such a great chemistry together, too. They played very well off each other, and had near perfect timing through the whole movie. Add to this the returning cast from the first film (Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey, and Jamie Foxx), and introduce Chris Pine and Christoph Waltz to the mix, and it only increases the fun. Our newcomers blew me away too, because I am not used to seeing them in roles such as this.
There is not a lot bad that I can say about this movie. Great performances by main and supporting cast, a well-rounded plot, with the exception of one part of the wrap-up in the end (I won’t spoil it for you), and a very complimentary soundtrack makes this one of the best comedies I have seen in a while. Thumbs up to these guys! I’m hoping they might be able to find the same magic for a third film!
4.5 Stars out of 5
Horrible Bosses 2 opens on the trio as a guest on a cheesy day-time talk show. They are there to show off their new invention, the Shower Buddy. This spot gets them some notice from the head of a big time, SkyMall-esque, corporation who wants to place a large order. But when the deal goes south, our boys have to figure out a way to save their own skin, and get back at the corporation.
The greatest thing about this sequel? It was not just a rehashing of the first movie. Yes, there are a lot of the elements there, but the plot was different enough that it could have been a movie of its own and not a prequel. Of course, there were some great call backs to the first movie during the film and the closing credits. But there were new things introduced, and not just the same old re-hashing.
Sudekis, Bateman and Day have such a great chemistry together, too. They played very well off each other, and had near perfect timing through the whole movie. Add to this the returning cast from the first film (Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey, and Jamie Foxx), and introduce Chris Pine and Christoph Waltz to the mix, and it only increases the fun. Our newcomers blew me away too, because I am not used to seeing them in roles such as this.
There is not a lot bad that I can say about this movie. Great performances by main and supporting cast, a well-rounded plot, with the exception of one part of the wrap-up in the end (I won’t spoil it for you), and a very complimentary soundtrack makes this one of the best comedies I have seen in a while. Thumbs up to these guys! I’m hoping they might be able to find the same magic for a third film!
4.5 Stars out of 5