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Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016)
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016)
2016 | Comedy
Funny as hell (0 more)
A dumb, crass fun time
Much like another Zac Effron movie from this year, (Bad Neighbours 2,) this film was much better than anyone expected it to be. It is a lot of fun, the perfect example of a movie that you can watch with your brain switched off and still really enjoy it for what it is. The humour is crass and immature, but it is so well delivered by the cast members that you cannot help but find the dialogue throughout the movie hilarious. Effron has came a long way since his first comedic outing, the first Bad Neighbours movie, in this film his comedic timing and delivery is so consistently spot on and hilarious and doesn’t feel forced. The whole cast look as if they are having a great time throughout and honestly that just makes the movie even more enjoyable.
  
TF
Their Fractured Light (Starbound, #3)
10
8.6 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
In terms of covers <i>Their Fractured Light</i> is my least favorite out of all three books in the trilogy. (These Broken Stars is my favorite.)

In terms of everything else however….

I loved every second I had with the final book in the <i>Starbound</i> trilogy - it's so much more intense, action-packed, and fast paced than the other two books as all six characters (Tarver and Lilac from <i><a href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/arc-review-these-broken-stars-by-amie-kaufman"; target="_blank" rel="noopener">These Broken Stars</a></i>, Jubilee and Flynn from <a href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/arc-review-this-shattered-world-by-amie-kaufman-and-meagan-spooner"; target="_blank" rel="noopener">This Shattered World</a>, and now Gideon and Sofia) come together to bring down La Roux Industries.

<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/mini-reviews-pt-2-zac-brewer-amie-kaufman-meagan-spooner-michelle-madow-dawn-rae-miller-jamie-blair/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
  
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016)
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016)
2016 | Comedy
More of the same
After the phenomenal success of Captain America: Civil War, the multiplexes have calmed down a little; that is until the release of X-Men: Apocalypse next week.

Sandwiched in between these two box-office behemoths is the sequel to Universal Studio’s surprise comedy hit, Bad Neighbours. But does another helping of Seth Rogen and Zac Efron’s adult humour hit the spot?

It’s fair to say that these films have a target audience firmly in mind. The first film was received best by University students and younger men according to box-office analysts and managed to gross a whopping $270m on an $18m budget – a sequel whilst completely unnecessary was as likely as an April shower.

Bad Neighbours 2 follows a very well-worn path, so well-worn in fact that it shoehorns the exact same premise from its predecessor into another 90 minute comedy, with just a few new twists and turns to stop it from being a carbon copy.

So, what are these twists and turns I hear you cry? Well, for one, Zac Efron’s Teddy Sanders is all grown up for one, returning to help Seth Rogen’s Mac, and Rose Byrne’s Kelly face-off against a sorority (instead of a fraternity) – headed by the excellent Chloe Grace Moretz.

Plot wise, that’s about it; in fact there is no plot to speak off and the real highlight in this simple film are the reams and reams of adult gags. The majority of them hit the spot; a brilliantly shot sequence at a college ‘festival’ is absolutely hilarious, and then a few of them don’t – but that’s to be expected in any comedy.

When it comes to the acting, it’s a by-the-numbers affair. Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne are dependable with the latter’s credentials in the genre expanding by the day. From Bridesmaids to Spy, she’s fast becoming a new comedy star, and there’s no complaint from me there.

Zac Efron is now utterly typecast but I doubt he’ll care if his movies keep packing out cinemas across the world. Despite his usual reliable performances, he’s starting to look a little older than his ‘frat boy’ characters would have you believe and if he can’t shake off that tag, he’ll end up in the bargain bins alongside Tobey Maguire. That’s a shame, as his more serious roles prove he has the acting chops to go with his good looks.

Elsewhere, Chloe Grace Moretz is the only sorority girl to make an impact and her sweet, if predictable backstory provide Bad Neighbours 2 with its only real sense of emotion.

Overall, Bad Neighbours 2 is a very funny adult comedy despite its lack of plot and the by-the-numbers casting. Returning director Nicholas Stoller has introduced a more female-orientated film that will no doubt pay dividends at the box-office. It definitely wasn’t needed, but as is the case in the film world, money talks.

https://moviemetropolis.net/2016/05/14/more-of-the-same-bad-neighbours-2-review/
  
Neighbors (2014)
Neighbors (2014)
2014 | Comedy
When I first saw the trailer for Neighbors, I thought, “Great, another lack luster comedy ruined by the trailer showing all the funny parts.” Seriously, Seth Rogan (Knocked Up) is dangerously flirting with the, “keep getting them checks” period of his career. Plus, pair him up with High School Musical famed pretty boy Zac Efron…Really? Needless to say I had low expectations for this film. That being said, I am delighted to write that this film far excited my expectations and delivers, in my opinion, the best comedy of the year so far.

The premise of Neighbors is simple. A couple in their early thirties has their first born child when suddenly a local fraternity buys the house next door. The couple tries to be “cool” with the young “hip” crowd, only the constant loud partying is terrible for their baby. They can’t afford to move, so instead they try to get the frat suspended. Shenanigans ensue, Simple.

As far as comedies go, watching this film reminded me of the first time I watched Old School. Not just because of the fraternity similarity, but rather because there were constant jokes and gags running throughout the film that kept you constantly laughing. Even with the simple premise.

Seth Rogen basically delivers his typical quick witted stoner comedic style and plays well across his on screen wife Rose Bryne (Get Him to the Greek). Together they are a pair of adults who are struggling with growing up and having real responsibilities. Their chemistry and banter is amusing and the work well together. But it is the ensemble fraternity members, Led by Zac Efron, Dave Franco (21 Jump Street), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Super bad) and relative new comer Jerrod Carmichael, who provide some of the most hilarious moments in this film. These frat boys deliver enough comedic variety with their styles and provide constant laughs that never feel stale or boring. Even the jokes that fail to hit their mark provide at the very least, chuckles and are usually quickly followed by something else that makes up for the misses. They are the reason I would recommend this film to anyone who may not be a Rogen fan, but is looking for a hilarious comedy.
  
TE
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The story captures you and keeps you entangled until the very end. As the plot unfolds between Rock Star Zac, with Doctor Reed and his sidekick Magnum, your drawn Into their worlds, making It hard to put this book down as you want to devour more. Seeing how the characters deal with the drama amongst Zac's Ex-Boyfriend Troy, along with the paparazzi, the hot headed publicist, and many others engulfs you, wanting to see how they will tackle the dilemmas and get on with their lives. Granted, the hot, Intense, love making scenes adds some nice bonus flair, but It doesn't draw away from the story. It adds the fuel to keep the story burning, making you want even more. I was really pleased with the outcome of this book and looking forward to the next Installment. This Is my first read from this author and without a doubt, won't be my last. Highly recommend giving this a read!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from HRG.
  
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Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)
2019 | Biography, Crime, Thriller
Well done and gripping
I can't lie, whilst I know of Ted Bundy I dont know the details about everything he did, so I found this film to be really gripping and informative. Ted Bundy is truly a fascinating individual, its almost unbelievable that after so many years on death row he wa still proclaiming his innocence. Zac Efron isn't someone you'd usually associate with being a good actor but he plays Ted very well. He has the right amount of charm and looks but beneath that you can still see the simmering sinister murderous side. Just goes to show Efron can act in something serious after all.

The rest of the supporting cast too are very good, and the entire film moves along a fairly decent pace. This is one film that definitely can't be accused of dragging, but for me its maybe a little too short. I feel like they could have elaborated or gone into more details, especially those that didnt occur during the timeline of the film. However I suppose that wouldn't make sense as this is the story of Liz and her time with Bundy. But still, for me I would've liked a little bit more although its still a very intriguing and enthralling film with some very good acting.
  
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Kaz (232 KP) Jul 3, 2019

Great review! Having just watched this, I totally agree with all of the points you made. When hearing that Zac Efron was going to play a serial killer, I was a bit skeptical, but I think he was a good choice, due to his charm. I also agree that this was the 'Hollywood' version of the true story and didn't go into Ted Bundy's life as much as I would have liked. It's a really good film though.