Let's get straight to the point. "The Heat" is the funniest movie I have seen in a long long longtime. I previously made the statement that "This Is The End" was the funniest since the original "Hangover" but neither one trumps "The Heat" starring Oscar winner, Sandra Bullock ("The Blind Side") and Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Melissa McCarthy ("Mike & Molly," "Bridesmaids").

Bullock plays squeaky clean, by-the-book FBI agent Ashburn who is assigned to take down a drug ring in Boston. Ashburn has more than she can handle when a local Boston cop with a mouth like a drunken sailor, Mullians (McCarthy) demands to be assigned to the case because this is her 'hood. It was great to see Thomas T. Wilson, best known for playing Biff in the "Back to the Future" trilogy, return to the big screen as Mullians' boss, Captain Woods. He has amazing comedic timing, and the scene in his office with Asburn and Mullians will have you laughing till your side hurts.
The story is nothing new as the two polar opposites, Ashburn and Mullians, must work together to crack the ring and arrest the king pin. It is the creative dialogue that screenwriter Katie Dippold, writer of the creative "Parks and Recreation" television series, penned on paper that makes this work with non-stop laughs. Bullock and McCarthy as a comedic team is solid gold and they deliver to the level of Lucy and Ethel. Kudos to director Paul Feig ("Bridesmaids") for making it all come together on the big screen. Feig may just be the comedy director of modern time.

"The Heat" was filmed on location in Boston on a very short shooting schedule of 45 days which is unheard of for a Hollywood studio movie. The average shooting time for a studio film is three to four months. The hard work and dedication for the entire cast and crew truly shines on the screen.

"The Heat" is rated R for adult content, language, drug issues and sexual situations, so the youngest need to stay home. "The Heat" makes a perfect date night with a total running time of 125 minutes. You will be laughing so often you won't realize two hours has gone by. Trust me on this one! Some will need oxygen!

Posted or revised on: 7/13/2013

Prior to seeing This Is The End, I thought to myself - another echo driven Hollywood movie forced upon us, like After Earth. Boy, was I wrong on this one!

This Is The End is one of the funniest; laugh out loud movies since the original Hangover in 2009. This Is The End is the directorial debut of funny guys, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. They previously wrote Superbad and Pineapple Express, which launched their careers.

The film stars, Oscar nominees, James Franco (127 Hours) and Johan Hill (Moneyball), Seth Rogen (Pineapple Express), Jay Baruchel (Knocked Up), Danny McBride (Due Date) and Craig Robinson (Pineapple Express) essentially playing fictional characters of themselves at a party in Franco's house when the apocalypse arrives. The buddies are now trapped in the house and must try to survive.

One would think that it would be claustrophobic in basically one movie location, but it is the comedic talent of the cast that prove otherwise, with scenes that will have you laughing so hard your sides will hurt. The ensemble cast truly pulls off comedy magic! You will be gasping for air! I predict This Is The End will receive a Best Ensemble Cast nomination at this year's Screen Actors Guild Awards ®. I already know who will be getting my vote!

This Is The End is rated R with a total running time 1 hour and 57 minutes.

Posted or revised on: 6/13/2013

Not much has matured in this latest Adam Sandler movie "Grown Ups 2." What does anyone expect from him, the king of lowbrow humor? The movie opens with Lenny (Adam Sandler) being urinated on by a deer. Need I say more? The toilet "humor" continues for 1 hour and 40 minutes.

In this installment of "Grown Ups" (Sandler's first sequel ever made), Lenny, the retired hotshot Hollywood agent, relocates his family to the small town where he was raised. Lenny must deal with his wife, Roxanne, played by Oscar nominee Salma Hayek ("Frida") who wants another child. Lenny reunites with his childhood chums, portrayed by the all-star cast of comedians Kevin James, Chris Rock and David Spade, who are all dealing with mid-life issues: the other woman, forgetting the 20th wedding anniversary, and the long-lost son who shows up. Rob Schneider is the only cast member from the original movie with enough sense not to return.

There are a few chuckles in the movie, but "Grown Ups 2" is not what you would expect from a summer blockbuster release and is certainly not in the same league as "The Heat." As with all Sandler's movies, the cameos are numerous, including Steve Buscemi, Jon Lovitz, Shaquille O'Neal and wrestler Steve Austin. "Twilight" star Taylor Lautner plays one of the frat boys Lenny and friends encounter at the lake. These are the funniest scenes in the film, but someone in Lautner's camp was intelligent enough, after seeing the movie, to pull his name from the credits and all promotional material. That should tell you something!

"Grown Ups 2" is not the worst movie Sandler has ever made; remember "That's My Boy" and "Jack and Jill." It is sad because Sandler in his early career delivered some funny movies (e.g. "Happy Gilmore", The Wedding Singer" and The Waterboy"). A better idea for Sandler's first sequel project would have been "Grow Up 2" and give the audience a more sophisticated script. "Grown Ups 2" is rated PG13.

A bit of trivia on Lamorinda history: the original "Grown Ups" was the first movie shown when the New Rheem Theatre opened June 25, 2010!

Posted or revised on: 7/16/2013

Okay, I was not ready for this one. It's a small step back to the very first Hangover that was a box office smash and became the highest grossing comedy of all time. It was creative, fun and full of laughs. Part II was a box office bomb and a big disappointment to The Hangover fans. It was also one of the biggest disappointments in cinematic history. So now there is Part III.

Don't compare this film to the first two Hangovers.Part III stands on its own. The original cast is intact and includes: Oscar Nominee, Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook), Zach Galifianakis (The Campaign), Ed Helms (The Office) and Ken Jeong, as Mr. Chow. Additions to the cast are Golden Globe Winner, John Goodman (Rosaanne) and Melissa McCarty (Bridesmaids). The screenplay is written by director Todd Phillips and Craig Mazin. They do a good job with a new story line that does not revolve around a wedding and a bachelor party. This time the wolf pack hits the road to assist Alan (Zach Galifianakis) go into rehab as chaos follows them. I recommend hitting the road with the boys for an enjoyable ride that will have you laughing out loud in several scenes. Viewer tip - stay for the credits at the end of the movie.

The Hangover Part III is rated R for violence, sexual content and nudity.

Posted or revised on: 6/11/2013

Starring Oscar-nominee Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air, Twilight), Pitch Perfect is the story of Beca, a reluctant and socially inept college student at Barden University where she is coerced into joining a struggling all-female a capella group called “The Bellas.” In the Pitch Perfect world, a capella groups rule – the members are treated like rock stars, and they have their own touring bus and adoring fans. The movie also stars Rebel Wilson, Kristen Wiig’s gut-busting roommate in Bridesmaids, who again shows her impressive comedic mettle. The movie revolves around the metamorphosis of The Bellas from a discordant singing group of misfits into a hip, in-your-face, harmony-laden crew and their against-all-odds triumphant achievement to dethrone the Treblemakers, the cocky all-male group from the same university.

While the movie is formulaic, it more than makes up for it with its hilarious script replete with quick-witted quips and lines that elicit, not only laughter, but also genuine guffaws. Rebel’s character (she refers to herself as Fat Amy) beats everyone to the punch by her self-deprecating attitude (“I call myself Fat Amy so thin bitches like you don’t have to talk behind my back”). Elizabeth Banks as Gail, the commentator, delivers some of the funniest and smartest lines. For singing group fans, the musical scenes are cheer-worthy and collectively create a must-buy soundtrack. There are a couple of cringe-worthy moments involving projectile vomiting and vomit-angels (you have to see the movie to know what I mean). Even the romantic subplot involving Beca and Jesse (Skylar Astin) somehow fits well into the storyline and does not seem like an afterthought.

Does it look like a glorified Bring It On and Glee mashup? Of course it does. But the difference is, it is much, much, much funnier. Did I already say it is much funnier? And with its loving homage to one of my all-time favorite movies, The Breakfast Club, Pitch Perfect, for all intents and purpose

Posted or revised on: 03-06-2013

Identity Thief opened this past weekend not only as the number one movie in the country but also set the record for the top grossing “R” rated comedy film in history with a February release date. Identity Thief grossed over $36 million at the domestic box office. This is an amazing figure considering the east coast was hit with the “Blizzard of 2013” that shut down several theatres. I do have to say that it is the only funny movie currently in theatres, but this is Oscar season.

Identity Thief stars Emmy winner and Oscar nominee actress Melissa McCarthy (Mike and Molly, Bridesmaids) as Diana, a woman living in Miami who goes hog wild on shopping sprees and bar hopping with other peoples’ identity. This time Diana steals the identity of Sandy Patterson portrayed by Jason Bateman (Horrible Bosses) an accountant living a modest life style in Colorado with his wife and children. The identity theft has Sandy on the brink of losing his job and everything he has worked hard for over the years. So what does a real man do? Go find the thief! Sandy heads off to Miami to find the fake Sandy Patterson and the two of them set off on a wild road trip together.

There are some funny moments in the film but the fat lady jokes get old right away. The movie would have benefited from both a tighter script and editing. Some moviegoers may feel that they were robbed after seeing the movie, but others will find it an enjoyable 112 minutes. I do have to say that Melissa showed her range of acting in the movie. We all know her physical comedic ability, but it is her heavy dramatic scenes in the film that will surprise you. Melissa is a true actor.

Posted or revised on: 5/14/2013

Last year Woody Allen won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for “Midnight in Paris.” Now he presents “To Rome with Love” that will probably not win an Academy Award or even be nominated.

As with many Woody Allen films, the location is the major part of the story. In “To Rome with Love,” four unrelated groups of people are vacationing in Rome, Italy. Their stories could be four short films, but Woody Allen makes it all work as one. This kaleidoscopic comedy brings to the screen a well known American architect (Alec Baldwin) reliving his youth; an average middle class man suddenly finding himself Rome’s biggest celebrity (Robert Benigni); a young, recently married couple getting drawn into separate romantic encounters; and an American opera director (Woody Allen) searching for the next greatest opera singer.

The ensemble cast is outstanding and includes Alison Pill (Midnight in Paris), Oscar Winner, Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona), two-time Oscar Nominee, Judy Davis (A Passage to India), Oscar Nominee, Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network), and Oscar Nominee, Ellen Page (Juno). The outstanding cast proves that actors love working with Woody Allen.

“To Rome with Love” is not “Midnight in Paris" or "Annie Hall", but it is an enjoyable film and Woody Allen once again lights up the screen. The witty dialogue in Woody Allen at his best.

As a side note, his next project will be filmed in New York and San Francisco, which should be a real treat to see.

Posted or revised on: 03-08-2013

A movie is going to be bad when the studio does not have a press screening before the theatrical release because they don’t want any bad press and that is exactly what happened with That’s My Boy. Adam Sandler has stooped to an all time low, making a “comedy” based on the story of a thirteen year old boy, Donny (Adam Sandler) getting his school teacher pregnant. After the teacher is sentenced, Donny lives the high life until the money runs out. Then Donny decides to locate his son, Todd played by Berkeley native, Andy Samberg (Saturday Night Live) so he can appear on a television show for money. Do you hear anything funny yet?

The cast includes Oscar winner, Susan Sarandon, Oscar Nominee, James Caan, and another Bay Area native, Will Forte (Saturday Night Live). These are all talented actors but not in this film. It is sad when Vanilla Ice, yes the white rapper from the early 90’s, delivers the best performance of the movie. That’s My Boy has to be the worst movie of the 21st century. I thought last year’s Sandler movie Jack and Jill, which won 10 Razzie Awards, was horrendous. The Razzie Awards are presented each year to the WORST movies of the year, similar to the Oscars for quality films. Well, we know who will be receiving the Razzies this year, That’s My Boy. I guess Adam Sandler set his goal to win a few more.

Posted or revised on: 03-08-2013

Posted or revised on: 10/13/2013

The only similarity to the popular 1980s TV show and this "R" rated Hollywood movie is the title. The TV show was a teen drama that launched the career of Johnny Depp and this film is an action-packed comedy. Yes, the movie and the TV show both have two twenty-or-so-year old cops who are assigned to go under cover at a high school, this time played by Jonah Hill ("Superbad") and Channing Tatum ("The Vow"). They learn very quickly that life is safer on the streets. To my surprise, the comedic duo of Hill and Tatum works in this genre that is equivalent to "Superbad" and "Bridesmaids." "21 Jump Street" is the funniest comedy this year, but to be honest, Hollywood has not provided much competition. "21 Jump Street" is directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who previously directed "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," and are the executive producers of the hit TV show "How I Met Your Mother." If you are a fan of vulgar, crude, unsophisticated humor then you will find "21 Jump Street" a real treat.

Posted or revised on: 03-06-2013

Are you looking for a good romantic comedy that is not “over the top”? Then Admission is for you. The film is based on the novel with the same title, written by Jean Haniff Korelitz. Tina Fey (30 Rock, Saturday Night Live) stars as Portia Nathan, a straight-laced Ms. Perfect who works as an admissions officer at Princeton University. All is going well in her life until she encounters a teacher from another school, John Pressman portrayed by Paul Rudd (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Our Idiot Brother).

John persuades Portia to visit the school where she discovers that one of the students, Jeremiah (Nat Woff) might be the child she gave up for adoption years ago. Jeremiah’s goal is to get accepted into Princeton and Portia will try everything in her power to make this happen without letting him know her deep dark secret. The audience will quickly fall in love with Portia and her maternal love for Jeremiah. The relationship between Portia and John grows rapidly as John has an adopted son Nelson (Travis Spears). Nelson is a scene-stealer and has some of the funniest lines in the movie. Equally good is veteran comedic actress and Oscar nominee Lily Tomlin (Nashville), who plays Portia’s sarcastic mother.

The ensemble cast truly comes together making Admission an enjoyable date night. This is not a “chick flick” but a well-written comedy. The film moves along at an acceptable pace with a total running time (TRT) of 107 minutes. Admission is rated PG-13. Go see it. You will leave the theatre with a smile on your face.

Posted or revised on: 4/12/2013

You know a political film is going to be funny when it opens up with a Ross Perot statement: “War has rules, mud wrestling has rules - politics has no rules.” The laughs start and continue throughout the movie at a steady pace. Director Jay Roach (Meet the Parents, Austin Powers) knows when to deliver comedic timing. This time it’s Will Ferrell (The Other Guy, Blades of Glory) as career politician, Cam Brady, hitting the campaign trail for re-election to Congress in North Carolina. Cam’s biggest problem with his campaign is himself. You see, he does whatever he wants and his team always covers up and picks up the pieces. Two wealthy businessmen in the district, the Motch brothers, (John Lithgow and Dan Arkroyd) decide it is time for a change and support local businessman Marty Huggins, played by Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover) for the Republican ticket. Huggins has his share of issues including owning two “Chinese” pugs and working out at the local Curves, a women’s health club. So the Motch brothers hire professional campaign manager, Tim Wattley, played by Dylan McDermott (The Practice) to clean up and coach Huggins to political victory.

The Campaign, rated “R”, delivers several funny moments in its 85 minutes of running time including Cam Brady mistakenly punching a baby and even worse punching the dog from The Artist, Uggie. So if you are looking for a no–brainer comedy look no further than The Campaign.

Posted or revised on: 03-12-2013

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is a comedy starring Steve Carell , Steve Buscemi , Olivia Wilde, and Jim Carey (yes, Jim Carrey!). Magicians Burt Wonderstone and Anton Marvelton are childhood best friends and headlining at their own Las Vegas show together. After doing the same worn-out routine for ten years, Burt and Anton must find their passion for magic again and think of something fresh to do in order to save their show from being stolen by street performer Steve Gray (played by Jim Carrey).

Not expecting much from this film, I was pleasantly surprised. The cast works well together and there are multiple laugh-out-loud scenes. Even as an adult, magic tricks are often amusing to me, so I found parts of this movie to be just that. Although I agree with the PG-13 rating, be aware that there are a few crude jokes referencing sexual situations.

This movie is not a masterpiece and will not leave you feeling amazed, but if you are looking for a comedy and fun time, this is just that.

Posted or revised on: 4/12/2013

The Five Year Engagement

Following up last year's comedy smash hit, Bridesmaids, Producer Judd Apatow brings The Five Year Engagement, starring Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Parda) and Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) to the Lamorinda theaters. This movie is not as creative or original as Bridesmaids or as well written as Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Jason Segel, wrote Forgetting Sarah Marshall and co-wrote The Five Year Engagement with Director Nicholas Stoller.

In the film, Tom (Segel) and Violet (Blunt) get engaged, but circumstances postpone their wedding dates: The poor old grandparents keep dying off; Violet accepts a post doc program at the University of Michigan; Tom agrees to delay his career as a chef in a San Francisco restaurant to support Violet; and the Michigan weather freezes their relationship as Tom loses a few toes. The engagement and the film go on too long. We all know the ending, so take us there. The film has some funny scenes and some not so funny scenes. More editing might have moved the movie along so that it would only have been a Three Year Engagement, resulting in a better pacing of laughs.

The film is worth seeing for the beautiful shots of our City Bay The Bay, San Francisco. It is always fun to pick out the locations, such as the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate, the Palace of Fine Arts and of course the cable cars! My recommendation is to take advantage of the Lamorinda Theatres "Super Tuesday" when all movies all day are $7 instead of $8 or, become a member of CAIFFA and see movies for $6 all the time or free depending on the membership category!

Posted or revised on: 03-06-2013

American Reunion is the seventh sequel of the American Pie franchise (four theatrical movies and three direct to DVD films). This film overflows with crude vulgar sexual humor and nudity. This sequel bears no resemblance to Romy and Michele' s High School Reunion –it is more in the vein of The Hangover.

It was great to see the original cast reunited and the original support cast has some funny cameos. You feel like you are catching up with old high school friends as well. The movie moves very quickly delivering a fast paced laugh track in the first hour but it slows to a snail’s pace when the gang finally arrives at the reunion, with too much reminiscing. You would expect the laughs to continue and not slow down.

The ensemble cast’s performance is as good as it was in the original movie but veteran actors Jennifer Coolidge (Best in Show, A Mighty Wind) and Eugene Levy (A Mighty Wind, Best in Show) steal the show. They are masters of comedic timing and they are not in the movie long enough.

American Reunion will make you laugh out loud as you remove yourself from your daily worries. The movie runs for 113 minutes.

Two screening tips:

1) Parents keep the kids at home. American Reunion is rated R for several reasons.
2) Stay for the end credits for a few more laughs.

Posted or revised on: 03-06-2013