REVIEW: The Three Stooges

MOVIE
The Three Stooges

CAST
Sean Hayes, Will Sasso,
Chris Diamantopoulos

RATING
PG

RELEASE
April 13, 2012

DIRECTOR(S)
Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly

STUDIO
20th Century Fox

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 32 minutes





STARS
***1/4










REVIEW:

Never in my right mind did I ever expect to enjoy The Farrelly Brothers' new take on 'The Three Stooges.'  The trailers made this movie look like a contender for one of the worst movies of 2012 overall.  As you can see, I was not excited to see this movie at all.  However my sister asked if I would want to see it, so I said yes because at the time I was bored and had nothing else to do.  The movie opens up at an orphanage where kids are playing kick the can.  Larry David's Sister Mary-Mengele then comes out and tells them that recess is over.  From there the kids break out into an absurd musical number that is interrupted about five lines in by Mary-Mengele, who says and I quote "Shut Up!  This isn't 'The Sound of Music!' Get inside!"  From there the laughs were coming consistently and in the end I had myself a very good time.  'The Three Stooges' isn't the crap you'd expect to be at all.  Instead it is a clever, funny, but clichéd movie that will have both kids and adults alike upchucking belly-laughs throughout.

The one concern that people may have is if the guys who are portraying Larry, Curly, and Moe live up to the original three men.  Let me tell you that the three replacements of the Stooges are fantastic in this movie.  It's amazing how good they were, because they looked, sounded, and acted like reincarnations of the original comedians.  Sometimes you could just get lost in the slapstick and in the performances that you'll need to say to yourself, "Wait a minute, Larry Fine, Moe Howard, and Curly Howard are dead!"  These guys are spot on with their portrayals, and I wish that these guys were looked at more.  This movie is filled with today's biggest TV celebs.  Including Larry David, we also have 'Glee's' Jane Lynch and 'Modern Family's' Sofia Vergara.  Lynch is probably considered an extended cameo, because she's in the film for about 10-15 minutes as the head nun of the orphanage that the Stooges grew up at.  As for Vergara, well, she is pretty awful in this movie.  She may be extremely attractive, but in movies Vergara just isn't a good actress.  Her resume includes 'The Smurfs' and 'New Year's Eve,' which are both considered to be bad movies.  Her story involving an attempted murder I feel was pointless to a certain extent.  Other than her, along with the others involved with the murder story, the cast was quite great.

The Farrelly Brothers were very smart to get this movie out there now, where barely anyone knows who The Stooges are.  Even though jokes about 'Jersey Shore' and 'The Kardashians' are put in to appeal to the modern generation, the jokes surprisingly enough work to the highest extent.  Is this the funniest movie you will see this year?  Probably not.  However is it a very funny movie that's definitely worth your time? Absolutely yes.  This movie has been out for a little while now, but I would still highly recommend taking your kids to see this one.  If you don't do that and you want to save up for something like, um, 'Marvel's The Avengers,' then check this movie out when it comes on DVD and Blu-Ray.  If you're even worried that your kids might try to perform the insane acts done by The Stooges, have no fear because right at the end of the movie two guys who claim to be The Farrelly Brothers tell the audience that the tricks and stunts in this movie were done by professionals.  How about that for a public service announcement?  Overall 'The Three Stooges' is a surprisingly funny movie with tons of humor that will entertain both kids and adults alike.  Nyuck Nyuck Nyuck!




PREVIEWS YOU MAY SEE:

Ice Age: Continental Drift

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days


The Pirates! Band of Misfits


Despicable Me 2


Dark Shadows


ParaNorman

REVIEW: Bernie

MOVIE
Bernie

CAST
Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
April 27, 2012 (LIMITED)

DIRECTOR
Richard Linklater

STUDIO
Millennium Entertainment

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 40 minutes






STARS
***










REVIEW:

Jack Black has been stuck making kids movies these days, whether it’s big roles in crappy films like 'Gulliver's Travels' or fantastic cameo roles in 'The Muppets.' Thing is, we haven't seen him in anything higher than a PG rating since 'Year One,' but that comedy was really stupid. Where is the Jack Black that we know from movies like 'The School of Rock' and 'Be Kind Rewind?' Well, director Richard Linkater, who previously directed both 'School of Rock' and the highly underrated 'Me and Orson Welles' has teamed up with Jack Black to make a movie about the life of Bernie Tiede, who in 1996 killed an 81 year old lady and is now in prison for the rest of his life for it. This film recently was shown at SXSW in Austin and had some popularity, but odds are people won't see this movie. That's not too surprising, because this movie doesn't appeal to many demographics. 'Bernie' is one of those movies that is meant to be seen by the 50+ crowd and some people under that. If teens my age or even college students see this film, they probably won't enjoy it. I thought it was a good movie, but it clearly isn't for everyone. If you want to see a film that is funny and charming in the first half then dark and cynical in the second, then 'Bernie' is what you may want to see.

Jack Black might have given his best performance ever in this film. Instead of going and playing an idiotic but loveable fat man, Black plays possibly the nicest person you will see on screen this year who never intended to kill anyone. I doubt we'll see any Oscar buzz for him as the year progresses, but Black is spectacular in this movie. Shirley MacLaine to me was the weak point of the film. Look, I know she was supposed to play an annoying and sadistic old lady, but when she was that sadistic person, I just got annoyed by it. The same sort of goes with Matthew Mcconaughey, who plays the town sheriff who doesn't give a crap whether Bernie is a good guy or not, rather that he killed an old lady, and that he must suffer for it. Mcconaughey also kind of irritated me, but not as much as MacLaine did. I felt that there was something missing from his performance that should have been there. Overall, the performances are all good, particularly Jack Black. However I wish that the two other stars of the film, MacLaine and Mcconaughey did a better job in the film and didn't get irritating.

I did like the fact that this movie isn't what you'd expect it to be. The film plays out with numerous interviews with the towns’ people who are defending Bernie despite what he did. They even got Mcconaughey to do a few "interview" scenes, which to me was clever and interesting. Of course I wanted it to be like a movie movie, but the documentary feel was a nice surprise. Richard Linkater really knew what he was doing with this movie. It wasn't as great as his last movie 'Me and Orson Welles,' but he still did a really good job making this movie. I don't know the whole story of Bernie and the murder, so I can't say whether he accurately got the facts right. I can say that he really did have this whole movie planned out in front of him. To cast Jack Black as the title role in my opinion was genius. Linkater got a really good cast behind him, but unfortunately the script wasn't as great as it could have been and the film changes its tone instantaneously from a sweet film to a mellow drama and doesn't pick up from there. Look I know everything there is to know regarding the fact that Bernie killed the sadistic old lady, but I just wanted more from it. This is the perfect movie to take your grandparents out to when there's nothing else to do. If you like quirky and interesting movies, then you may like 'Bernie.' However don't go in expecting a full blown masterpiece.

REVIEW: The Pirates! Band of Misfits 3D

MOVIE
The Pirates! Band of Misfits

CAST
Hugh Grant, David Tennant

RATING
PG

RELEASE
April 27, 2012

DIRECTOR
Peter Lord

STUDIO(S)
Columbia Pictures,
Aardman Animation,
Sony Pictures Animation

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 28 minutes





STARS
***1/2










REVIEW:

When has Aardman Animation, the creators of the popular 'Wallace and Gromit' shorts turned successful movie, ever made a bad film? Sure 'Arthur Christmas' was subpar, but it wasn't a terrible film by any means. Even though that is so, I was still a little worried about their latest flick, 'The Pirates! Band of Misfits.' The film is based on a series of popular novels by Gideon Defoe, in which the wacky Pirate Captain and his fine crew of pirates get themselves into some crazy adventures. Because this was an Aardman movie, I was instantly hooked because these guys are a part of my childhood just as much as Disney and DreamWorks were. I was also intrigued by the strong voice cast behind this film, including Hugh Grant in his first animated role ever. So when the opportunity came for me to see the movie and meet the director of the film, Peter Lord, at the screening, I knew I had to go. Luckily as it turned out, 'The Pirates! Band of Misfits' was hilarious and witty and all around great entertainment. If you want a fun time at the movies before 'Marvel's The Avengers' comes out, then take your 9 and older kid(s) to see this wonderful movie.

The main thing that they got right (other than the animation of the film) was the voice casting of Hugh Grant. Frankly I've never seen a Hugh Grant film in my life (except for snippets of 'Did You Hear About the Morgans?') but his portrayal of The Pirate Captain was absolutely magnificent. All of the jokes hit home runs do to Grant saying some of the funniest lines you'll hear in an animated film this year. This character is very dim witted, but that only adds to the comedy of the film. The rest of the cast, which includes famed British stars Martin Freeman and David Tennant were also great in this movie. Sure the voices could have been voiced by anyone, but all it takes is for one actor to own their role with justice, and my gosh does each cast member do that. Imelda Staunton, also known as Professor Dolores Umbridge in the 'Harry Potter' movies plays Queen Victoria, also known as the head villain of this movie. (surprise, surprise) While Staunton can get annoying for me sometimes as a villain, she was perfect as one Pirate hating vicious queen. However there are two voices that could have been voiced by anyone because they are small characters in the film, and they are played by Jeremy Piven and Salma Hayek. In the trailers it seems that their roles are big, but they really aren't. Other than them, the cast is fantastic and irreplaceable.

Stop motion is a spectacular form of animation. Aardman may be the top studio for this type of animation, but movies like 'Coraline' and 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' are also great entries into the animation clan. The animation in 'Pirates' looks very well done. Even though you can see similarities in these characters in other Aardman characters like 'Wallace and Gromit,' the characters in the film look very original and just plain funny in some situations. The whole scope of the film just looks glossy and very colorful, which is good for an animated movie. I just love the look of Aardman characters in general. There's just something about them that makes them stand out and become pure eye candy. With all good animation comes good 3D, and that is clearly proven in this film. While it could be just as acceptable if you saw it in 2D, the 3D in 'Pirates' is quite good and worth anyone's ticket price if they wanted to see it in the extra dimension or not. The characters look eye popping and the whole depth of the film makes you feel like you could jump into these wacky pirates, not even including a few parts where things pop out of the screening. Aardman is the leading studio in stop motion animation at the moment, and that is clearly proven in this movie.

'The Pirates! Band of Misfits' clearly isn't the best Aardman movie out there, but I did enjoy it more than 'Arthur Christmas.' If you're looking for some great comedy and a fantastic British cast giving off the voices of some of the wackiest characters that have graced the 3D screen in a while, then do yourself a favor and set sail with 'The Pirates! Band of Misfits.' The voices are great, especially Hugh Grant, the story is original and not what you're expecting, which is why I didn't give a plot synopsis in here at all. Most of all, the animation looks stellar and the 3D, while not needed, is really good. Director Peter Lord clearly had something special up his sleeve, as this is only his second film behind 'Chicken Run,' so I'm glad I got to see the film and meet the man in person. This is one of those rare kids’ movies where adults and chaperones who take kids to this movie may enjoy it more than the kids. My audience consisted of about 40% kids, and they were barely laughing. However they did have a couple of questions to contribute to during the Q&A after the screening, so that proves that the kids were at least paying attention. Hell, you should just get a kid, take him or her to this movie, and just have a fun time. 'Pirates' is as fun as an animated movie can get. For being only 88 minutes long, this movie is definitely worth your time and money. So I would suggest you start sailing to your local theater and check this movie out. (yes I know that was a bad pirate joke)





ME (IN A BLURRY PHOTO) WITH 'PIRATES' 
DIRECTOR PETER LORD AFTER A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING OF THE FILM ON APRIL 17, 2012 IN PHILADELPHIA!!!!!!!!!

MINI-REVIEW: The Cabin in the Woods

MOVIE
The Cabin in the Woods

CAST
Kristen Connelly,
Chris Hemsworth

RATING
R

RELEASE
April 13, 2012

DIRECTOR
Drew Goddard

STUDIO
Lionsgate

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 35 minutes





STARS
***1/2











REVIEW:

'The Cabin in the Woods' is not about a cabin in the woods. That line was the first thing that came out of my dad's mouth as we got into our car after seeing this film. If I tell you what it's about, then it would highly be considered spoiler territory. All I can tell you plot wise is that the movie is about a group of teens go to a cabin in the woods and crazy gory stuff happens. 'The Cabin in the Woods’ is directed by newcomer director/writer of 2008's 'Cloverfield' Drew Goddard and is written by both Goddard and the producer of this film, Joss Whedon. Because I can't go into much detail, this review will be pretty short. What I can say about the movie is that is is smart, pretty scary with some clever jumps and great uses of gore, and very funny when it wants to be. 'Cabin in the Woods,' while not perfect, is a fun and enjoyable movie that I can only compare with 'Inception.' The movie wasn't confusing by any means, but when I came out of this film I had no idea what to think of it. This film will need multiple viewings and a lot of thinking in order for me to fully process it entirely.

From first viewing, I can say that this film is well acted, gory in the best of ways, scary when it needs to be, and very smart. Joss and Drew knew exactly what they set out to do from the moment they conceived of the idea involving what goes on in this movie. The fact that people aren't going to see this movie is kind of the metaphor of this movie, but you'll have to see it in order get what I'm saying. 'The Cabin in the Woods' is a very fun movie, but if you were like me after seeing this film it will take some time to process what the hell you just saw. Because of the weak box office the film is getting, I can see this film becoming the next big cult classic, like 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World' for example. Trust me when I say this, but this is one of those films that if you're not a horror fan you will still enjoy this film.

 Sure there are some jump scares (some that are predictable and some that come out of left field) but once you get into the film's groove you will be smiling more than screaming. Go see this movie if you can, preferably a theater. However by the looks of it I would say wait for DVD, because that's when you can gather up your friends and watch this movie. Also you may not want to watch the trailer at all.  It's better to see this movie without any footage guiding you.  Plus, the trailers and commercials spoil some vital information left best unknown before seeing the movie.  So what are the secrets behind 'The Cabin in the Woods?' You'll have to see the film to find out and experience the secrets.




PREVIEWS YOU MAY SEE:


Safe

The Expendables 2

Looper

The Dictator

Savages

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter





WARNING: SPOILERS IN THIS TRAILER

MINI-REVIEW: Wrath of the Titans 3D

MOVIE
Wrath of the Titans

CAST
Sam Worthington,
Édgar Ramírez

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
March 30, 2012

DIRECTOR
Jonathan Liebesman

STUDIO(S)
Warner Bros. Pictures,
Legendary Pictures

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 38 minutes






STARS
*1/2












REVIEW:

Many 13 year olds including myself were anxious to see Louis Letterer's 'Clash of the Titans' remake starring 'Avatar' star Sam Worthington and Liam Nesson.  I was one of the few that just enjoyed 'Clash' for what it was: a mindless but entertaining popcorn flick.  So when I heard that they were making a sequel to 'Clash' I was immediately interested in what could possibly be brought to the table this time around.  Unfortunately, this movie did not deliver much at all.  'Wrath of the Titans' comes from 'Battle: Los Angeles' director Jonathan Liebesman, which off the bat is not a very good sign, even though I never even saw 'Battle: L.A.'  Even so, I was still excited to see this film.  After seeing the film itself, I can now see why people hated 'Clash' so much.  'Wrath of the Titans' is a stupid, cringe-worthy sequel that never needed to be made at all but was just to get some quick cash.  It's a shame that Hollywood is more obsessed with money rather than the quality of a movie, but then again that's business.  This movie could have been a decent sequel, but instead there was a weak story, choppy acting, mediocre 3D, and a bloody awful script.  'Wrath of the Titans' isn't the worst thing you'll see all year, but it still disappoints on all levels and makes the people who pay for this movie feel guilty for seeing this over something like '21 Jump Street' or 'The Hunger Games.'

The only good things about this movie were the special effects.  No no I'm not talking about the special effects AND the 3D, I'm just talking about the visual effects.  The monsters in this film look absolutely incredible. The action scenes also looked very cool.  However in 3D, they were as flat as paper, aside from one shot involving a snake popping out of the screen in the corniest way possible.  Even these visuals couldn't stop the movie from becoming a cheesy, over the top, and really bad fantasy flick.  Sure Liam Nesson and Ralph Fiennes gave it all they had, but Sam Worthington was pretty bad, but not as bad as his other supporting cast members, including Rosamund Pike and Bill Nighy.  It's saddening to me that this sequel turned out to be worse than the first one, because I wanted to see a fun popcorn flick rather than one mess that can't really be cleaned up. 

I'm glad I'm reviewing this movie now rather than opening weekend, because I had time to think about the movie and change the final grade.  If you have any interest in seeing this movie at all, do yourself a favor and see something that is much better.  It is April after all and we've gotten some good movies so far (that have yet to be reviewed) like 'The Cabin in the Woods,' as well as some great March movies like 'The Hunger Games.'  If you did see this movie, tell me what you thought in the comments.  Overall, 'Wrath of the Titans' is a sloppy attempt at making cash, and I hope that Warner Bros. decides next time to make a decent film and earn the money back.  Luckily this is only the first third of 2012, so there will be many more great popcorn flicks to come out, right?




PREVIEWS YOU MAY SEE:


Battleship


Dark Shadows


The Dictator


The Hobbit: 
An Unexpected Journey


Men in Black 3


The Avengers


Prometheus