Christina Hendricks – We Are Movie Geeks

TOY STORY 4 – Review

So right now all the entertainment pages are filled reports of “franchise fatigue”, that audiences are just not plunking down their moola and getting in line for this year’s models of….X-Men and Men in Black, to name two of many. The case could certainly be made for animated features with the soft returns of the “trained dragons’, Lego, and the swiftly sinking “pets”. But then the original cartoons MISSING LINK, WONDER PARK, and those UGLY DOLLS barely made a ripple at the box office. Not to worry, those dull days are over! Cue the music of that Thin Lizzy dance classic (apologies for the title tweak) because “The Toys are Back in Town”. Yes, after a year since INCREDIBLES 2, the fine folks at Pixar are back with another addition to the “game changer” that began the CGI feature flicks. Yes, this is TOY STORY 4. Oh, but you cynics may be bemoaning “yet another blatant cash grab”. Well, kick that pessimistic attitude to the curb (along with those empty Pizza Planet boxes for the recyclers). That’s because after nearly a quarter century (including lots of shorts and a few TV specials) these endearing charmers made of molded plastic and felt are just as fresh as the day they burst through their “shrink wrap”. And, surprisingly, they’re funnier than ever! Take that “sequel doldrums”!

It all begins on a “dark and stormy night”. No kidding (sorry Snoopy)! It’s nine years ago and the gang is back at Andy’s house as they deal with a devastating loss (briefly mentioned in the last film). Slow fade to now, as they await “playtime”, along with some new pals, with their new owner, the sweet little five-year-old Bonnie. But somebody has been left out of the last few sessions. Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) is joining her old baby toys in the bedroom closet (listen for the roster of show biz legends as those now discarded). Bonnie even removes Woody’s Sheriff’s star and pins it on Jessie (Joan Cusack). The former kids’ TV show superstar is sad, despite the efforts to cheer him up by BFF Buzz (Tim Allen). Then comes news that Bonnie will soon start kindergarten, prompting Woody to jump into her backpack as she leaves for orientation. As the other kids begin a craft project, shy Bonnie is left with no supplies. Woody to the rescue as he locates a few bits from the waste can. After Bonnie gets home and drops off her backpack in her room, the gang is introduced to her creation: Forky (Tony Hale), a googly-eyed ‘spork’. Everyone’s friendly to the “newbie”, but he doesn’t want to be a toy, yearning to rejoin his “kind” in the garbage. This gives Woody a mission: keep Forky out of the trash. But things get complicated as Bonnie’s daddy decides to rent an RV and load up for a road trip. When Forky flees the vehicle, Woody follows, beginning an adventure that takes the toy gang to a quaint village (maybe somewhere between Bedford Falls and Mayberry USA) as they meet an old friend, make new ones, like Canadian motorcycle daredevil Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves), plush animals Ducky and Bunny (Key and Peele), and the talking doll Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks), while navigating (escaping and breaking in) a traveling carnival and a dusty antique shop. It’s quite the odyssey for our crew, far from their kids’ room comfort zone.

This could be the most astounding roster of vocal talent (or just talent) assembled in an animated feature film (like a CGI IT’S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD), but it’s not the usual ‘stunt casting’ of other cartoon flicks. Hanks and Allen inhabit into their beloved duo as though sliding into a pair of comfy old slippers, though each brings something new this time out. Allen’s Buzz is a bit overwhelmed as the leadership is thrust upon him, even as he listens to his “inner voice”. And Hanks brings unexpected pathos to the usually sunny sheriff, Sure he’s missing “playtime”, but more poignantly he can see the “end of the trail’ looming just over the next couple of hills. The original cast still brings an infectious glee in their old roles (and in case you’re fretting, we still hear the late, very-missed Don Rickles via archive voice tracks). As for the newcomers, well they dive right into this fun-filled romp. Hale has a panicky quality to Forky (think of a plastic Don Knotts) which goes from warped to pure bliss as he bounces toward a receptacle like a lemming scamping toward a cliff’s edge. Key and Peele give a high voltage jolt to their always agitated game prizes, much like the Liam Neeson-loving valets from their TV show. Hendricks has the more challenging role as Gabby goes from friendly vintage doll to sinister “Dragon Lady”-like crazed (a plastic cross between Baby Jane Hudson and Norma Desmond) mastermind and then something completely shocking (all films should strive to have such a complex antagonist). The most inspired bit of casting may be Reeves as the cocky cyclist. He seems to be having a great deal of fun as he kids (maybe skewers) his screen persona. I was keeping her character a secret, but since she’s on the posters, praise is earned by Annie Potts as she transforms Bo Peep into a no-nonsense action heroine. And I must mention that some of the film’s biggest laughs come from Jeff Garlin as the rainbow-colored plush unicorn, Buttercup, who is hilariously obsessed with one “off the wall” idea. Again, those forgotten closet toys are a true comedy dream team.

Can you believe we’re getting this superb entertainment from a first-time feature director, the talented Josh Cooley? Oh, he was also one of the eight (8?!) story and screenplay contributors (along with actress Rashida Jones). “Too many cooks!”, some “haters” may say. Well, I say that this team packed an exceptional amount of comedy into this chaotic cartoon caper. Really, I can’t recall laughing so much at the multiplex in recent memory (may have to go back to BRIDESMAIDS or TRAINWRECK). But the series’ heart is not neglected in the gallons of guffaws’. It’s that unbreakable bond of friendship between Woody and Buzz, still brothers though separated by tech and many decades, that grips us and draws us in. The movie also breaks new ground in the conflict the two face. Yes, they’re cartoons, but they’re far from two-dimensional. Like real human beings, they can evolve and change, and even be redeemed through kindness (now that’s an idea in need of promoting in these times). And as with two of this summer’s superhero epics, a selfless sacrifice makes for a heart-tugging finale. That’s a lot for this year’s only major studio “G-rated” animated film. Though I should warn parents that some sensitive tots may be spooked by the ventriloquist dummies (with frozen wide-eyed smiles and zombie-like shambling walk) who menace our heroes, aided by a ferocious feline. Though we’ve gotten used to it with Pixar’s work, I can’t neglect the film’s striking visuals. Here we’re treated to a couple more astounding environments that are much more than mere backdrops. The details of the antique store interior and the carnival’s exteriors are high art to be savored (bring on the coffee table book). We could also include the jostling RV, of course. They’re worthy successors to Andy and Sid’s houses (TS1), Al’s retro 50’s high rise “crib” and his Toy Barn (TS2) and the Sunnyside Nursery in TS3. And the individual character work still amazes from Peep’s shiny porcelain flesh to fuffy stitching of Bunny and Ducky. And Duke’s “way too cool” 70s ‘stache. But it’s the humor that will stay with you as you leave the theatre (but be sure to stay for the very, very last few seconds for one last, very large laugh). With 2019 nearly half over, I can declare this the funniest film so far (and, unlike previous years, there have been several smart comedies). TOY STORY 4, well I’d add that if they can keep the quality up, the tile should be TOY STORY 4ever! That’s why it truly earns (I’d give it more if I could)…

4 Out of 4 Stars

AMERICAN WOMAN – Review

*Sienna Miller as Deb in AMERICAN WOMAN. Photo Credit: Seacia Pavao. Courtesy of Roadside Attractions*

Sienna Miller stars as a single mother in rural small town in Pennsylvania whose life is transformed by a tragic event. AMERICAN WOMAN is both a character study and blue-collar family drama. It is the kind of human drama that some worry is being squeezed out of theaters by blockbuster action and superhero movies. The film follows the ups and downs in this working-class woman’s life over several years, but while it has length, it does not have as much depth, although it does treat the characters with respect. Sienna Miller turns in a fine performance but director Jake Scott never lets us really get inside the head of this American woman.

Deb Callahan (Miller) is a 32-year-old woman who still acts a bit like a teen, despite being the single parent of a teen herself. Like her mother before her, 17-year-old daughter Bridget (Sky Ferreira) is a teenage mother, with an one-year-old son named Jesse. While Bridget and her mother kid around affectionately, Deb is getting dressed up for a date, in a too-tight, too-short dress, to meet her married lover.

Deb’s married sister Kath (Christina Hendricks), her husband Terry (Will Sasso) and two young boys, live across the street but the sisters are not close. Kath scolds Deb for dating a married man, with the sisters’ mother (Amy Madigan) chiming in and bringing up their Catholic faith. Deb responds with anger, hinting at long-buried issues.

When Bridget goes missing, everything in Deb’s life changes. The cop in charge, Detective Morris (E. Roger Mitchell), question those who saw Bridget last, and organizes a community volunteer search party. Nonetheless, Deb is left to raise her grandson on her own.

The cast also includes Aaron Paul, as a construction co-worker that brother-in-law Terry introduces to Deb. The story takes place as Deb goes through a number of changes in her life, some wrenching, some more positive, jumping forward in a time twice as Deb raises her grandson to his teen years.

Oddly, although the film spans more than a decade and the children grow and change, none of the adults appear to age, apart from a few gray hairs on supporting characters that disappear and later reappear. It seems a bit strange but maybe it was intended to reflect the characters’ self-image.

The film has potential but falls short of what it might have been, particularly with this strong cast. While Sienna and the rest of the cast do all they can to give the characters depth and richness, they are thwarted by a script and direction that strives to keep things on the surface. It is frustrating at times, particularly when the dialog suggests a deeper backstory or hints at past experiences that shaped Deb’s character, details that are left unexplored. It is a curious choice.

AMERICAN WOMAN is a good film, with some sparkling performances, but one that could have gone deeper and been even better, perhaps even a great film. It opens Friday, June 14, at the Plaza Frontenac Cinema and

RATING: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

See the Official Poster for THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT

Check out the brand new OFFICIAL POSTER for THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT, starring Christina Hendricks, Martin Henderson, Bailee Madison and Lewis Pullman, hitting theaters March 9, 2018. Until then, be sure to follow @TheStrangers on Instagram for some creepy holiday fun with daily advent calendar postings, celebrating #25DaysOfPreyer!

The teaser trailer looks so scary!!!:

A family’s road trip takes a dangerous turn when they arrive at a secluded mobile home park to stay with some relatives and find it mysteriously deserted. Under the cover of darkness, three masked psychopaths pay them a visit to test the family’s every limit as they struggle to survive. Johannes Roberts directs this horror film inspired by the 2008 smash hit THE STRANGERS.

THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT First Poster And Trailer

From Aviron Pictures, here’s a first look at THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT.

Johannes Roberts directs this horror film inspired by the 2008 smash hit THE STRANGERS, starring Christina Hendricks, Martin Henderson, Bailee Madison and Lewis Pullman.

Check out the highly anticipated trailer now.

THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT opens in theaters nationwide MARCH 9, 2018.

Visit the official site: thestrangers2018.com

FIST FIGHT – Review

A showdown’s a’ comin’! Not on the main street of Dodge City, but at the multiplex once again. The final throw down between the hero and villain has been a staple of cinema since its earliest days, mainly in action films and primarily the western. There have been countless screen versions of that infamous incident , the gunfight at the O.K. Corral (the most famous being the Kirk Douglas/Burt Lancaster 1950’s classic) . This most likely inspired many other “oaters”, the most celebrated being the iconic 1952 HIGH NOON (which garnered an Oscar for star Gary Cooper). It’s set in real-time as the clock ticks to 12, while Will Kane readies himself for the arrival of the Miller gang. We’ve seen this plot used in many other genres, providing extra excitement to the final acts of every movie hero’s exploits from Rocky to Bond to Batman. But it’s also been seen in comedies, with this new film taking place in a high school. Could this be a remake/reboot of the thirty year cult classic from Phil Joanou, THREE O’CLOCK HIGH? Not exactly, since that flick concerned two students in a violent conflict. This time it’s two very different teachers from the same school preparing to square off in a FIST FIGHT.

It’s the last day of school before Summer vacation at run-down Roosevelt High, but English teacher Andy Campbell (Charlie Day) isn’t celebrating his three-month break. He’s under pressure at the start of this day, and things go downhill fast. He’s got to rush out at 2:30 to be part of his pre-teen daughter’s song and dance routine at her grade school talent show. His wife Maggie (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) could give birth any second. He fears that he may lose his job due to massive budget cuts (big meeting with the principal and the superintendent). And to top it off the graduating seniors are in full prank mode (they even stole a horse that’s dashing through the hallways). But the big problem comes out of nowhere when the surly intimidating history teacher Mr. Strickland (Ice Cube) asks Andy to help him with some faulty AV equipment. At that class, Andy sees Strickland lose his temper (a desk becomes kindling). The two men are called into Principal Tyler’s (Dean Norris) office, but Strickland isn’t worried since he told Andy that teachers stick together. Then Tyler threatens their jobs and Andy tells the truth about the melt- down. Strickland is fired and as he boxes up his stuff he tells Andy to be in the parking lot at 3 PM where they will settled things with a fist fight. Andy believes it’s a joke, but Strickland is dead, dead serious. As the hours fly by, a very nervous Andy implores his faculty friends, Coach Crawford (Tracy Morgan), who’s just finished another losing season, and guidance counselor in great need of guidance Holly (Jillian Bell), for any advice. Soon, he’s in panic mode doing everything he can, legally or not, to avoid that confrontation. As “high mid-afternoon” approaches, it looks like the mismatched pair will square off in an epic battle royale’.

After honing his comic skills on TV (the cult hit “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) and supporting roles (HORRIBLE BOSSES, THE HOLLARS, PACIFIC RIM, VACATION) Day makes the most of this, his first true lead role. Based on his energetic work here, I’m sure it will be the first of many. He’s got a real “everyman” vibe, which adds strength to his scenes of slapstick panic. There’s the twitching, the awkward body language, and best of all that voice. When he’s truly agitated or trying to lie his way out, his high-pitched voice jumps several octaves until it’s almost a strained squeak, His exasperated hero is a worthy successor to the energetic mania of the much-missed Gene Wilder (with maybe a dash of Don Knotts). Even as he concocts some devious scheme, the guy’s still so darned lovable that we can’t help but root for him. Ice Cube is an inspired antagonist for him as the human embodiment of an about-to-erupt volcano. His glowering grimacing Strickland intimidates students and faculty alike, as they try to get out of his way before he explodes. Scary as he is, Cube makes this guy really funny. After family friendly work in his BARBERSHOP and ARE WE THERE YET roles, he seems to relish this return to the “bad dude” persona.

Happily the combatants don’t get all the fun (or score all the laughs). That scene stealing Ms. Bell (22 JUMP STREET, THE NIGHT BEFORE) dashes away with several inspired sequences, whether trying to downplay her enthusiasm for illegal substances or justify a crush on a student (all of which horrify Day). Like Day she’ll soon be breaking out into leading roles (playing the Hanks roles in a rumored remake of SPLASH), giving Melissa McCarthy some competition as the queen of movie comedies. Another source of great supporting gags is the always surprising Morgan who’s endearing goofy as the clueless coach. His baffling bits of “wisdom'” confuse Day, until the coach lays down a heavy bit of truth, refusing to sugarcoat what will happen if the battle happens. And somehow Morgan brings a mischievous joy to the role. Norris is an excellent “short fuse” straight man as the beleaguered principal doing a “slow burn” that would make the immortal Edgar Kennedy proud (Google him, folks). Unfortunately the other ladies in the cast are not as well served by the script as Bell. The movies just don’t seem to know what to do with the talented Christina Hendricks (so wonderful on TV’s “Mad Men”). After a dismal role in BAD SANTA 2, she’s wasted here once more as the bombshell French teacher who’s really a sadist (she gleefully offers her blade to gut Andy like a fish). Swisher is yet another “wife on the phone” who looks concerned while we wait for the big birthing scene. And Kumail Nanjinai. so funny as the randy masseuse in last year’s MIKE AND DAVE NEED WEDDING DATES, has little to do as the ineffectual school security officer.
Making his feature film directing debut, after toiling in the TV trenches, Richie Keen proves to be an adept comedy conductor. Like a film veteran he knows how to steer our eyes toward the funny during sequences of mass comedy chaos. Beside eliciting some terrific performances, he knows how to control the flow, whether slowing things down a bit to revel in some inspired wordplay (Holly:” Meth’s more of a gateway drug.” Andy: “No, it’s really the finish line!”) or to accelerate as the senior pranks “amp up” (the mariachi band is a great running gag). Unfortunately he’s tripped up (as are many comedy film makers) by the dreaded lull around the midway mark. Perhaps the script (based on a story by “new Girl” star Max Greenfield and others) needed a bit more polish and another “once over”. This would’ve helped define some characters and trimmed some of the numbing barrage of “f-bombs” and genitalia jokes (to ensure that R-rating, I suppose). As with the recent dud, THE COMEDIAN, they resort to the cheap shock of us hearing a foul-mouthed pre-teen. Much worse than the earlier film and just as lazy. But the first and third acts are so strong, it’s inevitable that the second act would drag. Fortunately the big battle lives up to the long build-up with inspired bits of slapstick, although it never goes “human cartoon” like the 60’s gem THE ADVENTURES OF BULLWHIP GRIFFIN ( a Saturday matinée delight). The talented cast and the laugh-stuffed opening and finale more than make up for its flaws (it could’ve been another MASTERMINDS…yeesh!). It never scores a TKO, but FIST FIGHT delivers some solid strikes to the funny bone.

3.5 Out of 5

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of BAD SANTA 2 In St. Louis

BAD SANTA 2 is coming to theatres this Thanksgiving!

BAD SANTA 2 returns Academy Award®-winner BILLY BOB THORNTON to the screen as America’s favorite anti-hero, Willie Soke. Fueled by cheap whiskey, greed and hatred, Willie teams up once again with his angry little sidekick, Marcus (TONY COX), to knock off a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve. Along for the ride is ‘the kid’ – chubby and cheery Thurman Merman (BRETT KELLY), a 250-pound ray of sunshine who brings out Willie’s sliver of humanity.

Mommy issues arise when the pair are joined by Academy Award®, Golden Globe and Emmy-winner KATHY BATES, as Willie’s horror story of a mother, Sunny Soke. A super butch super bitch, Sunny raises the bar for the gang’s ambitions, while somehow lowering the standards of criminal behavior. Willie is further burdened by lusting after the curvaceous and prim Diane, played by Emmy Award-nominee CHRISTINA HENDRICKS, the charity director with a heart of gold and libido of steel.

Credit: Jan Thijs / Broad Green Pictures / Miramax

WAMG invites you to enter for the chance to win TWO (2) seats to the advance screening of BAD SANTA 2 on Monday, Nov. 21 at 7PM in the St. Louis area.

Answer the following:

In the mid-90’s, Thornton was honored with both an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. What is the name of this film?

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME ANSWER AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. No purchase necessary. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house. The theater is not responsible for overbooking.

Rated R.

Official Movie Site: http://www.badsanta2.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadSantaMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/badsanta
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badsantamovie/

BAD SANTA 2 Gets Into The Election 2016 Race With NSFW Video

Why choose between a crook and a liar when you can have both? Check out Willie’s platform in his New NSFW Election Spot to see how he plans to Make America BAD Again!

Don’t forget to check out BAD SANTA 2 starring Academy Award-winner Billy Bob Thornton, Academy Award-winner Kathy Bates, Christina Hendricks, Tony Cox and Brett Kelly when it opens in theatres everywhere November 23.

Mommy issues arise when the pair are joined by Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy-winner KATHY BATES, as Willie’s horror story of a mother, Sunny Soke. A super butch super bitch, Sunny raises the bar for the gang’s ambitions, while somehow lowering the standards of criminal behavior. Willie is further burdened by lusting after the curvaceous and prim Diane, played by Emmy Award-nominee CHRISTINA HENDRICKS, the charity director with a heart of gold and libido of steel. You better watch out: BAD SANTA 2 is coming to town.

MARK WATERS directs BAD SANTA 2 from a screenplay by Johnny Rosenthal and Shauna Cross, based on characters by Glenn Ficarra & John Requa. The film is a BROAD GREEN PICTURES and MIRAMAX release.

In theaters November 23, 2016.

www.badsanta2.com

BS2-05175_CROP (l-r) Billy Bob Thornton stars as Willie Soke and Brett Kelly as Thurman Merman in BAD SANTA 2, a Broad Green Pictures and MIRAMAX release. Credit: Jan Thijs / Broad Green Pictures / Miramax — Credit: Jan Thijs / Broad Green Pictures / Miramax

Check Out the New BAD SANTA 2 Red Band Trailer

You better watch out: BAD SANTA 2 is coming to town.

Check out the new NSFW Red Band Trailer:

MARK WATERS directs BAD SANTA 2 from a screenplay by Johnny Rosenthal and Shauna Cross, based on characters by Glenn Ficarra & John Requa. GEYER KOSINSKI and ANDREW GUNN produce. Executive producers are Zanne Devine, David Thwaites, Gabriel Hammond, Daniel Hammond, Mark Waters, Jessica Tuchinsky, Adam Fields, and Doug Ellin. The film is a BROAD GREEN PICTURES and MIRAMAX® release. In theaters November 23, 2016.

Director: Mark Waters
Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Kathy Bates, Christina Hendricks, Tony Cox, Brett Kelly, Ryan Hansen, Jenny Zigrino, Jeff Skowron
Writers: Johnny Rosenthal, Doug Ellin and Shauna Cross
Producers: Geyer Kosinski, Andrew Gunn
Executive Producers: Zanne Devine, David Thwaites, Gabriel Hammond, Daniel Hammond, Mark Waters, Jessica Tuchinsky, Adam Fields, Doug Ellin

Check Out the New Green Band Trailer for BAD SANTA 2

Academy Award-winner BILLY BOB THORNTON to the screen as America’s favorite anti-hero, Willie Soke. Fueled by cheap whiskey, greed and hatred, Willie teams up once again with his angry little sidekick, Marcus (TONY COX), to knock off a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve. Along for the ride is ‘the kid’ – chubby and cheery Thurman Merman (BRETT KELLY), a 250-pound ray of sunshine who brings out Willie’s sliver of humanity. Mommy issues arise when the pair are joined by Academy Award®, Golden Globe and Emmy-winner KATHY BATES, as Willie’s horror story of a mother, Sunny Soke. A super butch super bitch, Sunny raises the bar for the gang’s ambitions, while somehow lowering the standards of criminal behavior. Willie is further burdened by lusting after the curvaceous and prim Diane, played by Emmy Award-nominee CHRISTINA HENDRICKS, the charity director with a heart of gold and libido of steel.

Check out the new trailer:

You better watch out: BAD SANTA 2 is coming to town.

New Poster & Stills For Billy Bob Thornton in BAD SANTA 2 Revealed – Opens November 23rd

BAD SANTA 2 returns Academy Award-winner BILLY BOB THORNTON to the screen as America’s favorite anti-hero, Willie Soke.

Fueled by cheap whiskey, greed and hatred, Willie teams up once again with his angry little sidekick, Marcus (TONY COX), to knock off a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve. Along for the ride is ‘the kid’ – chubby and cheery Thurman Merman (BRETT KELLY), a 250-pound ray of sunshine who brings out Willie’s sliver of humanity.

You better watch out: BAD SANTA 2 is coming to town.

In theaters November 23, 2016.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: