Tag: jermaine clement

M3GAN 2.0 – Review

If there’s one thing we’ve learned after more than a hundred years of horror movies, it’s this: you just can’t keep a good “monster” down. That’s certainly true of the “Golden Age” icons, whether it was Frankenstein’s monster or Count Dracula (even in the “Silver Age,” it was a given that Christopher Lee would be back for blood). It may be more certain now in the age of “spin-offs”, prequels, and countless sequel. Plus it also extends to those fiends without flesh, like Chucky of CHILD’S PLAY. And now there’s a “gender flip” on that. Back in 2023 the January film “doldrems”, when often the thriller “dregs” would be dumped into the hungry multiplex, a chiller with a satiric “bite” brought us a new horror “heroine”. Well, she’s baaack! Finally, leaping off the toy shelf and into our nightmares comes M3GAN 2.0.

This one begins far away from the sunny California suburbs of the original. In the Middle East a super secret agent is on a rescue mission, which goes sideways. She’s ignoring all the orders from the US command center, as we learn that the agent is a robot. The story then shifts to an update on the main characters from the first flick. Gemma (Allison Williams) is part of media crusade warning parents about the dangers to their kids in the online world. But she has her own tech company with her loyal staff Tess (Jen Van Epps) and Cole (Brian Jordan Alvarez). Gemma’s still the legal guardian to her niece Cady (Violet McGraw), who channels her trauma into her Aikido lessons. Oh, and Gemma’s in a thriving relationship with a former cyber-security expert, Christian (Aristotle Athari). But what she’s focused on right now is the powerful exo-skeleton they’re trying to sell to the tech billionaire mogul, Alton Appleton (Jemaine Clement). That day doesn’t go well, but the night is even worse, when Gemma and Cady are awakened by home intruders. They’re not burglars, but rather, agents of the FBI. Their commander (Timm Sharp) tells Gemma that they want information about M3gan, whose designs were the basis for their now missing rogue spy assassin Amelia (Ivana Sakhno). After the “guests” leave empty-handed, Gemma is startled when the old M3gan program announces her return via the big screen TV (and other devices). Soon it becomes obvious that the only way to stop Amelia’s path of destruction that leads to a sentient “doomsday” device from the 1980s, is for Gemma and her gang to team up with M3gan. But can the devilish doll ever be trusted despite all the “fail-safe” software that Gemma installs? Will Cady be put in danger once more as they’re drawn into a vast conspiracy that could end the planet? These toys aren’t playin’ around!

Yes, the “old gang” is back together again. And their comic timing is just as sharp two years later. The leader of “the pack” is probably Williams, as the frazzled, but full of steely determination, Gemma. She’s still the protective “mama bear” even as she’s rattling off endless bits of “techno-jargon” while making us root for her as she is often needed to be the “voice of reason” or a real “wet blanket”. Her family “jewel’ is the nearly teenaged McGraw as the sassy and very “pro-active” ( a certain martial arts movie star is her “role model”) Cady. Epps and Jordan are quite the effective loyal but bumbling comedy team as “sidekicks” Tess and Cole. The big comedy MVP might just be Clement as the arrogant, abusive snob Alton, who could perhaps be a satiric riff on a real-life odd uber “tech-bro”. We’re just waiting and yearning for his sneer to be “deleted’ ASAP. Other comic standouts are Sharp as the gung-ho mucho macho spy chef and Athari as the too, too sensitive and empathetic nurturing BF Christian. As for the “big baddie”, Sakhno is the face of pure banal evil, with big expressive but vacant “peepers” as Amelia, the Terminator packaged as a waif-like supermodel. And though she’s a mix of stunt folks, puppetry, and CGi, special kudos should go to M3gan’s main body double Amie Donald and the supplier of her snarky quips, vocalist Jenna Davis.

And this veteran cast is guided by OG director Gerald Johnstone, who also collaborated on the script with Akela Cooper (who created the characters with James Wan). They’ve decided to opt for a completely different tone with this outing, skirting around much of the first one’s horror “vibe” and making a scathing parody of cyber “chaos” and firing lots of parody “salvos’ at the modern action “high concept” blockbusters. While some of the set pieces and sequences take on THE MATRIX, Johnstone and company have some fun with the worlds (and imitators) of JOHN WICK and James Bond (I’m surprised the big secret villain HQ wasn’t inside a dormant volcano). Like ALIENS, it takes on new targets, though the hardcore fans will enjoy a riff on the “meme-fodder” murder-dance of M3gan and her aggressive, snarky “attitude”, guaranteeing that she’ll be a popular costume for the next Halloween and beyond. The doll doesn’t get all the best gags as the evil ‘mastermind’ has a casual “sing song” delivery as he tries to be a “Michael Scott” style cool, friendly boss. Now, as with most of the “straight” action-thrillers it piles on the endings along with the henchmen bodies literally exhausting us with “overkill”. But it’s easy to forgive its over-indulgences when we get a truly uproarious song scene and a “bizarro” AI convention. Sure, the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE epics need a good drubbing and this demonic doll can certainly dish out the “burns” and cyber “side eye”. If you can handle sharp satire and even sharper weaponry, then you may want to “click”on the upgrade that is M3GAN 2.0. Powering down…


3 out of 4

M3GAN 2.0 is now playing in theatres everywhere

BRAD’S STATUS – Review

With awards season approaching it’s time to get serious at the multiplex, at least for some actors that may be best known for rowdy raunchy comedies. That may be the case for Ben Stiller who’s playing this flick’s title character. Mind you, there’s still some funny stuff in this story, we’re not in heavy, somber tragedy territory at all. It’s just that Ben is playing an “everyman”. a fellow that many of us know, or “down deep” the person staring back at us from the mirror. Oddly, this man is constantly reflecting on his past, his regrets, and choices. These concerns and worries make up the bulk of BRAD’S STATUS.

 

The title Brad is played by Mr. Stiller. Brad Sloan is sliding toward the big “5-0” and shares a home in Sacramento, CA with his lovely wife Melanie (Jenna Fisher) and their eighteen year-old aspiring musician son Troy (Austin Abrams). He’s about to go on a college “scouting” tour of East Coast schools with his pop (mom has a big work conference to attend). This prompts Brad to recall his old college days at Tufts (a quaint smaller campus) and compare his life to those of his old classmates. Seems every time Brad channel surfs past a TV political show, one of the “talking heads” is old buddy Craig Fisher (Michael Sheen) a former White House staffer, now published pundit. Then there’s Wall Street whiz Jason Hatfield (Luke Wilson) who’s crisscrossing the globe in his private jet. Billy Wearstler (Jemaine Clement) made a bundle on a tech gizmo and has retired to an Hawaiian island (with two much younger ladies). And Nick Pascale (Mike White) is a celebrated Hollywood producer. As for Brad, he’s running a not-for-profit organization (connecting rich donors to charities) and wondering if he can pay for Troy’s college. But soon into the trip Troy drops a bombshell: his academic counselor said he could get into any school he wanted, including, dare we say, Havard. This energizes Brad who is now “laser-focused” on getting his son into the prestigious college. But when the interview is fouled up, can he get things “back on track” via his old campus pals? Or will he get the “brush off’ (guess the newer term is “ghosted”)?

 

 

After several years of franchise flicks (NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM, MEET THE PARENTS), Stiller reminds us of his considerable dramatic acting “chops”. It’s a thoughtful, quiet performance as he lets eyes (and furrowed brow) do quite a bit of the “heavy lifting” on Brad. The “weight of the world” seems to be on his weary wobbly shoulders as he shuffles through the campus “quads”. Luckily there are the lighter moments and Stiller handles them with subtlety (this from Zoolander?) particularly as he tries to bluff his way past several school officials. Stiller also shows us Brad’s warmth especially in the low-key, “just hangin’ out” at the hotel bits with his son. Abrams is a great partner with Stiller, particularly when he calms down his frenzied father, balancing exasperated embarrassment (the mortified teen) with affection that affirms their deep bond. Though she gets less screen time than him, Fisher is superb as another soothing voice, Brad’s “rock” and Troy’s very proud Mum. It’s a shame that for the bulk of the film she’s regulated to another “wife on the phone”, but thanks to Fisher’s solid work, her presence is always felt. As in the recent HOME AGAIN, Sheen is the hissable villain, though he’s much more complex this time out. Smug and stuffy, as Fisher he haunts Brad like a “ghost of Christmas past”, a reminder of missed chances. Craig does come through in a pinch, but at the dinner reunion with Brad, he reveals his casual cruelty, unaware of the consequences of his actions and words. In between historical figures (Blair, Frost, etc.) Sheen has played many arrogant jerks, but with this script he injects the film with an acidic giddy energy. Wilson and Clement have extended cameos in phone conversations with Stiller, but both deliver the dramatic and comedic “goods”. One supporting actor who’ll soon be on every studios’ “radar” is young Shazi Raja who plays Ananya, a former classmate of Troy’s who is already in the music program at Harvard. A meeting and conversation with her stirs up Brad’s nostalgia for his collegian sense of exploration, perhaps reminding him of lost school crushes. We’re led to think that Brad is smitten, but at a late night cocktail minus Troy, she delivers a scathing “wake up call” in one of the film’s best scenes. Yes, the camera “loves” her, but Raja projects an intelligence and strength that takes the story in a compelling direction.

 

Mike White may be best known as a writer (SCHOOL OF ROCK, THE GOOD GIRL) and occasional actor (he has no dialogue as Nick Pascale as we see him living in “the lap of luxury” with hubby Xavier), but he shows great skill as a director in this his second feature film ten years after YEAR OF THE DOG. He keeps the story (which he wrote) gliding along at a brisk pace and peppers the flick with some clever fantasy sequences (what if Troy becomes a jerk). Working with the gifted musician Mark Mothersbaugh, White balances Brad’s voiceover with his interior soundtrack that shifts gears as he plunges from euphoria to depression. And White gets great work from several screen vets and a couple of talented newcomers who serve his wise script very well. It’s a thoughtful funny spin on the old “the grass is always greener” adage, showing why “coveting” is mentioned so much in the ten commandments. Despite his restless nights full of worry, BRAD’S STATUS is pretty darned positive. Just like this engaging little film.

4 Out of 5

 

THE BFG – Review

Disney's THE BFG is the imaginative story of a young girl named Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) and the Big Friendly Giant (Oscar (TM) winner Mark Rylance) who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film is based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl.

People without knowledge of the 1982 Roald Dahl novel might be wondering what BFG stands for. Allow me to clear this up in the case of the film… Big Flipping Disappointment! (I was going to use another word, but since this is a children’s movie…. I thought it best to keep things PG.)

Ten-year-old Sophie is an orphan with a fear of the things that go bump in the night. On one particular evening, after staying up far too late, she makes the mistake of checking out the window where she spots a giant scurrying about town. Since she was spotted, the giant had no choice other than to snatch her from her windowsill and take her home with him. While there, she learns just how lucky she is, since he is the only giant, the runt of the bunch, who doesn’t eat children. Together, they form a friendship and decide it’s time to stop his giant brethren from snatching and eating orphan children in her world.

Visually, THE BFG is incredible to look at. The scenery is incredible, and the BFG has incredibly kind eyes. There’s no doubt that Steven Spielberg knows what he’s doing on a visual front. With him bringing life to characters such as E.T., I really thought I would enjoy this film. He’s always been an incredible storyteller. Having said that, the story in THE BFG is missing something. I didn’t connect with Sophie (Ruby Barnhill), or anything going on in the story. Barnhill is exceptional as an actress, but they made her character stiff, and a bit whiny. There wasn’t a personal connection with the audience. Not enough for me to care.

Fact: I haven’t fallen asleep in a movie theater in over a decade. About 45 minutes in I dozed off for 20 minutes because I was bored to tears. Luckily, my twin sister was with me to assure me that I missed nothing, and that she, too, was bored.

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The one scene that did grasp my attention was when they were hunting dreams by a tree. It was a beautiful sight to behold. I also give them props for sticking with the original language of the book. It couldn’t have been an easy task. Still, these things were not enough to keep me interested in the movie as a whole.

OVERALL RATING: 2 out of 5 stars (the 2 is for the visual effects)

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THE BFG is in theaters now

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RIO – The Review

Let’s see, we’ve got a couple that meet cute and can’t stand each other, but soon find mutual interests and finally attraction. This has been a staple of romantic comedies since movies began. Film goers tend to forget that this formula has also been utilized in animated features. They’ve all not been instantly smitten with each like Snow White and Prince Charming. Recently we’ve seen affection blossom over time between Rapunzel and Flynn in TANGLED ( and of course Princess Fiona and the big green hero of SHREK ) which may have had it’s roots back with LADY AND THE TRAMP. Well let’s add Jewel and Blu from the new film RIO to this list of Toontown couples. Their love story covers two continents in this delightful tale that’s truly made for the young and young at heart.

This odyssey begins down in South America as baby Blu joins his feathered friends in a big song and dance ( or maybe flight ) celebrating the beautiful new morning. Suddenly the music stops and he’s plunged into darkness. He’s been captured by poachers! They put him in a crate and whisk him out of the country via cargo plane. Soon his crate is in the back of a truck careening down the icy streets of Minnesota. Luck is on Blu’s side as his crate bounces out of the back of the truck and he’s found by a little girl named Linda. She takes the little guy home. As the years fly by ( although Blu himself never does learn to fly) they become inseparable. When the adult Linda ( Leslie Mann ) moves from home to live above a bookstore she manages, Blu ( Jesse Eisenberg ) is right by her side as helper and faithful pet. Their world is turned upside down when an ornithologist from Brazil,Tulio (Rodrigo Santoro) enters the bookstore. Turns out that Blu is the last male of his species left. The last female is down in Rio. The doctor proposes that Linda and Blu return with him to replenish the species. Reluctantly she agrees and they arrive at his avian sanctuary. There Blu meets his future mate, Jewel ( Anne Hathaway ), a fearsome fly-er determined to escape. She takes an immediate dislike to Blu. Late that night, thanks to a cunning cockatoo named Nigel ( Jermaine Clement ), the birds are stolen away by a motley group of smugglers. Blu and Jewel are immediately chained together, left claw to right claw ( like THE DEFIANT ONES ). Despite their differences ( she soars, he climbs ) they escape. They’re on the lam with the aid of a couple of street-wise birds, Nico ( Jamie Foxx ) and Pedro ( Will i Am ). They soon encounter the happy-go-lucky Rafael ( George Lopez ) who takes them to see his pal Luiz ( Tracy Morgan ) in order to free them from the chain. All the while they keep a few steps ahead of the smuggler gang and Nigel. who’s enlisted a pack of thieving monkeys. Oh, and Linda and Tulio are looking for the duo also. Can they catch up to Blu and Jewel before they’re caged and shipped off by the bad guys?

RIO is a dazzling treat for the eyes… and the ears! Seems the producers are almost hiding ( in commercials and trailers ) the fact that this is indeed a musical. The musical number in the opening scene is a great tribute to the gaudy Busby Berkley directed Carmen Miranda 1940’s extravaganzas. Later the despicable villain Nigel sings an ode to his vile wickedness. Clement’s years as half of the Flight of the Conchords serves the character very well. Later we’re treated to a sweet love song by Foxx’s Nico and a great rap duet between him and i Am’s Pedro. I was delighted to hear Ms. Hathaway’s beautiful singing voice in a couple of numbers ( wished there had been more ). Even Eisenberg warbled a couple lines in the closing number. Generally I have a problem with too many celebrity voices in animated features, but here I didn’t find it overly distracting. Eisenberg’s reprises his goofy nerd charm that he showed in ADVENTURELAND and ZOMBIELAND. Hathaway’s the right mixture of spunk and heart. Lopez ‘s good natured fun is contagious. And Tracy Morgan is the most endearing and lovable drooling canine since Tom Hanks’s old costar Hooch. Blue Sky studio has greatly improved on their ICE AGE work-they’re going too be giving Dreamworks and Pixar some stiff competition. The bird characters are colorful and emotive, the backgrounds shine and sparkle, and the humans are just the right mix of cartoony exaggeration and realistic movement. 3-D effects weren’t relied upon too much, so you can get just as much enjoyment of this rollicking adventure in regular projection. Once you’ve filed all your W-2s, reward yourself with this colorful south of the border finely, feathered love story.

Overall Rating : Four and a Half Out of Five Stars

GENTLEMEN BRONCOS Limited Release Shrinking As We Speak

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It started as kind of a throw-away tweet from our friend Chase Whale:

GENTLEMEN BRONCOS is no longer opening in Dallas. Good thing we saw it at Fantastic Fest!

Then Roger Ebert got into the loop:

“Gentlemen Broncos” openings have been canceled in Chicago, and will go no wider than it is now

Evidently, it is official that Jared Hess’ new comedy, GENTLEMEN BRONCOS has reached the pique of its theatrical release-dom.   So far, the $10-million comedy has made just over $12,000 since it’s October 30th roll-out on two screens.   That’s right, if Jared Hess is raking in every, last cent his newest movie makes, he would have enough to buy a used Ford Focus.   Good for him.

Fox Searchlight, who is in charge of the film’s distribution, hasn’t released anything official, but it seems fairly obvious that the lack of interest in the theaters it is playing at and the poor abysmal word of mouth the film generated after its screening at Fantastic Fest are at play.   The film currently has a 12% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but that can’t really be factoring into the film’s poor box office percentages.

The debate on whether the film has any merit at all continues on Twitter, courtesy mostly of Chase and Moises Chiullan.   However, the funniest tweet thus far has come from our good buddy, Neil Miller from Film School Rejects, who had this to say:

The ‘Gentlemen Broncos is cancelled’ twitter-fire is hilarious. They should’ve cancelled it much earlier though, i.e. in pre-production..

and

It is, indeed, that bad.

‘Gentleman Broncos’ Poster Released

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Most moviegoers out there, myself included, believe that Jared Hess is 50/50 on his films.   ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ was a fun, little indie gem, but ‘Nacho Libre’ was too much too soon in terms of Hess going mainstream.   We haven’t seen a whole lot from ‘Gentleman Broncos’ other than those viral videos about Ronald Chevalier.   If those are any indication, this could be a return to form for Hess and his writer wife, Jerusha.

Today, thanks to Alex over at First Showing, we have this first poster for the film.

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Not even sure why they mention ‘Nacho Libre’ in the poster there.   It’s hardly noticeable as it is.   Anyway, ‘Gentleman Broncos’ comes out on October 30th.