Lil Rel Howery – We Are Movie Geeks

DOG MAN – Review

So, new year (well, a month old now), new slate of cinematic superheroes invading the multiplex. This weekend sees the premiere feature film adaptation of a beloved crimefighter (Captain America will be throwing his shield when he flies in on Valentine’s Day) who’s rather unique in this realm. First off, he’s not a member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). nor does he originate at Warner’s DC Studios. And, thankfully, it’s not another Sony “Spider-Verse” spin-off. No, this is from Scholastic, who have published fourteen graphic novels in this series, which sprung from another successful series. I’m certain they and his millions of fans are hoping that this is this will begin a new film franchise for the canine crusader known as DOG MAN.

The action takes place in a big bustling metropolis known as OK City, which seems to be constantly under attack by the supervillain Petey the Cat (voice of Pete Davidson). Luckily the Chief of Police (Lil Rel Howery) enlists the aid of his top cop Officer Knight (Pete Hastings) and his trusty sidekick Greg the dog to thwart the feline fiend. Unfortunately, they’re unable to defuse a bomb planted by Pete, and the duo is caught in its explosion. After being rushed to the hospital, the doctors make a fateful decision to combine their still functioning parts (Greg’s head on Knight’s body) to create Dog Man, champion of law enforcement. This heroic hybrid successfully stops the new schemes from Petey, sending him to prison which seems to have a revolving door. After yet another escape, Petey thinks he can keep ahead of his nemesis, by copying, really cloning, himself. But he’s stunned when the result is a kitten version he names Li’l Petey (Lucas Hopkins). When he’s rejected, Dog Man adopts the innocent fuzzy tyke. Pete continues with a new plan to revive a deceased fish called Flippy (Ricky Gervais), a true super-powered villain with the ability of telekinesis. Can OK City survive the terrible teaming of Petey and Flippy, even with Dog Man and Li’l Petey on the case?

This funny fantasy romp benefits from the expert comedic vocal casting. Davidson proves to be a superb comic villain, giving his lines a bombastic energy while still retaining a snarky spin on his threats and retorts. He’s not the only former SNL castmate enlisted as Cheri Oteri pipes in as the Mayor, Melissa Villasenor is a hard-selling realtor, and even Laraine Newman voices a brilliant scientist. Howery is a frantic hoot as the befuddled, overworked Chief who not-so-secretly pines for roving video reporter Sarah Hatoff, given a crisp energetic delivery by Isla Fisher. Hopkins is adorable as the cute bit never cloying kitty, while Luenell makes the Chief’s main assistant Milly a low-key sarcastic delight. And Gervais is gleefully snide making Flippy a twisted snicking super-menace.

In this his animated feature debut, Pete Hastings (yes, the voice of Knight and all the growls and howls of the title hero), directs his screenplay adaptation of the Dav Pilkey series, giving it a jovial, bouncy pace expanding from an origin story to introduce us to the many players and elements of Dog Man’s world. The animators have taken Pilkey’s line drawings into the CGI universe, making the characters resemble fuzzy, rubbery toys and retaining the child-like simplicity of the settings (we can imagine a kid constructing buildings of folded cardboard with funky hand-lettered signage). I was a tad surprised that much of the story’s first act echoed themes of the original ROBOCOP as Dog Man finds he can’t return to his old life (GF has split and put his home up for sale). Then the jokes swiftly connect until the tempo loses a bit of momentum by the one-hour mark, but Flippy’s fantastic feats involving some nifty walking skyscrapers invigorate the finale. Sure, there are a couple of crude gags mocking canine habits and a scathing “burn’ from Li’l Petey that may get repeated on the schoolyard, but this is really an all-ages romp that the whole family can enjoy (again, thanks to a talented cast), making a howling, tail-waggin’ triumph for the first screen adventure of DOG MAN.

3 Out of 4

DOG MAN opens in theatres everywhere on Friday, January 31, 2025

ONE OF THEM DAYS – Review

So what’s the cinema antidote to the brutal and frozen tundra outside our doors (and let’s not get into the West Coast)? How about a raunchy, rollicking buddy comedy? Hmm, that’s usually Summer popcorn fodder, but that’s not the only “rule” that this new flick is breaking. Rather than two mismatched male comic actors, this focuses on the friendship (though strained at times) of two twenty-something African American women. That’s a nice “flip”, along with the pairing of a screen “vet” and a star from the world of hip hop (and R&B/pop). Now that’s a combo sure to end those winter doldrums, along with its “Cali” backdrop. So that’s the setting, as the principals frantically try to survive a zany twenty-four hours that certainly qualifies as ONE OF THEM DAYS that will put their bond to the test.

It’s the morning of the first day of the month, and the head waitress at one of those family diner-style chain restaurants, Dreux (Keke Palmer) is making sure her staple of longtime “regulars” are enjoying their breakfast. When her shift ends, Dreux waits for a ride from her BFF/roommate, struggling artist/painter Alyssa (SZA) to pick her up and return to their shared apartment. Later that afternoon Dreux will have what could be a life-changing interview at the corporate HQ of the eatery chain, in hopes of snagging a a manager spot at a location. After saying hello to several of the neighbors, more like surrogate “aunties” and “uncles”, they head into their upstairs (above the courtyard) unit, where Alyssa’s hunky but between jobs and homes bae, Keshawn (Joshua David Neal), is snoozing. Suddenly there’s someone pounding on the door. It’s the no-nonsense landlord Uche (Rizi Timane) demanding the $1500 rent (it is the first) from Dreux, otherwise their furnishings will be on the street at 6 PM. When he leaves, Dreux double-checks that Alyssa has already given him their combined rent amount. Sure, she gave the cash to Keshawn to give to Uche. The duo tries to confront him, but Keshawn has split. Through the “gossip grapevine,” they find out about his “side girl”, the aggressive, always angry Berniece (Aziza Scott). At her place Alyssa grills Keshawn about the dough, but he’s already “invested” it. Then Berniece barges in and makes Alyssa and Dreux her target for revenge. Can the desperate duo raise the rent by six? And will Dreux make it to that big interview? And what happens when the BFFs incur the wrath of a brutal crime kingpin named King Lolo (Armin Joseph)? The clock is ticking as they wonder what else can go wrong…

The film soars on the effervescent energy of the two lead actresses. First off, the vet I mentioned is Palmer who builds on the street-smart, slightly manic persona we saw in supporting roles in NOPE and HUSTLERS. Her Dreux is the quick-thinking brain of the duo, always creating a new angle (or line of BS) to try and succeed. And yet she has an endearingly awkward quality as she tries to flirt with a new neighbor in an early scene. Palmer also has a “clown’s grace” as she uses her body language to convey the chaos of this long day. Ms. Palmer is also an excellent scene partner with the confident and sassy SZA as Alyssa, and it’s amazing that this is her first major acting role, though she’s been featured in many music videos. Alyssa is the more spiritual of the two (“Gotta put it out in the universe!”), though SZA delivers some great profanity-filled tirades when not utilizing her zaftig charms (watch her work her “magic” on a food cart vendor). And though her head is often “in the clouds”, SZA displays a gutsy talent for slapstick comedy right from the classics (there’s a lot of Lucy and Ethel in these two “besties”). Neal is the perfect dimbulb but well-endowed “boy toy”, while Scott is a hard-twerking Tazmanian Devil, With a bit of Tex Cobb from RAISING ARIZONA as the “rageaholic” Berniece. There are also some great comic turns by Maude Apatow as the bubbly new tenant Bethany (who is the only white resident, much to Uchi’s delight), Katt Williams as the ironically-named street “prophet” Lucky, and Lil Rel Howery who figures in one of the big cash schemes.

Director Lawrence Lamont keeps the pace rolling along at a brisk clip while hitting all the playful dialogue exchanges of the duo provided by screenwriter Syretta Singleton. Lamont ups the suspense factor by slapping on reminders of the time passed with a bit of foreboding (“Six hours till eviction”) that reminded me of the 80s cult comedy THREE O’CLOCK HIGH, which had a similar sense of urgency. Yet, with all the calamity, Singleton delivers some smart satiric jabs at the “cash advance” industry, along with the warm feeling of community in the apartment complex (the “matriarch” there has set up a “mini 7-11” in her living room). Unfortunately, there is the frequent, for comedies, lull just past the hour mark as the buddy romp cliche has to include a big blow-up between the pals that threatens to split them up for good. Nah, I didn’t buy it because their bond feels impossible to break. And while many may feel that all the subplots get resolved too neatly, almost with a big sparkly bow, by the final moments, the laughs and the chemistry between Palmer and SZA are so strong and engaging, not to mention the great LA locales, that those small missteps are wiped clean by the high-spirited hijinks that fill up ONE OF THEM DAYS.

3 Out of 4

ONE OF THEM DAYS is now playing in theatres everywhere

Win Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of ONE OF THEM DAYS

SZA and Keke Palmer in Tri-Star Pictures ONE OF THEM DAYS (Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures)

Best friends and roommates Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) are about to have One of Them Days. When they discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a comical race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.

Produced by Issa Rae, written by Syreeta Singleton and directed by Lawrence Lamont. Exclusively in movie theatres January 17.

https://oneofthemdays.movie

The St. Louis screening is 7PM on Wednesday, Jan 15^th at Galleria 6 Cinema (6PM Suggested Arrival)

PASS LINK: https://events.sonypictures.com/screenings/unsecured/main/screeningInfo.jsf?code=4IZU0OMR09

Please arrive early as seating is not guaranteed.

This film is rated R.

Win A Family 4-Pack Of Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE

Opening in theaters on September 29th is PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE.

When a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! But things take a turn for the worse when the pups’ arch-rival Humdinger breaks out of jail and teams up with a mad scientist to steal the superpowers for the two villains. With the fate of Adventure City hanging in the balance, the Mighty Pups must stop the supervillains before it’s too late. Based on the Television Series Created by Keith Chapman.

Directed by Cal Brunker, screenplay by Cal Brunker & Bob Barlen with a story from Cal Brunker & Bob Barlen and Shane Morris, the voice cast includes Mckenna Grace, Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin, Christian Convery, Ron Pardo, Lil Rel Howery, Kim Kardashian, Chris Rock, Serena Williams, Alan Kim, Brice Gonzalez, North West, Saint West, Christian Corrao, Luxton Handspiker, Nylan Parthipan, Callum Shoniker, with James Marsden, and Kristen Bell, introducing Finn Lee-Epp.

Get tickets: https://paramnt.us/PAWPatrolTix

The special screening is at 11AM on Saturday, Sept 23^rd at Marcus Ronnie’s 20 – (10 AM Suggested Arrival Time).

10 winners will receive 4 passes to the screening & complimentary concessions.

FETCH YOUR PASSES: http://gofobo.com/sEhrA30212

No purchase necessary.

PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE has been rated PG for mild action/peril.

North West as “Mini” and Alan Kim as “Nano” in Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie from Spin Master Entertainment, Nickelodeon Movies, and Paramount Pictures.

Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies and Spin Master Entertainment Present

A Spin Master Entertainment Production

September 9th Check Out The PAW Patrol Experience: Only At CAMP In New York City

CAMP, The Family Experience Company, invites you to travel to Adventure City at The PAW Patrol Experience: Only At CAMP.

This immersive adventure, inspired by PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, produced by Spin Master Entertainment, opens at CAMP’s Columbus Circle location on September 9th to celebrate the film’s release, which lands in theaters nationwide on September 29th, 2023. Limited tickets for CAMP are available today and can be purchased at https://camp.com/the-paw-patrol-experience; families are encouraged to reserve spots while supplies last.

Families will step through CAMP’s Magic Door, this time in the shape of a PAW Patroller vehicle, and explore a 5,500 square-foot world inspired by the new film and created in collaboration with Paramount. PAW Patrol and CAMP fans will have the opportunity to engage with their favorite pups, play out action-packed missions and celebrate the larger-than-life movie:

Train to become a member of The Junior Patrollers!
Search for missing Meteor Crystals
Put out fires just like Marshall
Build a skyscraper (and knock it down) just like Rubble
Put the pedal to the metal on Chase’s Roadway
Soar like Skye on a zipline over Adventure City
Watch special previews of PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie from inside PAW Patrol HQ
Shop PAW Patrol toys from Spin Master and additional products for the home and more.

Families lucky enough to secure tickets on opening day will get a special meet and greet with the PAW Patrol at the end of their adventure.

CAMP is a Family Experience Company that helps answer the question, “What should we do today?” through a unique combination of retail, media, and entertainment. Launched in 2018, CAMP operates eight retail locations in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, and Texas and serves families everywhere via its digital platforms.

A paw-some lineup of recording artists will be featured in the upcoming animated feature film, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, releasing in theatres on September 29, 2023. New original songs include:

“Learning To Fly” by Grammy Award®-winning artist Christina Aguilera, to be released by RCA Records on September 22nd.

“Down Like That” by Grammy Award®-nominated performer Bryson Tiller, to be released by Trapsoul/RCA Records on September 8th.

“Bark to the Beat” by actor and singer Mckenna Grace, who also lends her voice to the character of Skye in the film, the PAW Patrol’s high-flying pup. “Bark to the Beat” features multi-platinum artist blackbear and will be released by Photo Finish Records on September 15th.

When a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! For Skye, the smallest member of the team, her new powers are a dream come true. But things take a turn for the worse when the pups’ archrival Humdinger breaks out of jail and teams up with Victoria Vance, a meteor-obsessed mad scientist, to steal the superpowers and turn themselves into supervillains. With the fate of Adventure City hanging in the balance, the Mighty Pups have to stop the supervillains before it’s too late, and Skye will need to learn that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference.

Directed by Cal Brunker (The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature and PAW Patrol: The Movie), the voice cast features Mckenna Grace, Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin, Christian Convery, Ron Pardo, Lil Rel Howery, Kim Kardashian, Chris Rock, Serena Williams, Alan Kim, Brice Gonzalez, North West, Saint West, Christian Corrao, Luxton Handspiker, Nylan Parthipan, Callum Shoniker, with James Marsden, and Kristen Bell, introducing Finn Lee-Epp. Score is from Pinar Toprak.

Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies and Spin Master Entertainment Present A Spin Master Entertainment Production

VACATION FRIENDS 2 – Review

So, is it too late for a quick “vacay”? Sure, most of the schools are back in session, but since Labor Day is only next weekend, why not? And how about bringing along that wild and crazy couple you met a couple of years ago? Well, that could be trouble, though the main character in this comedy sequel believes he has everything under control. Yeah…right. So just what kind of chaos awaits in the Carribean for that quirky quartet (actually a sextet this time) in VACATION FRIENDS 2? Aside from lots of frequent flyer miles, of course.

This farce actually begins in an airport terminal as Marcus (Lil Rel Howery) and his wife Emily (Yvonne Orji) leave their plane from Chicago to get their connecting flight to the Caribbean. Oh, and they’re meeting up with the wild and wacky Ron (John Cena) and Kyla (Meredith Hanger). And they’re bringing along baby Marcus with his new “manny”, former hotel staffer Maurillio (Carlos Santos). All seems to be going smoothly with Marcus’ master plan. They’re all staying in a plush suite in a fancy resort run by a Korean company. Ron and his crew have a return flight after five days, as they believe that Marcus and Emily need some “alone time” to work on their own offspring. Aha! Marcus just needs them gone in order to meet with the reps from the hotel and get a construction contract for their new deluxe resort in the Windy City. And once they land, all is well until Marcus spots the company reps led by the snippy Yeon (Ronny Chieng) near the pool. It turns out that their boss, Mrs. Kim, needs to push up the meeting…to the day after tomorrow. Marcus thinks he can control his pals at a big “get-together” that evening. And then there’s a “party crasher”…Kyla’s widowed papa Reese (Steve Buscemi), just sprung from San Quentin. Whoa! What was he doing there? And what is he doing here? Of course, he’s getting the foursome into lots of trouble in a search for missing drug loot. Certainly everything can be resolved before the big sales pitch meeting. Oh, that optimistic Marcus…

Oh, and he’s a constant “straight man” in this follow-up once more, squandering the sharp comedic talent of Mr. Howery, who deserves to be more than just the literal “butt” of so many silly slapstick gags (as in makes me want to…). When will his skills match the material, ala’ GET OUT? And Cena is the affable “lunkhead”, though not as aggressively dim as the Peacemaker of the DCEU. Yes, he’s giving every dopey punchline more energy than they deserve, but the character is less focused this time. Speaking of energy, Ms. Hanger’s enthusiastic reciting of flat jokes could power a small town. Such dedication is to be rewarded, but her efforts can’t make the abrasive Kyla more tolerable as she displays almost no impulse control. Who’d want to be anywhere near this offensive potty-mouthed “party girl”? Escaping with some dignity is the dazzling Orji, who is given a rather tepid subplot as she constantly reprimands her hubby. Santos is also putting his best foot forward, though his Maurillio seems wildly out of place as he tends to the baby while looking to “score”. As for the VF “newbies”, Chieng is a sneering boorish foe for Marcus, channeling lots of his surly mojo from his role in M3GAN. And the superb character actor Buscemi is under-utilized as the skeevy conman who is used to “break down” Ron’s sunny persona. His Reese’s main mission is to bring in the explosive mayhem.

Well, at least the locales are pretty, with Hawaii subbing for the Caribbean. For this trip, returning director Clay Tarver worked on the script solo. There’s the old expression about “too many cooks”, well this script “stew” cries out for a few more chiefs. The comic set pieces just fall flat and quickly devolve into shouting matches with jump cuts to try and ‘sell” the manic frenzy, all abetted by a music score that tries hard to be amusing. I’ll admit to a couple of mildly entertaining “bits” in the first installment, but the cliches and clunky dialogue (who talks like Kyla) just make this an endurance test for your patience. So, for the love of movies will someone confiscate their passport to prevent a “hat trick” after the vapid VACATION FRIENDS 2?

.5 Out of 4

VACATION FRIENDS 2 is now streaming exclusively on Hulu

First Trailer Is Here For PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE Featuring Mckenna Grace, Taraji P. Henson, Chris Rock, Serena Williams And Lil Rel Howery

Alert PAW Fans! Paramount Pictures is brightening up your Monday with the first trailer for PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE.

And check out this voice cast for these Mighty Pups. The film features Mckenna Grace, Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin, Christian Convery, Ron Pardo, Lil Rel Howery, Kim Kardashian, Chris Rock, Serena Williams, Alan Kim, Brice Gonzalez, North West, Saint West, Christian Corrao, Luxton Handspiker, Nylan Parthipan, Callum Shoniker, with James Marsden, and Kristen Bell, introducing Finn Lee-Epp.

Director of PAW Patrol: The Movie (2021), Cal Brunker is back in the director’s chair for the sequel.

The cute story is by Cal Brunker & Bob Barlen and Shane Morris, with a score by composer Pinar Toprak (Captain Marvel, Fortnite, Stargirl).

Based on the Television Series Created by Keith Chapman, look for PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE in theaters on September 29.

Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies and Spin Master Entertainment Present

A Spin Master Entertainment Production

I LOVE MY DAD – Review

One of the annoyances of social media is when your online friends inform you that you’ve been hacked (somebody claiming to be you) on the most popular ‘social network” website. So contacting your friend list or sending out a “blanket warning” is aggravating, but things could be much worse. Nighttime crime TV shows and daytime talk shows are filled with tales of “spoofed” profiles, often leading to money “scams” and sometimes even murder. And the movies have tackled it, most prominently in 2010 with CATFISH which inspired an MTV docuseries a couple of years later and perhaps, added a new verb “catfishing”, creating a false identity to deceive someone online, into popular discussion, This week sees another feature film exploring that subject, but it’s not a documentary. Rather it’s a comedy that somehow is based on an actual incident that happened to the film’s star/writer/director. After seeing it you’ll understand the multiple meanings of the proclamation I LOVE MY DAD.

Actually, the main patriarch’s voice is the first sound we hear during an audio montage of voicemail excuses (“Sorry, I tried to make it…”, “Man, something came up at work….” “We’ll try to get together real soon.”). We then meet the recipient of those messages, recent high school grad Franklin (James Morosini) as he finishes a final group therapy session for young suicide survivors. As everyone starts to leave, Franklin tells his therapist that he will “cut off” all “toxic people who have a negative influence”, particularly his pop. When he returns to the home he shares with his single mom, Diane (Amy Landecker), he begins blocking numbers on his phone lists and people on his social network site. Cut to his papa Chuck (Patton Oswalt), who’s bored at his “cubicle drone” job. Dialing up his son, he gets an automated message. And when he goes to the “web” the screen “bounces back”. Later, Chuck complains to his work pal, Jimmy (Lil Rel Howery), who faced a similar problem not long ago. Seems his ex blocked him, so Jimmy grabbed a stranger’s photo and name, then friended her to “see what kinda’ losers she’s dating”. A seed has been planted. The next morning it begins to sprout when Chuck makes note of his sweet, pretty young server, Becca (Claudia Sulewski) at his usual breakfast spot. A quick internet search of her name and the diner leads him to her online profile. which Chuck copies and “friends” Franklin, who, after an online “chat”, takes the bait. This soon leads to hours of online conversations, Chuck ordering a “burner phone” in order to keep texting, and even virtual “cyber-sex”. But, really it’s all for the “good” so that Chuck can still be in his boy’s life. He’s got it “under control” so that nobody will get hurt. Or so he thinks…

Once again we have an example of a superb character ably stepping into a lead role..and delivering (much as he did over a dozen years ago in BIG FAN). Actually he “crushes it”, making Chuck way more than the misfit that goes too far with a bad idea stemming from good intentions. We get a glimpse of the beginnings of a great dad with the opening flashback, but life has taken its toll on him and Oswalt conveys the sweetness of a fella’ who’s just incapable of getting his sh…er…act together. We’re rooting for him as he revels in the joys of bonding with his boy, but always with the feeling of impending doom. Oswalt shows us that there’s more to his dramatic “chops’ than his (often fabulous) forays into “geekdom”. Morosoni also walks quite the acting “tightrope” as the damaged young man really hoping to start over, but full of longing that’s exploited by Chuck’s online “dreamgirl”. We revel alongside him as he begins to “open up”, though a return to his past attempts at “ending it” seems to loom nearby. Sulewski is quite captivating as the “real world” friendly server Becca and her created “riff” on the manic magic sprite that’s always there for Franklin. Landecker is very subtle but strong as the nuturing mother wanting to steer her son out of the “darkness” while giving him the proper “space” to grow and heal. Plus she’s fairly tolerant of her ex, though leery and weary of his wobbly history. Yes, Howery is playing another buddy of the lead, but he’s the needed “voice of reason” when he learns that he somehow spurred Chuck into his “mad scheme” . But his bro’ just won’t listen (“Don’t do this!! Abort! Abort! NOW!!). One of the film’s most unexpected joys is the suberb, though limited, work from the great Rachel Dratch as Chuck’s sexually aggressive “workmate” Erica. One of the big highlights is Erica’s disastrous phone exchange with Franklin as she won’t “follow the script” and dives right into “booty call basics” with “What are you wearing?” as Chuck flails his arms to no effect.

Though he’s been at the helm of several TV shows, shorts, and a feature, it’s quite an achievement for Mr. Morosini that he can juggle so much while telling such a personal and intimate tale. He keeps the story flowing while never really “stacking the deck” for his character or making others into villains. Yes, Chuck’s a screw-up, but he’s not unworthy of empathy. Like many films that utilizes modern tech, Morosini has animated “boxes” to show us a texting conversation (kind of like the comic strip “word Balloon”). But then he breaks free of that, bringing in the phony Becca in to share conversations with Franklin while invisible to all around them. It’s even more powerful in the movie’s most awkward and intimate scene as the duo takes the big “cyber step”. Yes, awkward really applies here as the movie has been rightly called a “cringe comedy” for a finale that will make many viewers wince. But the journey to that, as Chuck races to stop the “trainwreck’ he fears will happen is as suspenseful as the big action thrillers. Perhaps that’s because the gifted Morosini makes us care about all these flawed people, and has a lot to say about modern family dysfunction. And he makes us hope that somewhere down the line, well after the final fade-out, Franklin will say with sincerity I LOVE MY DAD.

3.5 Out of 4

I LOVE MY DAD is now playing in select theatres and is available as a Video-On_ Demand via most streaming apps and platforms

Watch Patton Oswalt In I LOVE MY DAD Opening In Theaters This Friday, August 5

Magnolia Pictures will release I LOVE MY DAD in theaters this Friday, August 5 and On Demand August 12 and today they dropped a new trailer for the film.

I LOVE MY DAD had its World Premiere at SXSW 2022 to incredible praise from both fans and critics alike, winning both the Narrative Feature Grand Jury Award and Audience Award.

Inspired by writer, director, and star James Morosini’s true life experience, I LOVE MY DAD follows Chuck (Patton Oswalt), a hopelessly estranged father who desperately wants to reconnect with his troubled son, Franklin (Morosini). Blocked on social media and concerned for his son’s life, Chuck impersonates a waitress online and starts checking in with Franklin. But things begin to spiral when Franklin falls for this imaginary girl (Claudia Sulewski) and wants nothing more than to meet her in person, as Chuck has inadvertently catfished his own son.

A thrilling comedy with an unexpected twist, I LOVE MY DAD also stars Rachel Dratch, Lil Rel Howery, Amy Landecker and Ricky Velez.

James Morosini (Writer, Director, Star) says of his award-winning sophomore film, “today my dad and I have a great relationship. He saw the film for the first time when it premiered at SXSW. During the screening he leaned over and said, “this is a really good movie.”

Oswalt co-created “M.O.D.O.K.,” a Marvel stop-motion animated adult comedy series for Hulu as well as voicing the titular character, and currently co-stars as ‘Principal Durbin’ on the NBC Universal comedy “A.P. Bio,” produced by Seth Meyers, Mike O’Brien, and Lorne Michaels. Oswalt also was the lead voice of ‘Max’ in The Secret Life of Pets.

On Monday the comedian was on The Late Show and discussed with host Stephen Colbert his upcoming movie.

Oswalt also provided the voice for ‘Remy’ the rat, in Brad Bird’s Oscar-winning Ratatouille.

WAMG attended The Academy’s Oscar Week 2012 Animated Feature Film Nominees event where the actor served as host.

https://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2012/02/84th-academy-awards-animated-feature-film-symposium-jennifer-yuh-nelson-talks-kung-fu-panda-3/

http://www.magpictures.com/ilovemydad/

See Where Good Luck Is Born In The Trailer For The Animated Film LUCK – Debuts On Apple TV+ August 5

From Apple Original Films comes the story of Sam Greenfield, the unluckiest person in the world, who when she stumbles into the never-before-seen Land of Luck, sets out on a quest to bring some good luck home for her best friend. But with humans not allowed, her only chance is teaming up with the magical creatures who live there to do it. LUCK is produced by Skydance Animation.

Apple Original Films’ “Luck” features the voice talents of stars Jane Fonda, Whoopi Goldberg, Eva Noblezada, Simon Pegg, Flula Borg, Colin O’Donoghue, John Ratzenberger and Adelynn Spoon. The animated feature is directed by Peggy Holmes from a screenplay by Kiel Murray, with John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and David Eisenmann producing for Skydance Animation.

Luck is streaming August 5, exclusively on Apple TV+ https://apple.co/_Luck

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