Rob Riggle – We Are Movie Geeks

STRAYS (2023) – Review

This Summer the multiplex has been filled with superheroes, supercars, giant robots, dolls, atom bombs, and secret agents. So, where’s “man’s best friend”? How about a sweet family-friendly flick about those angelic “fur babies”? This weekend that request is addressed…sorta’. Yes, it’s full of cute, cuddly (mostly) live-action canines, but it is far from family-friendly as you can tell by the poster with one of the pups tearing into an “R” rating insert. Yes, there are a few sweet moments, but these mutts are behaving like, well, real mutts, engaging in all manner of crude activities (hence that rating). and this cursing pack of pooches would growl at being called “fur babies” as they prefer flaunting their “street cred” as STRAYS.

The first of them we meet, actually the story’s narrator, is a fuzzy naive border terrier named Reggie (voice of Will Ferrell). Oh, but his human owner calls him by a variety of nasty nicknames. That’s the slacker stoner Doug (Will Forte). who had acquired Reg for a long-departed girlfriend (smart lady). And now Doug wants to be rid of him, although Reggie thinks it’s a new fun version of “fetch”. Doug drives him to a desolate field or forest and tosses Reggie’s beloved ratty tennis ball. And the dog brings it back to their dingy shack every time. Then Doug decides to really “go for it”. The two drive two hours away from rural Oakwood to a scary big city. Poor Reggie is now truly lost. Just as it looks like he’ll be a “chew toy” for some bigger brutal dogs, he’s befriended by the self-proclaimed “street king”, a Boston terrier named Bug (VO: Jamie Foxx). While showing Reg the “ropes” he introduces him to a couple of pals. Maggie (VO: Isla Fisher) is a lovely Australian Shephard with a keen sense of smell, whose master ignores her in favor of a cute new puppy. And there’s the timid, lumbering Hunter (VO: Randall Park) a service Great Dane who won’t take off his “healing cone”.The quartet bonds and hatches a plan. Going by Reggie’s memory of “landmarks” (“a giant mouse-wheel, a huge cone, and the devil in the sky”). they’ll travel back to Doug for some very painful “payback”. But can they survive the long journey or will they end up in that fabled “farm up north”?

Careful, this is NSFW!!

Well since the title named ‘strays” are the main focus of the film, we should discuss the vocal performances of several movie comedy vets. Ferrell makes Reggie a furry canine cousin to Buddy the ELF with his sunny outlook and bouncy energetic innocence. But Ferrell is also able to convey his frightened panic and Reggie’s near-boundless joy. Foxx gives Bug a very different energy, one of (sorry) alpha-dog swagger and aggressive determination. His wall of macho is finally chipped away by Reggie when he reveals his own past heartbreak with a human. Fisher exudes pluck and spunk as the lone lady who’s usually several steps ahead of the boys when the stakes are high. The biggest laughs (his “howling” got me every time) might be those garnered by the endearing Park who makes the looming giant Hunter into a sympathetic and emotionally vulnerable hero, though full of self-esteem issues (he can’t tap into his “BDM” energy). Along the trail, the quartet encounters a surly intimidating German Shephard police dog voiced by the gregarious Rob Riggle. As for the “people”, Forte somehow upstages those adorable pups as the cruel but somehow entertaining lowlife Doug, making him more than a nasty one-note villain. There’s also a scene showcasing the terrific comic actor Bret Gelman, but his skills are squandered in a sequence that makes little sense and seems to be a way to indulge in some scatological gags (honestly).

So despite the marketing campaign that makes the R-rated content clear, even taking a cue from the “red backdrop” poster from 2019’s GOOD BOYS, some folks still think this is a fun-filled all-ages furry romp. Which it certainly is not. So, does it deliver what it promises? Yes, there are indeed more laughs than in the funny “red band” trailers from the last couple of months. And somehow the script from Dan Perrault does include some heart-tugging moments as the strays try to deal with their need to be free and the yearning for a “people parent”.Director Josh Greenbaum, in his follow-feature to the underrated gem BARB AND STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR, keeps the pace fairly taut at a brisk 93-minutes though the dreaded lull rears its head before the final showdown. Oh, the effects are splendid harkening back to the “Dogville” comedy shorts 90 years ago. They used classic 2D animation to make the mutts’ mouths move, while slick CGI keeps the pups chattering away, and enables them to perform all manner of dangerous slapstick (the highlight may be a sight gag about the “invisible fence”). Sure it’s crude with the doggies indulging their “animal impulses”, but if you’re in the mood for some “low-bred” laughs then you may want to join this pack of STRAYS. So “sit”, “stay” and put away that phone (“bad viewer!”).

2.5 Out of 4

STRAYS is now playing in theatres everywhere

THE WAR WITH GRANDPA – Review

For the second weekend in a row, it’s family time at the multiplex (that’s right, no streaming or VOD as this film’s marketing makes clear, in theatres only). But that “FT” tag is true on both levels since LOVE ON THE ROCKS was an adult “dramedy” and ETERNAL BEAUTY was a dark tale of conflict and tragedy. The latter focused on sisters while the former featured a “caper” involving a father (and grandfather) and his daughter (also a mother). This new flick almost wears its “PG” rating as a beacon welcoming in “all ages”. It does concern three generations of a family, and it’s a comedy full of “gross-out” gags, slapstick pratfalls, and elaborate pranks to appeal to the tots and “pre-teens” weaned on annual holiday reruns of the HOME ALONE movies. Oh, but things aren’t all “tears and hugs” as the youngest lad in this household starts THE WAR WITH GRANDPA.

The aforementioned “son” Peter (Oakes Fegley) is pretty excited to be starting the sixth grade along with his pals/lunch tablemates Emma (T.J. McGibbon), Steve (Isaac Kragten), and Billy (Juliocesar Chavez) despite some of the older bullying students (including Steve’s sadistic sister Lisa). But things are about to get complicated at his house. Mom Sally (Uma Thurman) is again ditching her job to drive two hours to handle the latest “incident” with her widowed father Ed (Robert De Niro). He’s adamant about staying in his home, but Sally delivers an ultimatum: move to a “retirement community” or move in with her family. Reluctantly he begins packing. That night Sally and hubby Arthur (Rob Riggle) deliver the news to the kids. Rebellious “boy crazy” teen Mia (Laura Marano) and Christmas-obsessed (she sings carol constantly) seven-year-old Jennifer (Poppy Gagnon) are thrilled, as is Peter, until “the other shoe drops”. The girls share a room, so he’ll have to move out of his much-adored “solo pad” and relocate in the attic (grandpa would go there, but for those stairs…). Ed is soon welcomed with open arms as Peter does battle with cobwebs, dust, mice, and even a bat (it just flew in from Transylvania and boy are its wings tired). Late one night Ed notices a letter being pushed under his closed door. It’s a “declaration of war” over the room, signed by “the Secret Warrior”. He shrugs it off till then next day when the first “blow’ is struck. That afternoon on a “play date” with old pal Jerry (Christopher Walken), Ed tells him of the “war” note. Jerry encourages him to retaliate, as does his BFF “ladies man” Danny (Cheech Marin). Returning home Ed takes Peter aside and agrees to the “conflict” with some rules that no other family members will be notified or involved in this. Later Ed enlists another soldier when he buys some “weapons’ at a “big box” electronics store with the aid of a very friendly clerk named Diane (Jane Seymour). Now that the armies are formed (Peter’s school pals soon join him), who will acquire the ultimate prize of that “primo” bedroom? And what of the “casualties” amongst the “bystanders”?

Uhhh, where to start with the squandering of the superb screen veteran cast. Well, with the title character himself, “Grandpa” Ed as played by DeNiro, who almost seems to be echoing the later years of another screen icon, and “actors’ actor” Laurence Oliver. He appeared to be amassing a financial legacy as his career came to a close in the late 70s and early 80s (General MacArthur in INCHON…yup). Luckily DeNiro is part of David O. Russell acting ensemble and was reunited with another creative partner late last year with THE IRISHMAN. These have been the few bright spots in the last decade or so as he’s bounced from VOD thriller duds to dopey, dim-witted comedies (that other BAD GRANDPA, for a similarly-titled example). As Ed he does that required parodying of his former film “tough guys” (perhaps he could put these tired “self-parodies” to rest, please), along with the squinting and hesitating line delivery, when he’s not groaning, grunting, and grimacing in pain as endures copious clunky punishments, seeming to have been injected with cartoon DNA, as he brushes them off like Tom the Cat in those much funnier and clever MGM classics. Perhaps he’s using the old excuse of “doing something for the wee folk to watch”, but it just doesn’t excuse his participation. Adding to the insult is the reunion with THE DEER HUNTER co-star Walken. After over 40 years, this is what brings these two Oscar winners back together? Walken glides through the forced hi-jinks, hoping to coast on his fading “hipster cool”. That’s also true of Marin, basically, a “wacky” sidekick in the action set pieces. His role is just a notch or two above Seymour who’s stuck in the obligatory “mature” but still “randy” love interest (guessing that Ann Margaret and Susan Sarandon wisely passed). Their pairing seems forced at best. She still fares better than Thurman who has to constantly be the “party pooper”, dishing out the rules, while also enduring the war’s “collateral damage” causing her to screech and mug. There’s little chemistry with Riggle as her hubby, who also becomes the brunt of slapstick bits while doing the whole “doofus dad” bits (this gifted comic actor deserves a much better showcase). As for the kids, Fegley as Peter is good as the “nice boy” who gets a kick out of releasing a bit of his inner “hellion”, and makes more of an impact than any of his youthful castmates, though Gagnon is achingly adorable as she “holidizes” everything in sight.

All this clumsy caterwauling is co-ordinated by director Tim Hill, who has bounced between cable TV kids sitcoms, full-on animated features (with Spongebob), live/toon hybrids like the much-better HOP, along with Garfield and Alvin and the Chipmunks, even the Muppets. He mixes elements of all of them as he juggles the lackluster script adaptation of Robert Kimmel Smith’s book. Ed and his pals seem like they’re CGI or foam (like Kermit and company) as they effortlessly bounce back from slapstick stunts that would sentence them to a skilled care facility, at the very least (slipping on a floor of marbles should pulverize a hip, for certain). But Ed and his seventy-something pals (though Seymour has a few months left in her “slinky 60s”) are able to do most anything the slovenly story needs. A trampoline dodgeball match, why not (I kept wondering why the 20-something referee would allow it…maybe he’s a lawyer and whipped up some tight “liability waivers”). Then there are a few gags that seem very out of place in a PG kids comedy. What’s up with the “call back” gag of Ed accidentally exposing himself to son-in-law Arthur (who for some unknown reason, hates when he calls him “Artie”)? Laid over all this is a constant irritating “music bed’ that telegraphs and hammers every punchline (and punch) as the camera tries to make the bland Atlanta locations look “lived in” (The main two-story house couldn’t turn the first-floor den or study into Ed’s room). I was a bit surprised (and happy since this 95-minute test of movie patience was winding down) at the sinister shot just before the final fade-out to end credits (thinking that old monster movie “The End?” would be revived). Kind of gutsy, until the scrolling credits made way for some “zany” out-takes and we’re “treated” to the cast, including Bobby D, dancing and shuffling to co-star Marano’s forgettable pop single. Almost like the film itself, as the humiliation of a team of screen vets earns THE WAR WITH GRANDPA a much deserved …

Zero Out of Four

NIGHT SCHOOL (2018) – Review

September, the month when many movie-goers return to school, is generally not prime release time for a big, raucous, “down ‘n’ dirty” (well, not too since this is PG-13, barely) comedy starring one of the most popular film “funnymen”, Kevin Hart. Aha, but what if the new movie comedy’s premise is his return to school. This could be inspired marketing timing. Speaking of timing, the very prolific Hart, who seemed to be in a new flick every five or six weeks, appears to be pacing himself, perhaps following his own marketing strategy. Aside from his Summer TV game show “TKO”, we’ve not seen him at the multiplex in over nine months, when Hart was part of the ensemble cast that made the reboot adventure JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE a surprise holiday hit. As with that smash, Hart is not alone this time out. Many of his biggest successes have been team-ups, from Ice Cube in the RIDE ALONG franchise to Dwayne Johnson (previous to J:WTTJ) in CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE, though the Will Ferrell pairing in GET HARD fizzled. For this new romp, Hart is paired with a lady, a very funny lady. Tiffany Haddish is still Hollywood’s reigning comic “it” girl after her breakout role last year in GIRL’S NIGHT, for which she picked up a few nominations and a couple of awards. Since then she was under-utilized in the dreary TV ad-inspired UNCLE DREW as a gold-digging girlfriend this past Summer. Can her equal billing with Hart cement her “rep” as a movie comedy queen? More importantly, will this new pairing produce laughs and perhaps a few “sparks”? We should learn more when film fans enroll in their NIGHT SCHOOL.

But before night school, the story takes us back to high school in Atlanta circa 2001. Near the end of his senior year, the usually affable Teddy (Hart) is stressed about those college placement tests. On the big day, despite the encouragement of his BFF Marvin (Ben Schwartz), Teddy is overwhelmed. The numbers and figures leap from the page, and buzz about his head like pesky gnats. Angry and frustrated, Teddy leaps up and declares that the test, and all of high school, is for losers and “sheep”, as his nemesis Stewart (Taran Killam) gloats. Why, he’ll have a hot car and equally hot girlfriend despite dropping out, which he states as he leaves the gymnasium. Cut to today, and Teddy is indeed driving his gorgeous girlfriend, aspiring designer Lisa (Megalyn Echkunwoke) to her job in his fancy sports car. As for his job, Teddy is the star salesman at an upscale outdoor grill shop. Though he’s the darling of his boss (the walls are filled with his “salesman of the year” photos), Marvin, who’s an advisor at a big investment firm, tells Teddy that he’s dangerously “over-extended”. Of course, the fates bring Teddy down to Earth when the grill shop implodes (literally). No “prob”, Teddy can grab a spot at Marvin’s place. Ah, but they require a GED. Surely Teddy can run down to his old school and charm the principal into giving him the proper bookwork. But who’s in charge of Piedmont High, now? It’s Stewart, who is eager to show him the door. Teddy inquires about attending night school, but Stewart happily explains that they offer no such option. But one of the teachers, the “no BS” Carrie (Haddish) hears this and explains that there is an open spot in her night class (this despite being part of a “road rage” encounter with Teddy earlier that morning). Soon Teddy is part of the wacky group of misfits in Carries’ night “GED prep” class. But can he make it without those digits dancing around his head once more? More importantly, can he keep his after-hours activity a secret from Lisa, who thinks he’s already an investment advisor? For once, all of Teddy’s charm and hustle may not be enough.

Though the role of Teddy is similar to many of his previous screen characters, Hart brings his near boundless energy once more as the story’s main focus. Of course, he’s got that inflated ego and motor-mouthed delivery to back up his empty-headed swagger, but we’re given a different aspect to the comic protagonist. Teddy’s saddled with challenges from real-life learning disabilities that make the often silly hero much more “human”. It’s a short time though before he’s doing the bodily function gags. Haddish has much of the same manic energy, particularly in her wild duel of put-downs with Hart in their initial meeting. Later, in her workspace, Haddish’s Carrie is a near unstoppable force of lightning-fast sass, cutting through all the ‘crapola”, be it from her students or boss. Said boss is the smarmy, entertaining Killam, who tries to emulate Morgan Freeman as Joe Clark in LEAN ON ME, using a baseball bat to project a funny phony street-wise demeanor. Happily, they share the laughs with many comedy veterans. Several comprise the main night class which has two great ex-“Daily Show” cut-ups. The “in your face” Rob Riggle is a blustery good-hearted doofus as “Big” Mac, while Al Madrigal is the scheming, seething (from his own history with Teddy), very ambitious Louis. Mary Lynn Rajskub (best known from TV’s “24”) grabs big laughs as the repressed, buttoned-up Theresa, a housewife (and longtime mother), eager to fly free as she repeats her mantra “I’m so blessed”. She plays well off of Romany Malco terrific take on the ole’ crazed conspiracy nut, who distrusts all tech. Keith Davis shines in a couple scenes as Teddy’s annoyed, sour poppa. Unfortunately, the very zany comic actor Schwartz (forever Jean-Ralphio on TV’s “Parks and Recreations”) is given little to do aside from being Teddy’s “Jiminy Cricket” and cheerleader. C’mon, this guy is a riot.

Director Malcolm D. Lee proves that he can keep a wacky comedy on track as well as he has put together his big ensemble “dramedies” like his BEST MAN franchise. His biggest challenge is finding the right tone for the often unwieldy script (credited to Hart and five others). It lurches from wild cartoony slapstick (at least Peter Seller’s Clouseau would need a band-aid, while Teddy and Mac should be “mummies” in traction) to compassionate and inspiring (Teddy’s gonna’ tame that darned Dyslexia). Speaking of the latter, should Carrie be using FIGHT CLUB tactics on Teddy after his diagnosis? Seems kinda’ mean-spirited. Plus characters are introduced to challenge Teddy (Lisa’s best pal Maya and Teddy’s sister Denise) disappear almost completely after the 20-minute mark (perhaps casualties of the many scripters). Speaking of MIA characters, what of Haddish as Carrie, who is gone for multiple chunks of time, absent so often you’d think she was hosting the Oscars? The marketers are selling this as a Hart/Haddish comedy (they’re the only ones on the main poster), but Teddy and Carrie (aside from the opening street showdown) never get truly personal. Her Carrie barely exists outside of the Piedmont High. Those fans hoping to see sparks stemming from some on-screen chemistry will feel a tad cheated. Aside from the good “never too late to be educated’ message, the flick just wallows in really vulgar bits ( Teddy and the dessert fork, Theresa’s “backdoor” musings), that would be more at home in an “R-rated” flick (now, now MPAA). Hart fans will get their laughs, but for those of us looking for a great new comedy pairing, well NIGHT SCHOOL doesn’t earn a passing grade.

2 Out of 5

NIGHT SCHOOL Stars Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish Team Up With Lamarcus Aldridge, Devin Booker And Karl-Anthony Towns

Meet the new Dream Team.

NIGHT SCHOOL stars Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish team up for finals with NBA Players Lamarcus Aldridge, Devin Booker And Karl-Anthony Towns in this new video.

In theaters September 28.

Star Kevin Hart and producer Will Packer, who partnered for the hit Ride Along and Think Like a Man series, bring their signature style to Night School.

The comedy from director Malcolm D. Lee (Girls Trip) follows a group of misfits who are forced to attend adult classes in the longshot chance they’ll pass the GED exam. (trailer)

Co-stars Tiffany Haddish, Rob Riggle, Taran Killam and Romany Malco join Hart on-screen for the film that Hart produces for his Hartbeat Productions, and Packer via his Will Packer Productions.

Visit the official site: www.nightschoolmovie.com

MIDNIGHT SUN- Review

A week ago saw the release of a teen romance with a twist. LOVE, SIMON trod some familiar territory but did so with a quirky sense of humor and a new element as its hero was wrestling with the decision to come out to his friends and family while pursuing an online mystery crush. The result was a surprisingly sweet flick that connected with audiences, landing in the box office top five. This week’s release also concerns a high school senior who’s conflicted about revealing a secret. But with this young woman, her secret is known to a very close pal and her pop. It’s that hunky “boy next door” who’s kept in the dark (literally, as we’ll find out later). This young romance is complicated by an ultra rare affliction, so the plot has a long lineage in cinema. The brave hero/heroine facing an uncertain medical fate has been a staple of romantic flicks, referred to as “weepers” back in the studios’ golden age. Most notably, Bette Davis had a big hit as she faced a DARK VICTORY, then decades later LOVE STORY had film goers sniffling. Then, with the advent of the made-for-television movies, the airwaves were crowded with what some critics dismissed as “disease of the week” tear-jerkers. Later basic cable channels made them a big staple. But now we’re back on the big screen as two young lovers try to bask in the glow of the MIDNIGHT SUN.

We first meet Katie Price as a seven year-old sharing a dream of her mother teaching her how to play the guitar as the enjoy a bright sunny day at the beach. Now, this is a fantasy for two big reasons. She’s already lost her mother to a fatal car crash. And lil’ Katie can’t enjoy a sunny day as she was born with the rare condition known as Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP). Basically it’s an allergy to sunlight so intense that the slightest exposure could cause skin cancers and even “fry” her brain. Her loving father Jack (Rob Riggle) must home-school her, and closely supervise any nighttime excursions. The house with the black windows becomes the source of much speculation among the schoolkids (“a vampire girl lives there”). Happily, one precocious young girl named Morgan ventures to the door to learn the truth (and invite herself over for after-dark pizza). So now lonely Katie has a best friend, and soon has a crush as she gazes out her window to watch the cute skateboarding boy down the street, Charlie. As the years pass Katie matures into a lovely young woman (Bella Thorne), as Charlie (Patrick Schwarzenegger) becomes quite the hunk. On high school graduation day, Katie watches Morgan (Quinn Shephard), Charlie, and their classmates get their diplomas via streaming video. To celebrate, she asks her pop if she can go down to the train station that night and play her guitar for the commuters. Meanwhile a very somber Charlie doesn’t feel like partying with his pals on the beach. And where does he end up? Of course he’s enthralled by Katie’s singing, and shocks her as he starts up a conversation (mainly, “Where have you been hiding?”). Katie panics (she doesn’t want to scare him off by explaining XP) and dashes home. Meeting up with Morgan, she realizes that she left her notebook full of song lyrics back at the station. Morgan goes to look for it, then tells Katie that she can pick it up the next night. And who’s there with the prized notebook (Morgan a bit of a matchmaker)? Thus begins a sweet Summer romance. But Katie is torn. Will Charlie break things off when he learns of her condition? And when is the right time to tell him? Can they possibly have a future together?

Disney TV vet Thorne makes Katie a most sympathetic heroine. And it doesn’t hurt that the camera seems to adore her, making her character an ethereal modern-day variation of iconic storybook subjects (Rapunzel and Cinderella immediately spring to mind). Plus Thorne conveys Katie’s wide-eyed thrill of discovery (the first party, first flirtation, and, of course, the first kiss). This makes our hearts heavy when XP begins to take its toll, though despite the pale facial makeup accented by dark under eye circles, she’s still an other-worldly beauty. To be fair, the same can be said of Schwarzenegger’s Charlie, the teen dream who shrugs off the BMOC title. While his buddies indulge in crude carousing, he’s looking for more. Meeting Katie helps opens his eyes to life beyond the parties and pursuits. A back story about a crushed sports career gives him some needed depth. He’s more than a lanky “Ken doll” with a familiar infectious smile. Shephard rounds out the teen trio as the most supportive best pal with no filter. Morgan cares deeply about Katie despite her tough-talking, “whatever” persona. But the most entertaining and endearing performance comes from (usual) funnyman Riggle. Frequently the overly aggressive lunkhead (as in the JUMP STREET series), he channels that into a soft-hearted “papa bear”, ready to protect his beloved cub, while enjoying their “playtime’ just as much as she does (he beams with delight as she bemoans his “lame” graduation card). Later he tries to be the inquiring, intimidating pop with Charlie, but he can’t prevent his warmth from diffusing the awkward situation (unlike Curtis Jackson in DEN OF THIEVES). But after tickling our funnybones, Riggle effortlessly breaks our hearts as cruel fate dominates the film’s last act. Much like Tony Hale and Josh Duhamel in LOVE, SIMON, he’s the film’s adult MVP.

In a departure from his work on the STEP UP: REVOLUTION, director Scott Speer gently prods this film’s familiar plot at a most leisurely pace. There’s plenty of time to watch the pretty young people (stripping for a midnight swim, the two leads look to have just stepped down from Olympus) skip and frolic in the pretty settings (the Washington state backdrop could be very well down the street from LOVE, SIMON’s suburban Atlanta). Though a “mean girl” ex of Charlie’s scowls at Katie briefly, nothing truly awful intrudes on this postcard perfect village (aside from the darn XP). The soundtrack is packed with “easy listening” pop hits that swell and explode at just the right moments (that kiss), along with the tunes “penned and performed” by Katie (the extras sure love her). The flick is bit more slick than the standard “Lifetime” or “Hallmark Channel” weekend premiers, and at a quick 90 minutes, it doesn’t have a lot of time to wallow in “noble misery”. With the bonus inspired casting of Riggle, MIDNIGHT SUN is a sweet, not to sappy way to exercise the ole’ tear ducts.

3 Out of 5

MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE Arrives on Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand January 3

Based on The New York Times best-selling book series by James Patterson, the hilarious family-friendly film, MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE, arrives on Digital HD December 20 and Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD, and On Demand January 3 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment and CBS Films.

The New York Times best-selling series by James Patterson breaks all the rules when Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life arrives on Digital HD December 20 and Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD, and On Demand January 3 from Lionsgate and CBS Films. This hilarious, family-friendly leap from the page to the big screen stars Griffin Gluck (Batman vs. Robin) alongside Lauren Graham (TV’s “Gilmore Girls”), Rob Riggle (The Hangover), Thomas Barbusca (TV’s “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp”), Andy Daly (Semi-Pro), Adam Pally (Dirty Grandpa), Isabela Moner (TV’s “100 Things to Do Before High School”), Isabella Amara (The Boss) and Alexa Nisenson (TV’s “Constantine”.)

Rafe has an epic imagination…and a slight problem with authority. Both collide when he transfers to a rule-crazy middle school. Drowning in do’s and don’ts, Rafe and his best friend Leo hatch a plan to expose the principal by breaking every rule in the school’s Code of Conduct. As the principal strikes back, Rafe’s world, at home and at school, explodes into hilarious chaos (both real and imagined) in this laugh-filled family comedy based on James Patterson’s best-selling book series.

The Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life home entertainment release special features include four behind-the-scenes featurettes, a hilarious gag reel plus four deleted scenes, including one hilarious animated sequence. Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life will be available on Blu-ray and DVD for the suggested retail price of $39.99 and $29.95, respectively.

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life is directed by Steve Carr with screenplay by Chris Bowman & Hubbel Palmer and Kara Holden. Executive produced by James Patterson and Steve Bowen. Produced by Leopoldo Gout and Bill Robinson.

BLU-RAY/DVD/DIGITAL HD SPECIAL FEATURES

“That Middle School Life” Featurette
“Middle School = The Worst / Making Movies = The Best” Featurette
“The Wedgie Wheel” Featurette
“Yolo: Behind Operation Rafe” Featurette
Gag Reel
Deleted Scenes

Check Out The New MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE Trailer And Poster

Break every rule with Griffin Gluck, Lauren Graham, Rob Riggle, Thomas Barbusca, Andy Daly and Adam Pally in the new teaser trailer and poster from MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE.

From director Steve Carr (Paul Blart: Mall Cop), the upcoming comedy based on the NY Times bestseller from author James Patterson opens in theaters October 2016.

MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE chronicles the trials and triumphs of Rafe Khatchadorian, as he uses his wits to battle bullies, hormones and the tyrannical, test-obsessed Principal Dwight.

Rafe has an epic imagination…and a slight problem with authority. Both collide when he transfers to an oppressive, rule-crazy middle school. Drowning in do’s and don’ts, Rafe and his scheming best friend Leo hatch a plan to break every rule in the school’s Code of Conduct. It’s Ferris Bueller meets Home Alone as their battle with Principal Dwight explodes into chaos both real and imagined. But Dwight displays his own fiendish creativity, striking back at the rulebreakers. Meanwhile, Rafe struggles to hide his misbehavior from Jeanne, the straight-A, overachieving girl of his dreams, and at home, his mother’s boyfriend — a moochy, jack-of-no-trades named Bear — threatens to become his stepfather.

Rafe’s revolution leaps from the page to the screen in this ambitious live-action/animated comedy based on the New York Times bestseller “Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life” by legendary novelist James Patterson.

Visit the official site: middleschoolmovie.com

Lauren Graham And Rob Riggle Starring In CBS Films’ MIDDLE SCHOOL

CBS Films announced today the cast for the theatrical motion picture adaptation of James Patterson’s award-winning, bestselling series MIDDLE SCHOOL, arriving in theaters October 2016.

The cast will include Lauren Graham (“Parenthood,” “Gilmore Girls”), Rob Riggle (“22 Jump Street,” “Hotel Transylvania 2”), Thomas Barbusca (“Preacher,” “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp”), Andrew Daly (“Review,” “Black-ish”), Adam Pally (“The Mindy Project,” “The To Do List”), Efren Ramirez (“Constantine,” “Napoleon Dynamite”), Isabela Moner (“100 Things to Do Before High School,” “Dora and Friends: Into the City!”) and Alexa Nisenson (“Constantine”) are joining Griffin Gluck (“About a Boy,” “Red Band Society”).

Steve Carr is set to direct the film from a screenplay by Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer and Kara Holden. Leopoldo Gout and Bill Robinson are producing and James Patterson and Steve Bowen are executive producing for James Patterson Entertainment. Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King of Participant Media are also serving as executive producers along with Michael Flynn.

The first entry in the series, MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE, chronicles the trials and triumphs of Rafe Khatchadorian (Griffin Gluck) as he uses all of his wits to battle bullies, hormones and the tyrannical, test-obsessed Principal Dwight (Daly). Graham co-stars as Rafe’s mother Jules, along with Riggle as her boyfriend Bear, Nisenson as Rafe’s sister Georgia, Barbusca as Rafe’s best friend Leo, Moner as Rafe’s first crush Jeanne, Ramirez as Gus and Pally as his favorite teacher, Mr. Teller.

James Patterson is one of the most successful authors of all time, with more than 300 million books sold, ranging from Alex Cross toZoo, the basis for the hit CBS series. To date, the six-book MIDDLE SCHOOL series has sold nearly seven million copies worldwide and ranked on The New York Times bestsellers list for a combined 68 weeks, including seven weeks at #1. The series has received countless awards and accolades including recognition from the Children’s Choice Book Awards, National Parenting Publication Honors and Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.

“Over the years, I have had the privilege to meet countless MIDDLE SCHOOL fans, and I know that today they are just as excited as I am by this incredible cast,” said Patterson. “Speaking for everyone involved in this project, we are going to give those fans the movie that they deserve.”

In addition to producing, James Patterson will co-finance the film with Participant Media and CBS Films. Robert Kessel is overseeing the title for Participant. Scott Shooman is overseeing the project for CBS Films.

MIDDLE SCHOOL begins production in Atlanta later this month and will be distributed in partnership with Lionsgate on October 7, 2016.

DUMB AND DUMBER TO – The Review

Do you have a “golden year”, the year where everything seemed to come together? Maybe you got the perfect job and met Ms. or Mr. Right all within just a few months. Well, for Mr. Jim Carrey a good case could be made for 1994. After putting in several years on TV (“The Duck Factory” “In Living Color”) along with sporadic screen roles (from THE DEAD POOL to ONCE BITTEN), his career went super-nova with the unexpected smash ACE VENTURA, PET DETECTIVE in the first few months of that year. In the Summer it was another box office bonanza with THE MASK. But the icing on the cake may have been his holiday-time hit DUMB AND DUMBER. In the ensuing two decades, Jim’s had his highs and lows, even supporting up and coming new comedy flick stars like Steve Carrell in THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE last year. He’s also tackled some dramatic roles, like THE TRUMAN SHOW, while sidestepping most sequels to his earlier successes (he did revisit Ace, but passed on slipping on that mask again, much to Jamie Kennedy’s woe). But after much pleading he’s slapped on the bowl haircut wig, removed the front tooth cap, and become Lloyd Christmas once again for DUMB AND DUMBER TO (get it?). Beside reteaming with Jeff Daniels, Peter and Bobby, the Farrelly brothers are behind the camera for another spin (hey their career since the big splash 20 years ago has had a few peaks with more than a couple valleys). So will the big reunion strike comedy, and box office, gold? Leave your IQ at home and let’s hit the highway with Harry and Lloyd!

In the two decades since the last adventure it seems that Lloyd has vegged out. Oh, but it’s just a gag on ole’ Harry (Daniels). Now Harry drops a bomb on his pal: he needs a new kidney. After a quick trip to Harry’s parents home, who inform him that he’s adopted, they go through the mail that’s been piling up. There’s a 1992 postcard from old flame Fraida Felcher (Kathleen Turner) saying she’s ‘preggers’! The duo visit her and find out that she gave up the baby girl for adoption. Fraida’s tried to contact her (she located her new family), but the letter was returned with a note saying that she should not contact her again. But that won’t stop H and L, so they grab the envelope, borrow Fraida’s hearse and hit the road to Maryland. Soon the duo run afoul of a scheming wife, her handyman lover, his special ops twin, and a convention full of geniuses in El Paso. But can they locate the girl, Penny (Rachel Melvin) before Harry’s time runs out?

Carrey gives this return the “ole’ college try” bringing his usual manic energy to every line reading and gesture acting almost as a human defibrillator to the listless script. At least he’s still unpredictable and spirited. Daniel, who’s bounced between drama and comedy since his last turn as Harry (even picking up an Emmy for his lead role in “The Newsroom”), does his best to keep up with Carrey, but ends up resorting to “mooning” us in far too many scenes. The gifted Rob Riggle tries to inject some life into the proceedings with his arrogant, oafish twins. He always seems to brighten up any comedy, usually as the villain, so when’s his shot at a lead? As for the ladies, Laurie Holden, late of TV’s “The Walking Dead”, is given little to do other than slink as sneer as a 40’s film noir villainess parody with a thing for “little piggies” (really, that’s funny?). Melvin is an attractive daffy ditz who’s there mostly to mimic the film’s leads. The best sport may be Turner putting a middle-aged spin on her 80’s sexpot roles, her sultry Jessica Rabbit purr now a gutteral growl. The whole cast’s really doing their best to push this rickety vehicle up some steep hills.

And who’s responsible for those hills? Six writers!! Six to come up with this? And I was shocked that after 19 years, the best Steven, George, and company could come up with was INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL! This crew had one more year and delivered this dreck that just lurches from one set-up to the next, hoping for a big pay-off in laughs (sorry, “shrub club” don’t cut it!). There’s a huge over-reliance on bodily fluids, thinking that every gross-out ups the hilarity, literally every fluid (dog drool check! urine check!etc.). And while the boys had some kind of innocent, naive charm in the first outing, now they seem to delight in being gleefully cruel to everyone they meet. Oh, plus the sex jokes are particularly puriant especially with a senior citizen and Lloyd’s skeevy obsession with Harry’s “daughter”. The Farrelly boys appear to have been dozing at the wheel as the lifeless exercise lumbers towards the end of it’s very looong running time. A little editing would’ve been nice, certainly chopping out a reviled reality TV star’s cameo (hey, the scandal’s a month old, you had time to cut it!). You could feel the audience stiffen at her arrival on-screen. So,you fans got your wish. They got back together, but I’m highly doubtful the end results will please most. Harry and Lloyd may be dumber, and a lot older, but they sure aren’t funnier. As L might say, “Ah loathe it a LOT!”

1.5 out of 5

Win Tickets To The Advance Screening Of DUMB AND DUMBER TO In St. Louis

For DUMB AND DUMBER fans who couldn’t get enough of the quotable lines and best friendship they found among two simpletons on a road trip, it’s time for a new generation to be introduced to Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne.

Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels reprise their signature roles in the sequel to the smash hit that took the physical comedy and kicked it in the nuts: DUMB AND DUMBER TO. The original film’s directors, Peter and Bobby Farrelly, take Lloyd and Harry on a road trip to find a child Harry never knew he had and the responsibility neither should ever, ever be given.

From Universal Pictures, DUMB AND DUMBER TO will be in theaters November 14th. The film also stars Rob Riggle, Laurie Holden, Rachel Melvin, and Kathleen Turner.

WAMG invites you to enter for a chance to win passes (Good for 2) to the advance screening of DUMB AND DUMBER TO on Wednesday, November 12th at 7PM in the St. Louis area.We will contact the winners by email.

Answer the following:

How many movies has Jim Carrey done with the Farrelly brothers and name them.

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWERS AND EMAIL ADDRESS 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.

The film is rated PG 13

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