The Aviator (2004)

 

Too long. Too dark. Too crazy. 

Despite a 3 hour running time, it still felt like pieces were missing. Many scenes didn't make sense, interrupting the flow. 

Rating: C-

Between Two Ferns: The Movie (2019)

About what you expect from a film based on a skit. Mildly entertaining. The bloopers at the end were the funniest part.

Rating: C-

Black Mass (2015)

A compelling performance from Depp. Surprised he wasn’t nominated for it. Gritty crime drama that unfolds slowly and evenly paced. I enjoyed the acting more than the movie.

Rating: C

Krampus (2015)

Mostly dumb. Not scary. Not very funny. Not worth seeing. 

Rating: D

The Great Buck Howard (2008)

I'm still in shock that someone was bold enough to make an indie drama that's rated PG. I can't remember the last time that happened. Engaging story, often funny, and well acted.

Rating: C+

Leap Year (2010)

It's really hard to look past the formulaic dreck that excretes from the screen for the first 30 minutes. Bouncy romantic music you've heard a million times, the "funny" best friend, the rube of a boyfriend we all know will get the boot in the end, and the manic leading lady that is just waiting to be put in her place by the rough around the edges yokel.

The one saving grace of the film? Ireland. It's gorgeous. I had to stop myself from booking a flight after the credits rolled. Also, the previously mentioned yokel did a good job. Overall though I was hoping for something more original and witty.

Rating: C-

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Add this to the list of films that inspire me to get off my butt and start collecting more stamps in my passport.

Rating: C+

Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015)

I should have heeded all the negative reviews I read and skipped this. Well, actually I did. I stopped watching 15 minutes in or so, which I never do. I simply didn’t care what happened, and it wasn’t funny enough to find out anyway.

Rating: F

Knocked Up (2007)

Refreshingly inappropriate and hysterically funny. Humor on every level, but most of it resides below the waistline.

Rating: B

Friends With Kids (2011)

A relationship movie that covers some familiar themes, but often in original and funny ways. Characters felt authentic, likely because the actors are all friends in real life. A very clichéd ending.

Rating: C+

Step Brothers (2008)

Needlessly vulgar, but still pretty dang funny a lot of the time. The drum kit violation was one of my favorite scenes.

Rating: C

Torque (2004)

So bad it was funny. The bullet bike chick fight scene/Pepsi ad was one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever seen. Also, what was Adam Scott doing in this film? Very strange casting. I would have given this a straight up F if it weren’t for the slick sound and effects. But seriously. Terrible.

Rating: F+

Our Idiot Brother (2011)

Sweet. Funny. Character driven. Stock full of my favorite actors in a script worthy of their talents. It’s an optimistic film that takes the motto “honesty is the best policy” seriously. A must rent.

Rating: B-

Operation: Endgame (2010)

You’d think with such a strong cast of comedians on board that it would result in at least a mediocre action spoof. Unfortunately, the writing was terrible and they simply had nothing to work with. Barely watchable.

Rating: F+