Extract (2009)

 

Plays like a bland network sitcom. The obnoxious neighbor was my favorite part. I expected more from Mike Judge.

Rating: D+

Semi-Pro (2008)

Better than I thought it would be. The film draws from a deep bench of supporting comedians to deliver the laughs. My favorite is the un-jealous husband, played by Rob Corddry. Will Arnett and Andy Daly as the sports commentators were excellent too. Farrell is consistently funny. 

Rating: C

Will & Harper (2024)

 

Friendship. Exploration. Understanding. Empathy. Anxiety. Humor. 

Rating: C+

Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar (2021)

Like an episode of SNL, it has its moments, but a lot falls flat. 

Rating: C-

Date Night (2010)

Truthfully, I get more enjoyment out of an average episode of The Office or 30 Rock than I did this movie. It was ok, but many of the jokes fell flat. The writing wasn't particularly clever. Not enough fun cameos to make up for it either.

Rating: C

Downsizing (2017)

A very unique premise that was fun to explore through film. I thought this was going to be a comedy, but it turned out to be a drama. The story was not at all what I expected. Much more thoughtful and character driven.

Rating: B

Adventureland (2009)

The critics made this film sound smarter than it really was. Good, but not great.

Rating: C+

Meet Bill (2007)

Watched with lowered expectations on my way back from Malaysia. It managed to keep me awake and entertained, so that's saying something. Enjoyed most of the cast and story. A bit cliché in parts.

Rating C

Welcome To Me (2014)

At its best when going completely off the rails with the talk show within the movie. Interesting concept that had some decent laughs as well. I love when Joan Cusack plays deadpan. She’s great. 

Rating: C

How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

The reviews were very positive for this sequel. Undeservedly so in my opinion. By-the-book storytelling. More flying dragons. A lot of fighting with only like one person dying, thus taking away any real suspense. Very little in the way of humor for adults. I chuckled once or twice.

Rating: D

Sausage Party (2016)

This makes South Park look like Sesame Street. Viewer discretion advised. Also, not as funny as I’d hoped.

Rating: C-

The Martian (2015)

A science heavy sci-fi film that’s essentially a one man play. Matt Damon pulls a Tom Hanks on castaway, acting the hell out of his role, and holding the audience’s attention while doing it. While I would be busy figuring out the least painful way to die, he was figuring out how to live.

Is it all realistic? No. I mean, who travels into space for that long without bringing their own iTunes playlist and better TV shows than Happy Days? Despite these shortcomings, it’s highly entertaining and looks fantastic on the big screen.

Rating: B

Whip It (2009)

A bit more Hollywood than I would have liked. I was hoping for something a bit grittier, but more polished than the documentary "Hell on Wheels". Still, who can resist the girlish charm of Ellen Page? I also have a soft spot (or is it a hard spot?) for cool chicks with tattoos. That made this a must-see for me.

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+

Despicable Me 2 (2013)

A mostly deflated version of the original, like most sequels that are churned out to make money.

Rating: D+

Her (2013)

Quite a strange film about love and the future. I recently watched a similar premise on the fantastic series Black Mirror from the UK. It’s a great concept with almost limitless plot possibilities. I felt this film sometimes got distracted by the details, some of which were brilliant, but others seemed farfetched.

Rating: C+

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013)

Just as bonkers as the first; maybe more. Laughs were on and off again. The writers threw everything at the wall. Some of it stuck, some awkwardly slid to the floor. The big fight between the news teams was out of control, not to mention chalk full of cameos. This sequel delivers exactly what you expect it to.

Rating: C

How To Train Your Dragon (2010)

This was my first foray into the new world of 3D. Went to see a movie with the nephews. The little one lost interest, but the older one was mostly entertained. It held my interest too, but nothing special. It's no Kung Fu Panda or Toy Story. The 3D is a nice gimmick, but that's all it is. I would have been just as entertained in 2D. Not worth forking over the extra green unless it's Avatar.

Rating: C

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+