The Running Man (2025)

 

The reboot was a very big departure from the original, which isn’t a bad thing. The updated gameshow and premise were quite promising. A lot of originality in the first half of the film. Typically, it wasn’t sustainable. The script took a dive in the second half, culminating in a cringeworthy ending. Wasted potential. 

Rating: C-

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008)

The movie is just ok, but the music is great, especially if you are an indie snob like me. If Nickelback or Hoobastank is your things, you should steer clear. 

Rating: C

Barbie (2023)

 

This felt more like an elaborate Broadway stage production, and possibly will be one day. The original songs were weak. Some bits and jokes land, but I wasn’t invested in the plot. Unsurprisingly, the characters are thinly written. It’s hard to get emotionally invested in a bunch of dolls. (except for rare exceptions like Toy Story) 

The third act fell completely flat. In different hands, this premise could have developed into an entertaining movie instead of one that people are just pretending to like. 

Rating: C-

Molly’s Game (2017)

For characters that are speaking Aaron Sorkin fast, you may be surprised by the 140 minute run-time. It’s a long movie that is  slick and fun when focused on poker and how Molly’s rise to power came to be. There are flashbacks and flash-forwards that keep the story from growing stagnant. Things fizzled out a little towards the end.

Rating: C+

Youth In Revolt (2009)

Michael Cera's dry delivery is hilarious. He gets away with saying the most vulgar stuff, simply because he sounds so innocent when saying it. This is not a mainstream comedy at all.

Rating: B-

Paper Heart (2009)

A quirky, original romantic comedy mockumentary. I think that covers all the bases. The movie itself is fairly entertaining, but it's the special features that actually tie everything together. Some of the funniest and most revealing moments are from the cutting room floor.

Rating: C

Sausage Party (2016)

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

Rating: C-

This Is The End (2013)

As far as post-apocalyptic movies go, this is one of the strangest and most f-ed up I’ve ever seen. The comedy is dark and crude—on par with most of the other movies these guys put out. I’ll admit I laughed a lot. Plotlines are completely ridiculous, but fun.

Rating: C+

Year One (2009)

When I saw the initial previews for this film, I thought, "This is a sure thing!". I mean Jack Black and Michael Cera. How can you go wrong? Turns out writing matters, and this script was beyond weak. The concept was great, but Harold Ramis has lost his touch. Poor execution and generally unfunny.

Rating: D-

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002)

Fact and fiction are loosely handled in this docudrama about the creator of The Gong Show, among dozens of other game shows. Sam Rockwell is brilliant in his role. The script is messy, but I suppose it reflects the chaotic life of it's main character.

Rating: C+

Juno (2007)

A cute indie with quick, witty dialogue. Fantastic cast, excellent soundtrack, and the best vintage clothes. My kind of film.

Rating: B+

Superbad (2007)

Extremely funny, but also very crude. It's like a day in the life of the dudes from Knocked Up when they were younger. If you're not easily offended and enjoy perverse, juvenile humor, then this is the film for you.

Rating: B

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Like nothing you've seen before. It's hip, funny, quirky, and a bit juvenile. Video games infiltrate every part of the production. I really liked the characters and their quick witted interactions.

A miss for me was the focus of the entire film—Scott fighting the 7 evil ex's. If I want to see cartoonish fights, I can watch schlock like Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers. Still, it was refreshing to see something different brought to screen.

Rating: C+