The Invite (2026)

One of those films that feels more like a stage production. There are some genuine funny and interesting moments. It’s a deep dive into interpersonal relationships. I wasn’t in love with the third act though. 

Rating: C

Good Fortune (2025)

 

I was lucky enough to stumble across Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut. It starts out a little slow, but quickly gets really funny, taking some quirky turns along the way. Surprising A-list cast for a film I had heard nothing about. Excellent script. 

Rating: B-

Monsters Vs. Aliens (2009)

 

Not entertaining for kids or adults. Jokes aren't funny, the story is lame, and characters are boring. The one exception is Seth Rogan as The Blob. He's hilarious as usual. Waste of A-List actor voices. 

Rating: F+

The Fabelmans (2022)

 

A semi-autobiographical story of Steven Spielberg’s life, directed by the man himself. My thoughts kept drifting to my two nephews who are aspiring filmmakers themselves. I enjoyed seeing the process of early movie making, with editing that was so labor intensive. The mini-films within the film were fun. The long runtime allows for depth of characters that is lacking in most movies today. 

Rating: B-

An American Pickle (2020)

Jewish Encino Man provides a few laughs and some commentary on today’s social climate, but the film never quite rises above its initial gimmick.

Rating: C

Long Shot (2019)

I laughed for much of the film. Smartly written and funny. Will have you rooting for the underdog and wishing that the Democrats could field a candidate with a real personality. 

Rating: C+

The Lion King (2019)

Looks impressive. Fairly fun and captivating as long as you skip through most of the songs, which were a little over-the-top at times.

Rating: C

Steve Jobs (2015)

Not the Steve Jobs film I thought I’d be seeing. It was almost a theatrical play, mainly taking place at product launches, revolving around a few key players. Sorkin dialogue is rampant, as one would expect. Jeff Daniels reprising his The Newsroom role drove the point home. Acting is sharp. Nominations likely deserved. Screenplay is noteworthy too. That’s about as far as I’m willing to go.

Rating: C+

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

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Very entertaining, with plenty of humor that adults will appreciate when viewing with their kids. Jack Black is hilarious in this. I really enjoyed the action sequences too.

Rating: B-

Sausage Party (2016)

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

Rating: C-

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016)

This is a film that didn’t deserve a sequel.

“So why did you watch it then?”

Great question. I’m dumb.

Overall quite weak except for a few chuckles here and there—like an episode of SNL.

Rating: D-

The Interview (2014)

I’ve got to hand it to them. They went balls out. Crazy offensive on so many levels, but seriously funny. Worth declaring war over? Probably not. It’s doubtful any North Koreans will ever get their hands on a copy… but if they did, boy would I love to hear their thoughts.

Rating: B

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

This is a really dumb movie. I'm not talking Dodgeball dumb or Dumb and Dumber dumb--it's much dumber. This isn't meant as an insult, since I actually enjoy dumb humor and dumb movies. It's uneven, but has enough funny moments to make it enjoyable.
More cameos than one can shake a stick at.

Rating: C

Neighbors (2014)

I actually laughed quite a bit, but the party got old towards the end.

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+

Knocked Up (2007)

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

Rating: B

Observe And Report (2009)

Lots of dark and crude humor, as expected. Many of the usual suspects that appear in Seth Rogen movies are present. This is the antidote to Paul Blart. My favorite scene was the severe beat down Seth gave to the street gang. Hilarious.

Rating: C+

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

Donnie Darko (2001)

I really liked how this film was put together, but after multiple viewings, I'm still not confident I fully understand it. I have a love/hate relationship with time travel movies. The mood, tone, and sound of the film is fantastic. Jake is a fine actor. I like this movie but I want to love it.

Rating: B-