Visioneers (2008)

 

You'll probably feel as bored and suicidal as the characters themselves by the time you're halfway through this film. Reminds me of Brazil, that so-called classic that everyone loves but I hated. Perhaps I'm missing the point again, or maybe it's just a poorly constructed film. 

Rating: F+

Corky Romano (2001)

 

This was really dumb. I'm a sucker for SNL movies. There were a few funny parts, but most of the time I was hiding my head in shame at how idiotic it was. 

Rating: F+

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-

Zach Galifianakis: Live at the Purple Onion (2006)

I've been a longtime fan of Zach's brand of comedy, so I laughed a lot during this "movie". On a cinematic level, it's nothing special, but if you like dry, sometimes dark humor, and get beard envy, this is a fun way to kill an hour.

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-

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

Something different. Could easily be written off as an actor’s film with limited appeal designed to garner award nominations. Which is all true. But for those who do take the time to see this, I think most will generally walk away entertained. It’s bizarre, and a tad bit claustrophobic. I think I appreciated the middle section more than the beginning and end. A film that will be appreciated more for its parts than the total sum.

Rating: C

Bubble Boy (2001)

A lot of fun. Really funny and one of those road movies that you somehow get sucked into, even if the premise is bad, like Joe Dirt. 

Rating: C+

The Muppets (2011)

I didn’t realize until 5 minutes in when Jason Segel broke out in song that this was a musical. From there it only took me 5 nanoseconds to hit the FF button. Show tunes make me physically ill. Redemption could have been had if the film was actually funny, but that would only be the case if your age or IQ are under 12.

Rating: F

The Hangover Part III (2013)

If you've seen the first two, it goes without saying you’ll check out the third. I liked this one better than the second, but it’s no first.

Rating: C

Up In The Air (2009)

Delightful, funny, smart, and even a little sexy. This made me think back to Clooney's character in Out of Sight—a good thing. Great writing, which we can thank the source material for. Solid acting and competent direction. Hard to find much wrong with this film. I'm a sucker for happy endings, so had things turned out differently, I may have moved this into the "A" range.

Rating: B

Into The Wild (2007)

A difficult film to review. Reminded me a bit of 127 Hours and the Herzog documentary Grizzly Man. It’s a very long film that takes the scenic route to reach its destination, much as did Chris McCandless, the man the film is based on. Acting was top notch. Hal Holbrook's performance was really touching. The Alaskan landscapes are beautiful. I can see what drew him there.

But I have to agree with some things I found online after watching the movie. It wasn’t very smart to head into the wilderness without proper training or preparation. An interesting story nonetheless.

Rating: C+

Tim & Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie (2012)

Reminded me of the Tenacious D and Strangers With Candy movies. Their TV shows could be strange, yet often funny. But given the format of a feature length film, things fell apart. The bits seemed forced and unfunny. Cameos were mostly squandered. The R rating was used for shock value rather than comedy. A big failure.

Rating: D-

The Hangover (2009)

Wildly inappropriate, but really funny. Nothing is off limits. Perfect movie to go see with the guys.

Rating: B-

It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)

Two terrific performances from Keir Gilchrist and Zach G. I thought this would be a lighthearted comedy, but it’s more of a dramedy. The film is based on a book. It feels very personal. The scenes don’t feel manufactured. Zach gets to show his range as an actor—outside the zany or deadpan roles he’s normally cast.

It’s an emotional movie and I got caught up in it. I also thought the editing was unique and creative. It added a lot to the film. A near flawless effort from a movie I’d never heard of. That almost never happens.

Rating: B+

Due Date (2010)

Nothing will ever top Todd Phillips best road trip movie: "Go". Due Date is a more straightforward comedy than that. One only has to turn a camera on Galifianakis to make an audience laugh. Mix in a little dead pan Downey Jr., and you have yourself a decent film before the script has even been written. Plenty of laughs despite the simple plot.

Rating: C+

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+

The Hangover: Part II (2011)

I enjoyed it and laughed a lot. Plenty of inappropriate humor. Don’t go in expecting lightning to strike twice. This isn’t as magical as the first. Just simple fun.

Rating: C+

Dinner For Schmucks (2010)

Another one of those movies that seems funnier during production than it is on the screen. Sure, there are a few chuckles sprinkled throughout. I also thought the mice art was pretty cool. But as a comedy, this movie fell flat.

Rating: D