© 2013 Ray Wong
Buddy cop movies are a dime a dozen these days, but one that stars two top female comedians is something new. And if Bridesmaids has taught us anything, female-centric comedies with strong leads and good writing is hot these days.
FBI agent Ashburn (Sandra Bullock) is a top-performing agent disliked by her colleagues because of her know-it-all and difficult-to-work-with arrogance. She is up for a promotion but her boss (Demian Bichir) is reluctant to consider her unless she cracks a serious drug case in Boston. So, with her promotion at stake, off she goes to track down a murderous drug lord named Larkin.
Her investigation leads her to the Boston PD and a drug dealer named Rojas (Spoken Reasons), forcing her to work with an abrasive, loud-mouthed cop named Mullins (Melissa McCarthy). The methodical Ashburn and "anything goes" Mullins hate each other right from the start, but with a lot to lose, they must work together to bring Larkin to justice.
It turns out that Mullins's brother Jason (Michael Rapaport) may have a connection with Larkins, but Mullins is reluctant to put him in danger. Meanwhile, Ashburn is willing to use anything, anyone to get what she wants. As the two women work together grudgingly, they discover they are actually not that different.
Sandra Bullock (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) is one of those rare beauties who excel in both serious drama (she won an Oscar for The Blind Side) and comedy. Granted, this is a role that feels familiar: a combination of Miss Congeniality and The Proposal, both in the "hit" column for Bullock. So obviously the star feels right at home with this character.
Since her breakout role in Bridesmaids, Melissa McCarthy (Identity Theft) has been doing pretty much the same schtick that one begins to question her range. But she does it so well that it's hard not to think of her when you see a character like Mullins. McCarthy has a great ability to be obnoxious and abrasive while at the same time display great heart and vulnerability. Mullins is a part specifically made for her, and she does a great job.
Furthermore, Bullock and McCarthy have great chemistry together and that's 80% of the battle when you're making a buddy cop movie.
The supporting cast fills their roles adequately, but we all know this is really Bullock's and McCarthy's movie. Demian Bichir (A Better Life) is square as Bullock's boss -- the serious actor surprises with his humorous side even though the role is entirely straight. Marlon Wayans (A Haunted House) plays dashing, charming agent Levy with, well, great charm. Michael Rapaport (Last I Heard) is ernest as Mullins's troubled brother, and it's great to see Jane Curtin. Newcomer Spoken Reasons is somewhat annoying a local drug dealer.
Let's face it, the story and plot of a buddy cop movie is secondary to the characters and on-screen chemistry. That said, this script (by Katie Dippold) is serviceable, providing the right circumstances and plot twists to keep the movie interesting. Some of the scenes serve no other purpose than giving Bullock and McCarthy something hilarious to do. That said, there are some clever moments that did catch me my surprise.
The dialogue is sharp, crude, and funny. You can tell the writer and the actors have a lot of fun with these lines, which are by and large hilarious. McCarthy, in particular, gets the best lines with her explosive, abrasive characterization. Bullock plays the "straight woman" so her lines are more reserved and lame, but they work well as a team. They're like fire and ice, and it's a perfect combination.
Paul Feig's (Bridesmaids) direction is also serviceable. It's not as tight and fluid as Bridesmaids but his grungy stile works well with the movie's setup. Most of all, Feig peppers the movie with memorable if minor characters and let his leads work their magic together. Buddy cop movies is all about chemistry, and Feig knows that he's got it in Bullock and McCarthy, and he simply retreats to let his stars shine.
Sure, The Heat is derivative and the story is pedestrian, but it is also a great pleasure to see two female comedians at the top of their games. Their chemistry and the sharp dialogue are what make the movie great fun to watch. They sure have turned up the heat!
Stars: Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Demian Bichir, Marlon Wayans, Michael Rapaport, Jane Curtin, Spoken Reasons, Thomas F. Wilson, Michael McDonald, Taran Killam
Director: Paul Feig
Writer: Katie Dippold
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive language, strong crude content and some violence
Running Time: 117 minutes
Ratings:
Script - 7
Performance - 8
Direction - 7
Cinematography - 7
Music/Sound - 7
Editing - 8
Production - 8
Total - 7.5 out of 10.0
© 2013 Ray Wong
Does the world needs another apocalyptic zombie movie, aka Dawn of the Dead, 28 Days Later, The Walking Dead… (and the list goes on). Apparently, Hollywood thinks so. Granted, World War Z is based on Max (son of Mel) Brooks's phenomenal bestseller that installed many fresh ideas into the genre.
Gerry (Brad Pitt) is an ex-UN special operator who is now a stay-at-home dad with wife Karin (Mireille Enos) and two young daughters. On their way to school and work in Philadelphia, all Hell breaks loose when people start to go crazy with rabies-like symptoms and attack and kill others. Gerry also observes that it takes only 12 seconds for the dead to "turn."
Surviving the disaster is only the beginning. After Gerry and his family are rescued, he is ordered to help an investigating team to try to find out the origin of the outbreak, in hopes of finding a vaccine. Thus starts Gerry's globe-trotting while trying to be one step ahead of the "affected." His journey takes him to North Korea, Jerusalem, and India, but nothing turns up.
Instead Gerry continues to find himself in dangerous situations where human nature is in direct conflict with mother nature, and more and more people are being turned. What Gerry discovers is that the zombies are dormant by nature unless provoked by stimuli such as sound and movement. And one clue after another, Gerry finally realizes the virus's weakness; and with an act of self-sacrifice, Gerry needs to prove himself right once and for all so he can save mankind.
Brad Pitt (The Moneyball) is in fine form. The lines and weathered face of this superstar somehow add charisma and wisdom to the characters he plays, and Pitt's portrayal of Gerry is multi-dimensional and deeply affecting. Mireille Enos (Gangster Squad) is solid as Gerry's determined and resourceful wife. They make a good on-screen team and we believe that they're two loving parents whose top priority is to keep their family safe.
French actress Daniella Kertesz (Loving Anna) impresses as Segen, a soldier whose job is to protect Gerry, and who ends up being part of Gerry's superb companion. The supporting team does great work here all around, including James Badge Dale (Iron Man 3) in an heroic turn as Captain Speke, Matthew Fox (Speed Racer) as a parajumper, and David Morse (The Odd Life of Timothy Green) as a bizarre ex-CIA agent.
Based on Max Brooks's best-selling novel, the script of this new zombie romp is written by Matthew Michael Carnahan, Drew Goodard, and Lost's Damon Lindelof. The story itself isn't really all that original -- what the writers have brought to the genre is a new twist and a slew of believable characters that focus on one man and his family. Most zombie movies focus on one or two set pieces and a specific location, but World War Z takes us on trip to let us witness the horror on a global scale. The plot opens with the usual mayhem and doom, but quickly turns into one man's quest to find an answer.
Still, one cannot argue that the genre is showing its age and fatigue. Everything does begin to look derivative, no matter how "fresh" the writers want to make it. The idea that zombies move in lightening fast pace and swarm like locusts is interesting and, quite honestly, breathtaking to watch. But everything else does seem to have that "been there, done that" feel.
So it all comes down to the execution. The cast has a done a great job, for sure. Marc Forster's (Quantum of Solace) track record has been spotty. Somehow the idea that Finding Neverland's director is doing a zombie movie is an odd one, but I think Forster rose to the occasion and delivered one hell of a nail-biter. The opening sequence is chaotic, frightening, suspenseful, and powerful. There are some duller moments, of course, but over all the pacing is good. Some of the set pieces are phenomenal to watch, such as one of the most exhilarating plane crashes on screen. Some may argue that the camerawork could be better, but I had no problem with his choices. It adds to the immediacy and urgency of the sequences. It's an exciting movie to watch.
Despite its derivative story and the limitation of the genre itself, World War Z offers something new and fresh, and with its effective cast headed by a strong Brad Pitt, and the capable direction of Marc Forster, it is a movie that is worth watching, even if it doesn't solve any world problems, per se.
Stars: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz, James Badge Dale, David Morse, Matthew Fox, Ludi Boeken
Director: Marc Forster
Writers: Matthew Michael Carnahan, Drew Goodard, Damon Lindelof (based on novel by Max Brooks)
Distributor: Paramount
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense frightening sequences, violence and disturbing images
Running Time: 116 minutes
Ratings:
Script - 7
Performance - 8
Direction - 7
Cinematography - 9
Music/Sound - 8
Editing - 7
Production - 9
Total - 7.5 out of 10.0
© 2013 Ray Wong
Once in a while you come across an idea that is so brilliantly absurd that you get all excited about it. How the execution comes along is another matter, but for high concepts, This is The End -- an apocalyptic tale centered around a bunch of self-absorbed "real" Hollywood actors -- is pure gold.
When Jay Baruchel visits Seth Rogen in Los Angeles after a long time apart, Seth invites Jay to come along to James Franco's housewarming party. At the party, Jay feels uncomfortable because he doesn't like Seth's friends such as James, Michael Cera, Craig Robinson, and he outright hates Jonah Hill. He finds an opportunity to ask Seth with him to get a pack of cigarette, so he can express his discomfort to Seth.
At the convenience store, a calamity happens and Jay witnesses something otherworldly. They returns to James' mansion trying to warn everybody, but it's too late. When everyone rushes out, they are either struck by something or get sucked into a giant sink hole in the ground. Jay, Seth and the other guys find refuge back in James' house, trying to figure what is happening.
With little food and water, the friends begin to turn on each other. When an invited guest, Danny McBride, shows up, the tension gets even worse. Eventually Jay figures that what they're experiencing is the apocalypse, as described in the Book of Revelation. The world is going to end and every one will die, and that means each of them must redeem himself before he could be received into heaven, or forever be condemned to Hell. As the men bicker and fight and try to survive, could they learn their lessons and redeem themselves in time for Rapture?
All the main actors play versions of themselves -- much exaggerated and warped versions. James Franco (Oz the Great and Powerful) plays himself as an obnoxious prick who seems to be secretly in love with Seth Rogen. Seth (The Guilt Trip) pokes fun of his own stoner persona and lukewarm career. Jonah Hill (The Moneyball) is surprisingly subtle by playing himself as a conniving twit. Jay Baruchel (Cosmopolis) probably plays his character the closest to his true self -- a naive, nervous actor who doesn't fit in.
Craig Robinson (Peeples) plays up his teddy bear persona by adding a little raunch and nastiness. Danny McBride (Your Highness) fully takes advantage of his obnoxious on-screen persona by giving us a full-on asshole that we'd love to hate.
There are too many cameos to mention. Michael Cera (The End of Love) possibly has the best role in his life by playing himself as a drug-abusing, sex-crazed loudmouth. Emma Watson (The Perks of Being a Wallflower) plays herself a slight variation of her persona mixed with her characterization of Hermione. Other notable cameos include Mindy Kaling, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Rihanna, Paul Rudd, Channing Tatum (in a hilarious, spit-inducing cameo), and Aziz Ansari.
The screenplay by Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen builds upon the high concept: How would a bunch of self-absorbed Hollywood actors behave during the end of days. The genius that comes about is not the story or the plot, but by allowing the actors to play an altered version of themselves and the relationships among one another. According to Seth Rogen, 50% of the movie is improvised. And according to Even Goldberg, he tries to push the actors' buttons by asking them to do the most outrageous feats. The result is evident on screen. The story itself follows a rather simplistic "end of the world" disaster movie path, probably somewhat too heavy-handed in the Biblical interpretation of the apocalypse. I wish they would scale that down (it's a distraction to me) and focus more on the characters.
The movie works best when it allows the actors to play off one another. James Franco has great chemistry with everyone, especially Seth Rogen. His one scene with Danny McBride (you will know which scene I'm referring to) is awe-inspiring -- I have no idea how the actors can keep a straight face. There are plenty of raunchy and nasty jokes to go around (bodily fluids, potty jokes, sex humor, homosexual references, etc.) and they work, albeit sometimes mindless and sophomoric, because of the chemistry between the actors. We've come to love these comedic actors' onscreen personas, so to see them mesh these personas with their "reality" is a treat in itself.
The ending is somewhat too cheeky for my taste -- I'd prefer something darker, to keep with the tone of the movie (granted, it is a broad comedy). And parts of the movie drags, and some of the jokes fall flat. Still over all, the movie is a laugh-a-minute romp that if you don't take things too seriously, you will enjoy it immensely.
Stars: James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Michael Cera, Emma Watson
Directors: Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen (based on Jason Stone's short film Jay and Seth vs. the Apocalypse)
Writers: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg
Distributor: Universal
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, brief strong language, and some sexuality
Running Time: 126 minutes
Ratings:
Script - 7
Performance - 8
Direction - 7
Cinematography - 7
Music/Sound - 7
Editing - 7
Production - 7
Total - 7.2 out of 10.0
© 2013 Ray Wong
Part buddy comedy, part giant ad for Google, The Internship is a tepid story that tries so hard to re-team wedding crashers Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson while being earnest and wholesome.
Billy (Vince Vaughn) and Nick (Owen Wilson) are two brilliant salesmen and best buddies whose careers are outdated because of the digital age. After they've lost their jobs and ways of life, Billy has a great idea? Why not change their careers to embrace the new world by becoming interns at one of the best technology companies in the world, Google?
By a stroke of luck and the sympathetic vote of Lyle (Josh Brener), a junior manager at Google, Billy and Nick successfully get into the summer internship program. But the competition is fierce; Billy and Nick feel immediately out of place among all the super-smart college students. Soon they team up with a group of "outliners" mentored by the kind and enthusiastic Lyle.
As their competitors and detractors such as the cocky Ivy-Leaguer Graham (Max Mingella), rigid Internship manager Mr. Chetty (Aasif Mandvi) or indifferent manager Dana (Rose Bryne) continue to dismiss them as losers, Billy and Nick must find their way to not only get assimilated the new technology world, but also teach these kids a few things about teamwork, self-esteem and being human.
Vince Vaughn (The Watch) and Owen Wilson (The Big Year) are a good team together. Not all of their movies worked -- the Wedding Crashers was a smash but Hall Pass was a mess. Here, they are somehow in the middle of the pack, thus in a way mediocre. They are engaging enough, but never really rise about their usual schticks.
Rose Bryne (The Place Beyond the Pines) looks smart enough to work for Google but sexy enough to be Wilson's love interest, but ultimately Bryne has nothing to do except being the latter. Aasif Mandvi (Premium Rush) has some fun playing a stiff corporate manager, but somehow I wonder how he ended up at Google? Max Mingella (The Social Network) twirls his proverbial mustache as the main villain but his portrayal of the bully is too over the top without any kind of humanity.
The teamsters fare much better. Josh Brener (The Big Bang Theory) is sweet and adorable as geek-master Lyle. Dylan O'Brien (The First Time) is affectingly aloof and guarded as Stuart. Tiya Sicar (The Domino Effect) is sexy and sweet as Neha. Tobit Raphael has one of the best roles in the movie as Yo-Yo Santos; we just want to give him a hug while laughing at him.
Vaughn and Jared Stern (Wreck-It Ralph) head the writing team. The script is a lukewarm hodgepodge of comical ideas that borrow heavily from other movies, including Vaughn's own. The buddy formula is familiar but a bit stale. The jokes also rely heavily on stereotypes and the inherit humor in the cultural difference between the tech-savvy young and the tech-phobic old. It is hard to believe that a bunch of 40-something men would be so out of touch -- what kind of men in their 40s don't have a smartphone or iPod, who still listen to mix tapes or make 80s pop references? Granted, Vaughn is trying to exaggerate the gap between his character and the "kids" but I think the parody is too extreme to be plausible.
There are too many plot holes to mention as well. While I can take a leap of faith to believe that Google would actually accept them as interns, I just don't buy it that two seasoned salesmen can't find any job other than selling watches. Everywhere you turn there are sales forces, and clearly if they're as good as we're led to believe, they can find a sales job anywhere instead of taking an internship. Besides, since being an intern is unpaid, how are they making a living for the summer as we're led to believe both men lost everything. By pushing for the extremes for laughs, the writers are also pushing for unbelievability.
Also, the construct of the story is as old-school as you can get, and the insistence of having a villain such as Graham cheapens the journey these men are taking to embrace the brave new world of technology. They really don't need this good vs. evil plot. Just to see them struggling through this brave new world would be amusing enough. And I kind of resist the notion that being a geek is boring and "missing out on life" and the only way one can learn to "live" is by partying and going to a strip club and getting drunk. What kind of message is that?
Granted, director Shawn Levy (Real Steel) has a breezy, friendly style that makes the movie enjoyable and engaging. The plot clips along just fine and the movie has enough chuckles to entertain. As a comedy, though, The Internship is as mediocre as the lead characters are in life.
Stars: Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rose Bryne, Aasif Mandvi, Max Minghella, Josh Brener, Dylan O'Brien, Tiya Sicar, Tobit Raphael
Director: Shawn Levy
Writers: Vince Vaughn, Jared Stern
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sexuality, some crude humor, partying and language
Running Time: 119 minutes
Ratings:
Script - 6
Performance - 7
Direction - 7
Cinematography - 7
Music/Sound - 8
Editing - 7
Production - 7
Total - 7.0 out of 10.0
