Horrible Bosses 2

With Horrible Bosses bringing in over $200 million internationally, it was pretty clear a sequel was in the works. I had the chance of watching an early screening of Horrible Bosses 2 almost 8 months ago. While there are some fresh faces, Chris Pine and Christoph Waltz, the movie still falls flat. There were some cheap laughs here and there but the plot was pretty much mimicking the first film, lacking in originality. Not a big surprise though, as no one expected they would deviate much from a successful formula.

Lucky for the Warner Bros. Sudeikis, Bateman, and Day are comedic geniuses. They are the modern day David Spade, Adam Sandler, and Chris Farley. As bad as the film was the actors give it some substance and boost of entertainment. Jennifer Aniston hasn't lost her comedic touch either. She was entertaining and kept the ball rolling. 

At the end of the day, it's best to enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday getting stuffed and steering clear of Horrible Bosses 2. 

SKIP IT!

Neighbors

I saw an advanced screening of Neighbors starring Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, and Rose Byrne. It delivered exactly what you'd expect, a crazy off-the-wall nonsense comedy. I really enjoyed the film for what it was. It borders on silly to witty at times but is a great look at dealing with crazy neighbors. 

Mac and Kelly, played by Rogen and Byrne, are new parents who just aren't used to the idea of being all grown up and responsible. The idea isn't made any easier when a college fraternity moves in next door. At first Teddy the fraternity president, played by Efron, is all smiles and friendly. But things turn for the worse as Mac and Kelly can't live with all the noise and craziness. The story unfolds as both neighbors go head-to-head to eliminate one another.

Seth Rogen delivers as the outrageous irresponsible adult-child that he is. And I know college is crazy but this fraternity takes outrageous to another level. The film also stars Dave Franco (21 Jump Street) and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad). There are some nice cameos as well that may surprise you. 

Franco's acting is limited. Not just in this, but in general I've noticed. I don't expect much from him. Cannot take his acting seriously. Rose Byrne is a comedy genius. Great to see an attractive women who's great at being silly and funny. Enjoyed her as the young-party mom.

The film doesn't have much substance but that's not why you're going to watch it. Neighbors is a great laugh and will keep you entertained. 

Check out Neighbors when is hits theaters May 9, 2014. 

SEE IT!

Starbuck

"Starbuck" is a 2011 Canadian comedy directed by Ken Scott. It stars Patrick Huard. The film takes place in Canada and is entirely in French with English subtitles. It is set to release in the US on March 22, 2013.

A forty-something year old, David, finds out his girlfriend is pregnant. But that’s the least of his parental worries. He works for his father’s butcher company but is barely hanging on. David doesn’t have his life in order at all, and it only gets worse. He soon finds out that he has fathered over 500 children resulting from his many “donations” to the local sperm bank twenty years ago. Over 100 of his children are now filing a lawsuit against him in order to find out his identity. David is faced with many moral hurdles as he tries to balance his soon-to-be family and current ever growing one.




Starbuck makes you laugh and cry. Although mostly a comedy, it definitely has a deeper meaning. There are sentimental moments that tug at your heart. Patrick Huard brings a lot of laughter to the screen. He plays the stereotypical loser that hasn’t amounted to anything except working for his father’s business, yet he can’t even do that right. Life just hasn’t cut him a break but this news of having hundreds of grown children in the world might just change his life…hopefully for the better. 



Starbuck is a different and unique story that’s worth your time. Through the comedy a message of family and being true comes to surface. If you’re thinking of donating to your local sperm bank or artificial insemination in general definitely check out this film. And even if you’re not, Starbuck is a great film to see.

SEE IT!

Run time 1 hour 49 mins

21 and Over

Last week I saw a sneak preview of “21 and over.” It tells the story of two friends who visit their best friend in an effort to celebrate his 21st birthday. But he’s in no position to party because he’s got an important med school interview the next morning. The story unravels as the trio journey through the night.


I’d say the movie has its good moments, but isn’t worth the trip. It’s a mix of “Project X” meets Ryan Reynolds’ “Van Wilder.” It is an homage to the college years and most 18-25 year olds will definitely connect with the film. People over 30 may find it immature and unnecessarily outrageous. I graduated college a couple years ago and it was bittersweet to reminisce my college years. The movie definitely makes you rethink if you lived your college years to its full potential.  There’s some puffery in there because I don’t think anyone’s real college experience included wild buffalo injuries on campus and acid tripping professors. Then again, I may have gone to the wrong school.

"21 and over" is crude, rude, and then some. There’s lots of nudity; surprisingly more male nudity then female. The film also has many racial jokes, mostly playing on Asian stereotypes. There are many "WTF" moments that will have you covering you eyes or leaving your jaw hanging. 

Miles Teller (from Project X) is the funniest character and plays the goofy party guy that doesn’t know when to filter his thoughts and words. Skylar Astin (from Pitch Perfect) plays the pretty boy who’s a little strung up and gets caught up in a romantic relationship. Justin Chon (from the Twilight series) is the birthday boy whose performance falls a bit short. His acting and comedic ability was not enjoyable. He simply just isn’t a good actor and came off as fake and forced.

"21 and Over" pushes some boundaries and leaves you thinking if you really lived up your college years,  especially your 21st birthday. So to sum it up, grab a drink (or two) at your local college bar instead of seeing this movie.

SKIP IT! 

My ‘American Reunion’ movie review is coming soon. Until then enjoy this. Make your own at

http://www.americanreunionmovie.com/gifcreator/#

21 Jump Street

Let me preface by saying, I have not seen the original 21 Jump Street. But it seems fine because I think they made this movie for the 13-28 demographic. I’m assuming, this age demo hasn’t seen the original series. So what I’m trying to say is, the film has a complete modern twist to it so that it’s relatable to young people today. You don’t need to be a fan of the original in order to like this film.

21 Jump Street wasn’t bad, and I fairly enjoyed it. The movie was actually funny. I know, some of you may be thinking “Channing Tatum is a chick-flick actor, what is he doing in comedy?” But let me tell you, he surprised me also. I can even go so far as to say that he was funnier than Jonah Hill. Hill played the typical nerdy quirky partner. I think that’s why people gave him so much credit for “Moneyball.” Hill was type casted after his breakthrough role in ‘Superbad,’ but soon stepped out of the mold with his Oscar nominating role. Don’t expect an oscar-worthy performance in this movie.

While we’re on the topic of the cast, I’ll also mention that Dave Franco made an impacting impression as well. Fun fact, he is James Franco’s younger brother (I didn’t know that until after I watched the film).

I think they kept the movie hip, while also throwing in some old school moves. There are some 1980’s references, music, and surprises. The movie also doesn’t cross over as a chick flick either, which I appreciated. Yes there are some love story sub-plots, but that’s almost inevitable in every movie like this. The “love story” wasn’t focused on too much. The main focus of the film was the battle Channing and Jonah face as two fuck-up-cops on assignment as undercover high-schoolers. They were an odd duo, but they worked well with each other. I think they were perfectly casted as “the jock” and “the nerd” especially because the film takes an odd twist regarding that matter.

Ultimately 21 Jump Street surpassed my expectations. It’s a nice flick to catch on Saturday night or if you want a quick laugh. I think you’ll enjoy this film. See it!

SEE IT!