I have three movies for you this week. They can all be classified as comedies, but each is unique. I hope I have something for everyone.
The first is a bit goofy. It's Here Comes The Boom (2012, PG, Available On DVD).
Scott Voss (Kevin James) is a biology teacher at a high school. He's the kind of teacher who is late to school and puts a newspaper over his face so he can snooze and ignore the students. Scott Voss has one thing going for him: he doesn't like authority figures. He's furious when the school's principal announces that the school doesn't have enough money to continue the music program.
He investigates various ways to save the conductor's (Henry Winkler as Marty Streb) job, and finally hits on becoming a mixed-martial arts fighter. He was a champion wrestler in high school. Even though he's turned into a lazy slob, he figures it's not too late to learn.
And learn he does. It's totally implausible that this guy could hold his own in a fight, yet the movie has a sweetness and charm because it's about a sacrificial gift. You can probably watch this with your kids, but, as always, please watch it without the kids first. You might end up with a five year old who won't stop with the kick boxing moves.
Here Comes The Boom earns The Janie Junebug Seal of Approval.
Second, we have Extract (2009, R, Available On DVD and Netflix Streaming).
Joel (Jason Bateman) owns an extract plant. He and his workers produce those little bottles of vanilla and other flavors that we need in our kitchens. Joel hopes to sell the company, but that plan is endangered when one of his employees is injured, and a new employee named Cindy (Mila Kunis) turns out to be a con artist who wants to suck the company dry.
Plus, Joel has problems with his personal life. Does his wife Suzie (Kristen Wiig) have plans to cheat on him? Should he take advice from his friend Dean (Ben Affleck)?
Willy Dunne Wooters watched Extract with me. We love it. It's the kind of quirky indie film we think is hilarious. The acting is excellent. I always like Jason Bateman, and I've never seen Ben Affleck so funny.
Extract earns The Janie Junebug & Willy Dunne Wooters Seal of Highest Approval. Not for young kids since it's rated R.
Our third movie is the type of film you'll love or you'll hate. It's This Is The End (2013, Rated R, Available On DVD).
A large group of young celebrities play themselves attending a party at James Franco's house when the apocalypse arrives. We have Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Emma Watson, Mindy Kaling, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride, Michael Cera, Rihanna, Paul Rudd, Channing Tatum . . . the list goes on and on. Many celebs play small parts, some uncredited, such as Jason Segal.
This movie is wild and crazy and hysterically funny. I felt pretty certain I would like it because Favorite Young Man told me I would, but I wasn't sure if this was a Willy Dunne Wooters' kind of move. Well, it is. We laughed so hard at this film, but according to the Internet Movie Database, a lot of people think it's stupid. You have to decide for yourself.
This Is The End earns The Janie Junebug & Willy Dunne Wooters Seal of Highest Approval. I bet older teens will love it.
Jay Baruchel: I don't wanna die at James Franco's house.
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
I never heard of Extract but I like Mila Kunis. (The new Oz movie was quite good because of her.) The other two never looked interesting or funny to me though.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the Oz movie. I should put it in my queue, if I can remember.
DeleteI just added them to my Netflix queue!!
ReplyDeleteHappy viewing! I just realized I forgot to say Happy viewing! in my post.
DeleteLove,
Janie
Infinities of love right back atcha, Janie Junebug!
ReplyDeleteAs I started reading this post reviewing three comedy films I predicted that Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler would be in at least one and was surprised they aren't. You could have fun playing a game of Six Degrees with the casts of the second and third movies For example, Franco, Rogen and Segel are all Freaks and Geeks alumni.
This game of Six Degrees leads back to Shecky Shady because Mindy Kaling portrayed Ben Affleck in the play Matt and Ben and also wrote for an episode of Saturday Night Live which at one time starred Kevin Nealon who created the famous sketch character Mr. Subliminal (largeripeningbananaunderthedesk).
Have a terrific Thursday, dear Janie! (midnightMotel6)
Stiller and Sandler aren't as popular as they used to be. Franco and Rogen are the cool guys now. I think everyone in the End movie is related somehow through movies and TV shows.
DeleteI love your reviews. A couple of these sound like movies I'd enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI too like indie films. I saw Morgan Freeman in 10 Items or Less and I loved it. ...but it's quirky;)
R
I haven't seen 10 Items or Less. I have to "check it out."
DeleteKevin James has always been a favorite of mine. My family loved him in Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Hitch, two movies we've watched and re-watched. We're simpletons.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually glad that I haven't seen the other two yet - it gives me something to watch this weekend without fear of wasting my time on a dud!
Love ya, Janie!
I don't think you're simpletons. It's fun to watch a movie such as Boom. Not every movie has to be brilliant and artistic. As for This Is The End, I have a feeling it's not your kind of movie.
DeleteI am going to try This is the End. Do you ever check out Rotten Tomatoes? They gave it the best score among the three. Thank you, Janie, for the reviews.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Thank you for reading them. Rotten Tomatoes usually pops up when I check out a movie on IMDb. I should look at what they have to say.
DeleteI've seen the Kevin James movie and it was much better than I'd expected.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised by how much I liked it.
DeleteI have not heard of the last of your recommendations, so will have to check it out. I'll be it's a riot, based on the cast.
ReplyDeleteLots of profanity and weirdness with that bunch. We darn near fell on the floor laughing. We are profane and weird.
DeleteI'll pick the Extract based on your reviews but I think I'll watch any comedies anytime. (my new web address is on my profile, why didn't I think of that earlier I don't know)
ReplyDeleteI have to read up on Willy Dunne Wooters
Willy Dunne Wooters is my sweetie pie.
DeleteI signed up with Tumblr to follow you. I hope it works.
DeleteDear Janie, these three movies sound entertaining. I don't get out to the movie theater more than once a year--and not even that since the Harry Potter movies ended. But I do borrow DVDs from the Library and I keep a list of ones you recommend! Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee, I don't think you will like these movies. Maybe you'd like Here Comes the Boom.
DeleteSounds like you have some good choices. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Thank you for visiting our humble abode.
DeleteSeems quite the zany trio. This Is the End sounds particularly promising - fantastic premise.
ReplyDeleteZany is the perfect word for This Is The End.
ReplyDelete