helenaduberry Reviews

Johnny English (2003)

Dumb, but funny entertainment

[7/10 · 22 April 2003]

I am a big fan of Rowan Atkinson, so I was excited to see him in a rare movie leading role (the last was Bean in 1997), and I wasn't disappointed. This film is full of funny moments, and only a few of the jokes don't really hit the mark. Atkinson and Ben Miller are both good value as the spy duo, with Miller playing the more deadpan role to Atkinson's mugging, and Imbruglia makes an okay movie debut, but Malkovich lets it down with a terrible French accent and a genuinely annoying performance. Then again, maybe that was his aim. It's full of wit, both erbal and physical, and is a good way to spend an evening. Just leave your brain behind, sit back and have a good laugh in spite of yourself. You won't regret it.

Jackass: The Movie (2002)

Juvenile, but damn funny

[8/10 · 18 April 2003]

Jackass is one of those love-it-or-hate-it movies based on the hit TV show in which a gang of well, morons, do dumb stunts for no apparent reason. I love it. This film had me in stitches occasionally, often where I would miss some bits by laughing so hard. Some of it is very hard to watch, such as the yellow sno-cone or the paper cuts, but all the same it is painfully funny. I'm sure many people will dismiss it as puerile rubbish which glorifies injuring yourself, but these people obviously have no sense of fun. You'll have a good time with this.

Chasing Amy (1997)

great fun, with a lot to say

[17 April 2003]

Romatic comedies are a dime a dozen - normally formulaic, forgettable stuff that really smacks of pointlessness (see recent examples like Two Weeks Notice, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days), but this is a gem. Smith uses his trademark wit and natural storytelling ability to give us a tale of a unique relationship which you won't forget in a hurry. The three lead actors are great, with Jason Lee doing his usual scene-stealing stuff and Affleck better than ever. Except maybe Good Will Hunting...anyway, this has a lot to say about relationships and love, as well as being at times laugh-out-loud funny. It's just a shame that Smith decided to go a bit silly with the two movies that followed, but this is something to treasure.

Mallrats (1995)

no clerks, but not bad

[17 April 2003]

Mallrats is the follow-up to the much lauded Clerks, and is similar in that this too spends most of it's time in one location - a shopping mall. It isn't as funny or charming as Clerks, or even Chasing Amy which followed it, but this is still a likeable way to spend 90 minutes or so. Jason Lee is the best part of it, using his trademark charisma and sarcasm to get laughs. Jay and Silent Bob aren't that funny in this flick I'm afraid to say, but regardless this is worth watching for Smith fans, like myself.

7 out of 10

Clerks (1994)

Low-budget epic

[25 April 2002]

Clerks is a frank but charming and hilarious film in which two guys exchange banter in a convienience store. Many a comic gem appear in this movie (the "I Assure You We're Open" sign; Jay and Silent Bob; the necrophilia episode). Since watching this flick I've rented all of Kevin Smith's other movies - none are better than this, but he is a hell of a talented guy - and I have a deep respect for him and his Star Wars-loving ways. The actors are unknowns but they rock (especially Jeff Anderson as Randall. Interestingly, Smith was considering playing Randall but opted for Silent Bob because he's easy to play) and overall this is a fantastic movie. Don't let the fact it's black and white put you off.

Vanilla Sky (2001)

Weird...

[7/10 · 14 February 2002]

OK. Upon leaving th cinema after veiwing this movie I was simultaneously in awe, puzzled and tired. Tom Cruise gives a solid performance as David Aames, with able support from Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz (who starred in the original Open Your Eyes as well) and even Kurt Russell, who may have just redeemed himself after Soldier. This movie kept me guessing before it kind of went a bit stupid, with a disappointing climax. Enjoyable for the most part, but may just be a little too confusing for some. For vintage Cameron Crowe, rent Jerry Maguire.

Rat Race (2001)

Good movie. Shame about the ending...

[8/10 · 14 February 2002]

Rat Race has a dream cast of both veterans and relative newcomers. Rowan Atkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr, Whoopi Goldberg, Jon Lovitz, Breckin Meyer, Seth Green and Vince Vieluf take part in a cross-country race to win $2 million stashed inside a train station locker. A simple plot, but some fine comedic acting, mainly from Gooding Jr, elevate the film so that it's highly enjoyable. So why spoil the whole thing with such an overly sentimental ending? But, quibbles aside, this is an ensemble peice that actually works well, with some hilarious set peices (the theft of Hitler's car, the flying cow, Amy Smart's plane attack on her cheating boyfriend). Essential Friday/Saturday night viewing.

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Very funny

[14 February 2002]

The fourth big Disney/Pixar movie and possibly the best. The animation is the best it's ever been, the voice work is (as with Toy Story) superb, with Billy Crystal and John Goodman on top form (after America's Sweethearts Crystal needed a decent career move). A smash hit on both sides of the Atlantic, and deservedly so, this is an example of a great kids flick that adults can enjoy. Hey, it may be better than Shrek...

Airplane! (1980)

This rocks.

[9/10 · 5 October 2001]

I'll keep it brief: this is so funny, I nearly spewed. Whatever happened to Jim and the Zucker brothers since this and The Naked Gun? Has thousands of jokes, all of which are hilarious. Yes, all of them. The sequel disappointed, but this is heaven. Pure heaven on celluloid. Thank you.

American Pie 2 (2001)

Still hilarious

[8/10 · 2 October 2001]

After a string of crappy gross-out movies like Tomcats and Freddy Got Fingered, this was it's only hope of a lifeline. And dammit, it's a good one. The entire cast return (even those "Milf" dudes) and prove the original wasn't a one-off. Some get bigger roles like Seann William Scott as Stifler, the sexist goofball of the group and some get smaller ones like Natasha Lyonne as Jessica, the sassy chick. However the jokes are so funny, you won't care too much. Jim (Jason Biggs) superglues his hand to his genitals, Scott gets peed on and Biggs is caught at it by his father (the hilarious Eugene Levy). The movie doesn't possess as much charm as the original, but it's still quite heartwarming despite the gross antics, as will still leave you happy long after you've left the cinema. And isn't that what comedies are supposed to do? Oh, and there are lesbians in it. Ummm...

The Fast and the Furious (2001)

Stupid but fun.

[2 October 2001]

If you don't want a pounding headache, don't go and see this movie. It's, suitably, fast and furious, and is such a rush you'll ignore the bad elements, such as the stodgy dialogue and dumb plotlines.

Vin Diesel proves a reliable leading man, Paul Walker is OK as an undercover cop and the leading ladies (Rodruigez and Brewster) do well too, but you're not gonna see this for the acting or other minor details, you're gonna see it for the action. And there are plenty of smashes, crashes and general carnage to satisfy those hungry for explosions. Which in my eyes, is a good thing. Probably the best action flick of the summer, this rocks, despite the hammy script.

Scary Movie 2 (2001)

Not as funny as the first

[5/10 · 18 September 2001]

Gross-out has died. After a minor regurgitation (pardon the pun) led by American Pie and Scary Movie, it's now gone out of fashion again. This sequel proves that. Most of the cast from the original return, but don't do much with their roles, and the same old gags are recycled. A retarded butler molests a roast turkey, Ray, a gay character, humps a clown under a bed and Anna Faris gets covered in jizzum again. Nice! The plot is poor, the performances annoying and the jokes only mildly funny at best. James Woods is great though. For his 10 minutes of the film. And when the opening skit is the highlight, you know something's wrong. I hope a third isn't released.

Tomcats (2001)

Terrible.

[4/10 · 18 September 2001]

Right then. This film is totally unfunny, puerile, has gags from other films, has songs from other films (Blink 182's "Mutt", Grand Theft Audio's "We Luv U"), an unlikeable leading man, a ridiculous plot, and lame parodies of films like Mission Impossible 2 and American Beauty. Redeeming features? Shannon Elizabeth and Jaime Pressly. Enough said.

Saving Silverman (2001)

Quite good, actually.

[7/10 · 18 September 2001]

If Jack Black and Steve Zahn weren't the heroes of this film, it would be rubbish. They work very well together because they both have very high charisma. Amanda Peet may be easy on the eye, but boy she can't act. Jason Biggs is alright, but is more restrained than in American Pie and it's sequel. The jokes come thick and fast, most raising a chuckle, and the direction by Big Daddy helmer Dennis Dugan is just about acceptable. Not a great movie by all means, but an efortlessly likeable one at that.

The Parole Officer (2001)

Only occasionally hilarious.

[7/10 · 22 August 2001]

I like Steve Coogan, so naturally I was excited about his film debut. Co-written by Coogan, it should have been a laugh riot. Unfortunately however, it isn't. There are some inspired moments of pure hiarity, one being the rollercoaster scene, but other jokes fail to raise laughs. The supporting cast is OK, especially Om Puri (of East Is East fame), but it's a mild disappointment overall. Should've been great, but as it is, it's only quite good. Sorry Steve, but TV's a better showcase for your comic talents.

Rush Hour 2 (2001)

A bit silly

[7/10 · 22 August 2001]

Jackie Chan is something special. Approaching 50, he still pulls off stunts with relative ease. Here he gets to do them a lot, but you can't help wondering how long he can keep on going. Here, Chan and sidekick Chris Tucker, who is still annoying, by the way, go around various locations trying to track down a Chinese bomber. This film contains a lot of slapstick comedy, and has no genuine wit, which is a shame. However it's likeable enough, with some funny moments and well staged fights to keep the pace flowing. The middle of the film slows down a bit, but it's till fun. Although it borders on the juvenile, this is a crowd pleasing comedy well anchored by Chan, who is developing a talent for comedy. A step up from the days of Rumble In The Bronx.

Evolution (2001)

Funny

[8/10 · 22 August 2001]

Evolution is a step up from most gross-out comedies. With a nice idea for a plot, it starts off quite serious before the stars show their comic talents off. David Duchovny has good comic timing that hasn't really been tapped before, Orlando Jones is far better here than in Double Take and Say It Isn't So and Seann William Scott is a damn fine comic actor who uses his goofy charm to his advantage. Julianne Moore's constant falling over isn't funny, but you can't have everything. It's a shame that it flopped in the US, because it's really good. The special effects are decent, the turns are likeable and the script is loaded with sharp wit. OK, maybe some jokes go dead but seeing Orlando Jones getting lubricated after a bug enters his body and Scott singing to a flying monster in a mall is reason enough to go see this excellent summer blockbuster.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

Stupid

[22 August 2001]

The games rocked. All five of them were cool. Now it appears the makers of this film drained all of the excitement out of the games and gave us this dull, stupid and unimaginative film. Granted, the locations are nice and Angelina is pretty solid as Lara, but in the end it's really just nothing more than a cash-in. And a shoddy one at that.

5 out of 10 just for Angelina Jolie.

Cast Away (2000)

Is there anything Mr. Hanks can do wrong?

[8/10 · 27 January 2001]

Forget 'The Beach' (not hard), this is the best desert island flick of them all. It's funny, moving, poignant, and Tom Hanks is outstanding. However I only gave it an 8 because it goes all schmaltzy at the end, which is a common mistake (just see 'The Family Man' for God's sake). Robert Zemeckis directs it well, as per usual, and as mentioned, Hanks is a marvel. You become captivated by watching his actions on the island, especially those involving Wilson the volleyball. Hanks does many bizarre things like eat live fish and do dentistry on himself, which are fun to watch (if not a little sickening). Not totally brilliant, but it's so engaging you'll hardly care. A must for fans of Hanks and director Zemeckis.

Happy Gilmore (1996)

Silly, moronic and downright funny

[7/10 · 21 January 2001]

Adam Sandler isn't a popular one with the critics thanks to duds like Airheads and Mixed Nuts. And while I enjoy his recent crop of movies, many do not, which I think is a shame. This has a lot of jokes, and while most are funny, some don't come off with good effect. Happy Gilmore is an amateur hockey player renowned for his violent ways. When he is introduced to golf, he uncovers a talent he never knew he had. The supporting cast is good, with Carl Weathers (Predator) superb as Chubbs the one-handed golfing coach. Yet you feel Sandler has to do a bit more to raise a smile. This is funny but at times a bit too lame for it's own good. 7 out of 10.

Meet the Parents (2000)

The best comedy of the year 2000

[9/10 · 19 January 2001]

Meet The Parents is a revelation. A great script, superb cast and very solid direction from Jay Roach (director of Austin Powers 1 & 2) are all redeeming factors. Ben Stiller stars as Greg Focker (what a surname) who has plans to marry his beautiful girlfriend Pam, played by Teri Polo. However once he's met the parents (Robert De Niro and Blythe Danner) he begins to have second thoughts. Full of comedy moments and sharp one-liners, Meet The Parents is by far the best comedy of 2000, because it does not need gross-out moments to provide laughs, whereas flicks like Road Trip and Scary Movie do. If you don't see this film and like it, you need your head examined. A fun movie recommended for almost anyone.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

How the Grinch stole 90 minutes of my life

[5/10 · 19 January 2001]

'The Grinch` is very disappointing. It suffers form stodgy direction from a usually reliable Ron Howard, and a dire script. However it has one factor saving it. Mr. Jim Carrey. The saviour of comedy. Even dressed up in green fur Carrey produces a magnificent comic performance, worthy of his recent Golden Globe nomination. Here's how it goes. Young Cindy-Lou Who (Taylor Momsen, cute but cringeworthy) is eager to find out why the Grinch is so hateful of Christmas, and tries to tell him that Christmas is not so bad. With a few bits of poetry by Anthony Hopkins, the narrator of the tale. I expected far better than this and while some parts raise a smile, especially when it's Carrey provoking them, it's still easily forgotten the morning after. Not a complete Christmas turkey, but it could have been far better.

Teaching Mrs. Tingle (1999)

Kevin Williamson's time may be up...

[6/10 · 19 January 2001]

Here in the UK, this movie has just been released direct-to-video. Ignoring it's less than favourable reviews, I decided that it was worth renting anyway. And while it was mildly enjoyable, it had some gaping flaws. Helen Mirren hams it up as Mrs. Tingle, held hostage by three students (Katie Holmes, Barry Watson and Marisa Coughlan) who are fed up of her constantly berating students. So they go to her house and tie her to the bed to teach her a lesson or two. Bright spots include a hilarious, if hardly essential to the plot, Exorcist spoof by Coughlan and a cameo by Molly Ringwald. Other than that it's a standard thriller with a mediocre script and none-too-great acting with a few scattered laughs.

Dude, Where's My Car? (2000)

Sweet, dude!

[8/10 · 5 January 2001]

'Dude, Where's My Car?' is very dumb. It's also a riot. Two stoners, room-mates Jesse (Ashton Kutcher) and Chester (Seann William Scott, who we all remember from Road Trip and American Pie) wake up one morning, trying to figure out what they did the night before. They then get a surprise call from their girlfriends, who are twins, indicating that the relationships would end unless they give a good explanation as to what happened the night before. It seems they also forgot the anniversary, you see they've been going out for a year. Oops. The boys try to find their gifts in Jesse's car. Dude, where is it? What follows is a hilarious chain of events as thre boys go on a quest to find the car. However, they get caught up in some business involving a device capable of destroying Earth... This movie is a lot of fun. It's a bit like 'Dumb & Dumber' with a sci-fi edge, which in my eyes is a good thing. If you had to fault it, some of the jokes do fall flat and the plot may confuse some, but otherwise it's a fully watchable and entertaining slice of comic brilliance.

Kevin & Perry Go Large (2000)

Gross-out that goes a tad too far

[7/10 · 8 December 2000]

Kevin, the stroppy teenager that's by far Harry Enfield's best creation, makes it to the big screen along with Perry (Kathy Burke, who is excellent). One day, Kevin's parents say that if he wants a holiday in Ibiza, he'll have to earn it. When one day Kevin accidentally sets an alarm off with his 'boner' and stops a burglary, he does earn it.In Ibiza they meet up with DJ Eyeball Paul (Rhys Ifans, very annoying) who seems to befriend them but turns his back. Some of it is hilarious and then some isn't, and the humour does wear thin towards the end of the film, but that shouldn't stop you from watching this, a reasonable slice of comic entertainment.