Joshsports60 Reviews

Men, Women & Children (2014)

An Excellent Jason Reitman Film

[10/10 · 6 September 2014]

I recently got to see Men, Women, and Children, the newest feature from Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air) and co-writing partner Erin Cressida Wilson (Chloe) based on the novel of the same name by Chad Kultgen.

The film is an ensemble drama, about the effect the internet and technology has had on relationships, intimate or otherwise. They're no groundbreaking original story lines. There is a Romeo (Ansel Elgort) and his Juliet (Kaitlyn Dever). A marriage is on the rocks (Adam Sandler and Rosemarie Dewitt). An overbearing mother trying to control her daughter (Jennifer Garner). An unwitting parent trying to live through her child (Judy Greer and Olivia Crocicchia). A newly single parent trying to connect with his video game addicted son (Dean Norris and Ansel Elgort). An impressionable teenage girl dealing with severe body image issues.

All of the actors did a proficient job. Adam Sandler was excellent, in his first straight drama role since Reign Over Me (or Funny People, if you'd count that). Ansel Elgort and Kaitlyn Dever had both breakout performances. Each of their characters plights will your break your heart, and leave you rooting for them. And most of all, Jennifer Garner was as good as I've seen her in years. She did such an incredible job to make me hate her character as much as I did.

It's a linear story from a big studio with an independent feel. Emotional fireworks are few in this movie. Some of the quieter moments feel the loudest.

This story is timeless. Nobody understands technology in this world. Not the teenagers who superficially know how to use it, and not the parents who are mostly right to be afraid of it. No one understands it. Every character in this story believes the internet can solve their problems. They are searching for a way to mask their wounds. It's ironic that the internet provides anonymity, but those who search for it most crave human connection.

The Campaign (2012)

Best Will Ferrell Movie since Step Brothers

[9/10 · 22 July 2012]

*There are no real spoilers in this review, just some basic plot

I was privileged to attend a screening of The Campaign back in May.

Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) is a congressman who has never really been challenged. But that changes, as the powerful Motch brothers (Aykroyd and Lithgow) who would have something to gain with Marty Huggins (Zach Galifinakis) as congressman.

The movie is absolute comic gold. After the movie, I was wondering who Ferrell was channeling and I'm guessing it was John Edwards. There's nothing mind blowing here. Ferrell's not exactly doing a different character than past films like Talladega Knights and Blades of Glory. But that doesn't mean he wasn't funny. In fact, he was nothing short of brilliant in this particular role.

Zach Galifinakis wasn't as good as Ferrell but he had some shining moments, no question. The back and forth battle was just superb. I could've watched those two go at it all day.

Roach, the film's director, is no stranger to politics. For the record, this film doesn't lean liberal or conservative. In fact, there's barely any politics in it. All the film tried to do was to one up the ridiculousness of real life campaigns. And they did that real well.

Sarah Baker really shined as Mitzi Huggins, Marty Huggins' wife. I hadn't really heard of her before this but I'm sure more work is headed her way. Her role won't make her Melissa McCarthy popular, but still solid.

I was disappointed by the Motch brothers plot line. It was forced a little bit. And I didn't think they were very funny on screen.

My favorite scene was probably where Marty Huggins' family is confessing their sins. They couldn't show some of the stuff in the Green band trailer, but after that scene, my ribs hurt and I was crying from laughter.

So congratulations Chris Henchy and Shawn Harwell for just a fantastic and rich script. And I hope this is the start for another prolific writing team.

The best comedy film of the summer (yes, I thought it was better than Ted). And welcome back, Will Ferrell. It's good to see you making great films again.

9/10

Box Office Prediction: Crowded opening weekend, especially tough opening since they're competing with the same audience for The Bourne Legacy. I say a solid 25-30 million if the marketing campaign is good.

Dallas (2012–2014)

Dallas is back with a LOT of Backstabbing

[10/10 · 14 June 2012]

My parents bought the old Dallas DVDs years ago. I was hooked pretty much from the get go.

I was worried that this new series, Dallas: The Next Generation, wouldn't be as good. It isn't as good. It's better.

Good ole boy Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy) has gotten diagnosed with cancer. Christopher Ewing (Jesse Metcalfe), his adopted son, is doing his best to make a name for himself using alternative energy overseas. But Bobby doesn't trust Christopher run Southfork up to his standards if Bobby dies from this cancer. So, Bobby decides to sell Southfork. And John Ross (Josh Henderson), JR's son, is not too happy about it, as he wants to drill oil on Southfork. Oh, and JR's (Larry Hagman) not to thrilled with the prospect either.

We find JR in a retirement home. Not for long, though. Not when there's oil to drill and Texans to deceive. JR is once again played masterfully by Larry Hagman. The 80 year is as good as he was 30 years ago.

Patrick Duffy was also excellent as nice guy Bobby. He has excellent chemistry with his new wife Ann (Brenda Strong). Rounding out the quartet is Sue Ellen (Linda Gray), a much more refined character than she was 25 years ago.

The cousins John Ross and Christopher take after their fathers. They're involved with Elena Ramos, the daughter of a maid, and the former lover of Christopher.

That's about as far as I'll go into the plot. This show was and is going to be people's guilty pleasures. Our economy obviously is doing spectacularly right now. So why should we watch a show about a rich Texas family?

Well, it's the same reason people love George Clooney. He lives the life we all want to have. He has it. Many shows and movies have beautiful women and fast cars, but that's not what makes Dallas unique. Dallas has the IT factor. It's a guilty pleasure because 99% don't live that life. We don't have enough money to even consider being that greedy.

Money fuels almost everything in life. and when you have it, you have power. And that's why JR is such a compelling character. He's successful because he doesn't think with his heart, unlike Bobby. Probably, because he doesn't have one. You can call him a terrible husband, an awful parent, or even a soulless son. But that doesn't matter in business.

Because ultimately, blood may be thicker than water, but oil is thicker than both.

Rock of Ages (2012)

Was not quite the Rock of Ages, but close

[7/10 · 2 May 2012]

*There are no real spoilers in this review, just some minor plot details.

I had the privilege of being able to see this at an advance screening a couple of months ago. Just to let you know, I have never seen the Broadway show, so I can't compare the two.

On one hand, Tom Cruise stole the show as he always does. He plays the role of aging rocker Stacee Jaxx, tasked with saving the Bourbon Room from the villainous Patricia Whitmore's (Zeta-Jones) wrath. He has a killer voice, and he shared some great chemistry with journalist Constance Sack (Malin Akerman). I think everybody is going to love those two together.

On the other hand, the two lovebirds Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough) and Drew Boley (Diego Boneta) just did not bring a lot of chemistry. And their acting ability is so far inferior to the likes of the Cruises, Baldwins, and the Giamattis of the world. And when they are the leads, it kind of brings down the movie a little bit. The singing was great, but isn't that the standard for musicals? I would've preferred Brittany Snow be cast alongside the original Drew Constantine Maroulis. Even though I have not seen the original play live, I've seen numerous of his performances either live or on the computer.

Another critique I have is that the whole thing is a little too much. This film felt a little busy to me. I almost wish someone would have told Adam Shankman to tone it down a little because it fizzled a little towards the end.

The musical numbers in were just incredible. As someone in the younger generation, I don't believe I could appreciate the the 80s music as much as the people born in the later 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s. But, make no mistake, every single number was executed pretty well. I happened to like the performances more than Shankman's previous musical, Hairspray.

It was legitimately funny. Even if you don't like Tom Cruise personally, he kills it in every movie he's in. His scenes are the best. I was also impressed by the performances of Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand, and Paul Giamatti. Even singer Mary J. Blige got involved.

This is a movie that is some big time fun. It's not for everybody, as the person sitting next to me reminded me of. But if you liked Shankman's Hairspray, then you'll probably have a place for this one in your heart too.

Kudos to Adam Shankman and Chris D'Arenzio (creater) for achieving what they wanted to accomplish.

Wanderlust (2012)

One of the dirtiest Rated R Movies I've Ever Seen

[7/10 · 24 February 2012]

Look, this movie is just not for everybody. I personally liked, but I know a lot of people aren't going to like lots of male genitalia in front of their faces.

George and Linda area New York couple who are extremely poor, as George gets laid off. On the way down to live his brother, the couple stay in a commune named Elysium for the night.

Theere were many positives for this movie. The cast was fantastic, as Justin Theroux was great in his role as the lead hippie. Of course, having a good script helps too. We new it would be a good one from the same guys who wrote Role Models.

Paul Rudd played his usual character. Middle aged, laid back white guy. They gave him some REALLY dirty lines to say. Jennifer Aniston was suited for this Rated R comedy much better than Horrible Bosses. I thought Malin Akerman could have had a bigger part. Alan Alda had a somewhat big part, which I was surprised.

The negatives were that it simply didn't need to be as dirty as it was. Their was some grotesque male nudity that just didn't need to be there, but at the same time, you know what you are signing up for.

Ultimately, this is going to do horribly at the box office. But I'm pretty sure this movie was meant to be some sort of cult classic. It doesn't quite get to that status, but it was an above average comedy.

Man on a Ledge (2012)

A Real Thriller

[8/10 · 10 January 2012]

Ultimately, he's just a man on a ledge. He's a man with a decision to make. Go back to prison for 25 years for a crime he didn't commit, or perform the crime he committed to prove he didn't commit the crime in the first place.

Hopefully, that wasn't too confusing.Nick Cassidy (Worthington) is a convicted convict serving 25 years for stealing and breaking into a thousand pieces, Dave Englander's (Harris) prized diamond. After breaking out of federal prison, Cassidy steps out onto the ledge of the hotel, and requests a certain negotiator (Banks) to talk to him.

That is about as far as I'll go into the plot. But know, that this was a real thriller. The music set this thriller apart from others. It was fit in exactly the write places. The cinematography was also a real plus for the film. As the audience, we were constantly reminded how high up Cassidy was from the rest of the crowd.

There were some negatives, however. Banks, by no means, was terrible in this movie. But they could've done a better job casting for the part. I actually think Worthington's Avatar cast mate Michelle Rodriguez would've been perfect for the role. Other than that, this wasn't the most original script. There were a fair share of cheesy barbs between Joey (Bell) and Angie (Rodriguez).

Speaking of Genesis Rodriguez, wow. I mean, damn, she's hot. No disrespect for Bell, but he, like all of us, are out of her league.

Overall, it was a good success by the relatively new feature film director-screenwriter combination.

Friends with Benefits (2011)

Really Beneficial Movie to Watch

[8/10 · 9 July 2011]

Friends With Benefits is exactly like No Strings Attached. Except it isn't. The plot is the same, but the movie dynamics are totally different.

FWB was one of the funniest romantic comedies in years. No formula, no b.s., just good comedy.There were a lot of satirical elements in the movie that were surprisingly witty.

I'm not sure Woody Harrelson's character was actually needed to progress the story,but I'd equate it to Melissa McCarthy's character in Bridesmaids. Just really, really funny every time he's on screen.

The chemistry between the two main characters was very real most of the time. Both Timberlake and Kunis played off each other fairly well. And the rated R is what the adult viewer really wants. And trust me, FWB delivers.

Another thing FWB had that No Strings Attached didn't was a lot of heart. Very real emotions were often displayed in the movie.

There were some great cameos in the movie, like Jason Segel, Andy Samberg, Emma Stone, and Shaun White playing Shaun White.

Good for Will Gluck for making a good follow-up movie to Easy A. I think he's really starting to find his niche in Hollywood.

Bridesmaids (I) (2011)

Excellent Movie

[10/10 · 15 May 2011]

Bridesmaids will probably be the funniest movie this year. That is a huge statement.

Annie (Wiig) plays a character going through tough times. In fact, you would think it's a drama based on how depressed she is. But she is tasked with planning her best friend's (Rudolph) wedding. There, we meet the antagonist along with some of the other bridesmaids.

Melissa McCarthy was unbelievably hilarious in this movie. Every single scene she was in was funny. Some of the other bridesmaids were excellent like Rose Byrne and Ellie Kemper.

Every situation Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo (the co-writers) put the bridesmaids in allowed the women to do what they do best--be funny.

For people comparing this movie to the Hangover, they are completely different premises with a few similarities. But there is no doubt that the Hangover Part 2 will have to be extremely funny to top this one.

Kudos to Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy for making some of the most classic scenes that people will still be laughing to years from now.

Hall Pass (2011)

Very mediocre

[4/10 · 14 March 2011]

Look, with a storyline like the one they had, this could've been an epic movie. But it wasn't anywhere near that.

The Farrelly Brothers flat out didn't deliver. The script was fairly bland and crude, but not all that funny. If a comedy isn't that funny, then the movie is pretty much dead.

It was just boring. From Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis' haircuts to the week they had off from marriage, I was more enthusiastic about their wive's week off then the husbands.

I felt like they could've incorporated 2 or 3 more characters into the plot to liven it up. It's unfair to have the two characters try to carry the movie by themselves for most of it.

It took way too long to transition to the actual plot, around a half hour in fact that could've been cut down 15 minutes.

If I had been directing this film, I would remake it totally different. For sake of not giving anything away, you decide for yourself if you would've made it wilder.

If you're going to see this movie, expect lots of vulgarity and a teensy bit of nudity towards the end.

This movie wasn't terrible, but could've been so much better if the dialogue was more crisp, wilder adventures, and much more boldness.

Reign Over Me (2007)

Fantastic Movie

[10/10 · 14 March 2011]

Reign Over Me was an unbelievable movie. It focuses on a guy who lost everything worth living for in the 9/11 plane crash--his Wife and children. The story focuses in on Alan Johnson (Cheadle) seeing Charlie Fineman (Adam sandler) by chance in New York City. Fineman is a lonely, desperate soul who just can't talk about anything relating to his family.

Really, the writing and directing of this movie was just sensational. Perfect cast, perfect sequences of music, etc. Mike Binder deserved a pat on the back.

I see this as a film that at least should've been considered for an Award nomination. The reason it wasn't was because of Adam Sandler.

Don't get me wrong, because Adam Sandler was absolutely terrific in this movie. He played such a perplexing, depressed character, and managed to execute it brilliantly. I felt the raw emotions from his character that most of the time you don't see.

It was great to see him in a drama. That's precisely the problem though. Adam Sandler was/is not very popular with the critics based on his comedies. I love his comedies, but that's a whole other story. I believe the critics were a little prejudiced b/c of Sandler, and didn't rate it even higher than they did.

It is what it is.

Regardless, this film was the definition of losing it all, and attempting to go on the road to recovery. It's a tearjerker for some. I can't give any higher compliment. It'll make you feel everything the main character is going through and more. Go see this beautiful movie, or else you might regret you didn't see it.

Just Go with It (2011)

Just Go With It

[10/10 · 19 February 2011]

Speaking as an Adam Sandler movie buff, I thought this was his best movie since Happy Gilmore.

The movie was somewhat predictable, but extremely funny. The two breakout stars were the kids of Jennifer Aniston's character.

The plot is basically a womanizing plastic surgeon who meets a gorgeous, young woman. She sees his wedding ring, and the lie eventually grows a lot bigger.

I have no clue why this Sandler movie got such bad reviews. It's like they don't even watch his movies anymore, and just review it like all the ones they disliked in the past.

I understand some of his movies in the past were really stupid, like: Zohan and Chuck and Larry.

When you go see an Adam Sandler movie, you're not expecting to see some cutting edge plot with a giant twist at the end. You're expecting to sit through a really funny movie with your family.

The only people who don't like this movie are the ones that have no sense of humor.