Well, it wasn’t a huge movie viewing week, but I did manage to sneak in two films this time, courtesy of the RedBox at the CVS around the corner. This week’s films surprised me — one was supposed to be absolutely horrible, and while it won’t win any awards in my book, I didn’t think it was nearly as awful as the reviewers on IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes. And the other film, I wasn’t looking forward to seeing and I ended up really enjoying it. Hmm. Proof once again that you should always keep an open mind and disregard what others say and see it for yourself. Oh wait, but still read this weekly blog though, okay? If only for the entertainment value… heh. Anyway, as always, I do thank you for reading. Even if we agree to disagree. ~ Chris K.
(click on images to enlarge on the screen!)
Comedy, Crime (2019)
Rebel Wilson, Ann Hathaway
As you might have guessed based on my description, this is the film that averaged a little over 5 out of 10 on most movie review sites. I think maybe the reviewers were a little hard on the film. Don’t get me wrong…it’s not the funniest comedy you’re going to see, I will give you that. But if you are a fan of either leading lady (for me, I personally get a kick out of Rebel Wilson’s comedic timing and delivery), I think you may be a little forgiving for a script that lacks much wit but sometimes the women delivering the lines make up for it in their characters they create.
I had completely forgotten when I watched it that it was a remake of a remake, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (1988), a rather charming and comedy that works starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine in the Wilson and Hathaway parts, respectively, itself a remake of a pretty awful Marlon Brando film BEDTIME STORY(1964) with David Niven in the original Caine/Hathaway part. Like the other films, the story follows two cons who cross path and decide the best way to trust each other is to work together and con someone else. Or do they?
Let’s see, it took 24 years to make the second version of the first, and another 31 years to make the third version of the second, so based on that, I estimate the next one should be expected by about 2057. It’s safe to say that I should not have to worry about viewing or reviewing that one, and I’m totally fine with that.
As for this one though, I say if you like the people, go in with the lowest of expectations and perhaps you’ll find a few funny moments to make it worth the trip to the RedBox. I had a discount that made this viewing only $0.50. So for me, this was worth the money. But see it for yourself and let me know. If you’re not a fan of Wilson or Hathaway, rent SCOUNDRELS instead and I’m betting that you will find it worthwhile.
Action, Comedy (2019)
Zachary Levi, Mark Strong
When this film was first released, the hubs wanted to see it, but I was so turned off by what appeared to be a hokey, laugh-at-ourselves mess of a film that couldn’t decide if it was a superhero film or a comedy. At least that’s what the ads made me think when I’d see the trailers at the theaters or on TV. It also brought to mind a film that for me did not work — the DEADPOOL (2016) films. That was a movie character that I wanted to enjoy and laugh along with but instead the film and his personality turned me off completely. And I really like Ryan Reynolds as an actor. But it just didn’t work for me. So when I saw promos for SHAZAM! that brought up those flashbacks, it made me reluctant to give it my attention. So we waited. And waited some more. And then it showed up at the RedBox around the corner.
I was completely wrong. SHAZAM! is sweet and funny, and totally unexpected, like a breath of fresh air. It has all of the special effects I want in a sophisticated Marvel Universe or DC Comics box office flick yet the sweetness of a Penny Marshall Tom Hanks film — that’s right, I’m talking BIG (1988). This film kept reminding me of the wonderful film that stole my heart and has every time I’ve seen it since. I don’t feel like this film tries to be BIG but it simply captures the charm and heart of it, and I so appreciated that. Levi is wonderful as the unexpected hero and Asher Angel as his young counterpart trying to figure out what this new life will be like as an unexpected hero coming to terms with his new powers. The wonderful young actors who play Angel’s adoptive family, including two loving and understanding parents, fill out the cast just perfectly.
SHAZAM! is a wonderful surprise in a sea of the same old-same old to greet us. Enjoy! I’m pretty certain you will.
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