A Real American Pie Sequel Coming?
Not wanting to admit too often, but the American Pie 1 and 2 movies are some of my all-time favorite comedies. Perhaps because the characters were the identical age I was when released, so the story was sort of targeted at my generation.
Multiple direct-to-dvd sequels with none of the original cast (save Jim’s dad) have been made and were generally pretty throw away. Apparently the recently done direct-to-DVD American Pie: Book of Love (also with none of the original cast) has been reviewed and done pretty well in sales. I actually put it in my Netflix after seeing a review online.
But what I have secretly wanted is a more satisfying last chapter than American Wedding. (As a side note, the original director Chris Weitz, director/producer of the first two films, most recent work was Twilight New Moon).
Over at Moviehole.net, they are reporting (though this is pretty unlikely) that an actual 4th sequel in theaters with original cast may be in the works because of the popularity of the latest DVD. Since none of the original cast is doing much of anything (besides rehab or jailtime) this may be true.
For what it’s worth, check out the “exclusive”..
- Moviehole can exclusively report that the next “American Pie” film will likely be both a sequel (as opposed to a spin-off) to the original trilogy of films and a theatrical release. Universal are apparently quite happy with both the reaction and returns generated on the latest DTV effort, “American Pie Presents : Book of Love”, so are “seriously considering” reintroducing molested pastries to theaters. No word on whether Jason Biggs would be back as Jim… but don’t see why not; he’s not doing anything else, right?! Watch this Space.
Christmas Break Catchup Movie Reviews
Like many, I caught up on a few movies I missed during the break. Mostly recent DVD releases. If you’re curious whether they’re worth the rental, here’s my quick takes on these 2009 blockbusters and how good they really were.
The Hangover
A movie that had a lot of hype for me, and a lot of potential. One of my favorite comedy directors, Todd Phillips (from Old School and Road Trip), a winner cast, and a winning plot idea. It seemed like a no-miss. It did amazing at the box office, as well.
With that expectation, it was a very mixed bag. In the positive corner, it avoided the descent into silliness that movies of this type tend to have. There’s a lot of odd things introduced and the plot continues to get weirder and weirder each minute, but it never bails on reality. That being said, it just really wasn’t all that funny.
If you haven’t seen it by now, you’re probably not in the main target demo, and probably will just find it passable. If you like the in-your-face funny style of Old School, it’s also likely not to satisfy. If you enjoy more complex plots and a few good laugh lines (and don’t mind some rough content) it’s the movie for you.
I’d have to say I was disappointed because of my expectations, but probably wouldn’t have loved it even if I had none. It has a standard comedy premise (guys wake up in Vegas with no memory of the strangeness of the night before, just a lot of clues) and the rest is just watchable and somewhat amusing. Didn’t laugh out loud much at all.
Not a date movie, not a super funny comedy, but an interesting yarn and moves pretty smoothly.
2.5 Stars out of 4
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Inglorious Basterds
Another one that I was really looking forward to, and it just didn’t quite make the grade. Since it was Quentin Tarantino, I can’t really complain that it was a weird uneven mix of violence, dialogue, and randomness. The basic premise was strong – making the Nazis pay for their crimes vigilante style – but it just was an exhausting set of scenes to get them there.
The movie is pretty long – almost two and a half hours – and has more dialogue than any movie in recent memory. Half of the dialogue is subtitles, oddly enough. The characters are fairly memorable, but none of the interesting ones get much screen time. The scenes drag on unbelievably long to move the plot forward, and you find yourself thinking “hurry up and get to the point” quite often.
In the end, it wasn’t as bloody as Tarantino’s previous efforts, but also didn’t really seem to have a point besides the obvious. And it took a whole lot of talking to reach no real point. And good luck keeping up with what’s going on as you drift in and out of caring.
2 Stars out of 4
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Twilight New Moon
Oddly enough, since it is heavily targeted not at my demographic, New Moon ended up being the most satisfying of my viewings over the holidays. I am a mild fan of the first one simply because I like Vampire stories. I could do without some of the depressing love story, but then the movie would be 11 minutes long.
The second one has a new director, and while it is similar to the first, it is at the same time quite different in most ways. Mostly an improvement over the first, but there are still long scenes of depressing conversation about..I guess love is what they’re talking about. The suicidal kind. And lots of shirtless dudes (I closed my eyes for the scary parts).
But the backstory and action are satisfying, and the acting and dialogue were passable. The best thing I can say about it is that I’m up for the third installment – Eclipse – coming out in June. Even though I can’t really rave about the film, that’s saying a lot more than I can for everything else I watched over the holiday that was much more critically acclaimed that this teen super-angst love story.
2 and a half stars out of 4
Getting in the Hot Tub Time Machine?
Lots of buzz on this March release…. Hot Tub Time Machine may be a movie right up my alley. A mix of Road Trip, The Office, and Back to the Future. I’ll definitely be there…whether it will be good or not isn’t apparent from this trailer, but it looks promising. There is obviously a decent plot here that isn’t hinted at in the trailer, it isn’t random goofiness, so it will be interesting to see how it ends up.
Very interesting cast, as well, mixing up some favorites from very different movies, including the usually straight John Cusack.
Checks it out. If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling back in time to the 1980s.
Iron Man 2 Trailer Unveiled
Oh good, I have a reason to go back to the movies again. The first Iron Man was awesome, had it not come during the same months as The Dark Knight, it would be the best superhero movie of all time. Even more impressive after I read they pretty much improvised the movie (article here.)
“They had no script, man! They had an outline,” says Bridges. “We would show up for big scenes every day and we wouldn’t know what we were going to say.”
Enjoy and get your rocket booster whatevers ready.
Read more: Jeff Bridges on Iron Man: “They Had No Script, Man” | /Film http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/12/01/jeff-bridges-on-iron-man-they-had-no-script-man/#ixzz0a0dqGjoj
The Best of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
While Miracle on 34th Street is my all-time favorite Christmas movie that captures the spirit of what Christmas really should be, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation gets multiple viewings every year because it captures Christmas how it turns out to be.
Here are a few of my favorite clips from a movie quite unlike any other.
Content Warning – unedited scenes contain language.
Movie Review – Funny People
Funny People (2009) on DVD/Blu-Ray
Rated R
Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen
Directed by Judd Apatow
2 hours 6 minutes
Funny people, in a vacuum, is a decent movie. But taking into account what they were going for, how much of the film was really good, and who was in it, it ends up falling in mediocre-ville.
Funny People is directed by Judd Apatow, famous for the Knocked Up and 40 Year Old Virgin, and he continues to prove that he is the Seinfeld for Generation X. Many of his movies (either directing or writing) are based on his real life experiences and explore the humor of everyday life. This one included, and even stars his actual college roommate Adam Sandler. Unfortunately, Generation X has proven to be far more self-centered (yes its possible) and vulgar than their Seinfeld predecessors and their lives not nearly as interesting.
But there is genius here, and it’s the first half of the movie. The film is about a comedian far into his movie star prime, Gene Simmons (played by Adam Sandler) who finds out he is dying. The comedian then takes to the stand-up scene and does the typical things movies have people who are dying do (call the ex, etc.). With a great supporting cast and pacing, it truly is interesting and funny for a while. And Gene Simmons is a replica of Adam Sandler, and pokes fun at his off-the-wall style of humor and even how he ended up making lame mainstream movies as time went on. It’s great to see Sandler (one of my favorites as a teenager) and Rogen (in an interesting turn) interact and begin their journey about life and laughter.
But then the second half crashes. I’m not sure if it was the 100 cameos (cameos always break the reality of a film to me, especially with so many that are here so fast) or the stopping of interesting plot lines for one that goes awry, but when a comedy breaks the 2 hour mark it desperately needs a strong second half. Funny People does the first, but not the second.
Not to give anything away, but I will say that Sandler’s character doesn’t learn the lesson from near death that you think he would. In doing so, the morale of the film is one of extreme depression. Not sadness, just cynicism. Though the ending somewhat makes up for it, you start to feel that the whole thing was too contrived and the great beginning is a distant memory.
From a comedy standpoint, there’s some pretty good stuff. It’s not a laugh out loud riot, but there’s some great lines and scenes. Way too many wiener jokes (though they are somewhat making fun of those jokes) and a few poorly used characters, yet some underused ones (you’ll recognize the entire cast from other comedies).
In the end, it is a shame that they weren’t able to pull this off. I generally like Apatow movies (though they are a bit too rauncy even for me) and I always like Sandler movies. The pairing of the two leaned more towards Apatow and lost a lot of Sandler. It’s maybe worth a rental…if you love Sandler or Apatow that’s a probably..but in the end it doesn’t live up to its potential.
It’s not “what I call H20″ if you know what I mean.
* * 1/2 stars out of 5
Hollywood Continues to Destroy My Childhood Memories
It’s a story that is all too familiar. Hollywood remakes a classic 80′s franchise by giving it a final death blow and burying it. Perhaps it is our punishment for having too many great memories and experiences Saturday mornings and at Friday night sleep overs. Today’s movies are uneventful CGI spectacles or slapped together retreads, released by the week and on DVD a week later. It’s not fair to today’s kids that we had it so much better. Think of it as socialism for joy.
The latest is the Karate Kid remake, starring Will Smith’s son Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. No I didn’t make that up. Whatever universe it may have had potential of being something worth watching, even there it has been destroyed by today’s release of official photos.
See them below, weep for the children, and then run for the nearest Blockbuster for one last ride with the original.
Wax on my friends, wax on.
Full story at SlashFilm.
Review: Star Trek
Star Trek (PG-13) 2009
Run time: 2 hours 3 minutes
Since I missed most of them this summer, I’ve been catching up on the big moneymakers on Blu-Ray the past few weeks. So far with Transformers 2 and G.I. Joe, I’ve been questioning that decision.
Fortunately, Star Trek was next on the list and I was very satisfied with the film. In fact, though it’s been a weak year, I’d say it was one of my favorites I’ve seen.
Important to note that I’m more of a Star Wars guy, and I’ve never seen any Star Trek shows or movies and don’t know a thing about the series. So I’m not sure how it plays out for purists. I do know the casting was pretty good and everyone looks similar to their TV series counterparts. For purists, there is definitely plenty of references to the old Star Trek series that I will never get, and most importantly, teleportation.
The movie is relatively confusing at first, with time travel stuff and little explanation of the Star Trek world.. and a lot of characters thrown in quickly. It rapidly rebounds and ends up having solid special effects, great action, and a pretty good story for a sci-fi epic (thanks to the reliable work of J.J. Abrams), fortunately. They even feature the original Spock..and didn’t just throw in a useless cameo. He is central to the storyline.
On the negative front, for some reason these movies always throw in a few goofy monster sequences and one or two coincidences that endanger the believability of the plot. Star Trek does this as well (perhaps it is a requirement to sell toys or make video games, who knows) but it recovers fine.
In the end, I really liked the characters who played Spock and Kirk, and the supporting cast is quite strong. The special effects were top notch as well..I was impressed how true to the old school Star Trek look they kept while blending it with a modern feel seamlessly. There aren’t really any strong female characters, which was sort of odd, but other than that it’s a fast moving plot with good dialogue. Actually, the original Spock ends up being the worst actor. The villain Captain Nero also is a bit weak and sort of wasted, but he’s passable.
Much better than Star Wars in reviving an old space series, and I look forward to the sequels. Check it out of you’re one of the 15 people who haven’t seen it like me. This series will live long and prosper (I can say that since I have no idea what it means).
* * * 1/2 out of Five Stars
Trivia
Check out what might have been, but wasn’t. William Shatner was originally written to cameo in the script….but was axed.
Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto, who play the odd couple Kirk and Spock, were previously acquainted with each other as they work out at the same gym.
The Greatest Thanksgiving Movie of All Time
This is a repost from last year, as it is one of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions aside from shooting potato guns at the cats with my family, and our newest tradition – cajun fried turkey. More timely this year as John Hughes, and his many wonderful films about the uniqueness and insecurity of all of us, has passed away.
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A favorite tradition of mine is to watch the masterpiece Planes, Trains, and Automobiles every Thanksgiving holiday. It’s as much of a comedy as it is a dramatic piece of film, and it may be Steve Martin and John Candy’s finest film. There are so many terrific scenes it’s impossible where to begin.
A guy posted his thoughts on the film, and a time capsule of what else was going on in 1987 the weekend it was released (hint, stock market was crashing then too). It’s quite interesting and he feels the same way I do.
PT&A was something of a triumph for everyone involved: a smart, funny, exceedingly well crafted film that, unlike many comedies, achieves timelessness. You could make the exact same film today and the only detail you’d have to alter would be to have the characters use cell phones rather than pay phones.
http://www.film.com/dvds/story/erics-time-capsule-planes-trains/24597651
John Candy has been missed since then, and they don’t make these John Hughes movies like they used to. Predictable? Yeah. Overly optimistic? For sure. That’s what makes it worth revisiting every year.
And remember, “those aren’t pillows.”
Those aren’t pillows, indeed.
A list of 4 others in the top 5 Thanksgiving films. Unfortunately its slim pickens for this particular holiday. I’d recommend just watching Planes Trains and Automobiles twice. Link Top 5 Thanksgiving Movies of All Time.
Avatar Feature Trailer
Still can’t decide if I want to see this movie, even after watching this very in-depth trailer. James Cameron’s 500 million dollar gamble of CGI wizardry is the type of movie I don’t normally like. Cameron has always pushed the technology envelope but normally it hasn’t ruled his movies, which were ultimately character driven (Terminator 2, Titanic).
Check it out though, definitely watch this trailer if you’re interested in the movie, it makes the plot a lot more clear than the others I’ve seen. For this movie to make a profit, you’ll need to see it about 18 times, so enjoy.
