Funny People

In college I dated a comedian. I was attracted to him because he cracked jokes in class, he was fun, and he never seemed to take things too seriously. I was a very serious girl in school. I was unhappy at the time, and I really wanted to lighten up. So, we started dating. But after a couple of months, he started to show his other side. Brooding, insecure, with a lot of pain underneath all those funny lines. I learned very quickly not to look to others for the joy in my life.

Funny People, like my true life experience, shows us both sides of a comedian’s world. There’s the laughter, the fun, the manic energy, the perks of being famous, but the other side of the coin is much darker. This story has been told before, in various other films, but I feel that this movie is very nicely balanced. It gives us a realistic look at the lives of stand-up comedians.

If you go into this movie expecting a broad Judd Apatow comedy, you will likely be very disappointed. It is more of a finely crafted character study showing us the reality of life as a comedy star. Adam Sandler plays a role very much like himself, and how it’s extremely difficult to go out in public without wearing your funny man mask wherever you go. No matter how you are feeling, or what you are going through that day, when you are a comedian people expect you to be able to, “Say something funny,” right on cue. This can be very depressing for a comic.

I really liked this movie. I felt that it gave us a nice portrait of what it’s like to be a comedian and work in show business. And I also feel that it did a very good job of striking the correct balance between humor and pathos. Adam Sandler did an excellent job in the role, although he’ll probably get very little credit for it because the part was so much like himself. Seth Rogen was also touching as the aspiring comedian who becomes George Simmon’s personal assistant. He vulnerable and believable in the part.

As far as comedy goes, there is plenty of it, and lots of cameos added for good measure. Eric Bana is strangely funny as a Laura’s always traveling husband. And Leslie Mann plays Laura, the girl that got away, who is thrust back into George Simmon’s life when he goes searching for answers and meaning. Acting with her true-life daughters, my favorite scene is when she is sharing a video tape of her daughter singing a song from Cats. The look on her face when George gets bored and checks the messages on his phone says it all. Leslie Mann has quickly become one of my favorite comedic actresses.

As I mentioned before, don’t go in to this film expecting Knocked Up or The Forty Year Old Virgin. This is a different kind of film. If anything I hope it will give you pause to think. The next time you spot your favorite funny man in public, take a moment to read the situation, before you grab your camera, or yell out your favorite catch phrase. Remember that comedians are people too, with family, lives and drama of their own. They love to entertain and make people laugh, but give them a break, especially when you catch them in public.

Rating: First Run A well rounded dramatic comedy

Comic-Con 2010: Still A Good Value

While at San Diego’s Comic-Con 2009 and waiting in numerous lines, I heard a lot of grumbling about the prices going up for next year. I would just like to point out, that it’s still a good value. At $100, divided over 4 days, that’s only $25 dollars per day and you get plenty of excellent entertainment.

If you were ambitious enough to get there on Pre-View night, that adds a fifth day, which brings the cost down to $20 a day. This includes, movies, screenings, lectures, panels and entrance to the convention floor with wall to wall booths of merchandise, and free give-aways. If you are industrious enough, you can make enough money on EBay selling your free SWAG to pay for your trip.

Personally, I only spent $300 this year and that included hotel, gas, local transportation, food and any snacks I bought while there. Granted I shared a hotel room and brought along a lot of portable snacks, but I also went to the San Diego Zoo in the morning on Preview Night. So my little 6 day, 5 night vacation only cost me $60 dollars a day. And that’s pretty good.

Another good thing about the price going up is that it may thin the herd. Comic-Con is packed and it’s really hard getting to everything you want to see because there are so many people there. Maybe with the price going up, it will discourage some of the lesser fans and make things more comfortable for the die-hards. This was only my second time going to Comic-Con, I could never afford to go before. But now that I have been, I couldn’t think of missing it. It’s just too much fun.

So all you grumblers out there. Take a break if you want to. That just leaves more for the rest of us. Shorter lines are a good thing. I have my ticket already and I can’t wait to do it again. Comic-Con 2010, here I come!

The Ugly Truth

A good movie is like a good date, it all comes down to chemistry. You may go out with someone who sounds good, and looks good, but then they do something that completely turns you off, and the date is ruined.

For me, The Ugly Truth was a bad date. I really like Katherine Heigl. I find her fresh, funny, and with the ability to strike the perfect balance between strength and vulnerability. But in this film, her strong female character was reduced to a bouncing pogo of a girl so quickly, it was like they rewrote the part in the middle of the film.

Then there is Gerard Butler, who I also like. He always comes off as very masculine, which is why we ladies like him. Yet, in this film he was so insensitive to other people’s feelings that he had absolutely no qualms of embarrassing them on television, or manhandling them in a public place. Both behaviors were so over the top that it took me completely out of the movie. Kind of like a guy sucking his teeth and picking them with a credit card after a meal. It’s not something that you want to see.

There was some chemistry between these stars, but their roles were so unbelievable, that I couldn’t get into the film. This movie is not worth shaving your legs for.

Rating: Rent Rent Likable actors in unlikeable roles

Warner Brothers Introduces Upcoming Films At Comic-Con

The Warner Brothers panel early Friday morning was full to capacity at San Diego’s 2009 Comic-Con. The first film to be introduced was Where The Wild Things Are, where new star Max Record enchanted the audience with his warm, natural presence and impromptu speech. Standing there in front of several thousand enthusiastic people must have been overwhelming for the young Max, but he handled himself well and was able to recover as we watched a clip from the movie.

The film’s style was intriguing and the puppet-like characters reminded me of Sid and Marty Kroft’s creations from long ago. They are life-size, yet capable of showing personality and emotion. I wasn’t very excited about this film when originally announced, but now I’m curious enough that I really want to go. Artistically this film is a real challenge and I liked what I saw. I’m really rooting for this film and hope they nailed it.

The next film to be introduced was The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman. This film was presented to us by showing an animated short, which was moving and powerful. The animated clip gives us some back-story on Gary Oldman’s character, Carnegie, and how he may have grown up with an extreme prejudice to anything religious. The filmmakers and the star were very vague about giving us more details, but Gary Oldman let it slip that the book of Eli may be about a super hero with the initials J.C. I’ll be watching for more info. The subsequent live-action clip showed a badass Denzel Washington in a post-apocalyptic world. The Hughes brothers have created a very stylish film.

The Third film to be presented was a re-make of Nightmare On Elm Street with Jackie Earle Haley as Freddy Krueger. I heard a lot of grumbling around me on this one. Although no one had a problem with Jackie Earle Haley taking on the role, some people had a problem with the film being remade at all. Why mess with a classic? The filmmakers justified their decision by stating that they are introducing the franchise to a whole new generation. They also promised that the new Nightmare would be even scarier. I’ll take their word on that one.

The Box was shown to us next. This film is a psychological thriller based on a what-if premise. What if a man showed up on your doorstep and offered you a million dollars to push a button, knowing that if you do, someone you didn’t know would die. This Twilight Zone type of story stars Cameron Diaz and James Marsden as the couple who must face this moral dilemma. Frank Langella plays the mysterious, creepy, man who holds the box and a suitcase full of money. I like my horror films to be more cerebral, so I’ll probably enjoy this one.

Out of all the films that were introduced to us, the one I’m the most excited about is Jonah Hex. I was completely unfamiliar with this comic-book character going in to this panel, but I love the premise. Set in the Civil War era, Jonah Hex is a Western Bounty Hunter who roams the country taking out bad guys. He is a scarred, flawed, anti-hero with many personal demons, and I loved the look that Josh Brolin brings to the character. I really like Westerns so I’m looking forward to this film. The movie looks very cool with a touch of magic and mysticism.

The final film in the Warner Brothers panel was Sherlock Holmes starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. The filmmakers have promised that they have gone back to the source material and have taken great pains to give us a more authentic Holmes. I’m a little skeptical; the film clips were focused on a lot of action. But, I’ll reserve my judgment until I’ve seen the film. Holmes is a favorite character of mine and I’ve read all of the short stories. Although I like both Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, my concern is that they may have gone too modern, or have tried too hard to make Holmes relevant for today’s kids. In my opinion Holmes is a classic character and is as relevant today as he ever was. I’m open to another go, just don’t mess it up. You don’t want to alienate your older fans in trying to serve the younger.

Green Lantern: First Flight

As an attendee of San Diego’s 2009 Comic-Con I was privileged to see the premiere of Bruce Timm’s animated Green Lantern: First Flight directed by Lauren Montgomery. A co-production between Warner Brother’s and DC Comics, this is the fifth DC Universe original movie which will be released in Blu-Ray, DVD and On Demand Video.

As an uninitiated viewer I was able to follow the origin story of the Green Lantern and how he came to acquire his powers. Keeping his abilities a secret as he learns how to use them, he is contacted by the Green Lantern Corps and is mentored by the respected Lantern Sinestro.

After a few adventures, The Green Lantern, voiced by Christopher Meloni, assumes a leadership role and leads the Green Lantern Corps in a new, invigorated direction. Probably with many new adventures to follow.

I enjoyed the film and there was enough humor there to keep the adults engaged as well. I predict that this film will do well for the franchise.

Rating: Rent It Developed for the Home Video market

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

I’ve read none of the Harry Potter books, so you won’t be hearing me complain or getting upset over what they did or did not leave out of the film. My opinion is based solely on what I see on the screen.

What I liked about the first Harry Potter film was the sense of wonder and amazement. When Harry Potter enters Hogwarts Academy there are moving staircases and talking pictures and chandeliers that float in the air, I was just as mesmerized as Harry Potter as he explores his brand-new school.

Then as the series progressed I got caught up in the magic of the relationship between Ron, Hermione and Harry. Their love and friendship for each other allowed them to stand together, which empowered them against their enemies. Each one contributing their own strengths and skills, together becoming a force to reckon with.

Next, there was Harry Potter and his fight with Lord Voldemort. An epic battle that nearly cost him his life. This match up was exciting and suspenseful and necessitated that Harry use all his wizardly skills. It was a classic fight between good and evil.

Now were at the current film, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, and everything I loved about the previous films is missing. The wondrous special effects that I loved from the first film, no longer captivate. The friends are split up and divided by the misunderstandings that come with young love. Wanting to be together, but unwilling to speak from their hearts, they are separated by longing and jealousy, their friendship tested, and pushed to the limit.

And then there’s the peril of being Harry Potter, the chosen one. Yet, in this film it was more dangerous to be Dumbledore. Harry was only in trouble when he tried to help him. This time the focus was on someone else.

When all is said and done, I found Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince to be a little bland. It’s like when I was a little girl. When I first went to a magic show and saw the disappearing cabinet trick, I was in awe. It was wondrous, magical, and a little frightening. But now as an adult, I’ve seen the trick so many times that I’m only impressed by the most polished and theatrical of presentations. It really takes a lot to get me to say, wow!

I still enjoy the Harry Potter films, but now I’m no longer saying, wow! All I have to say is, step it up Harry Potter. Impress me! I’m no longer satisfied with the status quo.

Rating: Second Run "Half" as exciting as the previous film.

The Hurt Locker

A tense psychological study, The Hurt Locker tells the story of an Army Bomb Squad Unit stationed in Iraq. Take the ordinary stress of being a bomb team and then add in the component that everyone is hostile and trying to shoot you, and you end up with a tightly wound crew of men that are just as dangerous as the bombs that they are diffusing.

This suspenseful tale is full of authentic detail and tension. It focuses on the job and says little about the political situation that puts them there. It’s about the men and what the jobs does to them. It also says a lot about what kind of men could do the job in the first place.

The director, Kathryn Bigelow, is no strangler to action. As director of fan favorite, Point Break, she knows how to open up this world of men and give us a peak inside. Jeremy Renner is excellent as the lead bomb technician. His recklessness causes the rest of the team to both despise and admire him.

The details in this film reveal a world that we’ve only known through the news and other media. Imagine the men and women that have to work there everyday, never knowing who is friendly, or hostile. I think this film is important because it brings a little understanding, understanding of what our men and women must go through, and an understanding of a country that has become too accustomed to war. I believe this film is well worth your time.

Rating: First Run A tightly wound psychological drama.