spitfire-953-418879
Words escape me. The awkward/creepiness of the storyline has left be a bit unnerved....have fun!
krocheav
Writer directors Andrew Mogel and Jarrad Paul seem to want it both ways. With this movie they throw in all forms of crude low-life drug and sexual sensationalism while expecting us to look for something higher. Problem is it's never clear to the viewer just what audience they are aiming for - what they want to say - or where they are rightly heading. This is a pity because on one hand they are saying look at all the available crap you can indulge in (and they pile it on) but then attempt to introduce a halfway interesting awareness angle that's not always quite as convincing as it needs to be - leaving audiences a little confused and hanging in irritated limbo.The story and its characters are weak and vulgar but we are supposed to find something lovable about them. Any quality moral insights are shrouded in dubious message type situations - IE: If spending quality time with your 14yr old son is reduced to talking about the merits of a threesome - then these folk need to take a very serious look at their understanding of responsible parenting!. It also looks as if they and the producers sold their souls to the 'cancer stick' companies - with heavy 40's style cigarette shot usage - each one glamorously 'set-up' for all their characters (no matter what age) add-nauseous. Give us a break - it took a long time to educate humanity and clean up the air but takes such a short time for commercial fools to kill it again.What could have been a good try at worthy character observations ends up as a "let's make a film for everybody" that ends up pleasing next to no-one. What's left are reasonable intentions buffed to a trashy finish....It's also a another case of the Hollywood promotions machine not knowing how to sell its product to the right audience.
cgc668
First off, the movie is not for everyone. It touches upon topics that some people are uncomfortable with. It is not for the ultra-conservative. I knew nothing about this movie going in. I, like a lot of people, expected a typical Jack Black comedy. But this was not that. It was more of a comedy/drama. It was different. I was surprised, uncomfortable, completely intrigued and even quite moved. By the end of the movie I turned to my husband and said: I really loved this movie (he didn't share my opinion). I rarely review anything, but I enjoyed the movie so much, and I felt the ratings didn't do it justice. (Possible spoilers) The movie centers around a married man who goes to LA in search of an actor - a guy he went to high school with (who was the most popular kid in school) to get him to come to the 20 year high school reunion (because he believes if he comes everyone else will come). It starts off sounding like it's going to be a silly, fun movie but it's not that at all. Events occur, leading to lies, leading to more lies, leading to an unhealthy obsession that climaxes with an important lesson learned. You must watch this movie with an open mind and without labeling it or comparing it to any previous works by the actors. Just enjoy it for what it is. A different type of a movie. If I had to think of a movie that came close to the kind of movie this was, I would say American Beauty (although this movie is a lot lighter).
george-225-253979
Seeing names like Kathryn Hahn, Jack Black, Jeffrey Tambor and James Marsden makes you expect a lot of fun. And it's billed as a comedy/ drama. It's definitely not a comedy. There are funny moments, but they're comic relief at best. Having said that, if you reset your expectations and are in for good drama and performances, I would recommend this movie. All of the mentioned actors prove to be very capable of delivering believable performances in a drama. Black's performance reminded me of his role in 'Bernie'. I also expected that movie to be a laugh out loud experience. As this movie it turned out to be a more layered story. The topics aren't 'light': bisexuality, coming of age, posing as someone you're not, lying to your spouse, owning your mistakes. But I felt they were woven into a story that moves along nicely. Just set your expectations right, don't fall for the Jack Blackian moments in the beginning (just enjoy them as funny moments) and you'll see an interesting movie that will leave you satisfied.
AD
