"Hollywood And Wine" Will Be A Pass For Just About Everyone Else

Hollywood And Wine (2011)

Rated R

Starring Chris Kattan, Nicky Whelan, Chazz Palminteri, Norm MacDonald, Horatio Sanz, Leslie Easterbrook, David Spade

Directed by Matt Berman and Kevin P. Farley

The Story:

Jack (Kattan) has a great girlfriend, Diane (Whelan) who is an aspiring actress who just happens to look an awful lot like a famous actress that everyone hates. When Jack becomes jealous due to an old friend returning to her life, he gets talked into getting a loan from Geno Scarpacci (Palminteri) so he can treat her to a better life. When he is unable to repay his debt, he convinces Geno that he can get him a date with the famous actress and all debts will be forgiven. Just how good of an actress can Diane be?

When your movie stars Chris Kattan, most people are going to pass.

As I've always said, I try and give SNL players, especially those that I've watched over the years, the benefit of the doubt with their movies.

And while not horrible...

It's an odd mish-mash of a tale that combines odd characters, MacDonald's porn director for starters, and throws them all into a blender to see what they can mix up.

There are a few laughs to be had, and Palminteri can play a mob guy in his sleep.

But, unlike some movies I've watched this year, I made it all the way through, so that's saying something, right?

Final Grade: C-

Don't Mess With The Fro... "Undercover Brother"

Undercover Brother (2002)
Rated R for language

Starring Eddie Griffin, Chris Kattan, Denise Richards, Aunjanue Ellis, Dave Chappelle, Chi McBride, Neil Patrick Harris

Directed by Malcolm D. Lee

The Story:

"The Man" has plans to take aspiring political candidate, General Boutwell (Billy Dee Williams) off the map, and have him start a fried chicken franchise with a mental drug in the coating which will brainwash the black customers that eat the chicken, and make them act "more white".  Well, the secret group, The BROTHERHOOD is trying to stop The Man, but they need the help of the coolest agent of them all: Undercover Brother (Griffin).  Who will win this high stakes race war?!?

Forgive my description of the movie, but it's one that I have to either reveal very little, or I have to spill the whole thing.

I'd rather err on the side of caution.

This Review Is Solid!

This is one of the funniest movies I've seen, and I've watched it dozens of times since it first came out.

Hilarious from start to finish.

Griffin is on fire as Undercover Brother, and the entire cast assembled around him is terrific.

As the agents of The BROTHERHOOD, you have The Chief (McBride), Sistah Girl (Ellis) Conspiracy Brother(Chappelle) and Smart Brother (Gary Anthony Williams).  They are joined by the token white guy, Lance (Harris).

Solid!

 

To say that Harris steals nearly every scene he's in is an understatement.

And that takes some serious doing, because so does Chappelle every chance he gets, and Griffin works overtime to make sure that he remains consistently hilarious.

Success all around.

I would be remiss to not mention that Kattan probably has his best movie role as Mr. Feather, the # 1 henchman for The Man.

Then there's Denise Richards who carries herself better here as White She Devil than she ever did as a Bond Girl.

Truth in Advertising

Go ahead and watch this movie.

I dare you not to laugh.

:)

Final Grade: A

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Love it. Own it.  Watch it at least once a year.  Still hilarious every time.

Hail to the King, Baby! "Guns, Girls and Gambling!"

It's being released on February 28th... in Russia...

That can't be a good sign!


The Story:

John Smith (Christian Slater) is at an Indian Casino, tries his hand at Elvis Impersonation against Gay Elvis (Chris Kattan), Little Person Elvis (Tony Cox), Asian Elvis and The King (Gary Oldman).  The boys all play poker that night, and when Smith wakes up in the morning, an ancient mask has been stolen from the casino, and everyone, and I mean EVERYONE wants it back.  Smith claims he doesn't have it, but that's not going to stop an assorted who's who of crazies from trying to find him, and kill him, to get it back.

You know, sometimes you never know what to expect in a movie like this.  The title alone warns you, it's strictly Grade B (or Z, your call) for script, title, etc. etc.

Then the movie starts, and you realize that it's a venture that doesn't take itself anymore seriously than the title did, and this film doesn't disappoint.

Instead, you smile and shake your head in amusement at the story they are pulling off in front of you, kick back, check your brain at the door, and try and have a good time.

You do that, this film won't disappoint.

Try and understand why master thespian Gary Oldman is in this film playing Elvis, and you will give yourself a migraine!

As for me, I enjoyed it.

Available to stream instantly on Netflix as of this writing.


Final Grade:  B

Would I Want to Own It:  Amazingly enough, I could watch this one again when I'm in the mood for some Budget Movie Awesomeness!