These Ladies Like To Party..."How To Be Single"

How To Be Single (2016)

Rated R

Starring Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Leslie Mann, Alison Brie, Anders Holm, Damon Wayans Jr., Nicholas Braun, Jake Lacy, Jason Mantzoukas,

Directed by Christian Ditter

The Story:

Alice (Johnson) has been dumped by her boyfriend (Braun), so she sets out to get over him with a new job, new friends, and a new attitude in New York City! Her circle of friends include Robin (Wilson), Meg (Mann), and Lucy (Brie) each with their own foibles and crises. Of course, in a town full of eligible bachelors, they ladies run into some interesting characters as well (Holm, Wayans Jr., Lacy, Mantzoukas). But, just when you think you know how these relationships are going to end, stick around, because you might be pleasantly surprised...or disappointed!

It's a tough line to balance an R rated comedy that wants to have both raunch and heart, and this film is no different.

Thankfully, it's a fantastic cast, so it's easy to laugh with, and at, their predicaments.

I won't spoil which couples work and which ones don't, because that's half the fun of the film is watching these characters learn to realize what is most important to them, and who do they want to spend their time with.

Another nice touch, as the film is focused on the ladies as the stars, the guys come off rather well, upending some cliches that often are standard with romantic comedy fare.

As usual, Jason Mantzoukas kills it in every scene he's in. I'm not sure if he'll ever be the lead in a comedy, but as long as they keep casting him as a supporting player, I'll always give that movie a chance!

It's a little long for a comedy, but not unbearably so. There's a bit of wandering in the narrative as well, which seems like a 2 birds with one stone killing could have made a few of the issues go away.


Final Grade: C+

The Best Movie of 2015...So Far. "Big Hero 6"

Big Hero 6 (2014)

PG

Starring Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, Daniel Henney, T.J. Miller, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans Jr., Genesis Rodriguez, James Cromwell, Alan Tudyk

Directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams

The Story:

Hiro (Potter) is a engineering prodigy who isn't utilizing his talents the way his big brother (Henney) would like. So a chance meeting at the university opens Hiro's eyes to the cool things that his brother and his best friends make, including the healthcare robot, Baymax (Adsit). Sadly, tragedy strikes, and it sets Hiro on a course for vengeance, and he's bringing some friends along for the ride. Will Hiro cross the line, or will his true heroics shine through?

Based on a true... nah, just kidding.

It is based on a Marvel Comic, though one you've likely never heard of.

So that being said, make sure you stick around through the credits for the usual Marvel teaser at the end.

The great thing about this one, it feels like a great comic book movie and harkens back to The Incredibles as seeing superheroes on the screen and it works.

This one could overtake that film as the best animated superhero movie ever made as well.

Time will tell.

There are also the usual bits and pieces of "been there done that" in the film, but that's okay, because just like in a live action film, if you're going to borrow scenes/ideas, borrow from some great films.

Like Iron Giant.

:)

The other nifty aspect of these heroes, they don't have powers. They have abilities that they created in a lab which is far more realistic than you might think.

It's a great voice cast, and unlike most films, there really aren't any "stars" to overpower anything. Just some great voices bringing life to their characters.

Which brings us to Baymax.

Much like Leonard Nimoy brought life to an emotionless Vulcan and helped make him human, Adsit brings the robotic Baymax to life and makes him the heart and soul of the film.

Just go watch the film already, you'll be glad you did.

Tissues are optional, depending on your heartlessness level.

:)

Final Grade: A

Sounds Like Fun..."Let's Be Cops"

Let's Be Cops (2014)

Rated R

Starring Jake Johnson, Damon Wayans Jr.

Written and Directed by Luke Greenfield

The Story:

Ryan (Johnson) and Justin (Wayans) are struggling in their current jobs. When they dress as cops for a college reunion instead of dressing for a masquerade ball, the duo realize that maybe they are getting the short end of the stick of life. However on their way home, everyone treats them like real cops, and the guys begin to blow off steam by playing fake cops for fun. However, when the duo stumble upon an actual crime, they begin to take their play seriously, and begin to unravel a case that deals with the mob! Hopefully they brought some fake bulletproof vests!

This is one of those movies that you see the trailer or hear the title and roll your eyes thinking, "okay, that will probably be silly fun, or downright stupid, I'll catch it on DVD".

I did.

I'm glad I did.

It's actually quite a bit of fun and has a good time with the buddy cop genre.

Even though these guys aren't really cops!

Most of the jokes work without fail, and really the only thing I will knock them for is adhering to their R rating.

This is one I can't just have playing in the house due to the small ears that roam around and barge in.

But that's a problem at my house, not with the movie itself.

Both of the stars do a fine job carrying the film, and I guess the best thing I can say is this:

Let's Be Cops...Again!

I'd happily watch a sequel.

Final Grade: I'm giving this one a solid B.

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I will likely purchase this one in the future and will watch it again someday when the kids aren't around. :)