Checking The Calendar... "Almost Christmas"

Almost Christmas (2016)

Rated PG-13

Starring Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Mo'Nique, Kimberly Elise, Romany Malco, J.B. Smoove, Jessie T. Usher, John Michael Higgins, Omar Epps

Written and Directed by David E. Talbert

The Story:

Walter (Glover) is the family patriarch, and all of his kids are coming home for Christmas. It's the first gathering of the entire family since their mother passed away. Naturally, each of the kids come home with their own life difficulties, but perhaps they can keep the drama to a minimum since it's...Almost Christmas.

Yeah, not likely.

Between 2 sisters that have never seen eye to eye (Union & Elise) a son that is running for office (Malco) regardless of how he might have to compromise his principles, or the aspiring pro athlete (Usher) who may or may not have an addiction problem, there is no shortage of issues among the kids.

Add in some spouses and children, and the household is full and the crazy level is rising with just days before the big event.

There's also some small character moments that bring real life to some of the crazy drama.

Thankfully, nothing is played too crazy; these could be real issues for real families.

It's sweet, sincere, honest and at times very touching.

The cast gels together and the chemistry keeps the family dynamic going.

You may have missed this one in theaters last year, but you've got a chance this upcoming holiday season to add this one to the list and see if it becomes a perennial holiday favorite in your home.

Final Grade: B

Luke Cage Is Looking For Work... "Barbershop: The Next Cut"

Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016)

Rated PG-13

Starring Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Regina Hall, Sean Patrick Thomas, Eve, Anthony Anderson, J.B. Smoove, Common, Nicki Minaj,

Directed by Malcolm D. Lee

The Story:

Calvin (Cube) and the rest of the regulars are back, but things have gotten darker in neighborhood since we last visited the shop. The place is now co-ed, with the ladies taking half the space, and at least half the conversation. And the neighborhood is getting more dangerous, and Calvin's thinking that a move might be what's best for his business, and his family.

Well, couple this with My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 as  two sequels I was not expecting in 2016. Considering the originals came out clear back in 2002, it's rare to get one sequel that far removed, let alone two different movies from that same year.

But, much like that one, this was also a nice trip down memory lane with most of the cast returning and you ease right into the storylines because you're already familiar with who they are and what they will be doing or saying.

Lee steps in to helm the franchise, and does right by everyone involved. It's funny, but has heart. There's a message, but it's not going to be bashed over your head. It doesn't approach the manic fun of his best film, Undercover Brother, but again, it's a worthy addition to the franchise and not just a cheap cash grab on name recognition.

The chemistry amongst the cast is still excellent, and the new cast members integrate seamlessly into the storyline. Pretty much everyone who has been in the series is back, either for a really brief moment or to propel the storyline to the finish.

As usual, Cedric the Entertainer gets most of the great lines, but not all of them.

If you've ever enjoyed any of the previous installments, you'll enjoy this return trip to the shop.

Final Grade: B-

With Friends Like These..."Search Party"

Search Party (2014)

Rated R

Starring Adam Pally, T.J. Miller, Thomas Middleditch, Shannon Woodward, Alison Brie, J.B. Smoove, Krysten Ritter, Jason Mantzoukas,

Directed by Scot Armstrong

The Story:

Nardo (Middleditch) is set to marry Tracy (Woodward) but his best friends Evan and Jason (Pally & Miller) try to talk him out of it at the bachelor party. When the ceremony begins, Jason puts his foot down, and Tracy leaves to Mexico to enjoy the honeymoon without him. Distraught, Nardo pursues her, and winds up spending much of the rest of the film naked and covered in cocaine as his friends attempt to rescue him before Berk (Smoove) can catch him and kill him.

Yep, it's one of those movies.

Old School. Road Trip. The Hangover. 

So you know the type, and you know if you'll enjoy this one or not, already.

Much like this variety of movie, they throw nearly every joke at the wall and see what sticks.

Some do, some don't.

What helps these films is the actors that are asked to do the crazy things or say the wacky dialogue.

This movie is elevated on the performances of Miller, who can do the wacky best friend possibly better than anyone in film right now, and Middleditch.

His earnestness and sincerity shine through all the situations he's placed in.

Like spending the majority of the film naked and smothered in cocaine.

Okay, clearly (hopefully) it wasn't actually cocaine, but dipped in a powder of some sort, he's still giving a bravado performance.

Plus, they keep running into various wackos (Ryter, Mantzoukas (!!!) and Smoove) who make the most of their character and keep the laughs coming.

It's not a film for everyone, but there's enough there to make it worthwhile for those that choose to go on this journey!

:)

Final Grade: C+

Does This Movie Make The "Top Five" List For Anybody ?

Top Five

Rated R

Written, Directed and Starring Chris Rock.

Also Starring Rosario Dawson, Gabrielle Union, J.B. Smoove, Cedric the Entertainer

The Story:

Andre Allen (Rock) used to be a comedian. He was funny. Then he starred in a series of action films that blew up the box office.  Now he wants to be considered something more than that, so he has filmed a new movie about a slave uprising that massacred a lot of white people. He gets interviewed by Chelsea Brown (Dawson) and she begins the interview with a simple, yet loaded question: why did you stop being funny?

And away we go...

If it sounds like the biography of Eddie Murphy, well, I thought that a lot too. Former comic turned box office star turned box office poison who is afraid to go back to his roots.

But I'm sure that's just one heck of a coincidence.

Chris Rock plays himself, which is fine, because that's what he does.

I might argue that perhaps he should have picked either one or two of the three hats that he decides to wear in this movie.

Because there are funny moments sprinkled throughout the film.  But sometimes the story is too dramatic, other times too over the top...

Cedric the Entertainer, I'm looking at your segment there!

:)

For a "day in the life" story that takes more than a day, the narrative tries to encapsulate the whole experience.

Perhaps there is too much story attempted to be shoehorned in, such as his impending marriage to a reality star (Union) being broadcast on her show.

Plus the title is just awkward, as they really only touch on it briefly, so in the context of the title of the movie, it doesn't really work at all.

Again, not a bad film, just not a great one.

However, if you always wanted to see Jerry Seinfeld "make it rain", look no further!

Final Grade: C