The World's Greatest Rockumentary! "Popstar! Never Stop Never Stopping"

Popstar! Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)

Rated R

Starring Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Akiva Shaffer, Tim Meadows,

Directed by Jorma Taccone and Akiva Shaffer

The Story:

Once upon a time, The Style Boyz were America's favorite pop/rap group. Success broke the band apart, and now Connor (Samberg) is about to release his newest release since going solo. Thankfully, the camera crew is on hand to document the success...

However when things don't go as planned, Connor must work twice as hard to stay relevant, and he's willing to do anything...

Except reunite The Style Boyz.

From the talented minds of The Lonely Island by way of Saturday Night Live, Samberg, Taccone and Shaffer release a mockumentary that is well produced and allows seamless cameos of musicians and celebrities, then and now, to give accolades to The Style Boyz and Connor.

The characters are hopeless, yet endearing, and as the movie progresses, you know where the film is headed, and they make you enjoy every roadblock and stumble on the way to the inevitable reunion.

Filled with wonderful supporting player, they bring the movie vividly to life, each adding another strange piece to a weird celebrity lifestyle that is both embraced and parodied, all at the same time.

Is it this generation's Spinal Tap? Probably.

Whether it meets or exceeds that one will be in the eye and taste of the viewer.

That said, the more I watched the movie, the more the characters grew on me and by the end of the film, I too was waiting for the inevitable reunion.

Can't ask for much more than that.

Final Grade: B-

Intramural Football Antics..."Balls Out"

Balls Out (2014)

Rated R

Starring Jake Lacy, Nikki Reed, Kate McKinnon, Beck Bennett, Nick Kocher, Brian McElhaney, Jay Pharoah, D.C. Pierson

Directed by Andrew Disney

The Story:

Caleb (Lacy) was the star of the college intramural football team, but when tragedy struck, he disbanded the team. Now, facing his impending wedding to Vicky (McKinnon), he wants one last shot at greatness with his old team as they face down their biggest rival (Bennett) one more time.

In the vein of just about every sports movie you've ever seen comes a film that used much of the talent that would go on to become the current cast of Saturday Night Live.

The results, like many SNL skits, are as varied and all over the place as you might expect, but the cast gives their all for the sake of the film.

McKinnon's Vicky is easily the craziest psycho you've ever laid eyes on, and it's no wonder that Caleb wants to do something, anything, to distance himself from their impending relationship.

Bennett plays the evil counterpart very well and makes the most of his screen time. It also allows him to broaden his range from the usual nice guy routine that viewers are accustomed to seeing.

The funniest part of the movie is the commentary from the bleachers by Pharaoh and Pierson who provide play by play for nobody in particular besides themselves.

The movie could have used some more of their wit overall, but you've likely seen worse movies out there.

Not a horrible start for the next generation of SNL players.

Currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

Final Grade: C

"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-

Gone Way Too Soon..."I Am Chris Farley"

I Am Chris Farley (2015)

Documentary

Directed by Brent Hodge, Derik Murray

The Story:

The life and times of Chris Farley, as related to us by his friends and family. Through the use of archived footage of his career, it's easy to see why Farley is so beloved by friends and fans to this day. It's hard to watch because it's so funny, yet you know how the story ends. Much like one of his idols, John Belushi, this talented Saturday Night Live veteran hastened his own demise and robbed us all of years of his work.

It's always revealing when the cast of Saturday Night Live pulls back the curtain on what they do each and every week. The majority of the cast were also writers, except for Farley. He simply hoped his friends would write him a great part, then he would go out and give it his all.

In turn, he stole the show, but they were willing to keep giving him the laughs because it was such a joy to be a part of. 

Of all the people they interview, I know they all take it hard, but it probably affects two of them even more than the rest:

The first, Dan Aykroyd. While not an immediate name you might think of, he's had to see this twice in his lifetime because once an SNL cast mate, always an SNL cast mate. He lost Belushi, then after co-starring with Farley in Tommy Boy, he lost Farley almost identically.

The other would be David Spade. If you're going to be Belushi, you need an Aykroyd, and that was Spade's job with Farley. Tommy Boy is a masterpiece of comedy, you can't fail to laugh any time you watch it.

Their second outing together was too rushed and nowhere near as funny.

Sadly, they never got the chance to give it one more shot.

Life can be cruel, but at least we got to enjoy Chris Farley for that brief moment in time.

Final Grade: B+

Live From New York, It's "Saturday Night Live: 40th Anniversay Special"

Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary (2015)

TV-14

Starring The Not Ready For Primetime Players

Created by Lorne Michaels

The Story:

The year was 1975, and Lorne Michaels unleashed a weekly 90 minute program of satirical humor and musical guests every Saturday Night, live for the viewing public. The face of comedy was changed forever.

It may not have truly recognized for the brilliance at first, but how about by using a 40 year retrospective that is basically a greatest hits/worlds' biggest inside joke for the cast and the fans of the show to help you appreciate the comedy geniuses that have passed through Studio 8H over the decades.

Some went on to bigger and better things after their stint on the show. Some went on...and we are surprised that they are still around.

Saturday Night Live has been around for 40 years.

Reports (or demands) of its cancellation have been circulating for about...

39 years.

:)

Pretty much if they were ever on the show, they were on the show last night.

Even Eddie Murphy, who returned to a standing ovation.

There were a few new sketches with cast members from across the spectrum, and with a few special guest stars.

I would say the Jeopardy sketch with Ferrell back as Trebek and the always underrated Darryl Hammond as Sean Connery did not disappoint.

There was a Weekend Update retrospective with Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Jane Curtin as hosts.

Then a salute to the musicians and comedy skits that have been a staple of the show since the beginning.

They also looked at the crossover between sports and comedy as well.

A solid show from top to bottom, and filled with more than enough laughs.

Worst segment?

The Kanye West musical segment.

That's okay, SNL is notorious for  airing stuff that probably should have been cut.

I don't stay up much anymore and am not that familiar with the cast, but I'm glad they're still around and doing this every weekend.

Looking forward to the next decade of laughs, and that should be SNL's next retrospective, the 50th.

Final Grade: A

I'm Putting A Guarantee On This Box! "Tommy Boy"

Tommy Boy (1995)

Rated PG-13

Starring Chris Farley, David Spade, Rob Lowe, Brian Dennehy, Bo Derek, Julie Warner, Dan Aykroyd

Directed by Peter Segal

The Story:

Tommy Callahan (Farley) comes home after graduating to find that his dad (Dennehy) is set to remarry (Derek). However, when tragedy strikes, Tommy has to hit the road with Richard (Spade) in an attempt to save the family business, and a small Ohio town's way of life.

Will he succeed?

Naturally!

I could argue that, pound for pound, this is the funniest Saturday Night Live movie to ever hit the screen.

Not rooted in a pre-existing skit from the show, this simply paired the dynamic rapport between Farley and Spade that carries nearly the entire movie.

The two are hilarious, and this movie is an oft-quoted favorite in our house.

I defy anyone to not sing "fat guy in a little coat" and not cause everyone within earshot to smile and think of this movie.

This is also one of those movies that I still distinctly remember the first time I saw it.  The first gag with little Tommy Callahan running into the house (literally) caused me to burst out into laughter.

The trend continues throughout the movie, and now, going on almost 20 years...

Let that sink in for a minute.

It's still funny.

If you've never seen it, you're in for a treat.

If you haven't visited Tommy in some time, no time like the present.

I guarantee you will laugh.

Available to stream instantly on Netflix and Amazon Prime as of this writing.

Final Grade: A+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I've lost count how many times we've watched this. At least once a  year, maybe more. :)

Schwing Time! "Wayne's World"

Wayne's World (1992)

Rated PG-13

Starring Mike Meyers, Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe, Tia Carrere

Directed by Penelope Spheeris

The Story:

Wayne (Meyers) and best friend Garth (Carvey) host a local cable access show from Wayne's basement in Illinois.  When a sleazy businessman (Lowe) gets designs to use their show to promote a local arcade, will success go to the boys' heads?  Or will they stay true to themselves and stick it to the man?

One of many brilliant late 80's / early 90s Saturday Night Live skits that spawned catch phrases into pop culture consciousness and followed with one of the most successful SNL movies of all time.

No way!
Way!!

The movie still is amusing and holds up reasonably well for closing in on 25 years.

25 years?!

Let that one sink in for a moment.

The movie has pure moments of brilliance surrounded by pockets of amusement.

Which, at the end of the day, that's not a bad thing for any comedy.


Meyers and Carvey make the most of their dimwitted duo, and Rob Lowe proves to be exceptionally slimy as the villain of the film.

If it's been a few decades since you last gave it a whirl, well, what are you waiting for?

Available to stream instantly on Netflix as of this writing.

Final Grade: B

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Still mostly holds up, but not a huge rush as it's not a definite crowd-pleaser at my place.

Today On The Zander Kelly Show..."Joe Dirt" !!

Joe Dirt (2001)
Rated PG-13 for language

Starring David Spade, Brittany Daniel, Dennis Miller, Adam Beach, Christopher Walken

Directed by Dennie Gordon

The Story:

The story of Joe Dirt (Spade) as related across the airwaves when he becomes a guest on the Zander Kelly (Miller) show.  Joe relates how he was abandoned at the Grand Canyon as a kid, and has made his way in life, trying to find his family.  The obvious victim of ridicule on the show and in life, a strange thing happens as he tells the tale of his life, and the city becomes enamored with Joe and his search for family, and love, with Brandi (Daniel) the girl with a heart of gold.

How is it that I've never reviewed this movie before?

Okay, I imagine there are two types of people reactions when the movie Joe Dirt is mentioned.

Those that recoil in horror at the thought of this, or any movie, starring any former Saturday Night Live cast member, especially named David Spade or Adam Sandler.

And those that recognize this movie as the Citizen Kane of Trailer Trash movies.

:)

I feel bad for that first group, because they are blindly judging a movie the second group understands that start to finish, this movie is flat-out funny.

Infinitely quotable, I defy you to find a fan of this film that can't quote you at least one of the hilarious Dirt-isms of the film at a moment's notice.

The movie is peppered with wonderful supporting characters from the obvious (Walken) to the inspired (Kid Rock) that you might not expect in a movie like this.

So sit back, and just let the Joe Dirt-iness wash over you.

Final Grade: A

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Own it. Love it.

Leave the Meter Running... "Taxi"

The Fast and the Furious sequel everyone forgets about...


The Story:

Belle (Queen Latifah) is a New York City taxi driver who aspires to be a race car driver.  In fact, she's souped up her taxi quite a bit.  Perhaps a bit too much as she winds up crossing paths with a cop (Jimmy Fallon) and the two become partners trying to solve a series of bank robberies.  Naturally, the two have a lot to teach one another.  Well okay, basically Belle has a whole lot to teach Washburn...

:)

This movie is closing in on a decade old.  That's about the last time I saw it, and I found it fun(ny) back then.

Watched it again recently, and it was still a pretty good film.

Oh, don't get me wrong, it's nothing earth-shattering, but it's not that bad.

Why?

Again, much like yesterday's film, Queen Latifah has a personality that just transcends film and makes her instantly likeable.

She takes a heist film (one of my favorite genres!) originally scripted by the great Luc Besson, and elevates the material with her delivery and charisma.

This is Jimmy Fallon's first foray as a leading man after years of working the Saturday Night Live Weekend Update anchor desk.

He plays a bumbling noob, and he does it really well. :)

Finally, director Tim Story does a great job with his first action flick.  His first feature (that I saw/know of) Barbershop, was a really good movie, and Story branched out into action comedy with this one.  His next film would be The Fantastic Four, and yes, I know a lot of people hated it, but he got The Thing and Human Torch correct, so that film (and its sequel) will always get a pass with me.

: )

Final Grade: C+/B- ish...

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor:  I meant to buy this one within the last decade.  Perhaps the upcoming decade I will finally get around to it?

Stealing Dogs in the Name of Love... "Lost & Found"

The next best thing to a Neil Diamond concert...

The Story:

Dylan (David Spade) is a struggling restaurant owner who wants to expand the business by getting a loan from Mr. Millstone (Martin Sheen).  In the meantime, a beautiful cellist, Lila (Sophie Marceau) who lives near Dylan, has her dog keep escaping.  Dylan keeps returning the dog to the grateful owner, and then Dylan decides that maybe if he kept the dog in the house for an extra hour or two, he could spend a little more quality time with Lila.  Ah, but when the dog eats the engagement ring that he's holding for his best friend... things get a little complicated!

Ah yes, my love of former Saturday Night Live performers continues to this day.

Today, it's David Spade who finally achieved "star of the movie" status with this film.

Before, he had been part of the dynamic duo of David Spade and Chris Farley who struck gold with Tommy Boy and followed it up with the less successful Black Sheep. However, with Farley's untimely death, Spade had little choice but to go solo.  A few smaller parts and co-star movies followed before Lost and Found was released.

Is it a great movie?

Not great, but not bad.

Spade's acerbic wit and biting humor are on full display here, and I've always  found the man to be hilarious.

Couple that with Artie Lange as someone who wants to be just like Dylan, it makes for a great running gag through the movie.

Of course, some people will insist that Spade and Marceau could never be an item in real life, but that's why this is a movie.  He's the little guy that is sincere and charming to the girl of his dreams, and he wins her over.

It's always good to root for the underdog.

The trick will be, once she discovers that he lied to her (about the dog), will she be willing to take him back?

The storylines all culminate at a party where Spade must do his best Neil Diamond impression in order to earn his business loan.

And when the movie ends, the cast engages in a rousing dance/singalong to Groove is in the Heart.  I'm not sure when the credit cast scenes began, but this might have been one of the firsts.

Final Grade: B-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I could easily watch it again, harmless David Spade fun that always puts a smile on my face.