Proof That "The House" Doesn't Always Win

The House (2017)

Rated R

Starring Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Jason Mantzoukas, Ryan Simpkins, Nick Kroll,

Directed by Andrew Jay Cohen

The Story:

Scott (Ferrell) and Kate (Poehler) are excited that their daughter Alex (Simpkins) will be winning their annual community scholarship program. However when budget shortfalls kill the scholarship, they panic and turn to Frank (Mantzoukas) who suggests they earn the money by turning their house into a casino.

Game on.

This had to be a can't miss on paper.

Ferrell and Poehler.

Two Saturday Night Live legends starring together in an R-Rated comedy.

However, whatever paper it was written on, was not the paper that ended up getting filmed.

That said, there are some tremendously funny spots in the movie, some great cameos, and Mantzoukas doing what he does best, and that's making every movie he's in better than it should be.

Unfortunately it's not enough to save the film.

It's watchable, but sadly, it's forgettable.

Too many missed opportunities like this in the movies lately, especially for both leads.

Maybe next time?

Final Grade:  C

A Fairly Dynamic Duo... "Daddy's Home"

Daddy's Home (2015)

Rated PG-13

Starring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini, Thomas Haden Church,

Directed by Sean Anders

The Story:

Brad (Ferrell) really loves his wife (Cardellini) and her kids. He's trying to be the best step-dad in the world to them, and as time has passed, their intense burning hatred of him is slowly becoming casual indifference. Then Dusty (Wahlberg) breezes back into town, and Brad quickly falls from grace and slowly loses his mind as he attempts to win back the family that he's always wanted.

Much like the last time these two teamed up (The Other Guys) there are laughs to be had, but overall, it was just an okay movie.

Naturally everything goes wrong for Brad, and while comical at first, it just keeps compounding and you're like, "okay, I get it".

Not everything in life, or movies, needs to be turned up to 11.

Eventually the tables will turn and the charmed life that Dusty is enjoying will fail, but it takes quite a bit for him to realize that there is more to being a dad than just "being cool".

The energy and interplay between the two is there, and I hope that should they decide to buddy up again, they will finally get that script that puts it over the top as a truly enjoyable film that lives up to the high expectations the audience has going into the film.
 
The best bits usually involve Thomas Haden Church. That guy kills i as Brad's boss. :)

So yes, there are some laughs, but for me, not everything clicked perfectly this go round.

And really, when the kids are the ones using the most profanity in the film, it's time to get another opinion on the script.

I've seen kids that don't care for an authority figure (see Uncle Buck) and they don't need to swear up a storm to get the point across.

Final Grade: C+

Going To Prison? Better "Get Hard" First!

Get Hard (2015)

Rated R

Starring Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Craig T. Nelson, Alison Brie

Directed by Etan Cohen

The Story:

James (Ferrell) is a well-to-do stock broker who has it all: the girl (Brie) he's going to marry who's dad (Nelson) is the boss where James works. However, when James is accused of fraud and sentenced to the harshest sentence possible, he decides he needs to spend the month prior to going to jail getting ready for life in the big house.  So he hires Darnell (Hart) who will train him to 'Get Hard' for life in prison. This is merely the assumption by James because Darnell is black, therefore, statistically speaking, he must have done time.

So there you go.

Statistically speaking, this movie should be uproariously funny, however, it doesn't quite click on all cylinders from start to finish.

I still enjoyed it, and Ferrell and Hart make a pretty good duo and they both elicit their fair share of funny moments.

Sometimes movies like this are difficult to pull off with two great funny actors as the duo. One often has to play the straight man to allow the other to pull off the comedy bit.

The movie allows for both to trade off to get the laugh in one scene and play it straight in the next.

For the most part, it works and was fun, but with a bit more time and effort the results could have been epic.

Final Grade: C+/B- range.

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

He Comes In Peace. Mostly. "Megamind"

Megamind (2010)

Rated PG

Starring Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill

Directed by Tom McGrath

The Story:

Megamind (Ferrell) is the world's greatest supervillain.  However, he is constantly kept in check by Metro Man (Pitt).  After years of putting Roxanne (Fey) in peril, the relationship is changed forever when Megamind kills Metro Man!  Missing his heroic arch-nemesis, Megamind creates a new hero to fight (Hill).  But when he goes rogue to use his powers for evil, Megamind must become the hero he never wanted to become.

A loving homage to superheroes, Dreamworks unleashed Megamind to help put a twist on the genre.

While not the perfection of The Incredibles, this film still has quite a bit to offer, not the least of which is the top-notch vocal talents of the 4 lead characters.

Dreamworks Animation continues to produce stealth classics that are overlooked and under-appreciated by the audience and critics.

I would be more than happy to see a sequel in the future, but I don't see that coming anytime soon.

So in the meantime, I'll just sit back and enjoy this one.

I think as time passes, this one will get more appreciated for all that it has to offer.

Final Grade: Solid B, maybe B+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I already own it, and it's a fun one to pop in and rewatch every so often.

Everything Really Is Awesome... "The Lego Movie"

The Lego Movie (2014)

Rated PG

Starring Chris Pratt, Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson

Directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller

The Story:

Emmet Brickowski (Pratt) is an everyday, ordinary Lego builder.  He goes about his business, never realizing that he is... "The Special".  Yes, prophesied to stop the superweapon, the Kragle from being used by Lord Business (Ferrell) destroying the many Lego realms.  Teaming to help Emmet on his quest are Wyldestyle (Banks) and Batman (Arnett).

Want a fun movie that is great for all ages?

Look no further.

Naturally, for those of us that were kids at one point, Legos are no stranger to our lives.  The bricks can create almost anything you can imagine.

As the years have passed, the sets have gotten cooler, and now there are Legos to reflect pretty much any pop culture obsession.

Way cool for kids.

Possibly even cooler for parents.

Which becomes the crux of the conflict of The Lego Movie.

It seems that Lord Business is more familiar of an enemy than you realize as the movie unfolds, but I don't want to spoil it for those who have not seen the film yet.

The voice cast in the film is amazing.  Pratt is overshadowed by the more famous Legos and/or voices, but that's to be expected for his character. However he brings the heart and soul to the movie along with some pretty good comedy gags.

Batman could easily be seen as the star of this film, and it's easily the best Batman film from DC...

Ever.

:)

This beautiful 3D film is above and beyond all of the previous Lego movies that they've released.

That said, those movies were all pretty darn fun on their own merits.

Combine these films with the stellar Lego videogames, and you begin to realize that a simple building block has reimagined itself for the 21st Century.

They aren't going anywhere, and the future looks very bright for this franchise.

The movie is so good, you can almost forgive all those times you step on a Lego barefoot at 2 AM in the house.

Almost.

:)

Final Grade: A-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Add this to the other great Lego offerings.  I imagine this will find its way into our house by Christmas.

Not The Worst Television Remake Of All Time..."Bewitched"

Bewitched (2005)

Rated PG-13 for language

Starring Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell, Shirley MacLaine, Michael Caine,

Directed by Nora Ephron

The Story:

Jack Wyatt (Ferrell) is on the ropes with his movie career.  He's had a few bombs, so he is hoping that a trip to the small screen in a remake of the beloved 60s sitcom Bewitched will be just the ticket.  But Jack wants to make sure he's the star, so the plan is to find an unknown to play Samantha and that way Darrin can be the focus of the show.  When he meets Isabel (Kidman), Jack realizes that she is perfect.  He's smitten, and she's cast.  However, what Jack doesn't know is that Isabel really is a witch, and she's got some ideas of her own.

So where did this one go off the rails?

Nearing the 10th anniversary of this film, and I gave it a spin again recently.

It was still cute.

No, it's nothing to set the world on fire or change cinema forever...

But come on, it wasn't that bad.

Perhaps it had a built-in hatred from audiences even before it was released?

After all, people complain about the bankruptcy of Hollywood ideas and the constant recycling and remaking of old properties.

Then you advertise that you are remaking Bewitched, and audiences hated it on principle alone.

Of course, it arrives with a twist, it's a remake within a movie, so it's very clever in NOT being a remake.

Add to that the clever notion that Isabel and her family are witches, and it should have been enough to appease the haters, but it failed.

Why?  Hard to say.

Ephron gave it her best as writer and director, and the cast is first-rate.

Kidman gives a spunky, humorous performance as Isabel/Samantha.  Even down to the nose twitch, she plays the part well.

Ferrell plays the ego-centric but mostly harmless Jack with his usual goofy, everyman charm.

MacLaine vamps it up as an aging Hollywood diva and Michael Caine plays pretty much himself.

Don't forget the delightful cameo by Steve Carell channeling his best Paul Lynde as Uncle Arthur, and this was a movie that should've been better than it was.

It should've been better received and remembered.

Final Grade: C+/B- Range

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: It's cute..it's sweet..it's harmless.  Perfect movie to watch on a slow night.

Keep It Classy America... "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues"

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013)

Rated PG-13/R  for Language

Starring Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, David Koecher, Christina Applegate

Directed by Adam McKay

The Story:

Ron Burgundy (Ferrell) has moved on with his wife (Applegate) and their child and is now co-hosting the news in New York.  When she is selected to be the first prime-time female news anchor, and he's fired, well Burgundy spirals out of control as his life is effectively over.  But when Ron is approached to be part of a crazy new idea: a 24 hour news channel... can Ron reassemble his old team from San Diego, and help convince the world that news, 24/7 is a good idea?

I remember seeing Anchorman a few years ago, it was amusing, but not the amazing, hilarious cult film that many people I know make it out to be.

The sequel...

Pretty much the same.

There are a couple of insanely funny gags... and a lot of otherwise enjoyable laughs.

However, there's nothing here for me to want to come back to and watch again in the future.

And for me, that's the ultimate test and tribute to a comedy:  How many times can I watch this film, and it still be funny every time?

What actually worked for me in this film was when the movie focused on how Ron and his team actually created history on the air.  Those segments were the best, and revisionist history being what it is, you could believe that in this day and age, it was Ron Burgundy, or whatever real anchor he is indeed cloned after that came up with these ideas that "hey, this could be news!" and the people ate it up.

And still do.

If you enjoyed the first one, I see no reason why you won't enjoy the latest installment.

Final Grade: C+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Maybe in a few years I'd watch it again, but no hurry, and no need to own it.

The Twelve Reviews of Christmas...Day Eleven: "Elf"

You sit on a throne of lies!

The Story:

Buddy (Will Ferrell) crawled into Santa's (Edward Asner) bag during a visit to an orphanage.  Raised in the North Pole by Papa Elf (Bob Newhart), Buddy has never realized that he's not an Elf...he's human!  In fact, he's the son of Walter (James Caan), who works at a publishing company in New York, and unfortunately has landed on Santa's naughty list.  Buddy sets off to New York to meet his dad, and along the way finds a girl, Jovie (Zooey Deschanel) and becomes smitten.  Then, on Christmas Eve... all of these storylines come to a head as Christmas is about  to be cancelled forever due to the lack of Christmas Spirit.  Can one lone Elf save the day?

Count on it!

It's been 10 years since Elf arrived in theaters.

In that decade, the movie has become a classic.

Or if not a classic, a staple of the holiday season.

There is "The Holy Trinity" of funny Christmas movies.  Scrooged. Christmas Vacation. Elf.

We can discuss and debate which is the best of those movies all season long.

At this house, the holidays don't officially begin until at least one of those movies has played.

Normally, that happens sometime between the first of November and Thanksgiving.

: )

This movie wears its heart on its sleeve, happily.  You cannot watch this movie and not smile.

Yes, even those out there that hate Will Ferrell, watch this movie and not be impressed with the childlike wonder he brings to the role of Buddy.

Surrounded by a great cast, this is Ferrell's best performance, hands down.

Directed by Jon Favreau, he proves equally adept at comedy as he does with action (Iron Man).

It doesn't get much sweeter, or funnier, than this.

Final Grade: A+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Infinitely.  Love this film.

The Future is in Their Hands... "The Campaign"

 

Let the mud-slinging begin!

The Story:

Congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) is once again running unopposed in North Carolina.  Naturally, a special interest group hoping to bring a sweatshop to the area puts their money behind a local (Zach Galifianakis) in the hopes that he will defeat the Congressman, and naturally, he will return the favor by letting them have their special interest way.  It all hits the fan during the campaign trail, and when the dust settles...

Oh my goodness.

This is one hilarious look at politics, dialed up to 11. 

However, for all the eye rolls and 'no ways' you might muster watching them go for laughs... really, how far from the way modern politics works today, is this movie?

Ferrell works a cross between Bush and Clinton as the Democratic Congressman who enjoys his job, and really has nothing better to do, because he doesn't have any other skills.

Galifianakis loses the beard but stays behind the stache to comic effect.  A simpleton in over his head, he learns quickly how to navigate the rough waters of election campaign.

The dialogue has to be structured improv, stream of consciousness raunch as the two opponents lay into each other.

So naughty... so funny.

I wish elections were all this spirited.

Final Grade: B

Would I Own It: Tough sell due to the rating, but I could certainly watch it again in 4 more years.

Que es Eso? "Casa de mi Padre"! Ay Dios Mios!!

Casa De Mi Padre...

What the heck was this film?

I'm not even sure how much of a plot synopsis I can, or want, to give on this film.  So instead, we'll sum it up this way:

Will Ferrell plays the younger brother in a family of Mexican farmers.  His older brother is a drug dealer.

Hilarity ensues.

Sort of.

First, the entire movie, minus minimal dialogue from an American, is in Spanish.  Don't worry, there are subtitles.

Yes, Ferrell does all of his part in Spanish.

Next, the entire movie was done "on the cheap"... intentionally.  So you will have camera jumps, edits, crops, subtitle changes, etc. that make the movie look like it was filmed for $1.98.

That very well may be where the majority of the humor comes from.





In fact, I will say that is where the entire source of the humor lies, as the storyline itself plays out in a very straightforward manner.

It is not, at least in my eyes, a drop-dead hilarious movie from start to finish.  But you watch, and get sucked into it, and remain entertained until the end.

I think the cheap budget feel is what keeps the movie from being too much one way or another... It can't be considered a real movie because of the intentional way in which it was filmed.

I don't think this will ever rise up in Ferrell's canon of great films (Elf, Stranger than Fiction) or become a fan favorite (Talladega Nights, Step Brothers, Anchorman).  It will fall to the bottom of his credits, sandwiched somewhere between A Night at the Roxbury and Land of the Lost.

: )

100 Greatest Movies of All Time...That I Own. # 11 ~ Elf

Okay, this wraps up the Christmas movie trilogy, and caps off the first 90 movies.  Tomorrow begins the Top 10!!

But we're going out with a bang, as this has become an instant classic since it came out in 2003.

Elf.

The story of an orphan who gets inadvertently picked up by Santa and taken back to the North Pole.  There he is raised by an elf and grows up thinking he is one...just a really big one.  Naturally, the truth comes out, and then Buddy finds out that his real father is on...

The Naughty List.

I know, that's terrible!

So he embarks on a trip to New York City to try and get his dad off the list, and maybe, just maybe, provide a Christmas miracle or two.

Directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man!), this movie just hits the ground running and never stops.  It's funny, sweet, sentimental and touching, all rolled up into one perfectly paced movie.

Will Ferrell plays Buddy the Elf to perfection.  His enthusiasm and gusto for all things Christmas is infectious, as he truly looks at the world with the eyes of a child...trapped in a 6' man frame. :)

James Caan is the naughty father, who has been taking shortcuts at work, and just becoming a bit of a grump.  He's not bad, per se, just very beleaguered.  Then to find out he has a 30 year old elf for a son...that sorta pushes him over the edge.

Zooey Deschanel plays Jovie, the object of Buddy's affection.  She even gets to belt out a tune or two along the way.

Bob Newhart also is great in his role as Buddy's adopted father/narrator.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Ed Asner as Santa.  Not the first name you would think of to play St. Nick, but he pulls it off remarkably well.  His is a bit of a jaded Santa, who has watched with weariness as the world has begun to quit believing in him.  This suits Asner's built in gruffness to perfection.

This or Christmas Vacation  is usually the movie that kicks off the holiday movie viewing frenzy that runs from Thanksgiving until Christmas.  Elf usually gets several spins in the DVD player... it just never gets old.