WHAT'S SO FUNNY?
AMERICAN FICTION
Release Date: 2023
Rating: R 18 +
Running Time: 117 mins
A comedy drama written and directed by Cord Jefferson in his feature directorial debut. Based on the novel Erasure by Percival Everett, the story follows a frustrated novelist- professor who decides to create an outlandish satire of stereotypical "Black" books; and honestly, American Fiction delivers in the freshest and funniest of ways.
Thenonious "Monk" Ellison is an esteemed upper-class writer and lecturer and although he has touched some fame with his previous novels, his newest offering was deemed "not black enough" by his publishers. Frustrated, especially when he sees poorly written books by black authors racing up the best seller charts, Monk decides to write a melodramatic gang and drug violence shocker called 'My Pafology' under the pseudonym of Stagg R. Leigh. Unbelievably, Stagg's novel is adored and praised and Monk finds himself having to pretend that he is a deadbeat thug in order to increase the believability and sale of his novel.
American Fiction is an original and humorous watch, I laughed out loud many times as I watched because this is genuinely clever and witty. The cast is also tremendous, with Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Rose, John Ortiz, Issa Rae and Sterling K. Brown all bringing humour and depth to the storyline, easily making American Fiction the best written comedy of 2023.
FINAL SAY: Not being able to relate to people isn't a badge of honour.
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2023
Rating: R 18 +
Running Time: 117 mins
A comedy drama written and directed by Cord Jefferson in his feature directorial debut. Based on the novel Erasure by Percival Everett, the story follows a frustrated novelist- professor who decides to create an outlandish satire of stereotypical "Black" books; and honestly, American Fiction delivers in the freshest and funniest of ways.
Thenonious "Monk" Ellison is an esteemed upper-class writer and lecturer and although he has touched some fame with his previous novels, his newest offering was deemed "not black enough" by his publishers. Frustrated, especially when he sees poorly written books by black authors racing up the best seller charts, Monk decides to write a melodramatic gang and drug violence shocker called 'My Pafology' under the pseudonym of Stagg R. Leigh. Unbelievably, Stagg's novel is adored and praised and Monk finds himself having to pretend that he is a deadbeat thug in order to increase the believability and sale of his novel.
American Fiction is an original and humorous watch, I laughed out loud many times as I watched because this is genuinely clever and witty. The cast is also tremendous, with Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Rose, John Ortiz, Issa Rae and Sterling K. Brown all bringing humour and depth to the storyline, easily making American Fiction the best written comedy of 2023.
FINAL SAY: Not being able to relate to people isn't a badge of honour.
4 Chilli Peppers
BARBIE
Release Date: 2023
Rating: PG
Running Time: 114 mins
A fantasy comedy directed by Greta Gerwig, who wrote the screenplay with Noah Baumbach; Barbie, which is based around the Mattel fashion dolls called Barbie, hits all the right notes and delivers something that is extremely funny, undeniably woke and fantastically pink in every way.
Barbie (Margot Robbie) and all the other Barbie versions have the most perfect life in Barbieland. It's all smiles and parties in this matriarchal wonderland where Beach Ken (Ryan Gosling) and all the other Ken's exist only to make the Barbie's happy. However, when Barbie gets pulled into the real world due to an outside influence, she discovers that she has not been the perfect role model in the real world that she thought she was. And Ken, who rides along with her, discovers how the patriarchy works, and soon everything in Barbie's world begins to fall apart.
This is laugh out loud material from start to end. The costumes, sets and designs are dazzling, the soundtrack is fun and thoughtfully put together and Robbie and Gosling are hilariously great as Barbie and Ken. What I wasn't expecting was for it to be so genuinely moving and poignant about the purpose of being a female role model; there is a genuinely great message being conveyed here that will hopefully not be lost on younger audiences. And Ken's grappling of the what patriarchy looks like in extreme was also really well fleshed out and explored.
Not just a pink flash in the pan, Barbie is a movie that people will go back to and play again and again for the laughs and the tears, not unlike the beloved doll herself.
FINAL SAY: Humans have only one ending. Ideas live forever.
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2023
Rating: PG
Running Time: 114 mins
A fantasy comedy directed by Greta Gerwig, who wrote the screenplay with Noah Baumbach; Barbie, which is based around the Mattel fashion dolls called Barbie, hits all the right notes and delivers something that is extremely funny, undeniably woke and fantastically pink in every way.
Barbie (Margot Robbie) and all the other Barbie versions have the most perfect life in Barbieland. It's all smiles and parties in this matriarchal wonderland where Beach Ken (Ryan Gosling) and all the other Ken's exist only to make the Barbie's happy. However, when Barbie gets pulled into the real world due to an outside influence, she discovers that she has not been the perfect role model in the real world that she thought she was. And Ken, who rides along with her, discovers how the patriarchy works, and soon everything in Barbie's world begins to fall apart.
This is laugh out loud material from start to end. The costumes, sets and designs are dazzling, the soundtrack is fun and thoughtfully put together and Robbie and Gosling are hilariously great as Barbie and Ken. What I wasn't expecting was for it to be so genuinely moving and poignant about the purpose of being a female role model; there is a genuinely great message being conveyed here that will hopefully not be lost on younger audiences. And Ken's grappling of the what patriarchy looks like in extreme was also really well fleshed out and explored.
Not just a pink flash in the pan, Barbie is a movie that people will go back to and play again and again for the laughs and the tears, not unlike the beloved doll herself.
FINAL SAY: Humans have only one ending. Ideas live forever.
4 Chilli Peppers
NO HARD FEELINGS
Release Date: 2023
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 103 mins
A coming of age film directed by Gene Stupnitsky from a screenplay that he co-wrote with John Phillips, No Hard Feelings swings between inappropriately raunchy behaviours and painful helicopter parenting with an effortless ease that makes this it a fun and enjoyable comedy from start to end.
32 year old Maddie Barker is facing bankruptcy when an opportunity arises for her to get a car free on Craigslist. The only catch is that she has to "date" a socially awkward and shy 19 year old boy named Percy because his wealthy parents can't deal with him leaving for college without any prior female socialisation or sexual experience. She also has to make it seem natural, so Maddie sets out to secretly seduce and socialise Percy and finds much more than she had bargained for.
There is nothing astoundingly original or interesting about this tried and tired old movie trope, but Jennifer Lawrence makes this film great by delivering her usual high level of funny and sincere on screen as Maddie. Any icky feelings or controversy around the somewhat questionable storyline is cancelled out by the way that film constantly fails to condone or promote Maddie's crappy choices and immaturity. The teenagers in the film are obviously far more aware and mature than Maddie is and the whole point of the movie is to point out how childlike and pathetic some adults can be, which is easy to see when they are surrounded by capable and intelligent young individuals.
Overall this is just a low-stake comedy film with higher than expected outcomes, watch it for a giggle.
FINAL SAY: This kid's undatable!
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2023
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 103 mins
A coming of age film directed by Gene Stupnitsky from a screenplay that he co-wrote with John Phillips, No Hard Feelings swings between inappropriately raunchy behaviours and painful helicopter parenting with an effortless ease that makes this it a fun and enjoyable comedy from start to end.
32 year old Maddie Barker is facing bankruptcy when an opportunity arises for her to get a car free on Craigslist. The only catch is that she has to "date" a socially awkward and shy 19 year old boy named Percy because his wealthy parents can't deal with him leaving for college without any prior female socialisation or sexual experience. She also has to make it seem natural, so Maddie sets out to secretly seduce and socialise Percy and finds much more than she had bargained for.
There is nothing astoundingly original or interesting about this tried and tired old movie trope, but Jennifer Lawrence makes this film great by delivering her usual high level of funny and sincere on screen as Maddie. Any icky feelings or controversy around the somewhat questionable storyline is cancelled out by the way that film constantly fails to condone or promote Maddie's crappy choices and immaturity. The teenagers in the film are obviously far more aware and mature than Maddie is and the whole point of the movie is to point out how childlike and pathetic some adults can be, which is easy to see when they are surrounded by capable and intelligent young individuals.
Overall this is just a low-stake comedy film with higher than expected outcomes, watch it for a giggle.
FINAL SAY: This kid's undatable!
3 Chilli Peppers
BO BURNHAM: INSIDE
Release Date: 2021
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 87 mins
Written, directed, filmed, edited and performed by comedian Bo Burnham during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown of 2020, this unique film is a collection of Burnham's songs and skits in response to his deteriorating mental health and the world's obsession with social media during isolation and enforced lockdowns.
This entire film feels deeply personal, and that's because it is. We literally get an intimate glimpse inside the head of Bo Burnham, delivered through original music, stand up comedy and meta-commentary. What Burnham manages to do in 87 minutes is take his audience on a ride, delivering something that feels so fresh and genuine that you can't look away.
It's a little bit theatrical, quite heavy on the sarcasm, with a smattering of dark humour and some beautifully bleak and honest storytelling about the social and emotional effects of isolation, in a word it's riveting!
Critics lauded the special's presentation of the Covid-19 pandemic, which he never actually mentions by name at any stage during the film, and he became the first person to win three Emmy's individually in a single year after he took the directing, writing and music direction awards in 2021.
Bo Burnham: Inside was definitely my favourite comedy of 2021 and it shouldn't be missed.
FINAL SAY: White woman's Instagram!
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2021
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 87 mins
Written, directed, filmed, edited and performed by comedian Bo Burnham during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown of 2020, this unique film is a collection of Burnham's songs and skits in response to his deteriorating mental health and the world's obsession with social media during isolation and enforced lockdowns.
This entire film feels deeply personal, and that's because it is. We literally get an intimate glimpse inside the head of Bo Burnham, delivered through original music, stand up comedy and meta-commentary. What Burnham manages to do in 87 minutes is take his audience on a ride, delivering something that feels so fresh and genuine that you can't look away.
It's a little bit theatrical, quite heavy on the sarcasm, with a smattering of dark humour and some beautifully bleak and honest storytelling about the social and emotional effects of isolation, in a word it's riveting!
Critics lauded the special's presentation of the Covid-19 pandemic, which he never actually mentions by name at any stage during the film, and he became the first person to win three Emmy's individually in a single year after he took the directing, writing and music direction awards in 2021.
Bo Burnham: Inside was definitely my favourite comedy of 2021 and it shouldn't be missed.
FINAL SAY: White woman's Instagram!
4 Chilli Peppers
DOLEMITE IS MY NAME
Release Date: 2019
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 118 mins
A biographical comedy, directed by Craig Brewer and written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski that tells the story of real life (and larger than life) filmmaker Rudy Ray Moore, who was best known for portraying a charismatic and outspoken character called Dolemite.
Rudy Ray Moore is a struggling artist in LA, desperate to get his music on the radio, Rudy decides to adopt the persona of a loud homeless street poet called Dolemite. Under his new persona, Rudy embarks upon a career as a foul-mouthed stand up comedian and soon becomes an underground hit, releasing his first controversial album entitled "Eat Out More Often." With a largely growing audience, Moore gets the idea to begin filming Dolemite, a kung-fu themed blaxploitation film. And he will let nothing, not even bankruptcy, stand in his way.
Eddie Murphy brilliantly delivers Dolemite with all of the brash, bold and dynamic intensity that made him famous in the first place and it was great to see him dazzling on the screen again. Dolemite is a genuinely funny movie, I laughed out loud many times and I can see why the film earned both a Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and Best Actor nomination in the same category at the 77th Golden Globe Awards, it is a great watch.
FINAL SAY: Dolemite is my name, and fuckin' up motherfuckers is my game!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2019
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 118 mins
A biographical comedy, directed by Craig Brewer and written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski that tells the story of real life (and larger than life) filmmaker Rudy Ray Moore, who was best known for portraying a charismatic and outspoken character called Dolemite.
Rudy Ray Moore is a struggling artist in LA, desperate to get his music on the radio, Rudy decides to adopt the persona of a loud homeless street poet called Dolemite. Under his new persona, Rudy embarks upon a career as a foul-mouthed stand up comedian and soon becomes an underground hit, releasing his first controversial album entitled "Eat Out More Often." With a largely growing audience, Moore gets the idea to begin filming Dolemite, a kung-fu themed blaxploitation film. And he will let nothing, not even bankruptcy, stand in his way.
Eddie Murphy brilliantly delivers Dolemite with all of the brash, bold and dynamic intensity that made him famous in the first place and it was great to see him dazzling on the screen again. Dolemite is a genuinely funny movie, I laughed out loud many times and I can see why the film earned both a Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and Best Actor nomination in the same category at the 77th Golden Globe Awards, it is a great watch.
FINAL SAY: Dolemite is my name, and fuckin' up motherfuckers is my game!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
JOJO RABBIT
Release Date: 2019
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 108 mins
Written and directed by Taika Waititi (who also stars as an imaginary Adolf Hitler) Jojo Rabbit is set to divide viewers with it's strange mixture of comedy, war and drama. This unexpected 'feel good' movie swings between poignant and disturbing depictions of the atrocities of WW2 and full blown Nazi-mocking humour, never really committing to any one genre for the duration.
Living in Nazi occupied Germany during the latter stages of WW2, young Johannes "Jojo" Betzler, his best friend Yorki and his imaginary friend Adolf Hitler attend a Deutsches Jungvolk Hitler Youth training Camp together. The camp is designed to offer boys the basics in Nazi training, whilst strengthen their hate for all things Jewish. However, when Jojo comes into close contact with a Jewish girl, all of his training and pre-conceptions are put to the test.
This is really funny stuff; Taika Waititi, Rebel Wilson, Stephen Merchant, Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson all bring a lot of comic relief and support to Roman Griffin Davis who plays Jojo with loads of flair and and an engaging fresh faced innocence. However, this movie is not just all about the laughs, because there are a lot of important and valuable things being said here as well which definitely makes it one of the most original films of the year for me.
For fans of previous Waititi offerings, you are certainly in for a treat and although there is no denying that Jojo Rabbit isn't not going to appeal to everyone's taste, it certainly appealed to mine.
FINAL SAY: Definitely not a good time to be a Nazi.
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2019
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 108 mins
Written and directed by Taika Waititi (who also stars as an imaginary Adolf Hitler) Jojo Rabbit is set to divide viewers with it's strange mixture of comedy, war and drama. This unexpected 'feel good' movie swings between poignant and disturbing depictions of the atrocities of WW2 and full blown Nazi-mocking humour, never really committing to any one genre for the duration.
Living in Nazi occupied Germany during the latter stages of WW2, young Johannes "Jojo" Betzler, his best friend Yorki and his imaginary friend Adolf Hitler attend a Deutsches Jungvolk Hitler Youth training Camp together. The camp is designed to offer boys the basics in Nazi training, whilst strengthen their hate for all things Jewish. However, when Jojo comes into close contact with a Jewish girl, all of his training and pre-conceptions are put to the test.
This is really funny stuff; Taika Waititi, Rebel Wilson, Stephen Merchant, Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson all bring a lot of comic relief and support to Roman Griffin Davis who plays Jojo with loads of flair and and an engaging fresh faced innocence. However, this movie is not just all about the laughs, because there are a lot of important and valuable things being said here as well which definitely makes it one of the most original films of the year for me.
For fans of previous Waititi offerings, you are certainly in for a treat and although there is no denying that Jojo Rabbit isn't not going to appeal to everyone's taste, it certainly appealed to mine.
FINAL SAY: Definitely not a good time to be a Nazi.
4 Chilli Peppers
THE HUSTLE
Release Date: 2019
Rating: M
Running Time: 94 mins
This female-centred remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels got an absolute smashing from critics, and I can see why, it's hardly a game changer. However, I did laugh out loud at the cinema when I saw this (on more than one occasion actually) and I did like the onscreen banter between Rebel Wilson and Anne Hathaway. So, if it is an easy, amusing and mostly silly comedy that you are looking for then I think that The Hustle ticks all of those boxes.
Two female con artists, one a loud and obnoxious Australian and the other a refined and cunning British beauty decide to join forces to an attempt to fleece wealthy men of their money.
Perhaps the world has already tired of Rebel Wilson's one note performances, but I haven't yet, and I actually thought that she was genuinely amusing as Penny the annoying and persistent con artist. Anne Hathaway gets to flounce about in lavish outfits looking divine and talking like Eliza Doolittle (which is mentioned during the movie), and the whole thing is one fast moving hot mess that for some reason I quite enjoyed.
Don't let the critics deceive you, this is more than watchable stuff that you will get a laugh out of.
FINAL SAY: Men underestimate us, so that is what we use.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2019
Rating: M
Running Time: 94 mins
This female-centred remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels got an absolute smashing from critics, and I can see why, it's hardly a game changer. However, I did laugh out loud at the cinema when I saw this (on more than one occasion actually) and I did like the onscreen banter between Rebel Wilson and Anne Hathaway. So, if it is an easy, amusing and mostly silly comedy that you are looking for then I think that The Hustle ticks all of those boxes.
Two female con artists, one a loud and obnoxious Australian and the other a refined and cunning British beauty decide to join forces to an attempt to fleece wealthy men of their money.
Perhaps the world has already tired of Rebel Wilson's one note performances, but I haven't yet, and I actually thought that she was genuinely amusing as Penny the annoying and persistent con artist. Anne Hathaway gets to flounce about in lavish outfits looking divine and talking like Eliza Doolittle (which is mentioned during the movie), and the whole thing is one fast moving hot mess that for some reason I quite enjoyed.
Don't let the critics deceive you, this is more than watchable stuff that you will get a laugh out of.
FINAL SAY: Men underestimate us, so that is what we use.
3 Chilli Peppers
FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY
Release Date: 2019
Rating: M
Running Time: 108 mins
A biographical sports comedy/drama based on the 2012 documentary The Wrestlers: Fighting with my Family by director Max Fisher. With a surprisingly fresh dialogue (mainly due to Stephen Merchant's writing and directing) Fighting with My Family delivers an enjoyable, educational and entertaining look into the world of female professional wrestling.
A British amatuer wrestling family have their lives changed forever when they receive a call from an NXT executive requesting that two of their children (Zak and Saraya 'Paige' Bevis) try out for a spot in the WWE. However, when it is Paige that gets selected to join, Zak struggles to be supportive in the wake of his own lost dream, leaving Paige to face the cutthroat world of professional wrestling on her own.
This is a perfectly cast film, with Nick Frost and Lena Headey providing excellent support to Florence Pugh (Paige) as her enthusiastic wrestling parents, and also delivering some much needed levity and humour to an otherwise pretty predictable script. Vince Vaughn is also terrific as trainer and WWE representative Hutch Morgan and Jack Lowden steals the show with his pouty disposition and scruffy likeability as Paige's put upon brother Zak. Dwayne Johnson is playing himself here and also depicting his old wrestling persona 'The Rock' which is always amusing to me.
The cast really do make this movie, but I cannot deny that it was also really great to watch another female empowerment movie about a strong, determined women taking the lead, breaking stereotypes and kicking some arse along the way.
FINAL SAY: Dick me dead, and bury me pregnant.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2019
Rating: M
Running Time: 108 mins
A biographical sports comedy/drama based on the 2012 documentary The Wrestlers: Fighting with my Family by director Max Fisher. With a surprisingly fresh dialogue (mainly due to Stephen Merchant's writing and directing) Fighting with My Family delivers an enjoyable, educational and entertaining look into the world of female professional wrestling.
A British amatuer wrestling family have their lives changed forever when they receive a call from an NXT executive requesting that two of their children (Zak and Saraya 'Paige' Bevis) try out for a spot in the WWE. However, when it is Paige that gets selected to join, Zak struggles to be supportive in the wake of his own lost dream, leaving Paige to face the cutthroat world of professional wrestling on her own.
This is a perfectly cast film, with Nick Frost and Lena Headey providing excellent support to Florence Pugh (Paige) as her enthusiastic wrestling parents, and also delivering some much needed levity and humour to an otherwise pretty predictable script. Vince Vaughn is also terrific as trainer and WWE representative Hutch Morgan and Jack Lowden steals the show with his pouty disposition and scruffy likeability as Paige's put upon brother Zak. Dwayne Johnson is playing himself here and also depicting his old wrestling persona 'The Rock' which is always amusing to me.
The cast really do make this movie, but I cannot deny that it was also really great to watch another female empowerment movie about a strong, determined women taking the lead, breaking stereotypes and kicking some arse along the way.
FINAL SAY: Dick me dead, and bury me pregnant.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
INSTANT FAMILY
Release Date: 2018
Rating: M
Running Time: 120 mins
I saw this comedy/ drama with absolutely no expectations whatsoever, in fact I was half expecting to not like it at all. So I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that it is not only heart warming and completely feel good, but it is also based on a true story about the experiences of a real life foster family.
Pete and Ellie are a well off childless couple who decide to dive head first into foster parenting. They take on a trio of Latinx kids who bring their own baggage, drama and trauma into their home and change their lives forever.
As you would imagine, shenanigans abound as the family all attempt adjust to each other, but underneath all of that is some genuine and heartfelt interaction that bravely explores family boundaries, unconditional love and human kindness, which makes this film a winner.
The acting and casting is terrific, with Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne shining as the haphazard foster parents, Octavia Spencer offering comic relief as foster parent trainer Karen and the three child actors Isabela Moner, Gustavo Quiroz Jr. and Julianna Gamiz all delivering meaningful and believable child angst throughout.
Overall, a really pleasing and heartwarming comedy that the whole family can enjoy.
FINAL SAY: Your real kids are different. You can't erase them.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2018
Rating: M
Running Time: 120 mins
I saw this comedy/ drama with absolutely no expectations whatsoever, in fact I was half expecting to not like it at all. So I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that it is not only heart warming and completely feel good, but it is also based on a true story about the experiences of a real life foster family.
Pete and Ellie are a well off childless couple who decide to dive head first into foster parenting. They take on a trio of Latinx kids who bring their own baggage, drama and trauma into their home and change their lives forever.
As you would imagine, shenanigans abound as the family all attempt adjust to each other, but underneath all of that is some genuine and heartfelt interaction that bravely explores family boundaries, unconditional love and human kindness, which makes this film a winner.
The acting and casting is terrific, with Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne shining as the haphazard foster parents, Octavia Spencer offering comic relief as foster parent trainer Karen and the three child actors Isabela Moner, Gustavo Quiroz Jr. and Julianna Gamiz all delivering meaningful and believable child angst throughout.
Overall, a really pleasing and heartwarming comedy that the whole family can enjoy.
FINAL SAY: Your real kids are different. You can't erase them.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
GREEN BOOK
Release Date: 2018
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 130 mins
Green Book is my favourite feel good movie of the year! Directed by Peter Farrelly and based on the interviews that Nick Vallelonga had with his father and Don Shirley (as well as the letters that his father wrote to his mother from the road); this inspiring, touching, funny and at times deeply confronting tale is such a joyful watch.
Don Shirley is a sophisticated African-American classical pianist in need of a driver with some muscle to take him on tour across the deep south of America in the 1960's. Don ends up hiring Tony 'Lip' Vallelonga for the job, a fast talking Italian-American bouncer that proves to be so much more than Don had bargained for when he hired him.
Named after The Negro Motorist Green Book, which was an actual mid-20th century guidebook for African-American travellers that was written by Victor Hugo Green to assist them in finding hotels and restaurants that would accept them, Green Book is rife with political and social injustice. However, underneath all of the ugliness there is a wonderful tale about friendship, acceptance and courage.
Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali make the perfect odd couple as Tony and Don, delivering equal amounts of humour and heartfelt sincerity to their intriguing and evolving characters, and the real life story being delivered here is certainly one worth hearing.
FINAL SAY: The world's full of lonely people afraid to make the first move.
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2018
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 130 mins
Green Book is my favourite feel good movie of the year! Directed by Peter Farrelly and based on the interviews that Nick Vallelonga had with his father and Don Shirley (as well as the letters that his father wrote to his mother from the road); this inspiring, touching, funny and at times deeply confronting tale is such a joyful watch.
Don Shirley is a sophisticated African-American classical pianist in need of a driver with some muscle to take him on tour across the deep south of America in the 1960's. Don ends up hiring Tony 'Lip' Vallelonga for the job, a fast talking Italian-American bouncer that proves to be so much more than Don had bargained for when he hired him.
Named after The Negro Motorist Green Book, which was an actual mid-20th century guidebook for African-American travellers that was written by Victor Hugo Green to assist them in finding hotels and restaurants that would accept them, Green Book is rife with political and social injustice. However, underneath all of the ugliness there is a wonderful tale about friendship, acceptance and courage.
Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali make the perfect odd couple as Tony and Don, delivering equal amounts of humour and heartfelt sincerity to their intriguing and evolving characters, and the real life story being delivered here is certainly one worth hearing.
FINAL SAY: The world's full of lonely people afraid to make the first move.
4 Chilli Peppers
THE BREAKER UPPERERS
Release Date: 2018
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 90 minutes
There is something about New Zealand comedy that is undeniably hilarious, and The Breaker Uppperers is certainly no exception to that fact. Directed and written by the dynamic duo of Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek, who also act in the two lead roles, this movie is rife with all of the awkwardness and discomfort that we have come to love from kiwi comedy and I found myself laughing out loud in the cinema all the way through.
Best friends Mel and Jen run a shady business that specialises in breaking up unhappy couples. Their enduring friendship hits the skids after a series of life changing events.
I cannot deny that the storyline here is simple at best and that there are some rather cheesy scenes, but trust me when I say that they are seriously overwhelmed by the really great cringe-worthy interludes and dark humour. I flat out loved this movie and was glad to have some quality kiwi laughs back in my life.
FINAL SAY: The heart goes where the heart goes.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2018
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 90 minutes
There is something about New Zealand comedy that is undeniably hilarious, and The Breaker Uppperers is certainly no exception to that fact. Directed and written by the dynamic duo of Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek, who also act in the two lead roles, this movie is rife with all of the awkwardness and discomfort that we have come to love from kiwi comedy and I found myself laughing out loud in the cinema all the way through.
Best friends Mel and Jen run a shady business that specialises in breaking up unhappy couples. Their enduring friendship hits the skids after a series of life changing events.
I cannot deny that the storyline here is simple at best and that there are some rather cheesy scenes, but trust me when I say that they are seriously overwhelmed by the really great cringe-worthy interludes and dark humour. I flat out loved this movie and was glad to have some quality kiwi laughs back in my life.
FINAL SAY: The heart goes where the heart goes.
3 Chilli Peppers
BLOCKERS
Release Date: 2018
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 102 mins
An American comedy directed by Kay Cannon (in her directorial debut) and written by Brian and Jim Kehoe that tells the story of three overbearing parents and their three daughters whom have made a sex pact together and plan to lose their virginity together on prom night.
Hardly a revelation in storytelling, Blockers is exactly what the title implies that it is, a bunch of parents running around trying to cock block their kids on prom night, but it is the way that this story is delivered that makes it so enjoyable.
Ridiculous would be a major understatement, but somehow, this movie is still really amusing and quite funny, probably due to the great comedic delivery of Leslie Mann, Ike Barinholtz and John Cena who really bring a lot of fun to their hopeless parent characters.
This is just plain stupid fun, utterly implausible and verging on idiotic; and yet I had a couple of really good belly laughs and I think that it is completely worth a look. Blockers may well be the comedy shocker of the year for me.
FINAL SAY: W. W. V. D. D?
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2018
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 102 mins
An American comedy directed by Kay Cannon (in her directorial debut) and written by Brian and Jim Kehoe that tells the story of three overbearing parents and their three daughters whom have made a sex pact together and plan to lose their virginity together on prom night.
Hardly a revelation in storytelling, Blockers is exactly what the title implies that it is, a bunch of parents running around trying to cock block their kids on prom night, but it is the way that this story is delivered that makes it so enjoyable.
Ridiculous would be a major understatement, but somehow, this movie is still really amusing and quite funny, probably due to the great comedic delivery of Leslie Mann, Ike Barinholtz and John Cena who really bring a lot of fun to their hopeless parent characters.
This is just plain stupid fun, utterly implausible and verging on idiotic; and yet I had a couple of really good belly laughs and I think that it is completely worth a look. Blockers may well be the comedy shocker of the year for me.
FINAL SAY: W. W. V. D. D?
3.5 Chilli Peppers
GAME NIGHT
Release Date: 2018
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 100 mins
A crime/ mystery/ black comedy directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein that delivers something fresh and genuinely interesting to the comedy genre. Loaded with unexpected twists and amusing scenarios, you can expect a fun ride from Game Night's fast pace and witty characters.
Super competitive Max (Jason Bateman) and Annie (Rachel McAdams) take weekly game nights with their group of tight friends very seriously. When Max's brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler) turns up after a long hiatus and proposes a new and exciting game night challenge for the group, the stage is set for a night of heavy competition like no other.
In all honesty, the less you know about this movie the better. I had no idea what to expect when I watched it and I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun this movie actually was. Game Night will never be regarded as side splitting humour, but it is truly entertaining and most definitely worth a look.
FINAL SAY: Charades? That's some cute full-circle bullshit.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2018
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 100 mins
A crime/ mystery/ black comedy directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein that delivers something fresh and genuinely interesting to the comedy genre. Loaded with unexpected twists and amusing scenarios, you can expect a fun ride from Game Night's fast pace and witty characters.
Super competitive Max (Jason Bateman) and Annie (Rachel McAdams) take weekly game nights with their group of tight friends very seriously. When Max's brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler) turns up after a long hiatus and proposes a new and exciting game night challenge for the group, the stage is set for a night of heavy competition like no other.
In all honesty, the less you know about this movie the better. I had no idea what to expect when I watched it and I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun this movie actually was. Game Night will never be regarded as side splitting humour, but it is truly entertaining and most definitely worth a look.
FINAL SAY: Charades? That's some cute full-circle bullshit.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE
Release Date: 2016
Rating: PG
Running Time: 101 mins
Director Taika Waititi hits a very humorous note with his latest offering, Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Based on the novel Wild Pork and Watercress by Barry Crump, this New Zealand tale was a box office smash, swiftly becoming the highest grossing locally produced movie of all time and endearing audiences with its quirky characters and subtly sweet storyline.
After a tragic turn of events, 'bad egg' Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) finds himself on the run from the law and hiding out in the bush with his cantankerous foster care father Hec (Sam Neill).
There is no shortage of laughs to be had here, this is truly funny 'grass-roots' humour at its best. One of the things that I have always loved about Waititi's movies is that they never feel forced or fabricated, there is a genuine sense of realness to them that makes them so enjoyable.
Newcomer Julian Dennison is a natural in front of the camera, demonstrating a fabulous mixture of naughtiness and charm in equal measure, and Sam Neill does an excellent job of portraying the relentlessly grumpy character Hec. It was so great to see Neill back onscreen doing comedy again, which he clearly has a flair for.
This movie isn't life changing, but it is fun and delightful in all the right ways, and with a PG rating you can take the kids along to see it without worrying about any unnecessary vulgarity or inappropriateness.
FINAL SAY: Shit just got real!
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2016
Rating: PG
Running Time: 101 mins
Director Taika Waititi hits a very humorous note with his latest offering, Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Based on the novel Wild Pork and Watercress by Barry Crump, this New Zealand tale was a box office smash, swiftly becoming the highest grossing locally produced movie of all time and endearing audiences with its quirky characters and subtly sweet storyline.
After a tragic turn of events, 'bad egg' Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) finds himself on the run from the law and hiding out in the bush with his cantankerous foster care father Hec (Sam Neill).
There is no shortage of laughs to be had here, this is truly funny 'grass-roots' humour at its best. One of the things that I have always loved about Waititi's movies is that they never feel forced or fabricated, there is a genuine sense of realness to them that makes them so enjoyable.
Newcomer Julian Dennison is a natural in front of the camera, demonstrating a fabulous mixture of naughtiness and charm in equal measure, and Sam Neill does an excellent job of portraying the relentlessly grumpy character Hec. It was so great to see Neill back onscreen doing comedy again, which he clearly has a flair for.
This movie isn't life changing, but it is fun and delightful in all the right ways, and with a PG rating you can take the kids along to see it without worrying about any unnecessary vulgarity or inappropriateness.
FINAL SAY: Shit just got real!
4 Chilli Peppers
THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN
Release Date: 2016
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 104 mins
An unexpectedly pleasing coming-of-age comedy, directed and written by Kelly Fremon Craig with a script that would have impressed John Hughes if he was still around today.
Agonising awkwardness, self loathing and uncomfortable interludes are the main here, but there is also a meaningful premise playing in the background that pushes this little gem out of the realms of mediocrity and into the halls of notoriety.
Awkward Nadine is constantly eclipsed by her all-star big brother. When her father suddenly passes away, things go from bad to worse and Nadine feels like she has no-one to turn to during her troubled teen years.
This is so amusing, I was reminded of all of my own weird insecurities and teenage hang ups as I watched Nadine struggle with her need for approval and independance. Hailee Steinfeld is fabulous as insecure Nadine, as is Hayden Szento as Erwin, and Woody Harrelson brought some much needed levity to the entire script as Mr Bruner the reluctant social worker.
The Edge of Seventeen is a terrific modern coming-of-age tale that is guaranteed to give you a laugh or two.
FINAL SAY: You need to watch out for run on sentences.
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2016
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 104 mins
An unexpectedly pleasing coming-of-age comedy, directed and written by Kelly Fremon Craig with a script that would have impressed John Hughes if he was still around today.
Agonising awkwardness, self loathing and uncomfortable interludes are the main here, but there is also a meaningful premise playing in the background that pushes this little gem out of the realms of mediocrity and into the halls of notoriety.
Awkward Nadine is constantly eclipsed by her all-star big brother. When her father suddenly passes away, things go from bad to worse and Nadine feels like she has no-one to turn to during her troubled teen years.
This is so amusing, I was reminded of all of my own weird insecurities and teenage hang ups as I watched Nadine struggle with her need for approval and independance. Hailee Steinfeld is fabulous as insecure Nadine, as is Hayden Szento as Erwin, and Woody Harrelson brought some much needed levity to the entire script as Mr Bruner the reluctant social worker.
The Edge of Seventeen is a terrific modern coming-of-age tale that is guaranteed to give you a laugh or two.
FINAL SAY: You need to watch out for run on sentences.
4 Chilli Peppers
TRAINWRECK
Release Date: 2015
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 125 mins
Written by Amy Schumer, this is the first Judd Apatow directed movie that he didn't write himself. In the same vein as Bridesmaids, the tables are turned and it is a female that is demonstrating all of the unlikable qualities of a drunken chauvinist with virtually no moral compass. Although this movie is rough around the edges, it was refreshing to have the focus on a female protagonist for a change.
Amy (Amy Schumer) is following her father's advice to avoid monogamy at all costs, because it isn't 'realistic.' She has had a string of one night stands and generally has little respect for men, that is until she meets Aaron (Bill Hader), the nice guy, sports injury doctor, that has her questioning her values.
This is hardly a revelation in script writing, the story line was unoriginal and utterly predictable, but there were a lot of great one liners, which did make me laugh. The first half of the movie was hilarious but started to ebb off around the halfway mark, and the ending was just plain awful, which was disappointing. In all honesty, I actually think that the entire movie was about a half hour too long.
Amy Schumer does a good job of epitomizing the female chauvinist pig, and I really liked that she pushed her character to seriously unlikable lengths, giving the audience something to wrestle with in an otherwise simplistic storyline. This is worth seeing just for the great one liners, some of them are absolute corkers.
FINAL SAY: Have you fucked before? Where is she buried?
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2015
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 125 mins
Written by Amy Schumer, this is the first Judd Apatow directed movie that he didn't write himself. In the same vein as Bridesmaids, the tables are turned and it is a female that is demonstrating all of the unlikable qualities of a drunken chauvinist with virtually no moral compass. Although this movie is rough around the edges, it was refreshing to have the focus on a female protagonist for a change.
Amy (Amy Schumer) is following her father's advice to avoid monogamy at all costs, because it isn't 'realistic.' She has had a string of one night stands and generally has little respect for men, that is until she meets Aaron (Bill Hader), the nice guy, sports injury doctor, that has her questioning her values.
This is hardly a revelation in script writing, the story line was unoriginal and utterly predictable, but there were a lot of great one liners, which did make me laugh. The first half of the movie was hilarious but started to ebb off around the halfway mark, and the ending was just plain awful, which was disappointing. In all honesty, I actually think that the entire movie was about a half hour too long.
Amy Schumer does a good job of epitomizing the female chauvinist pig, and I really liked that she pushed her character to seriously unlikable lengths, giving the audience something to wrestle with in an otherwise simplistic storyline. This is worth seeing just for the great one liners, some of them are absolute corkers.
FINAL SAY: Have you fucked before? Where is she buried?
3 Chilli Peppers
THE NIGHT BEFORE
Release Date: 2015
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 101 mins
Christmas themed comedies are rarely any good, it's a tremendously hard genre to get right; but here is an exception to the theory that they all have to be unwatchable crapola. Now don't get me wrong here, this is by no means great comedy viewing, but I would be lying if I said that I didn't get a few good belly laughs out of it.
Three long term friends head out for their annual tradition of getting wasted on Christmas Eve. This year they have snagged tickets to the most coveted of all Christmas parties- The Nutcracka Ball, an event that they have longed to attend for many years.
Seth Rogen plays his usual wasted mess of a character, but it is the truly talented heavy weights like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Shannon and James Franco that keep this rather unstable storyline afloat.
A perfect movie choice for a quiet and drunken Christmas Eve gathering.
FINAL SAY: We both know Miley was flawless.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2015
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 101 mins
Christmas themed comedies are rarely any good, it's a tremendously hard genre to get right; but here is an exception to the theory that they all have to be unwatchable crapola. Now don't get me wrong here, this is by no means great comedy viewing, but I would be lying if I said that I didn't get a few good belly laughs out of it.
Three long term friends head out for their annual tradition of getting wasted on Christmas Eve. This year they have snagged tickets to the most coveted of all Christmas parties- The Nutcracka Ball, an event that they have longed to attend for many years.
Seth Rogen plays his usual wasted mess of a character, but it is the truly talented heavy weights like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Shannon and James Franco that keep this rather unstable storyline afloat.
A perfect movie choice for a quiet and drunken Christmas Eve gathering.
FINAL SAY: We both know Miley was flawless.
3 Chilli Peppers
SPY
Release Date: 2015
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 119 mins
Written and directed by Paul Feig, this action spy comedy really took me surprise. Let's be honest, Melissa McCarthy movies have been pretty hit and miss. Ever since she first gained momentum off the steam of Bridesmaids, she has appeared in some appallingly bad comedies, and I was starting to think that she was a one trick pony, but here is all the evidence that anyone will ever need to support the fact that she has some seriously good comedic ability.
Desk-bound CIA agent Susan Cooper (McCarthy) heads out into the field in an attempt to avenge her partners murder and foil the black market sale of a suitcase nuke.
Even with the ridiculous and unlikely plot-line, this film still delivers. There are more than a few raucous laughs to be enjoyed and the strong cast of well known actors are tremendously funny. Jason Statham, Allison Janney, Rose Byrne and Miranda Hart are all on their A game here, delivering a tidy and terrible funny comedy that shouldn't be missed.
FINAL SAY: I look like someone's homophobic aunt!
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2015
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 119 mins
Written and directed by Paul Feig, this action spy comedy really took me surprise. Let's be honest, Melissa McCarthy movies have been pretty hit and miss. Ever since she first gained momentum off the steam of Bridesmaids, she has appeared in some appallingly bad comedies, and I was starting to think that she was a one trick pony, but here is all the evidence that anyone will ever need to support the fact that she has some seriously good comedic ability.
Desk-bound CIA agent Susan Cooper (McCarthy) heads out into the field in an attempt to avenge her partners murder and foil the black market sale of a suitcase nuke.
Even with the ridiculous and unlikely plot-line, this film still delivers. There are more than a few raucous laughs to be enjoyed and the strong cast of well known actors are tremendously funny. Jason Statham, Allison Janney, Rose Byrne and Miranda Hart are all on their A game here, delivering a tidy and terrible funny comedy that shouldn't be missed.
FINAL SAY: I look like someone's homophobic aunt!
4 Chilli Peppers
WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY
Release Date: 2015
Rating: PG
Running Time: 95 mins
Written and produced by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, the creators of the successful BBC series Outnumbered; What We Did on Our Holiday plays out in pretty much the same vein, following the antics of a couple bringing up their three children.
Doug (David Tennant) and Abi (Rosamund Pike) are going through a rather messy separation when they are forced to travel to Scotland to celebrate Doug's terminally ill father's 75th birthday. The couple decide to keep their separation a secret to avoid any undue stress, but with three children on board, secrets become very difficult to keep.
This film is really more about the children's opinions and behaviours than it is about adults, that being said, the scenes that the children share with their ailing grandfather are easily the best parts of the movie. Underneath all of the comedy there is a clear message about valuing your life and loving what you have.
The three children actors do a great job of their quite hilarious roles, and Billy Connolly is at his best as the no bullshit - tell it like it is- grandfather. A lot of laughs to enjoy, and with a PG rating, it makes for great family viewing.
FINAL SAY: In the end, none of it matters.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2015
Rating: PG
Running Time: 95 mins
Written and produced by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, the creators of the successful BBC series Outnumbered; What We Did on Our Holiday plays out in pretty much the same vein, following the antics of a couple bringing up their three children.
Doug (David Tennant) and Abi (Rosamund Pike) are going through a rather messy separation when they are forced to travel to Scotland to celebrate Doug's terminally ill father's 75th birthday. The couple decide to keep their separation a secret to avoid any undue stress, but with three children on board, secrets become very difficult to keep.
This film is really more about the children's opinions and behaviours than it is about adults, that being said, the scenes that the children share with their ailing grandfather are easily the best parts of the movie. Underneath all of the comedy there is a clear message about valuing your life and loving what you have.
The three children actors do a great job of their quite hilarious roles, and Billy Connolly is at his best as the no bullshit - tell it like it is- grandfather. A lot of laughs to enjoy, and with a PG rating, it makes for great family viewing.
FINAL SAY: In the end, none of it matters.
3 Chilli Peppers
SISTERS
Release Date: 2015
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 123 mins
Hardly a revelation in terms of writing or plot, but Sisters does have some merit when it comes to easy to watch, no-brainer comedy. The terrifically talented twosome of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler team up again and manage to produce an extremely unlikely tale about two forty-something sisters that trash their parents house in the name of a rocking party.
Called in to their parents 'soon to be sold' house to clean out their overflowing 80's retro bedrooms (which were perplexingly untouched since they left home many years ago), Kate and Maura find themselves reminiscing about their teenage adventures, and in turn deciding to have one last party in their childhood home.
This movie plays out exactly like every other 'let's have a party and not tell our parents' films that has ever been made, only this time the people at the party are substantially older but still acting like dicks, which produced a mixture of hilarious and often pathetic moments all at once. I was really torn about this movie, there were things I really enjoyed about it and things that I absolutely detested, but I cannot deny that it did make me laugh, so for that reason, it is worth a viewing. Just don't expect too much and watching it drunk, as I did, will probably help it along.
FINAL SAY: You can't start with 'Mony Mony.' That's like starting with anal.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2015
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 123 mins
Hardly a revelation in terms of writing or plot, but Sisters does have some merit when it comes to easy to watch, no-brainer comedy. The terrifically talented twosome of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler team up again and manage to produce an extremely unlikely tale about two forty-something sisters that trash their parents house in the name of a rocking party.
Called in to their parents 'soon to be sold' house to clean out their overflowing 80's retro bedrooms (which were perplexingly untouched since they left home many years ago), Kate and Maura find themselves reminiscing about their teenage adventures, and in turn deciding to have one last party in their childhood home.
This movie plays out exactly like every other 'let's have a party and not tell our parents' films that has ever been made, only this time the people at the party are substantially older but still acting like dicks, which produced a mixture of hilarious and often pathetic moments all at once. I was really torn about this movie, there were things I really enjoyed about it and things that I absolutely detested, but I cannot deny that it did make me laugh, so for that reason, it is worth a viewing. Just don't expect too much and watching it drunk, as I did, will probably help it along.
FINAL SAY: You can't start with 'Mony Mony.' That's like starting with anal.
3 Chilli Peppers
HECTOR AND THE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS
Release Date: 2014
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 114 mins
This is a perfect choice for a plane trip, a little bit of comedy, a little bit of adventure and a generally easy to watch, light piece of drama. Simon Pegg throws off his black humour cloak to play Hector, a psychiatrist that is feeling unmoved by his current and predictable lifestyle. Hector decides to travel the world searching for adventure and the true meaning of happiness.
A great support cast really allow Pegg to shine, with notable stints from Toni Collette, Rosamund Pike, Stellan Skarsgard and Jean Reno - whom I adore.
This is a pleasant watch, mostly cheerful and definitely relatable to most middle aged people that have ever felt like they have it all and yet at times feel unfulfilled. I think that many people will wanderlust after this watch if they aren't already.
FINAL SAY: For the searchers.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2014
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 114 mins
This is a perfect choice for a plane trip, a little bit of comedy, a little bit of adventure and a generally easy to watch, light piece of drama. Simon Pegg throws off his black humour cloak to play Hector, a psychiatrist that is feeling unmoved by his current and predictable lifestyle. Hector decides to travel the world searching for adventure and the true meaning of happiness.
A great support cast really allow Pegg to shine, with notable stints from Toni Collette, Rosamund Pike, Stellan Skarsgard and Jean Reno - whom I adore.
This is a pleasant watch, mostly cheerful and definitely relatable to most middle aged people that have ever felt like they have it all and yet at times feel unfulfilled. I think that many people will wanderlust after this watch if they aren't already.
FINAL SAY: For the searchers.
3 Chilli Peppers
CHEF
Release Date: 2014
Rating: M
Running Time: 115 mins
Feel good movie of the year in 2014, this is a crowd pleaser. Having seen it with four other women, not one of them didn't think that it was charming. The Cuban soundtrack is very seductive and adds to the fun element of the movie, it's almost impossible to not tap your foot and hum along. The story revolves around Chef Casper (Jon Favreau) a 5 star chef who has lost his mojo and his credibility following a scathing review. In an effort to get some passion back into his life his ex-wife (Sofia Vergara) encourages him to open a food van and cook from his heart, making simple but unbeatable Cuban food. With the help of his best friend (John Leguizamo) and son (darling newcomer Emjay Anthony) he takes his van on the ultimate foodie road trip across the USA.
An amazing all star cast flesh out all of the bit roles including Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson and Dustin Hoffman, making this latest offering from John Favreau a delicious treat indeed.
FINAL SAY: Food Porn!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2014
Rating: M
Running Time: 115 mins
Feel good movie of the year in 2014, this is a crowd pleaser. Having seen it with four other women, not one of them didn't think that it was charming. The Cuban soundtrack is very seductive and adds to the fun element of the movie, it's almost impossible to not tap your foot and hum along. The story revolves around Chef Casper (Jon Favreau) a 5 star chef who has lost his mojo and his credibility following a scathing review. In an effort to get some passion back into his life his ex-wife (Sofia Vergara) encourages him to open a food van and cook from his heart, making simple but unbeatable Cuban food. With the help of his best friend (John Leguizamo) and son (darling newcomer Emjay Anthony) he takes his van on the ultimate foodie road trip across the USA.
An amazing all star cast flesh out all of the bit roles including Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson and Dustin Hoffman, making this latest offering from John Favreau a delicious treat indeed.
FINAL SAY: Food Porn!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
Release Date: 2014
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 100min
Wes Anderson strikes another high note with The Grand Budapest Hotel. This is a funny, fast paced romp that recounts the adventures of Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) the concierge at The Grand Budapest Hotel. The story is narrated by Zero, the lobby boy and Gustave's loyal confidant, as he recalls the events surrounding a battle for a family inheritance and a priceless painting.
The characters in this movie are beyond all belief in their old world charm and ridiculousness. The ski scene on the alps had me virtually rolling out of my seat into the isles with laughter. This film is just so witty in a really refreshing way. The cast is absolutely star studded, there's Harvey Keitel as a tattooed inmate, Willem Dafoe as a scrooge like assassin, Saoirse Ronan with her Mexico shaped birthmark and even Tilda Swinton as the filthy rich Madame D, to name but a few.
This film is a triumph, a symphony of fun and a definite must see.
FINAL SAY: The best Wes Anderson comedy to date.
4.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2014
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 100min
Wes Anderson strikes another high note with The Grand Budapest Hotel. This is a funny, fast paced romp that recounts the adventures of Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) the concierge at The Grand Budapest Hotel. The story is narrated by Zero, the lobby boy and Gustave's loyal confidant, as he recalls the events surrounding a battle for a family inheritance and a priceless painting.
The characters in this movie are beyond all belief in their old world charm and ridiculousness. The ski scene on the alps had me virtually rolling out of my seat into the isles with laughter. This film is just so witty in a really refreshing way. The cast is absolutely star studded, there's Harvey Keitel as a tattooed inmate, Willem Dafoe as a scrooge like assassin, Saoirse Ronan with her Mexico shaped birthmark and even Tilda Swinton as the filthy rich Madame D, to name but a few.
This film is a triumph, a symphony of fun and a definite must see.
FINAL SAY: The best Wes Anderson comedy to date.
4.5 Chilli Peppers
THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU
Release Date: 2014
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 103 mins
This film presented itself as a comedy, but in truth it is also a drama. It's one of those crowd pleaser movies where everyone can identify with at least one character because they have covered every angle in a 'typical' family dynamic. The cast is an even spread of talented and genuinely funny individuals including Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Adam Driver, Rose Byrne and Jane Fonda's tits.
When their father passes away, four adult siblings are coerced by their mother to fulfill his final wish, which is to have them all together again for one week in their family home. Over the course of the week they are forced to reconnect with each other, confront their pasts, deal with the realities of their lives and of course, mourn the loss of their father.
This movie continually shifts from comedy to tragedy mode, probably more so than any other film I have seen. I was literally laughing and then ten minutes later crying only to start laughing again five minutes later! It is funny, it is also tender and although it doesn't have a big or even new story to tell, it was an enjoyable watch for me. A little fluff can go a long way.
FINAL SAY: It is hard to see people from your past when your present is so cataclysmically screwed up!
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2014
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 103 mins
This film presented itself as a comedy, but in truth it is also a drama. It's one of those crowd pleaser movies where everyone can identify with at least one character because they have covered every angle in a 'typical' family dynamic. The cast is an even spread of talented and genuinely funny individuals including Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Adam Driver, Rose Byrne and Jane Fonda's tits.
When their father passes away, four adult siblings are coerced by their mother to fulfill his final wish, which is to have them all together again for one week in their family home. Over the course of the week they are forced to reconnect with each other, confront their pasts, deal with the realities of their lives and of course, mourn the loss of their father.
This movie continually shifts from comedy to tragedy mode, probably more so than any other film I have seen. I was literally laughing and then ten minutes later crying only to start laughing again five minutes later! It is funny, it is also tender and although it doesn't have a big or even new story to tell, it was an enjoyable watch for me. A little fluff can go a long way.
FINAL SAY: It is hard to see people from your past when your present is so cataclysmically screwed up!
3 Chilli Peppers
PRIDE
Release Date: 2014
Rating: M
Running Time: 120 mins
More of a 'feel good' movie than a comedy, but certainly an enjoyable retell of the unlikely bond that occurred between the UK Miner Strikers and the Gay and Lesbian Equal Rights Movement during the 1980's. The Brits have a fantastic knack for producing uplifting crowd-pleaser films like this, and Pride will definitely leave you with a overwhelming desire to stand up and cheer.
Gay activists make an impact on the miners during their National Union of Mineworkers strike in the Summer of 1984, by raising lots of money to aid their plight. United by their oppression, the gays and the miners seek to make a difference and rise up against the haters, both locally and politically.
As you would expect, this union produces some obvious opportunities for joyful gay support, and also some hateful gay bashing, which is often a rather nasty side effect of LGBT films that are set in the 70's and 80's. However, for the most part, this is a really well thought out and tasteful depiction of a fascinating and inspirational piece of history.
FINAL SAY: Miners dig for coal, which produces power, which allows gay people like you to dance to Bananarama 'til 3 o'clock in the morning.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2014
Rating: M
Running Time: 120 mins
More of a 'feel good' movie than a comedy, but certainly an enjoyable retell of the unlikely bond that occurred between the UK Miner Strikers and the Gay and Lesbian Equal Rights Movement during the 1980's. The Brits have a fantastic knack for producing uplifting crowd-pleaser films like this, and Pride will definitely leave you with a overwhelming desire to stand up and cheer.
Gay activists make an impact on the miners during their National Union of Mineworkers strike in the Summer of 1984, by raising lots of money to aid their plight. United by their oppression, the gays and the miners seek to make a difference and rise up against the haters, both locally and politically.
As you would expect, this union produces some obvious opportunities for joyful gay support, and also some hateful gay bashing, which is often a rather nasty side effect of LGBT films that are set in the 70's and 80's. However, for the most part, this is a really well thought out and tasteful depiction of a fascinating and inspirational piece of history.
FINAL SAY: Miners dig for coal, which produces power, which allows gay people like you to dance to Bananarama 'til 3 o'clock in the morning.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
THE GRAND SEDUCTION
Release Date: 2013
Rating: M
Running Time: 113 mins
A Canadian comedy directed by Don McKellar and written by Ken Scott and Michael Dowse, The Grand Seduction has had mixed and often tepid reviews, but don't let that steer you away, because this movie had me happily giggling away as I watched. And although the story-line is a bit thin on the ground, there is a simplistic charm to this tale that I found most enjoyable.
The small community of Tickle Head, Newfoundland has lost it's motivation and is existing from week to week on welfare cheques. A proposal is made to build a petrochemical plant that will enable the local residents to work again and earn a respectable living, but the build cannot go ahead without a resident doctor in the town. The locals band together in attempt to convince a young doctor that Tickle Head is where he wants to stay by fabricating the goings on of the village to create the hometown of his dreams.
Brendan Gleeson does a terrific job here of portraying Murray, a mayor who is willing to go above, beyond and well below morality to improve the state of his town. He is supported by a tremendously funny group of appropriately cast actors that are just brilliant as the well meaning, although unscrupulous towns folk, and Taylor Kitsch also fairs well as the clueless and yet utterly charming Dr. Lewis. Overall, I have to say that I really had a lot of fun with this movie and it is certainly deserving of more credit than it has received.
FINAL SAY: Who here has a case of creeping athlete's foot?
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2013
Rating: M
Running Time: 113 mins
A Canadian comedy directed by Don McKellar and written by Ken Scott and Michael Dowse, The Grand Seduction has had mixed and often tepid reviews, but don't let that steer you away, because this movie had me happily giggling away as I watched. And although the story-line is a bit thin on the ground, there is a simplistic charm to this tale that I found most enjoyable.
The small community of Tickle Head, Newfoundland has lost it's motivation and is existing from week to week on welfare cheques. A proposal is made to build a petrochemical plant that will enable the local residents to work again and earn a respectable living, but the build cannot go ahead without a resident doctor in the town. The locals band together in attempt to convince a young doctor that Tickle Head is where he wants to stay by fabricating the goings on of the village to create the hometown of his dreams.
Brendan Gleeson does a terrific job here of portraying Murray, a mayor who is willing to go above, beyond and well below morality to improve the state of his town. He is supported by a tremendously funny group of appropriately cast actors that are just brilliant as the well meaning, although unscrupulous towns folk, and Taylor Kitsch also fairs well as the clueless and yet utterly charming Dr. Lewis. Overall, I have to say that I really had a lot of fun with this movie and it is certainly deserving of more credit than it has received.
FINAL SAY: Who here has a case of creeping athlete's foot?
3.5 Chilli Peppers
JACKASS PRESENTS: BAD GRANDPA
Release Date: 2013
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 92 mins
I am not a huge fan of the Jackass movies or Johnny Knoxville for that matter, but I cannot deny that Bad Grandpa is actually a very funny movie. Presented as a hidden camera comedy and written by Tremaine, Spike Jonze and Johnny Knoxville, this loose narrative film follows the antics of an old man (who is really just Johnny Knoxville in some sophisticated make-up) as he completes a range of stunts and pranks that are specifically designed to illicit a response from the people around him that see them being performed.
Irving (Knoxville), a spritely old man, becomes a reluctant grandpa to Billy when his mother abandons the child at a funeral. The two embark on a road trip to North Carolina to deliver the boy to his deadbeat father and they encounter all manner of mishap along the way.
It's rude, it's crude and it's damn amusing. As much as you will want to not enjoy this film, you probably will. I was laughing out loud several times and I think that Bad Grandpa is easily the best work that Johnny Knoxville has done in his career by a long mile. Jackson Nicoll who plays young Billy is a stand out here and plays his part like a champion throughout, never breaking character and delivering the best dance rendition of Cherry Pie that anyone has ever been seen!
FINAL SAY: Hotter than a Puerta Rican picnic.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2013
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 92 mins
I am not a huge fan of the Jackass movies or Johnny Knoxville for that matter, but I cannot deny that Bad Grandpa is actually a very funny movie. Presented as a hidden camera comedy and written by Tremaine, Spike Jonze and Johnny Knoxville, this loose narrative film follows the antics of an old man (who is really just Johnny Knoxville in some sophisticated make-up) as he completes a range of stunts and pranks that are specifically designed to illicit a response from the people around him that see them being performed.
Irving (Knoxville), a spritely old man, becomes a reluctant grandpa to Billy when his mother abandons the child at a funeral. The two embark on a road trip to North Carolina to deliver the boy to his deadbeat father and they encounter all manner of mishap along the way.
It's rude, it's crude and it's damn amusing. As much as you will want to not enjoy this film, you probably will. I was laughing out loud several times and I think that Bad Grandpa is easily the best work that Johnny Knoxville has done in his career by a long mile. Jackson Nicoll who plays young Billy is a stand out here and plays his part like a champion throughout, never breaking character and delivering the best dance rendition of Cherry Pie that anyone has ever been seen!
FINAL SAY: Hotter than a Puerta Rican picnic.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
PITCH PERFECT
Release Date: 2012
Rating: M
Running Time: 112 mins
An American musical comedy directed by Jason Moore that will have you tapping your toes and singing along to the songs. Even though this is a tried and tested formulaic type of comedy, it is highly entertaining and the musical efforts are seriously commendable. This film launched Rebel Wilson into international stardom for her incredibly funny portrayal of Fat Amy, a character that steals much of the limelight from her co-stars.
The plot follows a women's a cappella group called The Barden Bellas as they strive to win the national competitions against the odds. The Bellas are an eclectic troupe that don't always see eye to eye, making their journey to the nationals a very rocky road.
This is just a good fun, chick-flick that you don't need to concentrate too hard on to enjoy. The music is great, the energy levels are high and the humour is amusing, so if you're in the mood for a feel good flick, it's a pretty safe choice.
FINAL SAY: Get pitch slapped!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
A quick note, Pitch Perfect 2 is literally more of the same. Consider it an extension of the first instalment, if you liked the first one, then you will also like the second one too.
Release Date: 2012
Rating: M
Running Time: 112 mins
An American musical comedy directed by Jason Moore that will have you tapping your toes and singing along to the songs. Even though this is a tried and tested formulaic type of comedy, it is highly entertaining and the musical efforts are seriously commendable. This film launched Rebel Wilson into international stardom for her incredibly funny portrayal of Fat Amy, a character that steals much of the limelight from her co-stars.
The plot follows a women's a cappella group called The Barden Bellas as they strive to win the national competitions against the odds. The Bellas are an eclectic troupe that don't always see eye to eye, making their journey to the nationals a very rocky road.
This is just a good fun, chick-flick that you don't need to concentrate too hard on to enjoy. The music is great, the energy levels are high and the humour is amusing, so if you're in the mood for a feel good flick, it's a pretty safe choice.
FINAL SAY: Get pitch slapped!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
A quick note, Pitch Perfect 2 is literally more of the same. Consider it an extension of the first instalment, if you liked the first one, then you will also like the second one too.
SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS
Release Date: 2012
Rating: R 18+
Running Time: 110 mins
From In Bruge creator Martin McDonagh, comes another offbeat comedy thriller filled with razor sharp wit and intense violence. The sheer absurdity and social awkwardness of the characters in this movie, is what makes it so enjoyable, I was laughing out loud all the way through.
A struggling and somewhat boozy writer (Colin Farrell) inadvertently becomes entangled in a world of crime when his two oddball friends (Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell) steal a gangster's (Woody Harrelson) beloved Shih-Tzu.
The fact that so much tension is built around a story about a stolen little dog is clever, and the cast are tremendously good, all bouncing off each other and giving edge to their unique and at times disturbing characters. I found the weird mix of back stories particularly interesting due to their ability to be so unsettlingly funny. It's one to watch with an open mind.
FINAL SAY: Is that a guinea pig?
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2012
Rating: R 18+
Running Time: 110 mins
From In Bruge creator Martin McDonagh, comes another offbeat comedy thriller filled with razor sharp wit and intense violence. The sheer absurdity and social awkwardness of the characters in this movie, is what makes it so enjoyable, I was laughing out loud all the way through.
A struggling and somewhat boozy writer (Colin Farrell) inadvertently becomes entangled in a world of crime when his two oddball friends (Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell) steal a gangster's (Woody Harrelson) beloved Shih-Tzu.
The fact that so much tension is built around a story about a stolen little dog is clever, and the cast are tremendously good, all bouncing off each other and giving edge to their unique and at times disturbing characters. I found the weird mix of back stories particularly interesting due to their ability to be so unsettlingly funny. It's one to watch with an open mind.
FINAL SAY: Is that a guinea pig?
4 Chilli Peppers
THIS IS 40
Release Date: 2012
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 133 mins
I find Judd Apatow movies can be a bit hit and miss, but this one was very relatable for me and not just because I turned 40 myself when it was released, but more for the realistic banter between the onscreen couple that I felt was very insightful indeed.
Pete and Debbie are having a mid life crisis. They are both turning 40, struggling with their jobs, drowning in debt and being driven mad by their children. They must learn to find common ground and pull together as adults to deal with their failing situations and bodies!
Paul Rudd is great as Pete, just enough middle aged spread to be convincing. I do wish that they hadn't used Judd Apatow's wife Leslie Mann as Debbie, because she is clearly an insanely good looking 40 something, which just kind of me feel a little inadequate really. Someone more real would've given this movie a lot more merit, but in the end it was still an amusing watch for people that are turning 40(ish) and have been in a long term marriage with kids.
FINAL SAY: Freakishly relatable!
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2012
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 133 mins
I find Judd Apatow movies can be a bit hit and miss, but this one was very relatable for me and not just because I turned 40 myself when it was released, but more for the realistic banter between the onscreen couple that I felt was very insightful indeed.
Pete and Debbie are having a mid life crisis. They are both turning 40, struggling with their jobs, drowning in debt and being driven mad by their children. They must learn to find common ground and pull together as adults to deal with their failing situations and bodies!
Paul Rudd is great as Pete, just enough middle aged spread to be convincing. I do wish that they hadn't used Judd Apatow's wife Leslie Mann as Debbie, because she is clearly an insanely good looking 40 something, which just kind of me feel a little inadequate really. Someone more real would've given this movie a lot more merit, but in the end it was still an amusing watch for people that are turning 40(ish) and have been in a long term marriage with kids.
FINAL SAY: Freakishly relatable!
3 Chilli Peppers
BRIDESMAIDS
Release Date: 2011
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 125min
The women are going wrong in this movie and it's hilarious! Usually, it's the boys getting themselves into trouble and acting poorly, but now there's a movie that embraces all the wrongness of women, especially women in a bridal party, hideous business at the best of times.
Kristen Wiig and Rose Byrne go head to head to determine who is the brides to be's real best friend. Petty women's shit at its best! Crazy occurrences abound from Melissa McCarthy seducing men and stealing puppies to Maya Rudolph taking a dump in the street, this film doesn't hold back.
If you're put off by gross-out humour, save yourself the drama and skip this one. Otherwise, strap in for the worst bridal party bitches in history.
FINAL SAY: Hens night hilarity.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2011
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 125min
The women are going wrong in this movie and it's hilarious! Usually, it's the boys getting themselves into trouble and acting poorly, but now there's a movie that embraces all the wrongness of women, especially women in a bridal party, hideous business at the best of times.
Kristen Wiig and Rose Byrne go head to head to determine who is the brides to be's real best friend. Petty women's shit at its best! Crazy occurrences abound from Melissa McCarthy seducing men and stealing puppies to Maya Rudolph taking a dump in the street, this film doesn't hold back.
If you're put off by gross-out humour, save yourself the drama and skip this one. Otherwise, strap in for the worst bridal party bitches in history.
FINAL SAY: Hens night hilarity.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE
Release Date: 2011
Rating: M
Running Time: 118 mins
Cal Weaver's (Steve Carell) life is thrown into turmoil when he finds out that his wife has been cheating on him and she wants to divorce him. Suddenly alone, and lonely - the hopeless forty-something attempts the dating scene without much luck, and then he meets Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). Jacob is a handsome player, that is willing to teach Cal everything about the art of picking of women.
I'm not sure if it was Carell's comedy or Gosling's 'photoshopped' good looks that won me over, but I really enjoyed this light hearted rom-com; and even though it is clearly covering some unpleasant ground in regards to infidelity and ladykillers, it never feels nasty or ugly.
The cast is stellar, with fantastic support roles filled by Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, Kevin Bacon and Marisa Tomei, all of whom deliver well and make this an amusing, and at times, touching comedy about looking for love.
FINAL SAY: I'm wildly unhappy, and I'm trying to buy it, and it's not working.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2011
Rating: M
Running Time: 118 mins
Cal Weaver's (Steve Carell) life is thrown into turmoil when he finds out that his wife has been cheating on him and she wants to divorce him. Suddenly alone, and lonely - the hopeless forty-something attempts the dating scene without much luck, and then he meets Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). Jacob is a handsome player, that is willing to teach Cal everything about the art of picking of women.
I'm not sure if it was Carell's comedy or Gosling's 'photoshopped' good looks that won me over, but I really enjoyed this light hearted rom-com; and even though it is clearly covering some unpleasant ground in regards to infidelity and ladykillers, it never feels nasty or ugly.
The cast is stellar, with fantastic support roles filled by Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, Kevin Bacon and Marisa Tomei, all of whom deliver well and make this an amusing, and at times, touching comedy about looking for love.
FINAL SAY: I'm wildly unhappy, and I'm trying to buy it, and it's not working.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
Release Date: 2011
Rating: PG
Running Time: 124 mins
It is fair to say that the idea of a bunch of oldies getting together to traipse around India together didn't really excite me either when I heard about it, but after watching the movie, I had to admit that I really enjoyed it. Directed by John Madden and based on the screenplay These Foolish Things by Ol Parker, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel seeks to explore the 'lives' of the elderly beyond the 'expectations' of the elderly, and forces them well out of their comfort zones into poverty stricken India.
Seven elderly citizens decide to pick up their lives, for various reasons, and retire in India. After viewing the glorious photographs posted on their online website, the retirees are horrified to find that The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is far more run down than they had anticipated. Combine that disappointment with the heat, the cultural changes and the generally unusual living conditions and people start to come undone.
What they saved on filming in India, they spent on actors, because the ensemble cast is just incredible. Judi Dench, Celia Imrie, Bill Nighy, Ronald Pickup, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson and Penelope Wilton all leave their mark here, as does Dev Patel - better known for Slumdog Millionaire. I really enjoyed this film, it's funny and touching and hits all the right notes, and made me re-think a trip to India.
FINAL SAY: First rule of India: there's always room.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2011
Rating: PG
Running Time: 124 mins
It is fair to say that the idea of a bunch of oldies getting together to traipse around India together didn't really excite me either when I heard about it, but after watching the movie, I had to admit that I really enjoyed it. Directed by John Madden and based on the screenplay These Foolish Things by Ol Parker, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel seeks to explore the 'lives' of the elderly beyond the 'expectations' of the elderly, and forces them well out of their comfort zones into poverty stricken India.
Seven elderly citizens decide to pick up their lives, for various reasons, and retire in India. After viewing the glorious photographs posted on their online website, the retirees are horrified to find that The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is far more run down than they had anticipated. Combine that disappointment with the heat, the cultural changes and the generally unusual living conditions and people start to come undone.
What they saved on filming in India, they spent on actors, because the ensemble cast is just incredible. Judi Dench, Celia Imrie, Bill Nighy, Ronald Pickup, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson and Penelope Wilton all leave their mark here, as does Dev Patel - better known for Slumdog Millionaire. I really enjoyed this film, it's funny and touching and hits all the right notes, and made me re-think a trip to India.
FINAL SAY: First rule of India: there's always room.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
HORRIBLE BOSSES
Release Date: 2011
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 98 mins
This film isn't horrible at all, it's hilarious! If you thought that your boss was bad, then you really need to see the ensemble of sleaze bags that they have lined up here, your boss will look like a pussy cat!
Nick, Dale and Kurt really hate their bosses, and for good reason. Nick's boss is a blackmailing slave driver, Dale's boss is a sexual predator and Kurt's boss is a coked up psychopath, and they are making their lives way too hard! In a drunken state, the three friends plot killing their bosses, and before they know it, they've hired a murder consultant to help them pull it all off.
This film is comedy gold! The laughs just keep on coming, and the characters are so ludicrous that it makes for some seriously entertaining viewing. The cast is fabulous with Jason Bateman, Kevin Spacey, Charlie Day, Colin Farrell and Jennifer Aniston all demonstrating some diversity in their rather unusual roles. A must see comedy for sure.
FINAL SAY: Ever wish your boss was dead?
4 Chilli Peppers
A quick note, Horrible Bosses 2 is somewhat funny, but only rated 2.5 Chilli Peppers from me - not nearly as funny as the first that's for sure.
Release Date: 2011
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 98 mins
This film isn't horrible at all, it's hilarious! If you thought that your boss was bad, then you really need to see the ensemble of sleaze bags that they have lined up here, your boss will look like a pussy cat!
Nick, Dale and Kurt really hate their bosses, and for good reason. Nick's boss is a blackmailing slave driver, Dale's boss is a sexual predator and Kurt's boss is a coked up psychopath, and they are making their lives way too hard! In a drunken state, the three friends plot killing their bosses, and before they know it, they've hired a murder consultant to help them pull it all off.
This film is comedy gold! The laughs just keep on coming, and the characters are so ludicrous that it makes for some seriously entertaining viewing. The cast is fabulous with Jason Bateman, Kevin Spacey, Charlie Day, Colin Farrell and Jennifer Aniston all demonstrating some diversity in their rather unusual roles. A must see comedy for sure.
FINAL SAY: Ever wish your boss was dead?
4 Chilli Peppers
A quick note, Horrible Bosses 2 is somewhat funny, but only rated 2.5 Chilli Peppers from me - not nearly as funny as the first that's for sure.
SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD
Release Date: 2010
Rating: M
Running Time: 112 mins
Don't be fooled into thinking that this film is just for teenagers, because it isn't, this movie has an extremely witty and clever plot line that will appeal to all ages. Based on the graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O'Malley and directed by Edgar Wright, Scott Pilgrim vs The World truly feels like a comic book being brought to life; so it was hardly surprising when it soon gained a cult following.
22 year old Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) bass guitarist for the garage band Sex Bob-omb finds himself in a battle against seven evil exes in order to date his new crush Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). To add further insult to injury, his own freshly crowned ex Knives Chau (Ellen Wong) is not willing to let him go easily either.
This is crazy stuff, from start to end, but if you like comic books and can appreciate the plight of the underdog hero then you are going to love this film. A bevy of fine young actors join the leagues to make this a hilarious and intensely enjoyable experience like no other.
FINAL SAY: When I'm around you, I kind of feel like I'm on drugs.
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2010
Rating: M
Running Time: 112 mins
Don't be fooled into thinking that this film is just for teenagers, because it isn't, this movie has an extremely witty and clever plot line that will appeal to all ages. Based on the graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O'Malley and directed by Edgar Wright, Scott Pilgrim vs The World truly feels like a comic book being brought to life; so it was hardly surprising when it soon gained a cult following.
22 year old Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) bass guitarist for the garage band Sex Bob-omb finds himself in a battle against seven evil exes in order to date his new crush Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). To add further insult to injury, his own freshly crowned ex Knives Chau (Ellen Wong) is not willing to let him go easily either.
This is crazy stuff, from start to end, but if you like comic books and can appreciate the plight of the underdog hero then you are going to love this film. A bevy of fine young actors join the leagues to make this a hilarious and intensely enjoyable experience like no other.
FINAL SAY: When I'm around you, I kind of feel like I'm on drugs.
4 Chilli Peppers
TUCKER AND DALE VS EVIL
Release Date: 2010
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 88 mins
When you look at a promotion poster for a movie, it usually gives you some idea of what you may be in for, in the case of Tucker and Dale vs Evil, I really made some poor assumptions about what I was going to be seeing. No, this is NOT a horror, this is a really clever and little known horror-comedy; a true comedy of errors. Written and directed by Eli Craig, this Canadian comedy is a homage to slasher films and is a fabulous blood splattered satire.
Tucker and Dale are having a vacation at their dilapidated cabin in the woods, they plan to drink some beer, do some fishing and just relax. But when a group of college kids mistake them for murderous redneck hillbillies, they find that they are doing anything but relaxing.
Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk are just hilarious as the well meaning and terribly misunderstood country boys Dale and Tucker, delivering their roles with a lot of heart and good humour. This is great example of unique script writing, delivering an unexpected and fresh perspective on the horror-comedy genre, it's a really enjoyable watch.
FINAL SAY: Oh my God, they cut off his bowling fingers!
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2010
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 88 mins
When you look at a promotion poster for a movie, it usually gives you some idea of what you may be in for, in the case of Tucker and Dale vs Evil, I really made some poor assumptions about what I was going to be seeing. No, this is NOT a horror, this is a really clever and little known horror-comedy; a true comedy of errors. Written and directed by Eli Craig, this Canadian comedy is a homage to slasher films and is a fabulous blood splattered satire.
Tucker and Dale are having a vacation at their dilapidated cabin in the woods, they plan to drink some beer, do some fishing and just relax. But when a group of college kids mistake them for murderous redneck hillbillies, they find that they are doing anything but relaxing.
Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk are just hilarious as the well meaning and terribly misunderstood country boys Dale and Tucker, delivering their roles with a lot of heart and good humour. This is great example of unique script writing, delivering an unexpected and fresh perspective on the horror-comedy genre, it's a really enjoyable watch.
FINAL SAY: Oh my God, they cut off his bowling fingers!
3 Chilli Peppers
EASY A
Release Date: 2010
Rating: M
Running Time: 92 mins
This movie really surprised me, I wasn't expecting anything from it, and then it came out of left field and proved to be a funny, intelligent and enjoyable watch. The screenplay was partially inspired by the novel The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and was met with mostly positive reviews upon its release.
Olive (Emma Stone) is a tame teenager with a good reputation, however, she succumbs to peer pressure when she is asked about her weekend by a popular and outgoing friend. Olive feels the need to embellish the truth and pretend that she lost her virginity. Soon rumors are spreading around the school like wildfire that Olive is promiscuous, so Olive decides to use the school's rumor mill to her advantage.
This is easy to watch and entertaining, Emma Stone has a genuine likability that translates so well on screen and she is fabulous as the gutsy and clever teen Olive. Hardly a revelation, but Easy A is a worthy use of an hour and half of your time.
FINAL SAY: The rumors of my promiscuity have been greatly exaggerated.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2010
Rating: M
Running Time: 92 mins
This movie really surprised me, I wasn't expecting anything from it, and then it came out of left field and proved to be a funny, intelligent and enjoyable watch. The screenplay was partially inspired by the novel The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and was met with mostly positive reviews upon its release.
Olive (Emma Stone) is a tame teenager with a good reputation, however, she succumbs to peer pressure when she is asked about her weekend by a popular and outgoing friend. Olive feels the need to embellish the truth and pretend that she lost her virginity. Soon rumors are spreading around the school like wildfire that Olive is promiscuous, so Olive decides to use the school's rumor mill to her advantage.
This is easy to watch and entertaining, Emma Stone has a genuine likability that translates so well on screen and she is fabulous as the gutsy and clever teen Olive. Hardly a revelation, but Easy A is a worthy use of an hour and half of your time.
FINAL SAY: The rumors of my promiscuity have been greatly exaggerated.
3 Chilli Peppers
DATE NIGHT
Release Date: 2010
Rating: M
Running Time: 88 mins
Directed by Shawn Levy, this comedy surprised me with its fast pace and witty dialogue. I think most married couples with children will find this movie somewhat relatable and therefore, also enjoyable. Date Night is an easy and mostly predictable watch, but it does have an absolutely killer cast and definitely delivered a few good belly laughs for me.
A couple that are struggling to reignite a spark in their routine driven marriage, head out for a date night in New York City to have a special dinner at a very exclusive restaurant. When they pretend to be another couple in order to get a table they find themselves involved in a chaotic and dangerous case of mistaken identity.
Who isn't in this film? It is a virtual who's who of comedic talents, with notable performances from Tina Fey and Steve Carell in the lead roles of Mr and Mrs Foster, Mark Wahlberg as the shirtless private investigator Holbrooke and William Fichtner as the stripper obsessed DA, Frank Crenshaw. Just plain good fun.
FINAL SAY: And will you, for the love of God, put on a fucking shirt?
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2010
Rating: M
Running Time: 88 mins
Directed by Shawn Levy, this comedy surprised me with its fast pace and witty dialogue. I think most married couples with children will find this movie somewhat relatable and therefore, also enjoyable. Date Night is an easy and mostly predictable watch, but it does have an absolutely killer cast and definitely delivered a few good belly laughs for me.
A couple that are struggling to reignite a spark in their routine driven marriage, head out for a date night in New York City to have a special dinner at a very exclusive restaurant. When they pretend to be another couple in order to get a table they find themselves involved in a chaotic and dangerous case of mistaken identity.
Who isn't in this film? It is a virtual who's who of comedic talents, with notable performances from Tina Fey and Steve Carell in the lead roles of Mr and Mrs Foster, Mark Wahlberg as the shirtless private investigator Holbrooke and William Fichtner as the stripper obsessed DA, Frank Crenshaw. Just plain good fun.
FINAL SAY: And will you, for the love of God, put on a fucking shirt?
3 Chilli Peppers
THE OTHER GUYS
Release Date: 2010
Rating: M
Running Time: 107 mins
Filmed and co-written by Adam McKay, The Other Guys is an action movie spoof that takes a hilarious stab at the buddy-cop genre. If you are looking for something seriously funny to watch, this movie is about as good as it gets when it comes to comedy. I was literally crying with laughter over this film, it is easily the best thing that Will Ferrell has done and the funniest that Mark Wahlberg has ever been.
After a series of mistakes in the line of duty, Allen Gamble (Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Wahlberg) have become known as 'the other guys' - a couple of disgraced police detectives. In an attempt to up their status, they take on a high profile investigation of a shady capitalist named David Ershon, but doing a tough case proves to be a huge challenge for these less than perfect cops.
Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson are fabulous as the cocky hero cops, Eva Mendes delivers as Gamble's tortured doctor wife and Michael Keaton was a wise casting choice as Captain Mauch. But it is Ferrell and Wahlberg that are the stars of this movie, fulfilling their roles of the hopeless detectives with so much humour and wit that it is impossible to not laugh.
FINAL SAY: It involves a mannequin hand...and an electric shaver...taped to a golf club.
4.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2010
Rating: M
Running Time: 107 mins
Filmed and co-written by Adam McKay, The Other Guys is an action movie spoof that takes a hilarious stab at the buddy-cop genre. If you are looking for something seriously funny to watch, this movie is about as good as it gets when it comes to comedy. I was literally crying with laughter over this film, it is easily the best thing that Will Ferrell has done and the funniest that Mark Wahlberg has ever been.
After a series of mistakes in the line of duty, Allen Gamble (Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Wahlberg) have become known as 'the other guys' - a couple of disgraced police detectives. In an attempt to up their status, they take on a high profile investigation of a shady capitalist named David Ershon, but doing a tough case proves to be a huge challenge for these less than perfect cops.
Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson are fabulous as the cocky hero cops, Eva Mendes delivers as Gamble's tortured doctor wife and Michael Keaton was a wise casting choice as Captain Mauch. But it is Ferrell and Wahlberg that are the stars of this movie, fulfilling their roles of the hopeless detectives with so much humour and wit that it is impossible to not laugh.
FINAL SAY: It involves a mannequin hand...and an electric shaver...taped to a golf club.
4.5 Chilli Peppers
FOUR LIONS
Release Date: 2010
Rating: M
Running Time: 97 mins
This black comedy, and feature film debut for director Christopher Morris, covers some very controversial material indeed. With it's focus firmly fixed a group of British jihadists, this film could easily have been seen as tasteless; but it is actually a smart and bold mixture of idiocy and fanaticism that translates perfectly.
A group of radical, and utterly incompetent British Muslim men, aspire to be suicide bombers. With improvised explosive devices and pretty much no clue about what they are doing, they decide to bomb the upcoming London Marathon.
Four Lions is essentially a film about hopeless extremists that will allow you have a laugh at an otherwise very emotionally charged topic. The script is sharp, the characters are insanely exaggerated and the goings on defy all logic; needless to say, you will get a laugh, even if you feel a little guilty doing so.
FINAL SAY: They'll pump you full of Viagra and make you fuck a dog!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2010
Rating: M
Running Time: 97 mins
This black comedy, and feature film debut for director Christopher Morris, covers some very controversial material indeed. With it's focus firmly fixed a group of British jihadists, this film could easily have been seen as tasteless; but it is actually a smart and bold mixture of idiocy and fanaticism that translates perfectly.
A group of radical, and utterly incompetent British Muslim men, aspire to be suicide bombers. With improvised explosive devices and pretty much no clue about what they are doing, they decide to bomb the upcoming London Marathon.
Four Lions is essentially a film about hopeless extremists that will allow you have a laugh at an otherwise very emotionally charged topic. The script is sharp, the characters are insanely exaggerated and the goings on defy all logic; needless to say, you will get a laugh, even if you feel a little guilty doing so.
FINAL SAY: They'll pump you full of Viagra and make you fuck a dog!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
HOT TUB TIME MACHINE
Release Date: 2010
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 101 mins
An American science fiction comedy directed by Steve Pink that far exceeded my expectations. Honestly, Hot Tub Time Machine? I thought that this was going to be a screwball tits and arse piece of crap so I was seriously surprised when it turned out to not only be funny but also kind of interesting as well.
Three friends who are all struggling with their personal lives embark on a trip to a ski resort that they enjoyed in their youth. Whilst drinking together in the hot tub of their room with one of their nephews they accidently trigger a time travel incident that sends them back to 1986. They endeavour to find a way back to their original timeline but discover that they must complete certain tasks to ensure that they don't accidently alter the future that they are trying to get back to.
It's a little Back to the Future meets The Hangover in it's composition but it's also quite honest in its delivery and pretty hilarious. The whole film is elevated by a really strong cast that boasts John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Lizzy Caplan, Craig Robinson, Chevy Chase, Crispin Glover and Sebastian Stan.
Its just a bit of time travel fun really, and a surprisingly enjoyable watch.
FINAL SAY: If that guy doesn't lose his arm soon, I'm gonna fucking take it from him myself.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2010
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 101 mins
An American science fiction comedy directed by Steve Pink that far exceeded my expectations. Honestly, Hot Tub Time Machine? I thought that this was going to be a screwball tits and arse piece of crap so I was seriously surprised when it turned out to not only be funny but also kind of interesting as well.
Three friends who are all struggling with their personal lives embark on a trip to a ski resort that they enjoyed in their youth. Whilst drinking together in the hot tub of their room with one of their nephews they accidently trigger a time travel incident that sends them back to 1986. They endeavour to find a way back to their original timeline but discover that they must complete certain tasks to ensure that they don't accidently alter the future that they are trying to get back to.
It's a little Back to the Future meets The Hangover in it's composition but it's also quite honest in its delivery and pretty hilarious. The whole film is elevated by a really strong cast that boasts John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Lizzy Caplan, Craig Robinson, Chevy Chase, Crispin Glover and Sebastian Stan.
Its just a bit of time travel fun really, and a surprisingly enjoyable watch.
FINAL SAY: If that guy doesn't lose his arm soon, I'm gonna fucking take it from him myself.
3 Chilli Peppers
YOUTH IN REVOLT
Release Date: 2009
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 90 mins
You aren't going to roll in the isles laughing over this one, but I found this movie extremely enjoyable. Just like Superbad and Arrested Development, Michael Cera is demonstrating why he gets so many excellent comedic roles. Based on C.D. Payne's novel of the same name and directed by Miguel Arteta, this painful and yet amusing tale about a teen desperate to lose his virginity really struck a chord for me.
Nick Twisp is holidaying with his dysfunctional family when he meets Sheeni Saunders, the girl of his dreams and the only girl that he wants to lose his virginity to. In his pursuit to impress her, Nick creates a smooth talking, mustache wearing, smoking, alter ego named Francois Dillinger, and that's when things get really interesting.
As I said not hilarious, but in a true 'almost not trying to be funny at all' Michael Cera way, this is fabulous. Cera is well supported by comedy heavy weights like Zach Galifianakis and Steve Buscemi, as well other reputables like Ray Liotta and Rooney Mara to make this an overall enjoyable coming of age teen comedy.
FINAL SAY: I want to tickle your belly button from the inside.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2009
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 90 mins
You aren't going to roll in the isles laughing over this one, but I found this movie extremely enjoyable. Just like Superbad and Arrested Development, Michael Cera is demonstrating why he gets so many excellent comedic roles. Based on C.D. Payne's novel of the same name and directed by Miguel Arteta, this painful and yet amusing tale about a teen desperate to lose his virginity really struck a chord for me.
Nick Twisp is holidaying with his dysfunctional family when he meets Sheeni Saunders, the girl of his dreams and the only girl that he wants to lose his virginity to. In his pursuit to impress her, Nick creates a smooth talking, mustache wearing, smoking, alter ego named Francois Dillinger, and that's when things get really interesting.
As I said not hilarious, but in a true 'almost not trying to be funny at all' Michael Cera way, this is fabulous. Cera is well supported by comedy heavy weights like Zach Galifianakis and Steve Buscemi, as well other reputables like Ray Liotta and Rooney Mara to make this an overall enjoyable coming of age teen comedy.
FINAL SAY: I want to tickle your belly button from the inside.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
THE HANGOVER
Release Date: 2009
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 100 mins
Before they started pumping out unfunny sequels, this first installment of The Hangover was breaking new ground with it's sharply funny and often disturbing depiction of the morning after a bucks night in Vegas.
With only two days until his wedding, Doug and three friends head to Las Vegas for his stag party. But when the they wake up the follow morning minus the groom and only a hazy recollection of what happened, they must quickly retrace their steps to discover the truth about their wild evening and try to recover Doug in time for the wedding.
Actors like Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis were launched into bigger things after the massive success of The Hangover, but my favourite character was Ken Jeong's 'Mr Chow' whose outlandish behaviours and conscience free attitude had me laughing my head off.
This is not a dazzling script by any means, but as the events unfold and the search for Doug goes from rather odd to straight up crazy, it really is a fun watch with a lot of laughs.
FINAL SAY: It's funny because he's fat!
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2009
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 100 mins
Before they started pumping out unfunny sequels, this first installment of The Hangover was breaking new ground with it's sharply funny and often disturbing depiction of the morning after a bucks night in Vegas.
With only two days until his wedding, Doug and three friends head to Las Vegas for his stag party. But when the they wake up the follow morning minus the groom and only a hazy recollection of what happened, they must quickly retrace their steps to discover the truth about their wild evening and try to recover Doug in time for the wedding.
Actors like Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis were launched into bigger things after the massive success of The Hangover, but my favourite character was Ken Jeong's 'Mr Chow' whose outlandish behaviours and conscience free attitude had me laughing my head off.
This is not a dazzling script by any means, but as the events unfold and the search for Doug goes from rather odd to straight up crazy, it really is a fun watch with a lot of laughs.
FINAL SAY: It's funny because he's fat!
4 Chilli Peppers
LAND OF THE LOST
Release Date: 2009
Rating: PG
Running Time: 102 mins
A comical science fiction movie loosely based on the 1974 Sid and Marty Krofft TV series of the same name, Land of the Lost was slammed by critics and was even nominated for seven Golden Raspberry awards. But I really liked this movie, it was so silly that it didn't demand to be taken seriously, which I think a lot of people missed completely.
A space time vortex, located at a run down theme park sucks scientist Rick Marshall, his assistant Holly and a redneck survivalist into an alternate world full of prehistoric creatures and aliens called Sleestaks. There only assistance comes in the form of a 'missing link' primate called Chaka, who assists them in survival until they can figure out a way to get home.
This is intensely stupid cinema, and your mood will depend greatly on whether or not you get anything out of it. Will Ferrell and Danny McBride are always a bit hit and miss for me, but I think that this is one of the better comedies that they have done together.
With a PG rating, at least you can watch it with the kids and they will definitely get a laugh out of it.
FINAL SAY: Why do you have to be such an asshole Chaka?
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2009
Rating: PG
Running Time: 102 mins
A comical science fiction movie loosely based on the 1974 Sid and Marty Krofft TV series of the same name, Land of the Lost was slammed by critics and was even nominated for seven Golden Raspberry awards. But I really liked this movie, it was so silly that it didn't demand to be taken seriously, which I think a lot of people missed completely.
A space time vortex, located at a run down theme park sucks scientist Rick Marshall, his assistant Holly and a redneck survivalist into an alternate world full of prehistoric creatures and aliens called Sleestaks. There only assistance comes in the form of a 'missing link' primate called Chaka, who assists them in survival until they can figure out a way to get home.
This is intensely stupid cinema, and your mood will depend greatly on whether or not you get anything out of it. Will Ferrell and Danny McBride are always a bit hit and miss for me, but I think that this is one of the better comedies that they have done together.
With a PG rating, at least you can watch it with the kids and they will definitely get a laugh out of it.
FINAL SAY: Why do you have to be such an asshole Chaka?
3.5 Chilli Peppers
THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS
Release Date: 2009
Rating: M
Running Time: 94 mins
A reporter (Ewan McGregor) that has just suffered a failed marriage finds himself completely distracted from his woes when he interviews special forces agent Lyn Cassady (George Clooney). Lyn is willing to reveal information about the top secret U.S. Army's project entitled 'New Earth Army' - a unit of elite and highly trained psychic soldiers that are planning to end war as we know it, forever.
This may well be the most under-appreciated comedy of all time. Here we have a group of highly talented and genuinely funny actors behaving bat-shit crazy in the name of the American military, this is absolutely hilarious stuff. Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges and George Clooney are absurdly intriguing here, playing characters that are so flawed and yet so inspirational at the same time. Expect quirk, expect something completely left of centre and you can expect to have a really good belly laugh out of this one.
FINAL SAY: It's the Silence of the Goats!
4.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2009
Rating: M
Running Time: 94 mins
A reporter (Ewan McGregor) that has just suffered a failed marriage finds himself completely distracted from his woes when he interviews special forces agent Lyn Cassady (George Clooney). Lyn is willing to reveal information about the top secret U.S. Army's project entitled 'New Earth Army' - a unit of elite and highly trained psychic soldiers that are planning to end war as we know it, forever.
This may well be the most under-appreciated comedy of all time. Here we have a group of highly talented and genuinely funny actors behaving bat-shit crazy in the name of the American military, this is absolutely hilarious stuff. Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges and George Clooney are absurdly intriguing here, playing characters that are so flawed and yet so inspirational at the same time. Expect quirk, expect something completely left of centre and you can expect to have a really good belly laugh out of this one.
FINAL SAY: It's the Silence of the Goats!
4.5 Chilli Peppers
IN BRUGES
Release Date: 2008
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 107 mins
A neo-noir black comedy written and directed by Martin McDonagh, that was filmed in the Belgian city of Bruges. Colin Farrell, who is absolutely at his best here, won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy off the steam of this hilarious script, and McDonagh deservingly won the BAFTA for Best Original Screen Play.
Two hit men (Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell) are sent to the medieval city of Bruge by their London boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) in an attempt to cool off after a particularly big hit. Together they struggle with the demons of their past and their strange new surroundings, as they await a call from Harry to return.
Filled with witty dark humour, amazingly serene landscapes and just enough psychological edge to keep things interesting, In Bruge rapidly became a cult classic and one of my all time favourite comedies. Gleeson and Farrell are fabulous together, their politically incorrect antics had me in stitches, as did Ralph Fiennes portrayal of the volatile and haphazard boss gangster, Harry. This is a wickedly funny film and one that you shouldn't miss.
FINAL SAY: It's an inanimate fucking object!
4.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2008
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 107 mins
A neo-noir black comedy written and directed by Martin McDonagh, that was filmed in the Belgian city of Bruges. Colin Farrell, who is absolutely at his best here, won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy off the steam of this hilarious script, and McDonagh deservingly won the BAFTA for Best Original Screen Play.
Two hit men (Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell) are sent to the medieval city of Bruge by their London boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) in an attempt to cool off after a particularly big hit. Together they struggle with the demons of their past and their strange new surroundings, as they await a call from Harry to return.
Filled with witty dark humour, amazingly serene landscapes and just enough psychological edge to keep things interesting, In Bruge rapidly became a cult classic and one of my all time favourite comedies. Gleeson and Farrell are fabulous together, their politically incorrect antics had me in stitches, as did Ralph Fiennes portrayal of the volatile and haphazard boss gangster, Harry. This is a wickedly funny film and one that you shouldn't miss.
FINAL SAY: It's an inanimate fucking object!
4.5 Chilli Peppers
BURN AFTER READING
Release Date: 2008
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 96 mins
A black comedy written, produced, edited and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. This is a clever and slickly put together piece of comedic cinema, I have never seen Brad Pitt and George Clooney look less appealing and behave so hilariously. Burn After Reading sees the most unrelentingly stupid characters thrown together, making one poor decision after another, and I found it all highly amusing.
A couple of dim-witted employees (Brad Pitt and Francis McDormand) from a local gym called Hardbodies stumble across a CD in the locker room and believe it to be sensitive government information. It is in fact the memoirs of a CIA analyst (John Malkovich) who is having a large degree of personal problems with his wife (Tilda Swinton) and her affair with a womanizing U. S. Marshal (George Clooney). As worlds collide, these rather unpleasant and unintelligent people's lives are set into a spin.
This is another great example of the Coen brother's ability to write fantastically off the wall comedy. Sure it's cruel and often insensitive, but these are all genuinely unlikable individuals, so trust me when I say that you won't feel guilty for laughing at them. The cast is simply amazing, here are some of the best actors that Hollywood has to offer and they are all delivering something fresh and unique, with their own brand of quirk. Like all Coen brother movies, the humour may not transfer to everyone, but I adored this film and think that it is right up there when it comes to smart comedy.
FINAL SAY: What a clusterfuck!
4.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2008
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 96 mins
A black comedy written, produced, edited and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. This is a clever and slickly put together piece of comedic cinema, I have never seen Brad Pitt and George Clooney look less appealing and behave so hilariously. Burn After Reading sees the most unrelentingly stupid characters thrown together, making one poor decision after another, and I found it all highly amusing.
A couple of dim-witted employees (Brad Pitt and Francis McDormand) from a local gym called Hardbodies stumble across a CD in the locker room and believe it to be sensitive government information. It is in fact the memoirs of a CIA analyst (John Malkovich) who is having a large degree of personal problems with his wife (Tilda Swinton) and her affair with a womanizing U. S. Marshal (George Clooney). As worlds collide, these rather unpleasant and unintelligent people's lives are set into a spin.
This is another great example of the Coen brother's ability to write fantastically off the wall comedy. Sure it's cruel and often insensitive, but these are all genuinely unlikable individuals, so trust me when I say that you won't feel guilty for laughing at them. The cast is simply amazing, here are some of the best actors that Hollywood has to offer and they are all delivering something fresh and unique, with their own brand of quirk. Like all Coen brother movies, the humour may not transfer to everyone, but I adored this film and think that it is right up there when it comes to smart comedy.
FINAL SAY: What a clusterfuck!
4.5 Chilli Peppers
MAMMA MIA!
Release Date: 2008
Rating: M
Running Time: 108 mins
I would be lying my arse off I said that I didn't really like this musical, because as much as I hate to admit it, I bloody loved it! I was singing along with all of the songs and laughing out loud at the all of the antics, I just had a really good time with this film. Adapted from the West End Broadway musical of the same name and built around the successful songs from ABBA, Mamma Mia! was met with mixed reviews, which can only be expected, I mean not everyone likes ABBA songs, so it was always going to be a risky venture.
Young Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is about to get married. She discovers that her father could be one of three men from her mother's past (Stellan Skarsgard, Pierce Brosnan or Colin Firth). So Sophie goes behind her mother's (Meryl Streep) back and invites them all to the small Greek island that they live on to celebrate her wedding day.
Keep in mind that this is a musical, and it plays out like one. The script has been constructed around the songs, so it does go off in some pretty random directions, but it's just so much fun. It's completely exaggerated and utterly silly, but if you are a fan of ABBA hits, well you are just going to love it!
FINAL SAY: The winner takes it all.
3 Chilli Peppers
NOTE: Mamma Mia 2 is utterly unwatchable tripe, avoid it at all costs!
Release Date: 2008
Rating: M
Running Time: 108 mins
I would be lying my arse off I said that I didn't really like this musical, because as much as I hate to admit it, I bloody loved it! I was singing along with all of the songs and laughing out loud at the all of the antics, I just had a really good time with this film. Adapted from the West End Broadway musical of the same name and built around the successful songs from ABBA, Mamma Mia! was met with mixed reviews, which can only be expected, I mean not everyone likes ABBA songs, so it was always going to be a risky venture.
Young Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is about to get married. She discovers that her father could be one of three men from her mother's past (Stellan Skarsgard, Pierce Brosnan or Colin Firth). So Sophie goes behind her mother's (Meryl Streep) back and invites them all to the small Greek island that they live on to celebrate her wedding day.
Keep in mind that this is a musical, and it plays out like one. The script has been constructed around the songs, so it does go off in some pretty random directions, but it's just so much fun. It's completely exaggerated and utterly silly, but if you are a fan of ABBA hits, well you are just going to love it!
FINAL SAY: The winner takes it all.
3 Chilli Peppers
NOTE: Mamma Mia 2 is utterly unwatchable tripe, avoid it at all costs!
BE KIND REWIND
Release Date: 2008
Rating: PG
Running Time: 102 mins
I think that the idea that movies can bring people together is what I really enjoyed most about this film, that and the awesome 'sweded' movie versions that are made throughout the film. This film isn't laugh out loud funny, but it is quirky in a sweet and offbeat kind of a way, you could say that it has it's own unique charm.
Mike (Mos Def) and Jerry (Jack Black) are left in charge of Mr Fletcher's failing local video shop. Whilst trying to sabotage a local power plant, Jerry becomes magnetically charged and accidentally wipes all of the videos in Mr Fletcher's shop. In attempt to cover up the problem, Mike and Jerry set about recreating the movies themselves (sweding) which rapidly gains a local cult following.
The support cast is solid; Mia Farrow, Danny Glover and Melonie Diaz all bring something to the table, but in truth, no-one is expecting to be taken seriously here. This film is really just about a community coming together in an attempt to save an old man's store, to pay tribute to a local legend and to create something entertaining; and I think that it succeeds in delivering that.
FINAL SAY: I'm Bill Murray, and you're everybody else.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2008
Rating: PG
Running Time: 102 mins
I think that the idea that movies can bring people together is what I really enjoyed most about this film, that and the awesome 'sweded' movie versions that are made throughout the film. This film isn't laugh out loud funny, but it is quirky in a sweet and offbeat kind of a way, you could say that it has it's own unique charm.
Mike (Mos Def) and Jerry (Jack Black) are left in charge of Mr Fletcher's failing local video shop. Whilst trying to sabotage a local power plant, Jerry becomes magnetically charged and accidentally wipes all of the videos in Mr Fletcher's shop. In attempt to cover up the problem, Mike and Jerry set about recreating the movies themselves (sweding) which rapidly gains a local cult following.
The support cast is solid; Mia Farrow, Danny Glover and Melonie Diaz all bring something to the table, but in truth, no-one is expecting to be taken seriously here. This film is really just about a community coming together in an attempt to save an old man's store, to pay tribute to a local legend and to create something entertaining; and I think that it succeeds in delivering that.
FINAL SAY: I'm Bill Murray, and you're everybody else.
3 Chilli Peppers
MR BEAN'S HOLIDAY
Release Date: 2007
Rating: PG
Running Time: 90 mins
Mr Bean never fails to make me laugh, Rowan Atkinson has a flair for visual comedy that has not been seen since the days of Harpo Marx. This is just so ridiculous and silly but brilliant all at once. Mr Bean's Holiday is more of the same Bean hilarity that we have come to know and love, and it had me laughing out loud and giggling with joy, it is very funny stuff.
When Mr Bean wins a trip to the South of France, he sets off for a cultural experience like no other. French food is a far cry from beans on toast, and poor Mr Bean's uncanny ability to draw absolute disaster to himself is as unfailing as ever. In this instalment we see him team up with a young French boy after he unwittingly separates him from his father on his way to Cannes. As Bean travels across France he has all manner of mishap and discovery, and even experiences the sweet sting of love.
The French countryside is divine and the villages are a visual delight, but the winner here is Rowan Atkinson who again goes all out to be the quirky and bumbling Bean that I adore.
FINAL SAY: Disaster has a passport!
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2007
Rating: PG
Running Time: 90 mins
Mr Bean never fails to make me laugh, Rowan Atkinson has a flair for visual comedy that has not been seen since the days of Harpo Marx. This is just so ridiculous and silly but brilliant all at once. Mr Bean's Holiday is more of the same Bean hilarity that we have come to know and love, and it had me laughing out loud and giggling with joy, it is very funny stuff.
When Mr Bean wins a trip to the South of France, he sets off for a cultural experience like no other. French food is a far cry from beans on toast, and poor Mr Bean's uncanny ability to draw absolute disaster to himself is as unfailing as ever. In this instalment we see him team up with a young French boy after he unwittingly separates him from his father on his way to Cannes. As Bean travels across France he has all manner of mishap and discovery, and even experiences the sweet sting of love.
The French countryside is divine and the villages are a visual delight, but the winner here is Rowan Atkinson who again goes all out to be the quirky and bumbling Bean that I adore.
FINAL SAY: Disaster has a passport!
3 Chilli Peppers
WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY
Release Date: 2007
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 120 mins
An American spoof rock and roll tale that references many other musical biopic movies, in particular Walk the Line, the Johnny Cash tribute film. Directed by Jake Kasdan and co-produced by Judd Apatow, this parody film does a brilliant job of poking fun at rock stars and their insane lifestyles. I found myself giggling all the way through, mostly due to the stellar performances and hilarious original music.
It's 1946 and a young Alabama boy named Dewey Cox finds blues music after an unfortunately family accident, and his life is changed forever. Over the next 50 years we follow Dewey as he becomes a headliner and plays with some of the biggest names in the music industry. However, like many rock stars before him, Dewey succumbs to the pitfalls of fame and finds that needs to re-invent and recompose himself time and time again to stay current and on track.
John C. Reilly is at his best here, I have never enjoyed him as much as I did in this film, he is just so hilarious as Dewey Cox. The rest of the cast are equally great, especially Jenna Fischer who plays Dewey's long term partner Darlene, but this really is Reilly's film from start to end.
FINAL SAY: I do believe in you. I just know you're gonna fail.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2007
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 120 mins
An American spoof rock and roll tale that references many other musical biopic movies, in particular Walk the Line, the Johnny Cash tribute film. Directed by Jake Kasdan and co-produced by Judd Apatow, this parody film does a brilliant job of poking fun at rock stars and their insane lifestyles. I found myself giggling all the way through, mostly due to the stellar performances and hilarious original music.
It's 1946 and a young Alabama boy named Dewey Cox finds blues music after an unfortunately family accident, and his life is changed forever. Over the next 50 years we follow Dewey as he becomes a headliner and plays with some of the biggest names in the music industry. However, like many rock stars before him, Dewey succumbs to the pitfalls of fame and finds that needs to re-invent and recompose himself time and time again to stay current and on track.
John C. Reilly is at his best here, I have never enjoyed him as much as I did in this film, he is just so hilarious as Dewey Cox. The rest of the cast are equally great, especially Jenna Fischer who plays Dewey's long term partner Darlene, but this really is Reilly's film from start to end.
FINAL SAY: I do believe in you. I just know you're gonna fail.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
DEATH AT A FUNERAL
Release Date: 2007
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 90 mins
This British comedy directed by Frank Oz really cracked me up. I know that funeral humour is not going to be everyone's liking but I thought that the cast did an excellent job of carrying a slapstick comedy that has such a dark premise.
When a dysfunctional family's patriarch passes away, they attempt to sort out all of the minor hiccups that occur on the days preceding the funeral with as little fuss as possible. However, when their own glaring problems become mixed with the mounting new issues, things start to unravel and the result are hysterical.
The cast is great here; strong and notable efforts are offered by Peter Vaughan, Alan Tudyk and Peter Dinklage, all of whom had me in stitches. In 2010, an American version of Death at a Funeral was released, but the British one shits all over it's loud and far too try hard efforts, see the original and you wont be disappointed.
FINAL SAY: What are you doing in my dad's coffin?
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2007
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 90 mins
This British comedy directed by Frank Oz really cracked me up. I know that funeral humour is not going to be everyone's liking but I thought that the cast did an excellent job of carrying a slapstick comedy that has such a dark premise.
When a dysfunctional family's patriarch passes away, they attempt to sort out all of the minor hiccups that occur on the days preceding the funeral with as little fuss as possible. However, when their own glaring problems become mixed with the mounting new issues, things start to unravel and the result are hysterical.
The cast is great here; strong and notable efforts are offered by Peter Vaughan, Alan Tudyk and Peter Dinklage, all of whom had me in stitches. In 2010, an American version of Death at a Funeral was released, but the British one shits all over it's loud and far too try hard efforts, see the original and you wont be disappointed.
FINAL SAY: What are you doing in my dad's coffin?
4 Chilli Peppers
SUPERBAD
Release Date: 2007
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 113 mins
Finally a coming of age movie about male teens that doesn't focus on gratuitous titty shots and teens getting molested by cougar mothers. This movie depicts all of the typical teen turmoils with all of the awkwardness that comes with them. It is laugh out loud cringe-humour and you just can't help but feel superbad for these desperate teens.
Jonah Hill and Michael Cera are in their early days and play the hopeless best friends with much wit and naivety. They are crass and yet adorably innocent all at once. Essentially, this is a movie more about separation anxiety and codependency than tits and ass, so hooray for that!
FINAL SAY: I'm McLovin it!
5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2007
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 113 mins
Finally a coming of age movie about male teens that doesn't focus on gratuitous titty shots and teens getting molested by cougar mothers. This movie depicts all of the typical teen turmoils with all of the awkwardness that comes with them. It is laugh out loud cringe-humour and you just can't help but feel superbad for these desperate teens.
Jonah Hill and Michael Cera are in their early days and play the hopeless best friends with much wit and naivety. They are crass and yet adorably innocent all at once. Essentially, this is a movie more about separation anxiety and codependency than tits and ass, so hooray for that!
FINAL SAY: I'm McLovin it!
5 Chilli Peppers
HOT FUZZ
Release Date: 2007
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 121 mins
The second installment in Wright and Pegg's Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy, Hot Fuzz stars the dynamic duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The powerhouse twosome are together again and showcasing their ability to work with, and never against, each other when it comes to delivering the laughs. The script was actually inspired by more than one hundred different action films, and it truly hits a home run when it comes to satirical parodies.
A successful London cop (Pegg) is sent to a quaint country town where he is teamed up with a hick PC (Frost). However, the small town of Sanford is not the sleepy hamlet that it portrays, and when the body count starts to rise, the two policemen must try to work out what is causing all of the so called "accidents" in the area.
Hot Fuzz is diabolical, eccentric, compelling and hilarious in every way, every bit as good as it's predecessor Shaun of the Dead and every bit as worthy of your time. If you like action movies and cop show parodies, you are going to be in stitches over this. There is so much happening and so many quickly delivered comedic lines to take in, that even a second viewing is worthwhile.
FINAL SAY: Shit just got real!
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2007
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 121 mins
The second installment in Wright and Pegg's Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy, Hot Fuzz stars the dynamic duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The powerhouse twosome are together again and showcasing their ability to work with, and never against, each other when it comes to delivering the laughs. The script was actually inspired by more than one hundred different action films, and it truly hits a home run when it comes to satirical parodies.
A successful London cop (Pegg) is sent to a quaint country town where he is teamed up with a hick PC (Frost). However, the small town of Sanford is not the sleepy hamlet that it portrays, and when the body count starts to rise, the two policemen must try to work out what is causing all of the so called "accidents" in the area.
Hot Fuzz is diabolical, eccentric, compelling and hilarious in every way, every bit as good as it's predecessor Shaun of the Dead and every bit as worthy of your time. If you like action movies and cop show parodies, you are going to be in stitches over this. There is so much happening and so many quickly delivered comedic lines to take in, that even a second viewing is worthwhile.
FINAL SAY: Shit just got real!
4 Chilli Peppers
THE SIMPSONS MOVIE
Release Date: 2007
Rating: M
Running Time: 87 mins
I have always been a fan of the satirical and dysfunctional Simpsons series, so naturally I was excited to see what it would be like in movie form. I was certainly not disappointed, Matt Groening really knows humour and having all of the back stories from the TV series really made this an enjoyable watch and a must see treat for fans of the show.
When Homer unwittingly manages to pollute all of Springfield's water supply, the town finds themselves in lock down; encased in a gigantic dome set to be destroyed by the EPA. Homer has managed to escape, but now the fate of the entire town rests in his hands.
This is a laugh a second viewing, the comedy is running thick and fast and in true Groening fashion it is fraught with ridiculousness and unlikely outcomes. But that's what the Simpsons is all about, all laughs and little logic - it's brilliant!
FINAL SAY: Spider pig, Spider pig...
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2007
Rating: M
Running Time: 87 mins
I have always been a fan of the satirical and dysfunctional Simpsons series, so naturally I was excited to see what it would be like in movie form. I was certainly not disappointed, Matt Groening really knows humour and having all of the back stories from the TV series really made this an enjoyable watch and a must see treat for fans of the show.
When Homer unwittingly manages to pollute all of Springfield's water supply, the town finds themselves in lock down; encased in a gigantic dome set to be destroyed by the EPA. Homer has managed to escape, but now the fate of the entire town rests in his hands.
This is a laugh a second viewing, the comedy is running thick and fast and in true Groening fashion it is fraught with ridiculousness and unlikely outcomes. But that's what the Simpsons is all about, all laughs and little logic - it's brilliant!
FINAL SAY: Spider pig, Spider pig...
3 Chilli Peppers
SON OF RAMBOW
Release Date: 2007
Rating: PG
Running Time: 96 mins
I almost wish that Garth Jennings had given this movie another name, because Son of Rambow has possibly put a lot of people off seeing it, which is utterly tragic because it is brilliant!
In Britain in the 1980's, two boys become unlikely friends and decide to make their own movie called Son of Rambow. What happens from there is one of the sweetest and funniest bromances you will ever see.
The two boys (Will Proudfoot and Will Poulter) are just fantastic together, and the whole movie has an awesome 80's soundtrack that gives the movie extra kick. Keep your eyes peeled for my favourite, the French exchange student Didier, what a pisser!
FINAL SAY: My best day of all time.
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2007
Rating: PG
Running Time: 96 mins
I almost wish that Garth Jennings had given this movie another name, because Son of Rambow has possibly put a lot of people off seeing it, which is utterly tragic because it is brilliant!
In Britain in the 1980's, two boys become unlikely friends and decide to make their own movie called Son of Rambow. What happens from there is one of the sweetest and funniest bromances you will ever see.
The two boys (Will Proudfoot and Will Poulter) are just fantastic together, and the whole movie has an awesome 80's soundtrack that gives the movie extra kick. Keep your eyes peeled for my favourite, the French exchange student Didier, what a pisser!
FINAL SAY: My best day of all time.
4 Chilli Peppers
EAGLE VS SHARK
Release Date: 2007
Rating: M
Running Time: 88 mins
Written and directed by Taika Waititi, this New Zealand romantic comedy will appeal to people that like cringe worthy humour and awkward encounters.
Wallflower Lily has an unlikely crush on a loser called Jerrod. After an encounter at a fancy dress/ video game party, they spark a rather unusual relationship and Jerrod invites Lily to join him on a trip to his seacoast home town. Whilst there, Jerrod plans to exact revenge upon a local bully that is his own high school nemesis. However, a series of strange and awkward events leave Jerrod exposed for who he really is and it leaves Lily questioning her feelings for him.
I absolutely adored Loren Taylor's portrayal of the shy and incredibly kind character Lily, she is the stand out here for sure. Jemaine Clement is also great as the self involved jerk Jerrod, and the two together are pure gold.
Eagle vs Shark certainly falls left of centre, but I really enjoyed it's quirkiness and had a lot of laughs along the way.
FINAL SAY: If I stop creating, I'll just die.
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2007
Rating: M
Running Time: 88 mins
Written and directed by Taika Waititi, this New Zealand romantic comedy will appeal to people that like cringe worthy humour and awkward encounters.
Wallflower Lily has an unlikely crush on a loser called Jerrod. After an encounter at a fancy dress/ video game party, they spark a rather unusual relationship and Jerrod invites Lily to join him on a trip to his seacoast home town. Whilst there, Jerrod plans to exact revenge upon a local bully that is his own high school nemesis. However, a series of strange and awkward events leave Jerrod exposed for who he really is and it leaves Lily questioning her feelings for him.
I absolutely adored Loren Taylor's portrayal of the shy and incredibly kind character Lily, she is the stand out here for sure. Jemaine Clement is also great as the self involved jerk Jerrod, and the two together are pure gold.
Eagle vs Shark certainly falls left of centre, but I really enjoyed it's quirkiness and had a lot of laughs along the way.
FINAL SAY: If I stop creating, I'll just die.
4 Chilli Peppers
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
Release Date: 2006
Rating: PG
Running Time: 109 mins
Based on the novel of the same name by Lauren Weisberger, The Devil Wears Prada is the most expensively costumed film in history, with many designers and fashion notables placing their clothes and accessories into the film. Many designers refused to actually appear in the film, for fear of upsetting U.S Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who was widely believed to be the inspiration for the character Miranda Priestly; a hard nosed and mostly unlikable magazine editor.
Recent graduate Andrea (Anne Hathaway) lands herself a dream job at Runway fashion magazine. However, being a junior assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the icy editor-in-chief, proves to be a massive challenge. Andrea does not fit into the gossipy, fashion conscious world of Runway, and must work extra hard to prove her worth to Miranda and her senior assistant Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt).
A strong cast really deliver here, which is the backbone of this film's appeal. It is certainly an interesting and somewhat troubling depiction of the fashion industry, speckled with just enough comedy and hopefulness to stop it from becoming too dark. The Devil Wears Prada certainly made me realise that I am not cut out for the fashion industry in any way, shape or form.
FINAL SAY: You sold your soul to the devil when you put on your first pair of Jimmy Choo's.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2006
Rating: PG
Running Time: 109 mins
Based on the novel of the same name by Lauren Weisberger, The Devil Wears Prada is the most expensively costumed film in history, with many designers and fashion notables placing their clothes and accessories into the film. Many designers refused to actually appear in the film, for fear of upsetting U.S Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who was widely believed to be the inspiration for the character Miranda Priestly; a hard nosed and mostly unlikable magazine editor.
Recent graduate Andrea (Anne Hathaway) lands herself a dream job at Runway fashion magazine. However, being a junior assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the icy editor-in-chief, proves to be a massive challenge. Andrea does not fit into the gossipy, fashion conscious world of Runway, and must work extra hard to prove her worth to Miranda and her senior assistant Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt).
A strong cast really deliver here, which is the backbone of this film's appeal. It is certainly an interesting and somewhat troubling depiction of the fashion industry, speckled with just enough comedy and hopefulness to stop it from becoming too dark. The Devil Wears Prada certainly made me realise that I am not cut out for the fashion industry in any way, shape or form.
FINAL SAY: You sold your soul to the devil when you put on your first pair of Jimmy Choo's.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS of AMERICA for MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION of KAZAKHSTAN.
Release Date: 2006
Rating: R 18+
Running Time: 84 mins
Already being a huge fan of the TV series Ali G, I had gotten plenty of previous exposure to Borat and his insane antics long before this movie hit the screen. However, the idea of a full scale movie dedicated to Borat did really excited me, especially since he has always been my favourite of the Sacha Baron Cohen characters for his simple, unnerving and utterly non-PC behaviours.
Shot in mockumentary style, we follow the experiences of Borat Sagdiyev, a fictitious Kazakh journalist as he travels through the United States recording real life interactions with Americans.
Much of the film is unscripted vignettes of Borat interviewing and interacting with various locals who believe him to be a foreigner with little understanding of western culture, making this cringe worthy humour at its best. Sacha Baron Cohen does an exceptionally good job of pushing the envelope as far as he can and manages to get his movie banned in all Arab countries except Lebanon because of its controversial content.
I am not sure that this movie has done anything to improve tourism in Kazakhstan, but I thought that it was hysterical and I will always be a die hard Borat fan.
FINAL SAY: High Five!
4 Chilli Peppers
Note: In 2020 a sequel called Borat Subsequent Moviefilm was released and it is every bit as good as the original. With brand new current material and a daughter in tow, this movie arrived at just the right time - prior to the 2020 presidential elections. It highlights much of the sexism, racism and inequality that is happening in America, all delivered with the same Borat awkward humour that we have come to love. It's genius! And I think that Sacha Baron Cohen may be one of the most interesting people on the planet.
Release Date: 2006
Rating: R 18+
Running Time: 84 mins
Already being a huge fan of the TV series Ali G, I had gotten plenty of previous exposure to Borat and his insane antics long before this movie hit the screen. However, the idea of a full scale movie dedicated to Borat did really excited me, especially since he has always been my favourite of the Sacha Baron Cohen characters for his simple, unnerving and utterly non-PC behaviours.
Shot in mockumentary style, we follow the experiences of Borat Sagdiyev, a fictitious Kazakh journalist as he travels through the United States recording real life interactions with Americans.
Much of the film is unscripted vignettes of Borat interviewing and interacting with various locals who believe him to be a foreigner with little understanding of western culture, making this cringe worthy humour at its best. Sacha Baron Cohen does an exceptionally good job of pushing the envelope as far as he can and manages to get his movie banned in all Arab countries except Lebanon because of its controversial content.
I am not sure that this movie has done anything to improve tourism in Kazakhstan, but I thought that it was hysterical and I will always be a die hard Borat fan.
FINAL SAY: High Five!
4 Chilli Peppers
Note: In 2020 a sequel called Borat Subsequent Moviefilm was released and it is every bit as good as the original. With brand new current material and a daughter in tow, this movie arrived at just the right time - prior to the 2020 presidential elections. It highlights much of the sexism, racism and inequality that is happening in America, all delivered with the same Borat awkward humour that we have come to love. It's genius! And I think that Sacha Baron Cohen may be one of the most interesting people on the planet.
NACHO LIBRE
Release Date: 2006
Rating: PG
Running Time: 92 mins
This is one of my all time favourite comedies, it is a hot mess of awkward happenings that really tickled my funny bone. Loosely based on the story of Fray Tormenta ("Friar Storm") aka Rev. Sergio Gutierrez Benitez, a real life Mexican Catholic priest who had a 23 year career as a masked luchador. He competed in order to support the orphanage that he directed. However, I am certain that he wasn't nearly as insane as Jack Black's character Nacho Libre.
Ignacio (Nacho) is a cook at a Mexican monastery and there is never enough money to feed the orphans properly. Nacho, with the help of his sidekick Esqueleto, decides to raise some funds by secretly moonlighting as a Lucha Libre wrestler, the only problem is that he sucks.
This film was slammed by critics, and generally received poor reviews, but I thought that it was legendary. From the party for champion wrestler Ramses, to the eagle eggs that are meant to give you powers and even Sister Encarnacion's love ballad, I was crying with laughter. What can I say, I will always be a huge Nacho fan and if you're in the mood for some ridiculous humour, then you'll love it too.
FINAL SAY: Beneath the man we find...his.....nucleus.
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2006
Rating: PG
Running Time: 92 mins
This is one of my all time favourite comedies, it is a hot mess of awkward happenings that really tickled my funny bone. Loosely based on the story of Fray Tormenta ("Friar Storm") aka Rev. Sergio Gutierrez Benitez, a real life Mexican Catholic priest who had a 23 year career as a masked luchador. He competed in order to support the orphanage that he directed. However, I am certain that he wasn't nearly as insane as Jack Black's character Nacho Libre.
Ignacio (Nacho) is a cook at a Mexican monastery and there is never enough money to feed the orphans properly. Nacho, with the help of his sidekick Esqueleto, decides to raise some funds by secretly moonlighting as a Lucha Libre wrestler, the only problem is that he sucks.
This film was slammed by critics, and generally received poor reviews, but I thought that it was legendary. From the party for champion wrestler Ramses, to the eagle eggs that are meant to give you powers and even Sister Encarnacion's love ballad, I was crying with laughter. What can I say, I will always be a huge Nacho fan and if you're in the mood for some ridiculous humour, then you'll love it too.
FINAL SAY: Beneath the man we find...his.....nucleus.
4 Chilli Peppers
40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN
Release Date: 2005
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 116 mins
Easily one of the funniest things that Judd Apatow has written and directed, 40 Year Old Virgin is not just humorous, it's clever and witty and quite sweet too. In 2005, the American Film Institute listed it as one of the best movies of the year, making it the only comedy to ever be recognised as such, proving that it is more than just your average comedy.
Nice guy Andy Stitzer (Steve Carell) is a lonely 40 year old virgin that spends his free time playing video games and tending to his extensive model, comic and action figure collectibles. His rowdy friends insist that it is time for Andy to lose his virginity, and he ends up on a series of disastrous dates, eventually meeting Trish (Catherine Keener), a single mother that is dealing with the trauma of a recent break-up.
Like all Apatow movies, I found this about half an hour too long; however that being said, I still genuinely enjoyed this innuendo packed, crude little romance-comedy and it's crazy mix of absurd and desperate characters. Steve Carell was a very wise choice for the role, and really carries the character of Andy with a lot of sweet and sincere innocence.
FINAL SAY: Is it true that if you don't use it, you lose it?
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2005
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 116 mins
Easily one of the funniest things that Judd Apatow has written and directed, 40 Year Old Virgin is not just humorous, it's clever and witty and quite sweet too. In 2005, the American Film Institute listed it as one of the best movies of the year, making it the only comedy to ever be recognised as such, proving that it is more than just your average comedy.
Nice guy Andy Stitzer (Steve Carell) is a lonely 40 year old virgin that spends his free time playing video games and tending to his extensive model, comic and action figure collectibles. His rowdy friends insist that it is time for Andy to lose his virginity, and he ends up on a series of disastrous dates, eventually meeting Trish (Catherine Keener), a single mother that is dealing with the trauma of a recent break-up.
Like all Apatow movies, I found this about half an hour too long; however that being said, I still genuinely enjoyed this innuendo packed, crude little romance-comedy and it's crazy mix of absurd and desperate characters. Steve Carell was a very wise choice for the role, and really carries the character of Andy with a lot of sweet and sincere innocence.
FINAL SAY: Is it true that if you don't use it, you lose it?
4 Chilli Peppers
KINKY BOOTS
Release Date: 2005
Rating: M
Running Time: 107 mins
A comedy drama, written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth and directed by Julian Jarrold, which outlines the true story of a British shoe company that was struggling to stay afloat, until they adopted the production of footwear for drag queens. In 2013, Kinky Boots was adapted into a Broadway musical, and has since enjoyed a great deal of success and awards, but the original movie version will always be my favourite.
Charlie Price (Joel Edgerton) is in the midst of trying to save his family's shoe business from going belly up, when he comes to the rescue of what he believes is a damsel in distress. The damsel, named Lola (Chiwetel Ejiofor) turns out be a drag queen performer, who ends up being a source of inspiration to Charlie and assists him with saving his business.
This movie is just plain feel-good fun, from start to end. It is always great to see reserved main streamers becoming enlightened and open minded through some drag queen exposure. Edgerton and Ejiofor are just delightful together and were relatively new to the big screen at the time, bring some freshness along with them. There's no denying it, Kinky Boots amused and delighted me.
FINAL SAY: Red is the colour of sex! Burgundy is the colour of hot water bottles!
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2005
Rating: M
Running Time: 107 mins
A comedy drama, written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth and directed by Julian Jarrold, which outlines the true story of a British shoe company that was struggling to stay afloat, until they adopted the production of footwear for drag queens. In 2013, Kinky Boots was adapted into a Broadway musical, and has since enjoyed a great deal of success and awards, but the original movie version will always be my favourite.
Charlie Price (Joel Edgerton) is in the midst of trying to save his family's shoe business from going belly up, when he comes to the rescue of what he believes is a damsel in distress. The damsel, named Lola (Chiwetel Ejiofor) turns out be a drag queen performer, who ends up being a source of inspiration to Charlie and assists him with saving his business.
This movie is just plain feel-good fun, from start to end. It is always great to see reserved main streamers becoming enlightened and open minded through some drag queen exposure. Edgerton and Ejiofor are just delightful together and were relatively new to the big screen at the time, bring some freshness along with them. There's no denying it, Kinky Boots amused and delighted me.
FINAL SAY: Red is the colour of sex! Burgundy is the colour of hot water bottles!
3 Chilli Peppers
MEET THE FOCKERS
Release Date: 2004
Rating: M
Running time: 115 mins
It is certainly rare for a sequel to be better than it's predecessor, even more rare for a comedy to achieve, but Meet the Fockers out does Meet the Parents in all respects. This is a super funny cast clearly having a lot of fun on and off the camera. There is a silly and yet highly intoxicating sense of hysteria to this movie that will have you laughing out loud.
It is a tried and true story about two families being joined together by the marriage of their children. Of course they are in utter polarity in every way, so don't expect to be dazzled by an original or exciting storyline, it ain't gonna happen. What you can expect is a child that is addicted to boobs and saying rude words, a Gaylord Focker wall of fame, a hands-on sex therapist, a toilet using cat and a lot of awkwardness.
Award winning actors let their hair down and just get silly, it's fun to watch. No awards to be won here, but you will have a laugh.
FINAL SAY: Get fockerized!
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2004
Rating: M
Running time: 115 mins
It is certainly rare for a sequel to be better than it's predecessor, even more rare for a comedy to achieve, but Meet the Fockers out does Meet the Parents in all respects. This is a super funny cast clearly having a lot of fun on and off the camera. There is a silly and yet highly intoxicating sense of hysteria to this movie that will have you laughing out loud.
It is a tried and true story about two families being joined together by the marriage of their children. Of course they are in utter polarity in every way, so don't expect to be dazzled by an original or exciting storyline, it ain't gonna happen. What you can expect is a child that is addicted to boobs and saying rude words, a Gaylord Focker wall of fame, a hands-on sex therapist, a toilet using cat and a lot of awkwardness.
Award winning actors let their hair down and just get silly, it's fun to watch. No awards to be won here, but you will have a laugh.
FINAL SAY: Get fockerized!
3 Chilli Peppers
TEAM AMERICA
Release Date: 2004
Rating: R 18+
Running Time: 98 mins
Matt Parker and Trey Stone take their politically incorrect humour to higher heights with the insanity of Team America. This satire movie takes a stab at big budget action movies with all of their cliches and stereotypes, whilst emphasizing the global implications of the politics surrounding the USA at the time of its creation. The cast is composed of Thunderbird like marionette puppets, adding greatly to the visual humour as they clumsily parade around the screen.
When North Korean ruler Kim Jong-il orchestrates a global terror plot, it is up to the heavily armed marionettes of the elite Team America: World Police unit to stop it. With the assistance of a well trained thespian named Gary, they literally face off against their foes, including a group of Hollywood liberals called F.A.G. (Film Actors Guild) that are at odds with Team America's mission.
I cried with laughter over this movie, it is hilariously funny. This is poignant, clever satire at its absolute best, Parker and Stone have managed to pull off a sly, violent and vulgar story line with nothing but puppets and miniature sets. It is completely unique and utterly hysterical, a definite must see comedy.
FINAL SAY: You remember the signal?
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2004
Rating: R 18+
Running Time: 98 mins
Matt Parker and Trey Stone take their politically incorrect humour to higher heights with the insanity of Team America. This satire movie takes a stab at big budget action movies with all of their cliches and stereotypes, whilst emphasizing the global implications of the politics surrounding the USA at the time of its creation. The cast is composed of Thunderbird like marionette puppets, adding greatly to the visual humour as they clumsily parade around the screen.
When North Korean ruler Kim Jong-il orchestrates a global terror plot, it is up to the heavily armed marionettes of the elite Team America: World Police unit to stop it. With the assistance of a well trained thespian named Gary, they literally face off against their foes, including a group of Hollywood liberals called F.A.G. (Film Actors Guild) that are at odds with Team America's mission.
I cried with laughter over this movie, it is hilariously funny. This is poignant, clever satire at its absolute best, Parker and Stone have managed to pull off a sly, violent and vulgar story line with nothing but puppets and miniature sets. It is completely unique and utterly hysterical, a definite must see comedy.
FINAL SAY: You remember the signal?
4 Chilli Peppers
MEAN GIRLS
Release Date: 2004
Rating: M
Running Time: 97 mins
Before Lindsay Lohan went bat shit bonkers, she was actually making some reasonably watchable films for youngsters; Mean Girls based on the non-fiction self-help book Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman, and adapted by Tina Fey for the screen, is one such film. Having also read the book, I found this to be a refreshingly humorous take, with a bunch of fresh-faced female Hollywood hopefuls demonstrating their ferocity and instability in true teen girl fashion.
Cady (Lohan) is a sixteen year old homeschooled girl that has just entered the public school system. After gaining the interests of a clique group called The Plastics, led by the ruthless ringleader Regina (Rachel McAdams), Cady finds herself navigating a world of teenage competition and cruelty.
Every female is going to find some teenage behaviour relatable to here. In fact, I am fairly sure that I still know some women that continue to use some of these behaviours as their 'go to' even as adults. With a great soundtrack and a poignant message about the pitfalls of peer pressure, Mean Girls became a cult classic and a coming of age movie worthy of everyone's time.
FINAL SAY: On Wednesdays we wear pink!
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2004
Rating: M
Running Time: 97 mins
Before Lindsay Lohan went bat shit bonkers, she was actually making some reasonably watchable films for youngsters; Mean Girls based on the non-fiction self-help book Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman, and adapted by Tina Fey for the screen, is one such film. Having also read the book, I found this to be a refreshingly humorous take, with a bunch of fresh-faced female Hollywood hopefuls demonstrating their ferocity and instability in true teen girl fashion.
Cady (Lohan) is a sixteen year old homeschooled girl that has just entered the public school system. After gaining the interests of a clique group called The Plastics, led by the ruthless ringleader Regina (Rachel McAdams), Cady finds herself navigating a world of teenage competition and cruelty.
Every female is going to find some teenage behaviour relatable to here. In fact, I am fairly sure that I still know some women that continue to use some of these behaviours as their 'go to' even as adults. With a great soundtrack and a poignant message about the pitfalls of peer pressure, Mean Girls became a cult classic and a coming of age movie worthy of everyone's time.
FINAL SAY: On Wednesdays we wear pink!
3 Chilli Peppers
THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU
Release Date: 2004
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 119 mins
Another Wes Anderson tale of the weird and the awkward; The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is a parody-homage to the great French diving pioneer Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Filled with all manner of unusual characters and occurrences, this film flies in the face of conventional comedy by being eccentrically funny and whimsically ironic.
After his best friend Esteban du Plantier is brutally killed by a supposedly mythical 'Jaguar Shark', renown oceanographer and documentarian Steve Zissou vows revenge. A motley crew join Zissou on his research vessel Belfonte to assist with the tracking and documenting of this dangerous mission - to find and destroy the Jaguar Shark.
In true Anderson style, this is really wacky stuff, there are plenty of things happening on and off the camera that are so random and odd that you can't help laughing. I especially adored Pele dos Santos, the safety expert that also happens to be a Brazilian musician who sings David Bowie songs in Portuguese, acoustically throughout the film, gold!
FINAL SAY: It's a documentary! It's all really happening!
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2004
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 119 mins
Another Wes Anderson tale of the weird and the awkward; The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is a parody-homage to the great French diving pioneer Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Filled with all manner of unusual characters and occurrences, this film flies in the face of conventional comedy by being eccentrically funny and whimsically ironic.
After his best friend Esteban du Plantier is brutally killed by a supposedly mythical 'Jaguar Shark', renown oceanographer and documentarian Steve Zissou vows revenge. A motley crew join Zissou on his research vessel Belfonte to assist with the tracking and documenting of this dangerous mission - to find and destroy the Jaguar Shark.
In true Anderson style, this is really wacky stuff, there are plenty of things happening on and off the camera that are so random and odd that you can't help laughing. I especially adored Pele dos Santos, the safety expert that also happens to be a Brazilian musician who sings David Bowie songs in Portuguese, acoustically throughout the film, gold!
FINAL SAY: It's a documentary! It's all really happening!
3 Chilli Peppers
NAPOLEON DYNAMITE
Release Date: 2004
Rating: M
Running Time: 96 mins
A cult classic comedy written and directed by Jared and Jerusha Hess that received mixed reviews upon it's release in 2004. This is a movie for the underdogs, the weirdo's and the social rejects of the world, it celebrates everything awkward about being a geeky teen and clears a little space for the odd ones to stand in.
Napoleon is a misfit teen struggling to get a girlfriend when his grandmother becomes injured. His uncle Rico steps in to help Napoleon and his online chat room obsessed brother Kip, but Rico only succeeds in making their lives even more difficult. After befriending an awkward Hispanic newbie called Pedro, the two decide to raise Pedro's status by campaigning for class president.
This is cringe worthy humour at it's best, all of the characters are unusual in their own way and the dress sense and hair do's are virtually indescribable, but it works. You'll be rooting for the weirdo too by the end of it.
FINAL SAY: Canned heat in my heels!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2004
Rating: M
Running Time: 96 mins
A cult classic comedy written and directed by Jared and Jerusha Hess that received mixed reviews upon it's release in 2004. This is a movie for the underdogs, the weirdo's and the social rejects of the world, it celebrates everything awkward about being a geeky teen and clears a little space for the odd ones to stand in.
Napoleon is a misfit teen struggling to get a girlfriend when his grandmother becomes injured. His uncle Rico steps in to help Napoleon and his online chat room obsessed brother Kip, but Rico only succeeds in making their lives even more difficult. After befriending an awkward Hispanic newbie called Pedro, the two decide to raise Pedro's status by campaigning for class president.
This is cringe worthy humour at it's best, all of the characters are unusual in their own way and the dress sense and hair do's are virtually indescribable, but it works. You'll be rooting for the weirdo too by the end of it.
FINAL SAY: Canned heat in my heels!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
THE RAGE IN PLACID LAKE
Release Date: 2003
Rating: M
Running Time: 89 mins
A fabulously funny Australian comedy from writer and director Tony McNamara about an odd teenager named Placid Lake. Placid has been raised in an open minded, suburban-hippie environment by his two neurotic and free loving parents, but decides to abandon his family's bohemian lifestyle and adopt a mundane life path that involves working at an insurance agency.
Singer Ben Lee plays the role of Placid rather tepidly, but his stellar supporting cast, including the likes of Rose Byrne, Miranda Richardson, Claire Danes and Garry MacDonald, are exceptionally good and carry the story to it's full potential.
Full of sharp satire, bizarre characters and awkward coming of age occurrences, The Rage in Placid Lake really amused me. It also reminded me of all the times, that as a teen, I too so desperately wanted to fit in, but also wanted to stand out.
FINAL SAY: I'm going to find the positives in my experiences.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2003
Rating: M
Running Time: 89 mins
A fabulously funny Australian comedy from writer and director Tony McNamara about an odd teenager named Placid Lake. Placid has been raised in an open minded, suburban-hippie environment by his two neurotic and free loving parents, but decides to abandon his family's bohemian lifestyle and adopt a mundane life path that involves working at an insurance agency.
Singer Ben Lee plays the role of Placid rather tepidly, but his stellar supporting cast, including the likes of Rose Byrne, Miranda Richardson, Claire Danes and Garry MacDonald, are exceptionally good and carry the story to it's full potential.
Full of sharp satire, bizarre characters and awkward coming of age occurrences, The Rage in Placid Lake really amused me. It also reminded me of all the times, that as a teen, I too so desperately wanted to fit in, but also wanted to stand out.
FINAL SAY: I'm going to find the positives in my experiences.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING
Release Date: 2002
Rating: PG
Running Time: 95 mins
I know that the politically correct part of me shouldn't have a film on her comedy list that so obviously stereotypes and pokes fun at the Greek community, but I honestly think that even the Greek's will enjoy this movie, and probably find it more relatable than most. This is a tasteful and thoughtfully put together piece, highlighting all of the pitfalls and the benefits of marrying into another culture.
It's a simple rom-com story line; Toula, the Greek girl and Ian, the Xeno (stranger in Greek), fall in love and decide to tie the knot. Ian, being the obvious outsider has to try and navigate a multitude of ethnic traditions and cultural immersions before he is deemed acceptable by Toula's large and judgmental family.
The characters are all wonderful, especially Toula who is played by Nia Vardalos. Nia, who actually wrote the script, has just the right amount of beauty and charm to make her character believable and adorable, and it was so refreshing to see a leading a woman with a bit of meat on her bones for a change.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film, it's funny, colourful and intoxicating; and essentially I can only see it as a nod to the Greek community for everything that they bring to the table.
FINAL SAY: Cut yourself a piece of moussaka, grab the Windex and join the celebration.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2002
Rating: PG
Running Time: 95 mins
I know that the politically correct part of me shouldn't have a film on her comedy list that so obviously stereotypes and pokes fun at the Greek community, but I honestly think that even the Greek's will enjoy this movie, and probably find it more relatable than most. This is a tasteful and thoughtfully put together piece, highlighting all of the pitfalls and the benefits of marrying into another culture.
It's a simple rom-com story line; Toula, the Greek girl and Ian, the Xeno (stranger in Greek), fall in love and decide to tie the knot. Ian, being the obvious outsider has to try and navigate a multitude of ethnic traditions and cultural immersions before he is deemed acceptable by Toula's large and judgmental family.
The characters are all wonderful, especially Toula who is played by Nia Vardalos. Nia, who actually wrote the script, has just the right amount of beauty and charm to make her character believable and adorable, and it was so refreshing to see a leading a woman with a bit of meat on her bones for a change.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film, it's funny, colourful and intoxicating; and essentially I can only see it as a nod to the Greek community for everything that they bring to the table.
FINAL SAY: Cut yourself a piece of moussaka, grab the Windex and join the celebration.
3 Chilli Peppers
KUNG POW! ENTER THE FIST
Release Date: 2002
Rating: M
Running Time: 81 mins
This movie got an absolute slamming from the critics who clearly missed the fact that it is meant to be utterly bonkers and that is what makes it so damn funny! Writer-director Steve Oedekerk acquired the rights to a little known 1976 Hong Kong karate movie called "Savage Killers," then he seamlessly blended portions of the original movie with new material and dialogue to create one of the most off-the-wall and insanely silly comedies that has ever been made.
Chosen One, a rough-around-the-edges, yet industrious martial arts master, is out to avenge his murdered family, and it is zany hilarity that ensues all the way.
Oedekerk wrote, directed and starred in the lead role of Kung Pow! Enter the Fist and digitally placed himself into the old movie and had all of the main character voices redubbed as well. And the result is not only clever, it is also extremely funny and I literally cry laughing every time that I watch it, and I have seen it three times now! You will either love it or hate it, I hope like me, that you will feel the Kung Pow love!
FINAL SAY: Chosen One! Wee-ooh, wee-ooh!
3.5 Chilli peppers
Release Date: 2002
Rating: M
Running Time: 81 mins
This movie got an absolute slamming from the critics who clearly missed the fact that it is meant to be utterly bonkers and that is what makes it so damn funny! Writer-director Steve Oedekerk acquired the rights to a little known 1976 Hong Kong karate movie called "Savage Killers," then he seamlessly blended portions of the original movie with new material and dialogue to create one of the most off-the-wall and insanely silly comedies that has ever been made.
Chosen One, a rough-around-the-edges, yet industrious martial arts master, is out to avenge his murdered family, and it is zany hilarity that ensues all the way.
Oedekerk wrote, directed and starred in the lead role of Kung Pow! Enter the Fist and digitally placed himself into the old movie and had all of the main character voices redubbed as well. And the result is not only clever, it is also extremely funny and I literally cry laughing every time that I watch it, and I have seen it three times now! You will either love it or hate it, I hope like me, that you will feel the Kung Pow love!
FINAL SAY: Chosen One! Wee-ooh, wee-ooh!
3.5 Chilli peppers
THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS
Release Date: 2001
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 110 mins
One of my all time favourite Wes Anderson movies and a very quirky, awkward and deeply fascinating look into the world of the dysfunctional Tenenbaum family. Gene Hackman won a Golden Globe on the strength of his shamelessly insensitive portrayal of Royal Tenenbaum, the family matriarch and evil overlord; Anderson was nominated for a Best Screenplay Academy Award and Empire magazine ranked it as the 159th greatest movie ever made, demonstrating that quirk really does translate.
The movie follows the lives of three gifted siblings, Chas (Ben Stiller) a finance genius, Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow) a playwright and Ritchie (Owen Wilson) a tennis prodigy. All three enjoyed great success in their youth, however they were all clearly damaged by their fathers abandonment during their adolescent years and have been struggling emotionally ever since.
There is an absurd irony to this film that really works, add Anjelica Huston and Bill Murray into the mix and you have the right recipe for something ridiculous and yet, also oddly poignant. An Anderson gem and an unmissable piece of comedy cinema.
FINAL SAY: Anybody interested in grabbing a couple of burgers and hittin' the cemetery?
4.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2001
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 110 mins
One of my all time favourite Wes Anderson movies and a very quirky, awkward and deeply fascinating look into the world of the dysfunctional Tenenbaum family. Gene Hackman won a Golden Globe on the strength of his shamelessly insensitive portrayal of Royal Tenenbaum, the family matriarch and evil overlord; Anderson was nominated for a Best Screenplay Academy Award and Empire magazine ranked it as the 159th greatest movie ever made, demonstrating that quirk really does translate.
The movie follows the lives of three gifted siblings, Chas (Ben Stiller) a finance genius, Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow) a playwright and Ritchie (Owen Wilson) a tennis prodigy. All three enjoyed great success in their youth, however they were all clearly damaged by their fathers abandonment during their adolescent years and have been struggling emotionally ever since.
There is an absurd irony to this film that really works, add Anjelica Huston and Bill Murray into the mix and you have the right recipe for something ridiculous and yet, also oddly poignant. An Anderson gem and an unmissable piece of comedy cinema.
FINAL SAY: Anybody interested in grabbing a couple of burgers and hittin' the cemetery?
4.5 Chilli Peppers
ZOOLANDER
Release Date: 2001
Rating: M
Running Time: 89 mins
This has to be one of the most quotable movies of all time, almost every line is hysterical because it is quite possibly the most ridiculous film that has ever been made.
Directed by Ben Stiller, Zoolander tells the story of an utterly clueless supermodel that goes into crisis when he doesn't win the male model of the year award. Distracted by his new nemesis Hansel, Zoolander unwittingly allows himself to become brainwashed to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
This film is so ludicrous it works, it is really funny. Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson are fabulous as the rivaling models, impossibly good looking and dumb as a box of hammers. Big names like Milla Jovovich, Will Ferrell, Jon Voight and even David Bowie join in the star studded cast to add Hollywood pizzazz and even more ridiculousness to this quite enjoyable comedy. If you don't get a laugh out of this, you're way too serious!
FINAL SAY: Blue Steel!
4 Chilli Peppers
Please note that Zoolander 2 is 'back away slowly' material, easily one of the worst movies that I saw in 2016 -utterly unwatchable crap.
Release Date: 2001
Rating: M
Running Time: 89 mins
This has to be one of the most quotable movies of all time, almost every line is hysterical because it is quite possibly the most ridiculous film that has ever been made.
Directed by Ben Stiller, Zoolander tells the story of an utterly clueless supermodel that goes into crisis when he doesn't win the male model of the year award. Distracted by his new nemesis Hansel, Zoolander unwittingly allows himself to become brainwashed to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
This film is so ludicrous it works, it is really funny. Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson are fabulous as the rivaling models, impossibly good looking and dumb as a box of hammers. Big names like Milla Jovovich, Will Ferrell, Jon Voight and even David Bowie join in the star studded cast to add Hollywood pizzazz and even more ridiculousness to this quite enjoyable comedy. If you don't get a laugh out of this, you're way too serious!
FINAL SAY: Blue Steel!
4 Chilli Peppers
Please note that Zoolander 2 is 'back away slowly' material, easily one of the worst movies that I saw in 2016 -utterly unwatchable crap.
O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?
Release Date: 2000
Rating: M
Running Time: 106 mins
An action-adventure comedy; written, edited, produced and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, and loosely based on Homer's epic poem, Odyssey. I just loved everything about this movie, it's quirky for one, the characters are outrageously exaggerated and absolutely ridiculous, and the music is just tremendous - toe-tappingly fabulous actually. This film deserved a lot more attention than it received in my opinion.
Set in 1937 rural Mississippi, during the great depression, three convicts escape a chain gang and hitchhike their way across the state, encountering all manner of odd, unusual and often challenging adventures and characters along the way.
George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson are just fabulous as the three haphazard convicts, who later in the film become the three piece band - The Soggy Bottom Boys. I loved the off-beat style of this movie, it's not taking itself seriously at all, and at the end of the day, it's just a piece of good fun cinema; a winner and one of my fave 'return to' comedies for sure.
FINAL SAY: I am a man of constant sorrow.
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2000
Rating: M
Running Time: 106 mins
An action-adventure comedy; written, edited, produced and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, and loosely based on Homer's epic poem, Odyssey. I just loved everything about this movie, it's quirky for one, the characters are outrageously exaggerated and absolutely ridiculous, and the music is just tremendous - toe-tappingly fabulous actually. This film deserved a lot more attention than it received in my opinion.
Set in 1937 rural Mississippi, during the great depression, three convicts escape a chain gang and hitchhike their way across the state, encountering all manner of odd, unusual and often challenging adventures and characters along the way.
George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson are just fabulous as the three haphazard convicts, who later in the film become the three piece band - The Soggy Bottom Boys. I loved the off-beat style of this movie, it's not taking itself seriously at all, and at the end of the day, it's just a piece of good fun cinema; a winner and one of my fave 'return to' comedies for sure.
FINAL SAY: I am a man of constant sorrow.
4 Chilli Peppers
DOGMA
Release Date: 1999
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 130 mins
Written and directed by Kevin Smith, this movie's irreverent treatment towards the Catholic religion had the Catholic League reeling, there were outcries of 'blasphemy' and organised protests delayed its release and led to two death threats against Smith. If anything, these scenes of controversy only enhanced the public's desire to view the movie; Dogma tripled it's modest budget and was the third highest grossing film at the box office when it was released.
Two fallen angels - Bartleby and Loki, are planning to use a loophole in Catholic dogma to return to Heaven after God cast them out. However, since existence is founded on the principle that God is infallible, their success would prove God wrong and in turn, undo all of creation. The last scion (descendant of Christ), a 13th Apostle and two prophets are sent by Metatron (the voice of God) to stop them from succeeding.
This is seriously funny stuff, the cast is a great mixture of young and upcoming actors of the '90's generation and the script is sharp and clever. Sure, it's full of satire and isn't the most respectful movie about Catholicism that you are going to see, but for a movie that is apparently so against religion, it certainly does end with great reverence. Blasphemy and profanity aside, this is a really funny watch and as long as you aren't a religious fanatic, you will find Dogma amusing.
FINAL SAY: Anyone who isn't dead or from another plain of existence would do well to cover their ears about now.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1999
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 130 mins
Written and directed by Kevin Smith, this movie's irreverent treatment towards the Catholic religion had the Catholic League reeling, there were outcries of 'blasphemy' and organised protests delayed its release and led to two death threats against Smith. If anything, these scenes of controversy only enhanced the public's desire to view the movie; Dogma tripled it's modest budget and was the third highest grossing film at the box office when it was released.
Two fallen angels - Bartleby and Loki, are planning to use a loophole in Catholic dogma to return to Heaven after God cast them out. However, since existence is founded on the principle that God is infallible, their success would prove God wrong and in turn, undo all of creation. The last scion (descendant of Christ), a 13th Apostle and two prophets are sent by Metatron (the voice of God) to stop them from succeeding.
This is seriously funny stuff, the cast is a great mixture of young and upcoming actors of the '90's generation and the script is sharp and clever. Sure, it's full of satire and isn't the most respectful movie about Catholicism that you are going to see, but for a movie that is apparently so against religion, it certainly does end with great reverence. Blasphemy and profanity aside, this is a really funny watch and as long as you aren't a religious fanatic, you will find Dogma amusing.
FINAL SAY: Anyone who isn't dead or from another plain of existence would do well to cover their ears about now.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER AND UNCUT
Release Date: 1999
Rating: R 18+
Running Time: 81 mins
Following in the footsteps of the successful television series Southpark, Trey Parker and Matt Stone created this full length feature movie that, just like the TV series, has the profanity and satire levels set to stun.
When third graders Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny sneak in to see an R rated movie and emerge with extra-vulgar vocabularies, it sets in motion an all out war between America and Canada.
This movie is having a very obvious stab at censorship, mass entertainment and freedom of speech, but it does so in the most vulgar and hilarious ways possible. If you are easily offended, don't watch this movie, it is vicious social satire. However, if like me you enjoy a filthy finger of truth pointing at the big guns, then you will love it too.
FINAL SAY: That movie has warped my fragile little mind.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1999
Rating: R 18+
Running Time: 81 mins
Following in the footsteps of the successful television series Southpark, Trey Parker and Matt Stone created this full length feature movie that, just like the TV series, has the profanity and satire levels set to stun.
When third graders Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny sneak in to see an R rated movie and emerge with extra-vulgar vocabularies, it sets in motion an all out war between America and Canada.
This movie is having a very obvious stab at censorship, mass entertainment and freedom of speech, but it does so in the most vulgar and hilarious ways possible. If you are easily offended, don't watch this movie, it is vicious social satire. However, if like me you enjoy a filthy finger of truth pointing at the big guns, then you will love it too.
FINAL SAY: That movie has warped my fragile little mind.
3 Chilli Peppers
GO
Release Date: 1999
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 102 mins
A crime comedy written by John August and directed by Doug Liman with three intertwining plot lines that are all linked by one common theme, a drug deal. With a kicker soundtrack, a bevy of young and mostly unknown (at that time) actors, a fast pace and a generally seedy undertone, GO soon became a 90's cult classic.
In the 24 hours leading up to Christmas Day, three pairs of friends find themselves involved in all manner of trouble and on a collision course with each other due to their involvement in the Los Angeles drug scene.
In true Pulp Fiction style, the intersecting storylines jump around, the characters are all flawed, the pace is hectic, the humour is darkly engaging and to sum it all up....well....just GO with it!
FINAL SAY: It really didn't go as bad as it could have.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1999
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 102 mins
A crime comedy written by John August and directed by Doug Liman with three intertwining plot lines that are all linked by one common theme, a drug deal. With a kicker soundtrack, a bevy of young and mostly unknown (at that time) actors, a fast pace and a generally seedy undertone, GO soon became a 90's cult classic.
In the 24 hours leading up to Christmas Day, three pairs of friends find themselves involved in all manner of trouble and on a collision course with each other due to their involvement in the Los Angeles drug scene.
In true Pulp Fiction style, the intersecting storylines jump around, the characters are all flawed, the pace is hectic, the humour is darkly engaging and to sum it all up....well....just GO with it!
FINAL SAY: It really didn't go as bad as it could have.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
200 CIGARETTES
Release Date: 1999
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 101 mins
Despite the fact that Courtney Love is traipsing around in this, I still managed to find it amusing. From director Risa Bramon Garcia (associate producer of Natural Born Killers) comes a fresh and funny dark comedy about one evening of manic events leading up to New Years Day.
Set in New York, we follow a collection of twenty somethings as they navigate the city in search of a decent New Years Eve party. This film has all the bases covered with a stellar ensemble cast playing every character imaginable, including a performance artist, two Long Island teens, a woman desperate to throw a successful party, two punks, a bartender, a Scottish painter that is a lousy lover, a clumsy belle, two trendy flirts, an amorous cabby and even Elvis Costello.
This film was panned by the critics, but I thought it was a great nostalgic '90's watch. It's a huge mish-mash of happenings and there are a lot of silly things going on here, which makes this a great one to watch around the silly season.
FINAL SAY: Where will you be when the clock strikes midnight?
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1999
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 101 mins
Despite the fact that Courtney Love is traipsing around in this, I still managed to find it amusing. From director Risa Bramon Garcia (associate producer of Natural Born Killers) comes a fresh and funny dark comedy about one evening of manic events leading up to New Years Day.
Set in New York, we follow a collection of twenty somethings as they navigate the city in search of a decent New Years Eve party. This film has all the bases covered with a stellar ensemble cast playing every character imaginable, including a performance artist, two Long Island teens, a woman desperate to throw a successful party, two punks, a bartender, a Scottish painter that is a lousy lover, a clumsy belle, two trendy flirts, an amorous cabby and even Elvis Costello.
This film was panned by the critics, but I thought it was a great nostalgic '90's watch. It's a huge mish-mash of happenings and there are a lot of silly things going on here, which makes this a great one to watch around the silly season.
FINAL SAY: Where will you be when the clock strikes midnight?
3 Chilli Peppers
THE WEDDING SINGER
Release Date: 1998
Rating: PG
Running Time: 95 mins
Don't allow the fact that Adam Sandler is in this movie to put you off, because surprisingly he can hold a tune and makes a fairly decent wedding singer. This film could easily slide into the romance genre, but I just found it so funny. Steve Buscemi as the drunken best man and Alexis Arquette as George are completely hysterical in their small but significant roles. Combine that with the bad 80's hair, clothes and make-up and you have an incredibly amusing watch.
This is not a movie that will leave you thinking or changing your ideas, it's the absolute opposite of that. Trust me, there will be no thinking, but you will get a laugh.
Robbie the wedding singer and Julia the waitress are getting married. Not to each other, to a couple of materialistic creeps. Julia enlists Robbie's help to plan her big day and the two soon realise they have feelings for each other. It's an tried and true storyline, but it is delivered with a kick ass 80's soundtrack and a infectious silliness that works.
Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler have a good onscreen chemistry and sweetly portray the dizzy love struck characters well. It's just plain good fun and a feel good formula that delivers.
FINAL SAY: I know this much is true.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1998
Rating: PG
Running Time: 95 mins
Don't allow the fact that Adam Sandler is in this movie to put you off, because surprisingly he can hold a tune and makes a fairly decent wedding singer. This film could easily slide into the romance genre, but I just found it so funny. Steve Buscemi as the drunken best man and Alexis Arquette as George are completely hysterical in their small but significant roles. Combine that with the bad 80's hair, clothes and make-up and you have an incredibly amusing watch.
This is not a movie that will leave you thinking or changing your ideas, it's the absolute opposite of that. Trust me, there will be no thinking, but you will get a laugh.
Robbie the wedding singer and Julia the waitress are getting married. Not to each other, to a couple of materialistic creeps. Julia enlists Robbie's help to plan her big day and the two soon realise they have feelings for each other. It's an tried and true storyline, but it is delivered with a kick ass 80's soundtrack and a infectious silliness that works.
Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler have a good onscreen chemistry and sweetly portray the dizzy love struck characters well. It's just plain good fun and a feel good formula that delivers.
FINAL SAY: I know this much is true.
3 Chilli Peppers
THE BIG LEBOWSKI
Release Date: 1998
Rating: R 18+
Running Time: 117 mins
A brilliant crime-comedy written, produced and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen that was loosely inspired by the writings of Raymond Chandler, a crime novelist who wrote hopelessly complex mysteries that had ultimately unimportant plot lines. Although The Big Lebowski suffered rather low box office success, it went onto become a cult classic, mostly due to its idiosyncratic characters and unconventional dialogue.
Jeff Lebowski, or 'The Dude' is mistaken for the millionaire Jeff Lebowski, and finds himself thrust into the middle of an extremely messy affair involving a soiled carpet, an erotic artistic, a sexy young wife, some bowling buddies, the cops, a lot of bad guys and a swag of White Russian cocktails.
The rest, well its a pretty complex tale with loads of zany characters, tonnes of fabulous music, some crazy dream sequences and a lot of well written and very clever humour. The cast is just magic, Jeff Bridges really brings 'The Dude' to life with his laid back, jelly-sandaled, dopey grinning portrayal of a guy that ultimately just wants to get his rug replaced. John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, Sam Elliot and John Tuturro are just a few of the supporting cast that really shine here, bringing together a marvelously unique, unusual and unforgettable film.
FINAL SAY: That rug really tied the room together, did it not?
4.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1998
Rating: R 18+
Running Time: 117 mins
A brilliant crime-comedy written, produced and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen that was loosely inspired by the writings of Raymond Chandler, a crime novelist who wrote hopelessly complex mysteries that had ultimately unimportant plot lines. Although The Big Lebowski suffered rather low box office success, it went onto become a cult classic, mostly due to its idiosyncratic characters and unconventional dialogue.
Jeff Lebowski, or 'The Dude' is mistaken for the millionaire Jeff Lebowski, and finds himself thrust into the middle of an extremely messy affair involving a soiled carpet, an erotic artistic, a sexy young wife, some bowling buddies, the cops, a lot of bad guys and a swag of White Russian cocktails.
The rest, well its a pretty complex tale with loads of zany characters, tonnes of fabulous music, some crazy dream sequences and a lot of well written and very clever humour. The cast is just magic, Jeff Bridges really brings 'The Dude' to life with his laid back, jelly-sandaled, dopey grinning portrayal of a guy that ultimately just wants to get his rug replaced. John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, Sam Elliot and John Tuturro are just a few of the supporting cast that really shine here, bringing together a marvelously unique, unusual and unforgettable film.
FINAL SAY: That rug really tied the room together, did it not?
4.5 Chilli Peppers
THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY
Release Date: 1998
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 119 mins
Everyone that meets Mary falls madly in love with her, and they just never get over her either. Ted (Ben Stiller) has never gotten over Mary (Cameron Diaz), even though their one and only high school date was a complete disaster. Years later, he hires a private detective (Matt Dillon) to see if Mary is still single, which in turn sets the ball rolling on a chain of hilarious and ridiculous events.
This is one of the best things that Cameron Diaz has ever done, and with the help of a very funny ensemble cast, this film delivers some seriously good belly laughs. Between Mary's over-tanned dog-kissing neighbour Magda, her additional need brother Warren, her nutty parents, meddling friends and an overabundance of stalkers, this film is packed to the rafters with insane characters and crazy outcomes.
Watch it with an open mind and when you're looking for something on the silly side. Make sure your sense of humour is tuned to high frequency for this one, it's a pretty wacky ride.
FINAL SAY: Frank and Beans! Frank and Beans!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1998
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 119 mins
Everyone that meets Mary falls madly in love with her, and they just never get over her either. Ted (Ben Stiller) has never gotten over Mary (Cameron Diaz), even though their one and only high school date was a complete disaster. Years later, he hires a private detective (Matt Dillon) to see if Mary is still single, which in turn sets the ball rolling on a chain of hilarious and ridiculous events.
This is one of the best things that Cameron Diaz has ever done, and with the help of a very funny ensemble cast, this film delivers some seriously good belly laughs. Between Mary's over-tanned dog-kissing neighbour Magda, her additional need brother Warren, her nutty parents, meddling friends and an overabundance of stalkers, this film is packed to the rafters with insane characters and crazy outcomes.
Watch it with an open mind and when you're looking for something on the silly side. Make sure your sense of humour is tuned to high frequency for this one, it's a pretty wacky ride.
FINAL SAY: Frank and Beans! Frank and Beans!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
THE CASTLE
Release Date: 1997
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 85 mins
If you're in the mood for a great Aussie classic, you really can't go past The Castle. Directed and co-written by Rob Sitch with some help from his usual crew of larrikins from Working Dog Productions- Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy and Santo Cilauro; this comedy has won a place in millions of Australians hearts with it's quirky and painfully relatable Aussie characters.
The Kerrigan family are the quintessential Aussie battlers, fighting to keep their beloved home from the grips of the Melbourne airport authorities that wish to seize their land for expansion.
Jam packed with over the top characters and spilling over with quotable one liners, this is Aussie comedy gold. Stephen Curry is wonderful as the mullet toting Dale Kerrigan and Eric Bana is a perfect Con Petropoulos, in fact the entire cast does a really great job of making sure that The Castle ends up in everyone's "Pool Room."
FINAL SAY: You can't buy what I've got.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1997
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 85 mins
If you're in the mood for a great Aussie classic, you really can't go past The Castle. Directed and co-written by Rob Sitch with some help from his usual crew of larrikins from Working Dog Productions- Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy and Santo Cilauro; this comedy has won a place in millions of Australians hearts with it's quirky and painfully relatable Aussie characters.
The Kerrigan family are the quintessential Aussie battlers, fighting to keep their beloved home from the grips of the Melbourne airport authorities that wish to seize their land for expansion.
Jam packed with over the top characters and spilling over with quotable one liners, this is Aussie comedy gold. Stephen Curry is wonderful as the mullet toting Dale Kerrigan and Eric Bana is a perfect Con Petropoulos, in fact the entire cast does a really great job of making sure that The Castle ends up in everyone's "Pool Room."
FINAL SAY: You can't buy what I've got.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
ROMY AND MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION
Release Date: 1997
Rating: M
Running Time: 92 mins
An American buddy comedy, directed by David Mirkin and written by Robin Schiff. What this film lacks in plot it makes up for in heart and enthusiasm. There is no denying that Romy (Mira Sorvino) and Michele (Lisa Kudrow) are both delivering an infectious and delightful form of entertainment in this film.
It's been ten years since Romy and Michele graduated from high school and neither of them has really accomplished much in that decade. Determined to impress at their upcoming high school reunion, they attempt to reinvent themselves and end up creating an elaborate lie in the process.
If you feel like watching something is that is fluffy and fun, utterly meaningless yet also very amusing, then look no further. Romy and Michele's High School Reunion has just the right measure of good natured antics and cringe worthy flash backs to amuse. Certainly not a game changer, but not a bad way to fill in 90 minutes either.
FINAL SAY: You look so good with blond hair and black roots its like not even funny.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1997
Rating: M
Running Time: 92 mins
An American buddy comedy, directed by David Mirkin and written by Robin Schiff. What this film lacks in plot it makes up for in heart and enthusiasm. There is no denying that Romy (Mira Sorvino) and Michele (Lisa Kudrow) are both delivering an infectious and delightful form of entertainment in this film.
It's been ten years since Romy and Michele graduated from high school and neither of them has really accomplished much in that decade. Determined to impress at their upcoming high school reunion, they attempt to reinvent themselves and end up creating an elaborate lie in the process.
If you feel like watching something is that is fluffy and fun, utterly meaningless yet also very amusing, then look no further. Romy and Michele's High School Reunion has just the right measure of good natured antics and cringe worthy flash backs to amuse. Certainly not a game changer, but not a bad way to fill in 90 minutes either.
FINAL SAY: You look so good with blond hair and black roots its like not even funny.
3 Chilli Peppers
MULTIPLICITY
Release Date: 1996
Rating: PG
Running Time: 117 mins
This movie was so unfairly slammed by critics and the online ratings from IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes are an atrocity, but don't be deterred, this is actually a very funny movie. Michael Keaton is just brilliant in this, he does a wonderful job of playing four different versions of himself and fleshes out all of the characters so well that it feels like there are four different actors playing the roles. Multiplicity really demonstrates Keaton's strong ability to be a funny and adaptable.
Doug Kinney (Keaton) is struggling to juggle his demanding career and his hectic family life when an opportunity arises for him to clone himself. Without hesitation he agrees and manages to secure another version of himself to take care of his job. However, he soon realises that taking care of the children and dealing with a household is also difficult, so he hatches a plan to create another clone to take care of all that, thus freeing himself up to pursue whatever he chooses he do with his time. But of course things start to get out of hand quickly with so many versions of himself getting around, and before too long Doug starts to regret his choice to clone.
The Doug clones are really funny characters, and the chain of events that occur are hilarious. You will definitely get a good laugh out of Multiplicity and it will make you think twice before you wish you had another one of yourself to do all of the work.
FINAL SAY: She touched my pepe Steve!
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1996
Rating: PG
Running Time: 117 mins
This movie was so unfairly slammed by critics and the online ratings from IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes are an atrocity, but don't be deterred, this is actually a very funny movie. Michael Keaton is just brilliant in this, he does a wonderful job of playing four different versions of himself and fleshes out all of the characters so well that it feels like there are four different actors playing the roles. Multiplicity really demonstrates Keaton's strong ability to be a funny and adaptable.
Doug Kinney (Keaton) is struggling to juggle his demanding career and his hectic family life when an opportunity arises for him to clone himself. Without hesitation he agrees and manages to secure another version of himself to take care of his job. However, he soon realises that taking care of the children and dealing with a household is also difficult, so he hatches a plan to create another clone to take care of all that, thus freeing himself up to pursue whatever he chooses he do with his time. But of course things start to get out of hand quickly with so many versions of himself getting around, and before too long Doug starts to regret his choice to clone.
The Doug clones are really funny characters, and the chain of events that occur are hilarious. You will definitely get a good laugh out of Multiplicity and it will make you think twice before you wish you had another one of yourself to do all of the work.
FINAL SAY: She touched my pepe Steve!
3 Chilli Peppers
MIGHTY APHRODITE
Release Date: 1995
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 95 mins
Written and directed by Woody Allen, this rom-com was inspired by the play Pygmalion, and made Mira Sorvino a household name after she took the 1995 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, surprising everyone with her gutsy and charming performance.
Lenny (Woody Allen) and Amanda (Helena Bonham Carter) have adopted a baby genius. Lenny becomes obsessed in finding the boy's mother, convinced that she too must be brilliant in some way. Eventually Lenny hunts down his mother Linda (Mira Sorvino) who turns out to be an unintelligent yet deeply kind-hearted prostitute and porn star. Lenny takes it upon himself to reform her of her immoral lifestyle.
This is really quirky stuff, the ongoing commentary by the Greek chorus, that occasionally break out into song and dance, really added another layer. The entire film is sweetly ironic and intensely amusing, making it one of my favourite Woody Allen movies of all time.
FINAL SAY: Achilles only had an Achilles heel, I have an entire Achilles body.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1995
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 95 mins
Written and directed by Woody Allen, this rom-com was inspired by the play Pygmalion, and made Mira Sorvino a household name after she took the 1995 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, surprising everyone with her gutsy and charming performance.
Lenny (Woody Allen) and Amanda (Helena Bonham Carter) have adopted a baby genius. Lenny becomes obsessed in finding the boy's mother, convinced that she too must be brilliant in some way. Eventually Lenny hunts down his mother Linda (Mira Sorvino) who turns out to be an unintelligent yet deeply kind-hearted prostitute and porn star. Lenny takes it upon himself to reform her of her immoral lifestyle.
This is really quirky stuff, the ongoing commentary by the Greek chorus, that occasionally break out into song and dance, really added another layer. The entire film is sweetly ironic and intensely amusing, making it one of my favourite Woody Allen movies of all time.
FINAL SAY: Achilles only had an Achilles heel, I have an entire Achilles body.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
FOUR ROOMS
Release Date: 1995
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 98 mins
Four hotel rooms, four stories and four different directors. This collaboration from Alison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino was unfairly beaten into submission by critics in the '90's. Sure it has some transitional issues as it flows from story to story and it's not the most laugh-out-loud comedy that you're ever going to encounter, but it has enough offbeat characters and strange occurrences to make it a worthwhile viewing.
Ted the Bellhop (Tim Roth) is overworked and underpaid on his New Years Eve shift at the Mon Signor Hotel. He valiantly tries to appease some rather odd and demanding guests over the course of the evening, getting himself involved in all manner of strife by just trying to do his job.
Each room is a different tale, the first is called The Missing Ingredient and involves a witches coven. The second The Wrong Man is a domestic dispute, the third (which was my favourite) is called The Misbehaviours where Ted finds himself childminding for a rather unusual family, and the final story which features Tarantino himself is called The Man From the South in which Ted gets dragged into a bet.
The second half of the movie is far more entertaining than the first, the acting becomes more spirited and the story lines are more fleshed out and adventurous, and despite the critics scathing reviews I thought it was a comedy worthy of my time.
FINAL SAY: I'm in a situation that I can't begin to explain.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1995
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 98 mins
Four hotel rooms, four stories and four different directors. This collaboration from Alison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino was unfairly beaten into submission by critics in the '90's. Sure it has some transitional issues as it flows from story to story and it's not the most laugh-out-loud comedy that you're ever going to encounter, but it has enough offbeat characters and strange occurrences to make it a worthwhile viewing.
Ted the Bellhop (Tim Roth) is overworked and underpaid on his New Years Eve shift at the Mon Signor Hotel. He valiantly tries to appease some rather odd and demanding guests over the course of the evening, getting himself involved in all manner of strife by just trying to do his job.
Each room is a different tale, the first is called The Missing Ingredient and involves a witches coven. The second The Wrong Man is a domestic dispute, the third (which was my favourite) is called The Misbehaviours where Ted finds himself childminding for a rather unusual family, and the final story which features Tarantino himself is called The Man From the South in which Ted gets dragged into a bet.
The second half of the movie is far more entertaining than the first, the acting becomes more spirited and the story lines are more fleshed out and adventurous, and despite the critics scathing reviews I thought it was a comedy worthy of my time.
FINAL SAY: I'm in a situation that I can't begin to explain.
3 Chilli Peppers
THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT
Release Date: 1994
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 104 mins
An Australian drama comedy written and directed by Stephen Elliott, 'Priscilla' was certainly instrumental in bringing Australian cinema to worldwide attention for its positive portrayal of LGBT individuals, and with helping to bring LGBT themes into the mainstream.
The story follows two drag queens and a transsexual as they travel across the Australian outback in a silver and hot pink bus called Priscilla, peddling their unique style of cabaret entertainment. Along the way the men share in the trials and tribulations of their lives and adventures.
This is hands down the best drag queen movie that I have ever encountered, it is a true extravaganza of sequins, glitter and glam wardrobe attire. There is also a stirringly emotional undertone about the ugly prejudices that have been endured, and sacrifices that have been made by these men in order for them to live their lives by their own terms.
Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce are all solid and do a marvelous job of singing, dancing and lip syncing their hearts out under the harsh Aussie sun.
FINAL SAY: That's just what this country needs, a cock in a frock on a rock.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1994
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 104 mins
An Australian drama comedy written and directed by Stephen Elliott, 'Priscilla' was certainly instrumental in bringing Australian cinema to worldwide attention for its positive portrayal of LGBT individuals, and with helping to bring LGBT themes into the mainstream.
The story follows two drag queens and a transsexual as they travel across the Australian outback in a silver and hot pink bus called Priscilla, peddling their unique style of cabaret entertainment. Along the way the men share in the trials and tribulations of their lives and adventures.
This is hands down the best drag queen movie that I have ever encountered, it is a true extravaganza of sequins, glitter and glam wardrobe attire. There is also a stirringly emotional undertone about the ugly prejudices that have been endured, and sacrifices that have been made by these men in order for them to live their lives by their own terms.
Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce are all solid and do a marvelous job of singing, dancing and lip syncing their hearts out under the harsh Aussie sun.
FINAL SAY: That's just what this country needs, a cock in a frock on a rock.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
CLERKS
Release Date: 1994
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 92 mins
Written and directed by Kevin Smith, this shoestring budget comedy, shot in black and white surprised everyone when it grossed over $3 million in theatres, launching Smith's career and making 'Silent Bob and Jay' household names.
It's a day in the lives of two convenience store clerks, Dante and Randal. Whilst giving their half-heart efforts and attentions to their minimum wage jobs, they meet a variety of weirdos and talk at length about relationships and life in general.
The movie is all shot at the Quick Stop, and is completely reliant on dialogue to deliver it's profound message about a mundane life. The black and white filming choice was wise, as it really enhances the colourless and prosaic existences of the characters. This is sharply written, darkly funny and obscenely entertaining stuff. I thought that it was brilliant and that Kevin Smith completely deserved all of the attention that this movie generated for him.
FINAL SAY: This job would be great if it wasn't for the fucking customers.
4 Chilli Peppers
Note: Clerks 2 released in 2006 and Clerks 3 released in 2022 are both just as good and worthy of a viewing as the first instalment. With the same great cast and characters and an equally witty dialogue, the Clerks trilogy is an enjoyable comedy watch that delivers some great little Easter Eggs for the fans along the way.
Release Date: 1994
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 92 mins
Written and directed by Kevin Smith, this shoestring budget comedy, shot in black and white surprised everyone when it grossed over $3 million in theatres, launching Smith's career and making 'Silent Bob and Jay' household names.
It's a day in the lives of two convenience store clerks, Dante and Randal. Whilst giving their half-heart efforts and attentions to their minimum wage jobs, they meet a variety of weirdos and talk at length about relationships and life in general.
The movie is all shot at the Quick Stop, and is completely reliant on dialogue to deliver it's profound message about a mundane life. The black and white filming choice was wise, as it really enhances the colourless and prosaic existences of the characters. This is sharply written, darkly funny and obscenely entertaining stuff. I thought that it was brilliant and that Kevin Smith completely deserved all of the attention that this movie generated for him.
FINAL SAY: This job would be great if it wasn't for the fucking customers.
4 Chilli Peppers
Note: Clerks 2 released in 2006 and Clerks 3 released in 2022 are both just as good and worthy of a viewing as the first instalment. With the same great cast and characters and an equally witty dialogue, the Clerks trilogy is an enjoyable comedy watch that delivers some great little Easter Eggs for the fans along the way.
SO I MARRIED AN AXE MURDERER
Release Date: 1993
Rating: M
Running Time: 93 mins
I think that Mike Myers was at his peak in this movie, I really liked his multi-role antics, especially his extremely blunt and mostly drunken father character that just had me rolling on the floor with laughter.
Charlie the poet has had a string of unsuccessful relationships when he meets Harriet. Harriet appears to be the girl of Charlie's dreams. However, Charlie soon begins to suspect that Harriet may actually be a serial killer that is on the run from the law for killing all of her previous husbands.
This is outrageously silly stuff, and although it's not going to be to everyone's taste, I just adored all of the zany antics and late night bad poetry readings. Watch it with an open mind and be in the mood for madness.
FINAL SAY: A piper is down!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1993
Rating: M
Running Time: 93 mins
I think that Mike Myers was at his peak in this movie, I really liked his multi-role antics, especially his extremely blunt and mostly drunken father character that just had me rolling on the floor with laughter.
Charlie the poet has had a string of unsuccessful relationships when he meets Harriet. Harriet appears to be the girl of Charlie's dreams. However, Charlie soon begins to suspect that Harriet may actually be a serial killer that is on the run from the law for killing all of her previous husbands.
This is outrageously silly stuff, and although it's not going to be to everyone's taste, I just adored all of the zany antics and late night bad poetry readings. Watch it with an open mind and be in the mood for madness.
FINAL SAY: A piper is down!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
DEATH BECOMES HER
Release Date: 1992
Rating: M
Running Time: 104 mins
This fantasy-comedy directed by Robert Zemeckis was unfairly hammered by critics for it's screwball antics and utterly implausible story line, interestingly enough, they were the very reasons that I enjoyed this movie so much. It's absolutely crazy, and the characters and events are so exaggerated that it is clearly not demanding to be taken seriously; Death Becomes Her is all nonsense and loads of good fun.
Madeline the actress (Meryl Streep) and Helen the writer (Goldie Hawn) have been rivals ever since Madeline stole Helen's fiance Ernest (Bruce Willis). However, when Helen turns up years later looking svelte and youthful, Madeline smells a rat and soon discovers that there is an elixir of eternal youth that is causing Helen's transformation. Madeline wants in, and before long the two are going head to head in an attempt to stay youthful and win over Ernest.
The effects in this were pretty ground breaking in their time, and Death Becomes Her took out the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in 1993. There is an all star and highly reputable cast at play here, and I think that what it lacks in story line it makes up for in laughs. Don't be deterred by the critics, Death Becomes Her is a highly entertaining comedy with a valuable message about the pitfalls of never wanting to get old.
FINAL SAY: Forever young.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1992
Rating: M
Running Time: 104 mins
This fantasy-comedy directed by Robert Zemeckis was unfairly hammered by critics for it's screwball antics and utterly implausible story line, interestingly enough, they were the very reasons that I enjoyed this movie so much. It's absolutely crazy, and the characters and events are so exaggerated that it is clearly not demanding to be taken seriously; Death Becomes Her is all nonsense and loads of good fun.
Madeline the actress (Meryl Streep) and Helen the writer (Goldie Hawn) have been rivals ever since Madeline stole Helen's fiance Ernest (Bruce Willis). However, when Helen turns up years later looking svelte and youthful, Madeline smells a rat and soon discovers that there is an elixir of eternal youth that is causing Helen's transformation. Madeline wants in, and before long the two are going head to head in an attempt to stay youthful and win over Ernest.
The effects in this were pretty ground breaking in their time, and Death Becomes Her took out the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in 1993. There is an all star and highly reputable cast at play here, and I think that what it lacks in story line it makes up for in laughs. Don't be deterred by the critics, Death Becomes Her is a highly entertaining comedy with a valuable message about the pitfalls of never wanting to get old.
FINAL SAY: Forever young.
3 Chilli Peppers
BIG
Release Date: 1988
Rating: PG
Running Time: 104 mins
Definitely my favourite of all the Tom Hanks comedy offerings, and a wonderful story about wanting to grow up too fast. Directed by Penny Marshall, better know as Laverne from the 1970's sitcom Laverne and Shirley. Big received a hugely successful reception from audiences and was universally enjoyed for it's refreshingly sweet and undeniably funny script.
12 year old Josh makes a wish to be 'big' at a magical carnival attraction, only to awaken as a fully grown man (Hanks) the following morning. Josh learns through a series of events that although being an adult has its perks, there are also a lot of responsibilities that come with the 'grown-up' package. Before long, Josh is desperately searching out a way to get his childhood back again.
Tom Hanks is amazing and incredibly funny as Josh, and this is really his movie from start to end. Big is a really great story and a must see movie for all 12 year old boys.
FINAL SAY: Be careful what you wish for.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1988
Rating: PG
Running Time: 104 mins
Definitely my favourite of all the Tom Hanks comedy offerings, and a wonderful story about wanting to grow up too fast. Directed by Penny Marshall, better know as Laverne from the 1970's sitcom Laverne and Shirley. Big received a hugely successful reception from audiences and was universally enjoyed for it's refreshingly sweet and undeniably funny script.
12 year old Josh makes a wish to be 'big' at a magical carnival attraction, only to awaken as a fully grown man (Hanks) the following morning. Josh learns through a series of events that although being an adult has its perks, there are also a lot of responsibilities that come with the 'grown-up' package. Before long, Josh is desperately searching out a way to get his childhood back again.
Tom Hanks is amazing and incredibly funny as Josh, and this is really his movie from start to end. Big is a really great story and a must see movie for all 12 year old boys.
FINAL SAY: Be careful what you wish for.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
A FISH CALLED WANDA
Release Date: 1988
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 108 mins
A heist comedy written by John Cleese and Charles Crichton that is guaranteed to get you laughing. Directed by Crichton, A Fish Called Wanda rated very favorably among audiences; Kevin Kline won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and John Cleese and Michael Palin both won BAFTA Awards for their efforts.
A diamond heist goes wrong, and an opportunist named Wanda (Jamie Lee Curtis) and a weapons expert named Otto West (Kevin Kline) that are working for a British gangster, are looking to recover their share of the diamonds. Wanda tries to seduce the gangster's stuffy lawyer (John Cleese) in an attempt to get answers and Otto runs around being generally inconvenient and hilarious. Toss in a bumbling and hapless gangster's side kick with a stutter and you've got comedy gold.
This is a great example of excellent comedy writing, the characters are utterly hilarious and well thought out, and the cast is not only working hard to deliver, but appear to be having a very good time along the way. Side splitting funny stuff!
FINAL SAY: It's k-k-k-k-Ken, c-c-c-c-coming to k-k-k-k-kill me!
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1988
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 108 mins
A heist comedy written by John Cleese and Charles Crichton that is guaranteed to get you laughing. Directed by Crichton, A Fish Called Wanda rated very favorably among audiences; Kevin Kline won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and John Cleese and Michael Palin both won BAFTA Awards for their efforts.
A diamond heist goes wrong, and an opportunist named Wanda (Jamie Lee Curtis) and a weapons expert named Otto West (Kevin Kline) that are working for a British gangster, are looking to recover their share of the diamonds. Wanda tries to seduce the gangster's stuffy lawyer (John Cleese) in an attempt to get answers and Otto runs around being generally inconvenient and hilarious. Toss in a bumbling and hapless gangster's side kick with a stutter and you've got comedy gold.
This is a great example of excellent comedy writing, the characters are utterly hilarious and well thought out, and the cast is not only working hard to deliver, but appear to be having a very good time along the way. Side splitting funny stuff!
FINAL SAY: It's k-k-k-k-Ken, c-c-c-c-coming to k-k-k-k-kill me!
4 Chilli Peppers
RAISING ARIZONA
Release Date: 1987
Rating: M
Running Time: 94 mins
In true Coen brothers style, Raising Arizona is that fantastic mixture of crime, comedy and sheer madness that always amuses me, no matter how many times I have seen it. The creativity of this movie cannot be denied; it is oddly ambitious, grimy, illogical and yet beautifully eccentric, and one of the best things that Nicholas Cage has ever done in his career.
When an ex-con and ex-cop marry, all that they want is a child of their own and a fresh start. However, they discover that they cannot bare their own children, so they abduct one from the Arizona family and find themselves involved in a number of complications.
Holly Hunter is fantastic as Ed, the cop that just wants to be a mother; and an array of other Coen film regulars like John Goodman and Frances McDormand lend their efforts here as well.
This is certainly not going to be to everyone's liking, but I doubt very much that Raising Arizona was ever made with that intention anyway.
FINAL SAY: Sometimes it's a hard world for small things.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1987
Rating: M
Running Time: 94 mins
In true Coen brothers style, Raising Arizona is that fantastic mixture of crime, comedy and sheer madness that always amuses me, no matter how many times I have seen it. The creativity of this movie cannot be denied; it is oddly ambitious, grimy, illogical and yet beautifully eccentric, and one of the best things that Nicholas Cage has ever done in his career.
When an ex-con and ex-cop marry, all that they want is a child of their own and a fresh start. However, they discover that they cannot bare their own children, so they abduct one from the Arizona family and find themselves involved in a number of complications.
Holly Hunter is fantastic as Ed, the cop that just wants to be a mother; and an array of other Coen film regulars like John Goodman and Frances McDormand lend their efforts here as well.
This is certainly not going to be to everyone's liking, but I doubt very much that Raising Arizona was ever made with that intention anyway.
FINAL SAY: Sometimes it's a hard world for small things.
3 Chilli Peppers
THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK
Release Date: 1987
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 118 mins
I am still trying to find another person that will agree with me about this film, most people hated it. Yes, it's got a ridiculous and implausible story line; of course three of the hottest women on the planet would fall for an aging and overweight Jack Nicholson, and sure his magical penis would make them all a little magical too. OK, I can see that there have been massive liberties taken here, but I don't care, I still like this film!
Based on John Updike's novel of the same name and directed by George Miller, who has directed and written a slew of successful movies, The Witches of Eastwick is a fantasy-comedy with a strong cast and a quirky story line.
Three talented and beautiful women (Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer) are living out their lonely and man-less lives in a small town. When an intriguing and promiscuous man arrives named Daryl Van Horne (Jack Nicholson), their lives are turned upside down as he unleashes new and dangerous powers within them.
Essentially this is a supernatural battle of the sexes, it is bewitchingly funny and has a worthy underlying message about the pitfalls of meddling with magic. I really enjoyed the interactions between the cast members and the scale to which things escalate is hilariously played out. If you like a little supernatural sprinkled onto your comedy, then you will love it too.
FINAL SAY: Have another cherry.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1987
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 118 mins
I am still trying to find another person that will agree with me about this film, most people hated it. Yes, it's got a ridiculous and implausible story line; of course three of the hottest women on the planet would fall for an aging and overweight Jack Nicholson, and sure his magical penis would make them all a little magical too. OK, I can see that there have been massive liberties taken here, but I don't care, I still like this film!
Based on John Updike's novel of the same name and directed by George Miller, who has directed and written a slew of successful movies, The Witches of Eastwick is a fantasy-comedy with a strong cast and a quirky story line.
Three talented and beautiful women (Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer) are living out their lonely and man-less lives in a small town. When an intriguing and promiscuous man arrives named Daryl Van Horne (Jack Nicholson), their lives are turned upside down as he unleashes new and dangerous powers within them.
Essentially this is a supernatural battle of the sexes, it is bewitchingly funny and has a worthy underlying message about the pitfalls of meddling with magic. I really enjoyed the interactions between the cast members and the scale to which things escalate is hilariously played out. If you like a little supernatural sprinkled onto your comedy, then you will love it too.
FINAL SAY: Have another cherry.
3 Chilli Peppers
FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF
Release Date: 1986
Rating: M
Running Time: 103 mins
I couldn't even hazard a guess at how many times I have watched this movie. Written, produced and directed by teen movie giant John Hughes and shot mostly around the city of Chicago, Ferris Bueller's Day Off is definitely one of my favourite '80's movies of all time.
Accompanied by his girlfriend Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara) and his best friend Cameron Frye (Alan Ruck), Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) creatively avoids his principal, his parents and his resentful sister Jeanie and ditches school for a day of fun and mischief in the city.
I loved the wise guy, 'up to no good' character of Ferris, Broderick clearly had a lot of fun playing his role. From roaring down the freeway in a red 1961 Ferrari convertible, to Sears Tower and the Art Institute of Chicago to the Oktoberfest float rendition of 'Danke Schoen', it is just tremendously good fun from start to end.
I can hardly believe that this movie is nearly 30 years old now, so it is true, life does move pretty fast!
FINAL SAY: The question isn't "what are we going to do," the question is "what aren't we going to do?"
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1986
Rating: M
Running Time: 103 mins
I couldn't even hazard a guess at how many times I have watched this movie. Written, produced and directed by teen movie giant John Hughes and shot mostly around the city of Chicago, Ferris Bueller's Day Off is definitely one of my favourite '80's movies of all time.
Accompanied by his girlfriend Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara) and his best friend Cameron Frye (Alan Ruck), Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) creatively avoids his principal, his parents and his resentful sister Jeanie and ditches school for a day of fun and mischief in the city.
I loved the wise guy, 'up to no good' character of Ferris, Broderick clearly had a lot of fun playing his role. From roaring down the freeway in a red 1961 Ferrari convertible, to Sears Tower and the Art Institute of Chicago to the Oktoberfest float rendition of 'Danke Schoen', it is just tremendously good fun from start to end.
I can hardly believe that this movie is nearly 30 years old now, so it is true, life does move pretty fast!
FINAL SAY: The question isn't "what are we going to do," the question is "what aren't we going to do?"
4 Chilli Peppers
PEE WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE
Release Date: 1985
Rating: PG
Running Time: 91 mins
You either love Pee-wee Herman or you hate him, and this movie is exactly the same, you'll love it or hate it. I really like Pee-wee's non-conventional style of humour, and I thought that this was a absolute crack up of a movie. Directed by Tim Burton, this is a comical retelling of the 1948 Italian classic The Bicycle Thief, outlining Pee-Wee's nationwide adventure in search of his lost bicycle.
Pee-wee's red bicycle is the envy of the town, and his prize possession. When it is stolen from outside of Dottie's house, he embarks on an adventure of a lifetime across the country, meeting all kinds of colourful characters, as he searches for his beloved bicycle.
Pee-wee's Big Adventure gained a cult following, grossed over $40 million worldwide and spawned a sequel called Big Top Pee-wee, which was not as good in my opinion. The financial success of this film and the equally successful Beetlejuice in 1988 was what prompted Warner Bros. to hire Tim Burton as the director for Batman, and the rest is history.
FINAL SAY: You don't wanna get mixed up with a guy like me. I'm a loner, Dottie, a rebel.
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1985
Rating: PG
Running Time: 91 mins
You either love Pee-wee Herman or you hate him, and this movie is exactly the same, you'll love it or hate it. I really like Pee-wee's non-conventional style of humour, and I thought that this was a absolute crack up of a movie. Directed by Tim Burton, this is a comical retelling of the 1948 Italian classic The Bicycle Thief, outlining Pee-Wee's nationwide adventure in search of his lost bicycle.
Pee-wee's red bicycle is the envy of the town, and his prize possession. When it is stolen from outside of Dottie's house, he embarks on an adventure of a lifetime across the country, meeting all kinds of colourful characters, as he searches for his beloved bicycle.
Pee-wee's Big Adventure gained a cult following, grossed over $40 million worldwide and spawned a sequel called Big Top Pee-wee, which was not as good in my opinion. The financial success of this film and the equally successful Beetlejuice in 1988 was what prompted Warner Bros. to hire Tim Burton as the director for Batman, and the rest is history.
FINAL SAY: You don't wanna get mixed up with a guy like me. I'm a loner, Dottie, a rebel.
3 Chilli Peppers
BETTER OFF DEAD
Release Date: 1985
Rating: M
Running Date: 97 mins
This movie always makes me think of my early teens when I was obsessed with it and watched it at least 20 times. It's a coming of age tale by Savage Steve Holland, about a teenage boy that can't cope with his girlfriend dumping him and decides that he should end his life.
Lane (John Cusack) has the oddest family, add that with his oddball best friend Charles (Curtis Armstrong) and top it off with an epic dumping from the love of his life and you've got a recipe for teen depression with a side of suicidal tendencies. However, Lane is so pathetic that he can't even pull off his own suicide properly and finds that he must face his troubles head on.
I recall falling in love with John Cusack as a teen watching this movie; I also recall the fabulous 80's fashions and soundtrack that kept me watching it over and over again. It's not a work of art, but it is a wonderful teen-comedy and an iconic coming of age film for me.
FINAL SAY: I want my two dollars!
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1985
Rating: M
Running Date: 97 mins
This movie always makes me think of my early teens when I was obsessed with it and watched it at least 20 times. It's a coming of age tale by Savage Steve Holland, about a teenage boy that can't cope with his girlfriend dumping him and decides that he should end his life.
Lane (John Cusack) has the oddest family, add that with his oddball best friend Charles (Curtis Armstrong) and top it off with an epic dumping from the love of his life and you've got a recipe for teen depression with a side of suicidal tendencies. However, Lane is so pathetic that he can't even pull off his own suicide properly and finds that he must face his troubles head on.
I recall falling in love with John Cusack as a teen watching this movie; I also recall the fabulous 80's fashions and soundtrack that kept me watching it over and over again. It's not a work of art, but it is a wonderful teen-comedy and an iconic coming of age film for me.
FINAL SAY: I want my two dollars!
3 Chilli Peppers
THE BREAKFAST CLUB
Release Date: 1985
Rating: M
Running Time: 97 mins
Another amusing and at times quite dramatic teen movie from the coming of age king - John Hughes.
When five high school students from different stereotypes come together for a weekend detention, they soon realise that although they have different interests and upbringings, they have a lot in common.
The brain, the athlete, the basket case, the princess and the criminal are all pouring out their hearts and exposing themselves with teen drama and high antics, making this an enjoyable and entertaining watch.
Molly Ringwald reprises her role as the cutesy teen Claire, Emilio Estevez gives merit to jock Andrew, Anthony Michael Hall is of course geeky Brian, Ally Sheedy plays a convincing 80's emo and Judd Nelson is super cool as bad boy John, another feather in John Hughes' cap for sure.
FINAL SAY: Don't you forget about me.
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1985
Rating: M
Running Time: 97 mins
Another amusing and at times quite dramatic teen movie from the coming of age king - John Hughes.
When five high school students from different stereotypes come together for a weekend detention, they soon realise that although they have different interests and upbringings, they have a lot in common.
The brain, the athlete, the basket case, the princess and the criminal are all pouring out their hearts and exposing themselves with teen drama and high antics, making this an enjoyable and entertaining watch.
Molly Ringwald reprises her role as the cutesy teen Claire, Emilio Estevez gives merit to jock Andrew, Anthony Michael Hall is of course geeky Brian, Ally Sheedy plays a convincing 80's emo and Judd Nelson is super cool as bad boy John, another feather in John Hughes' cap for sure.
FINAL SAY: Don't you forget about me.
4 Chilli Peppers
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
Release Date: 1974
Rating: PG
Running Time: 106 mins
I recall seeing this movie as a teenager and finding it side splitting, and after a recent re-watch, I can assure you that it is still extremely funny. Written by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder and directed by Mel Brooks, this parody of the classic horror genre is set in 1930 and shot entirely in black and white. Brooks adopted old school scene transitions like wipes and fades to black and even presents his credits in 1930's style, the overall effect is brilliant and Young Frankenstein has since gone on to a cult comedy status and will always be one of my favourite spoof movies of all time.
After inheriting his grandfather's castle, a young neurosurgeon named Victor von Frankenstein, discovers his grandfather's laboratory and journals regarding his experiments on reanimation. Victor soon becomes obsessed with the idea of bring life back to the dead, and with the help of his sidekick Igor, his sexy assistant Inga and the odd housekeeper Frau Blucher, he sets his sights on reanimating a human man.
Gene Wilder is fabulous as Victor von Frankenstein, terrifically wacky and hilarious. And Marty Freeman is a scream as Igor, throwing out classic one liners left and right. But my favourite scene will always be the hilarious blind man (Gene Hackman) and Frankenstein (Peter Boyle) encounter, that never fails to leave me crying with laughter.
FINAL SAY: Abby.....Normal.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1974
Rating: PG
Running Time: 106 mins
I recall seeing this movie as a teenager and finding it side splitting, and after a recent re-watch, I can assure you that it is still extremely funny. Written by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder and directed by Mel Brooks, this parody of the classic horror genre is set in 1930 and shot entirely in black and white. Brooks adopted old school scene transitions like wipes and fades to black and even presents his credits in 1930's style, the overall effect is brilliant and Young Frankenstein has since gone on to a cult comedy status and will always be one of my favourite spoof movies of all time.
After inheriting his grandfather's castle, a young neurosurgeon named Victor von Frankenstein, discovers his grandfather's laboratory and journals regarding his experiments on reanimation. Victor soon becomes obsessed with the idea of bring life back to the dead, and with the help of his sidekick Igor, his sexy assistant Inga and the odd housekeeper Frau Blucher, he sets his sights on reanimating a human man.
Gene Wilder is fabulous as Victor von Frankenstein, terrifically wacky and hilarious. And Marty Freeman is a scream as Igor, throwing out classic one liners left and right. But my favourite scene will always be the hilarious blind man (Gene Hackman) and Frankenstein (Peter Boyle) encounter, that never fails to leave me crying with laughter.
FINAL SAY: Abby.....Normal.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
SOME LIKE IT HOT
Release Date: 1959
Rating: PG
Running Time: 121 mins
A classic comedy that has most certainly stood the test of time. I recently sat down to rewatch this film, which I had seen many years before, and I still got a really good giggle out of it. The jokes don't feel tired in any way, they're delivered perfectly and there is an air of good clean fun to this film that is absolutely contagious, it really is a classic gem.
After accidentally witnessing a mafia massacre, two musicians (Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon) dress up in drag and join an all women's band in an attempt to evade the gangsters that are on the hunt for them. Both men become distracted by the sexy ukulele player in the band, Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe), and begin to compete for her attentions.
Curtis and Lemmon are just brilliant as Josephine and Daphne, delivering screwball antics and exaggerated expressions that are truly on point. Monroe is, of course, a force of nature; sexy beyond belief and ever so charming. It is so easy to see why she became an icon and was so adored when you witness her shining as brightly as she does here.
FINAL SAY: Look at how she moves! Like Jell-O on springs!
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1959
Rating: PG
Running Time: 121 mins
A classic comedy that has most certainly stood the test of time. I recently sat down to rewatch this film, which I had seen many years before, and I still got a really good giggle out of it. The jokes don't feel tired in any way, they're delivered perfectly and there is an air of good clean fun to this film that is absolutely contagious, it really is a classic gem.
After accidentally witnessing a mafia massacre, two musicians (Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon) dress up in drag and join an all women's band in an attempt to evade the gangsters that are on the hunt for them. Both men become distracted by the sexy ukulele player in the band, Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe), and begin to compete for her attentions.
Curtis and Lemmon are just brilliant as Josephine and Daphne, delivering screwball antics and exaggerated expressions that are truly on point. Monroe is, of course, a force of nature; sexy beyond belief and ever so charming. It is so easy to see why she became an icon and was so adored when you witness her shining as brightly as she does here.
FINAL SAY: Look at how she moves! Like Jell-O on springs!
4 Chilli Peppers
DUCK SOUP
Release Date: 1933
Rating: PG
Running Time: 68 mins
I believe that Duck Soup is easily the best and funniest of all the Marx Brothers offerings. With their wacky vaudeville style of comedy, the Marx Brothers are never outdated. Written by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, and directed by Leo McCarey, Duck Soup was a box office failure in 1933, however it has since gone on to receive the cult classic status that it so justly deserves.
The country of Freedonia has fallen into bankruptcy. A wealthy widow is willing to offer financial aide as long as Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx) is made president. However, Rufus' inability to keep things in order leads to an all out war with the neighbouring country of Sylvania.
Harpo Marx really steals the show here as the Sylvanian spy Pinky, and his famous 'lemonade stand' routine is still considered to be one of the greatest comedy scenes of all time. Rife with political satire and reliant on visual or insult comedy, the sheer silliness of this is certain to entertain even the stiffest of audiences.
FINAL SAY: I've got a good mind to ring his doorbell and run!
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 1933
Rating: PG
Running Time: 68 mins
I believe that Duck Soup is easily the best and funniest of all the Marx Brothers offerings. With their wacky vaudeville style of comedy, the Marx Brothers are never outdated. Written by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, and directed by Leo McCarey, Duck Soup was a box office failure in 1933, however it has since gone on to receive the cult classic status that it so justly deserves.
The country of Freedonia has fallen into bankruptcy. A wealthy widow is willing to offer financial aide as long as Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx) is made president. However, Rufus' inability to keep things in order leads to an all out war with the neighbouring country of Sylvania.
Harpo Marx really steals the show here as the Sylvanian spy Pinky, and his famous 'lemonade stand' routine is still considered to be one of the greatest comedy scenes of all time. Rife with political satire and reliant on visual or insult comedy, the sheer silliness of this is certain to entertain even the stiffest of audiences.
FINAL SAY: I've got a good mind to ring his doorbell and run!
3.5 Chilli Peppers