Review: 50/50

Learning that you have a dangerous cancer and that your chances of survival are 50/50 when you are in your late 20s and you haven’t even been to Canada must be the most difficult news to cope with. But Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) takes it surprisingly well - at first. What seems to bother him more is the way his friends and family seem to handle it. Although he is told that his chances are 50/50, Adam would very much like to keep on living like he used to even if he knows he is going to die. Cancer however might have other plans.

Nick Adams on: PAUL

Paul: An Alien Too Familiar

Is the parody movie genre an inevitable handicap? I want to say, “no, of course not, what a stupid question and stupid introductory sentence.” Yet, after seeing the movie, “Paul” I can’t shake the feeling that parody is a seasoning, appropriate, even delicious, in small dosages—whereas your night is ruined if you eat a full course meal of oregano. The real probe in my ear about “Paul,” though, is that the movie is not explicitly a parody, yet the movie barely exists if you take away the audience’s pre-existing, collective, cultural memory. 

Review: PAUL

            Paul is a silly and somewhat amiable R rated version of E.T. that behaves like a 5 year old who just discovered a whole new set of four letter words; I am talking of both the movie and the character. The film itself brings together the Shaun of the Dead/Hot Fuzz team and the Superbad team. It is not as effective or good as any of either’s past work. But it is much more easygoing and likely to appeal to a wider audience than their previous works.

 

Review: THE GREEN HORNET

The Green Hornet is an amalgamation of two completely different movies forcefully meshed into each other to create a whole new monster. To paraphrase a quote from Goldeberg’s and Rogen’s previous film:

This is like if that superhero Tony Stark shit met that Chinese Kong Fu Chop Suey I had - and they had a baby. And then, meanwhile, that crazy Pineapple Express stuff we wrote two years ago and that guy from Inglourious Basterds met and had a baby. And by some miracle, those two babies met and fucked - this would the shit that they birthed.

The Green Hornet Trailer Arrives

Don't even get me started on the 3D.

First Official Green Hornet Photos Appears Online

Well then.

First Paul "Poster" Surfaces

It's not really a poster, but it's exciting.


No release date yet, but I can't wait.

Paper Heart

I don't know about you, but I can't wait for this one.



Paper Heart hits theaters August 14.

Review: MONSTERS vs. ALIENS

After throughly enjoying Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar 2, I expected Dreamworks Animation to be on the road to at least something of El Dorado standards again. Something, charming and fun, not relying on references and pop culture, but on relationships of characters and the adventures on which they journey. Then Monsters vs. Aliens came out, and I quickly realized that I was wrong.

Incredibly Vague Early Review: FUNNY PEOPLE

I just got back from the first official screening of Funny People. I was all set to give you an early review, but unfortunately, Universal made me sign, literally, three different documents saying I wouldn't say anything about it.

Pineapple Express at the 81st Oscars

Hey Everyone,

Here is the comedy clip of Pineapple Express that Judd Apatow filmed specifically for the Oscars. Enjoy.

First Funny People Teaser Appears Online

Hey internet.

This will be short and sweet. Here's the first teaser for Judd Apatow's third film, Funny People.

What do you think?

When Did Comedies Become So... Mean?

After I saw Step Brothers, there was one thing that was really bothering me. I didn't like the film at all, but I didn't really understand why. For some reason it did not have the type of humor that the two Adam McKay films had. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy, and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby were both very enjoyable and very, very funny.

Then, after some serious thought, I finally understood what I didn't like about his newest film.

It was just too mean.

Since when are comedies so mean? Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly are just so mean to each other, and everyone around them. It makes them characters no one can identify with, or even want to identify with. While Ron Burgandy and Ricky Bobby are not the most relatable characters, at least they are likable, and you may want to relate to them. But in Step Brothers, they're just so damn mean it's hard to care about them, or the movie in general.

What happened to comedies like Mel Brooks used to make? Those were silly, slapstick fun. They weren't mean. Even Knocked Up and Superbad, while very crude, had characters you could still fall in love with, and root for. This wasn't the case in Step Brothers. What's worse, The Foot Fist Way, and Jody Hill's new film, Observe & Report seem to have the same problem. Though I was once a die-hard fan of Rogen's I can tell you I won't be going to see Observe & Report. It just looks too mean.

And even worse still, it seems like America wants these movies to be mean. It seems to a be an advertising point. For example, take a look at the DVD box for the upcoming release of Sex Drive.


Why is it being advertised like this? If you recall, I raved about this film. The reason I loved it so much was because it found that heart, the element that seems to be ever so elusive in these mean comedies today. Sex Drive is not the 'crudest, rudest' thing around, so why advertise it like that?


Because that's what people want.

And in the words of Seth Rogen in Knocked Up, it makes me sad all day.

Upcoming Film: Observe and Report

Maybe you saw 'The Foot Fist Way' - maybe you didn't. You probably didn't. Regardless, the writer and director of the film that made Danny Mcbride a household name is at it again. This movie is called 'Observe and Report' and its pretty much about an ass of a Mall Cop (Seth Rogen) and the girl he falls for (Anna Faris), all the while protecting his mall from a flasher.

The trailer is damn crude, and Rogen's character looks damn unlikeable. In fact, I personally think the whole movie looks unlikeable. Jody Hill (The Director) seems to have a way of writing nasty leading roles, that literally nobody can feel for or identify with.

Really, I'm not expecting a classic.

Here's the green-band trailer. (That means its safe for you to watch in class or in your cubicle).

Spotlight: Aziz Ansari

Some of you may have heard his sly, likable voice stringing you along a joke as though he were Mitch Hedberg. Others may have seen him on Human Giant. Others may have seen him pop up in countless internet shorts.

Well Mr. Aziz Ansari is now popping up onto the silver screen. Soon to be released are I Love You, Man, Observe and Report, and Funny People, three movies where he will be linked to funny men we know well. Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, and Judd Apatow have found a way to include Aziz in their cinematic antics, and it probably won't be too long until he has his own starring role.

For those of you who have not had a chance to listen to any of his stand-up comedy, do yourself a favor and go for it. He's a very talented comedian, and I can't wait to see what the future holds in store for him.

Review: ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO

So Zack and Miri made a porno. Then I reviewed it.

Basic Summary (Spoilers May Occur) - not major ones though!

Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) are two friends who have known each other in the platonic way since 1st grade. Now they live in a little loft in the suburbs. However, neither of them have jobs that are that great. Zack works with his best friend Delany (Craig Robinson) at a coffee shop known as Bean-n-Gone, under an unforgiving boss (Gerry Bednob). After work one day, Zack purchases a 'self pleasure' item, and subsequently finds out he cannot pay the bills for the month. The power and water get shut down. So rather than live like hobos, they get Delany to invest as a producer, and decide to join the porn industry with Zack and Miri as the main stars. However... soon it becomes apparent that this media venture will not run as smoothly as it did on paper.

George Lucas' Worst Nightmare

Ok, I can't wait for this movie.

In a little more than a month, there is going to be an epic collision of all the goodness in the world - Star Wars, Heist Movies, Comedies, and Kristin Bell.

Fanboys is the allegedly true story of a group of intense Star Wars fans who drove to Skywalker Ranch early to get their hands on a copy of Episode One before it was released.

The cast gives me a braingasm. Let's hear it:

Jay Baruchel, Dan Fogler, Chris Marquette, Sam Huntington, and Kristen Bell. I happen to love every single person listed. Not to mention cameos by Seth Rogen, Will Forte, Craig Robinson, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Danny Trejo, and, yes, almost the whole cast of Star Wars (including but not limited to Billy Dee Williams, Carrie Fisher, and Ray Park).


So in other words, if this is not the best movie ever, I don't know what is.

It was made a while ago, back in 2006 and 2007, and released independently in 2007.

But it will be here in November, and, I can almost guarantee it; the force will be strong with this one.



Coming to our galaxy November 26.

What isn't Judd Apatow doing these days?

Judd Apatow. I've heard of him (obviously), you've heard of him (likely) and even the little baby what will be born in 10 seconds will hear of him soon enough. Since 2007, Apatow has become the biggest comedy producer in all of Hollywood. I know there has been a lot of talk about him lately (there always is), even on this blog. So I figured I would do a big ole' update about all his upcoming projects right now, knowing that I'll probably have to do another in three weeks.

To Sum Up: In the film industry, Judd headed the producing (and sometimes directing and writing) of Crossing the Bridge, Heavyweights, Celtic Pride, The Cable Guy, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie, Kicking & Screaming, The 40 Year Old Virgin, Fun with Dick and Jane, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, The TV Set, Knocked Up, Superbad, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, Drillbit Taylor, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Step Brothers, and Pineapple Express.

So, now what is Judd doing?


Get Him to the Greek

I already talked about this one in the past so this post will be short. Pretty much, Aldous Snow (Russell Brand's character from Forgetting Sarah Marshall) is back on drugs and he is also still a rock star. He needs to get from London to the Greek theater in Los Angeles, and is relying on a 'fresh out of college' insurance adjuster (Jonah Hill) to get him there. Since Hill was also in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, it seems weird that he is not going to be playing the same character this time around. Or is he... nobody really knows yet...

Funny People

Also previously written posted about, the next feature to be DIRECTED by Judd (40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up) is called Funny People. Not surprisingly it is about stand up comedy. The film will star Adam Sandler (as a comedian with a near death experience), Seth Rogen, Aubrey Plaza (30 Rock), Jonah Hill. For this film, Apatow hosted two shows at the UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade) in Hollywood, featuring all the principal actors as well as special appearances from Andy Dick, Kevin James, Mike O'Connell and Ken Jeong (Million Dollar Strong), and some others. Sandler performed in character for about 20 minutes, and all the others proved they can be just as hilarious in real life as they are on the screen.

Anti High School Musical

Over the summer Apatow hosted a show at the Montreal 'Just For Laughs' festival. His lineup featured Craig Robinson, Million Dollar Strong, Rogen, Hill, and many more- including Judd onstage performing a version of 'Painted Pony', with music from Craig Robinson's jazz band. However, Judd was not the last one on the menu that night, in fact, 18 year old Bo Burnham came on stage after (which if you know the world of comedy is a big deal). Burnham is a pun master, and has many hilarious comedy songs. Apparently, Judd loved the songs and Burnham so much that he enlisted him to write a musical, an 'Anti-High School Musical' so to speak, because it will probably be quite filthy. Burnham may star in the film as well. Sounds like a musical Superbad... but taking place over a whole year as opposed to one night.

Sherlock Holmes

Teaming up with Sasha Baron Cohen (Borat) as the illustrious detective and Will Ferrell as Dr. Watson, Apatow is bringing what might be the first vulgar comedy about Sherlock Holms. Not much else on that at the moment besides the fact that Robert Downey Jr. is also starring as Sherlock in another adaptation, which will probably ring more 'true' to the original... hopefully they aren't released at the same time. I could see a lot of people being angry that they walked into the wrong theater.

5 Year Engagement

After "Greek" Nick Stoller and Jason Segel are reuniting to write and create a romantic comedy about a couple who has been engaged for five years and I suppose something happens to upset the groove they have fallen into. Sounds like fun, but also sounds like a prequel to Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Maybe Aldous Snow will be in this one too... that would be fun. I don't see Russell Brand really playing any other characters in Apatow-land.

Year One

Harold Ramis is making this one (You'll remember him from the 1980's). Starring Michael Cera (Superbad) and Jack Black as people in the first year ever (of all time). It should be fun watching Cera and Black interacting in slapstick ways with the formation of the biblical events we know so well. I say expect a delightful 1980's style comedy... they say expect a Monty Pyton comedy. I didn't know other people could make Monty Python movies... then again, those were made in the 1980's as well, so maybe we're both right.

Pineapple Express / Superbad Crossover

This might be a rumor. I have no idea. It could work I suppose as both films take place in Clark County... only problem is Seth Rogen has roles in both, so unless they nix the cops (which were integral to Superbad) it would be quite a weird film. Then again... digital double effects have been used in more weird ways...

Who Ya Gonna Call?

Hey look it's the Ghostbusters! Thank goodness you guy are here! Wait a sec.... are you Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd? You're not the Ghostbusters I remember...

That's because, soon you will begin to hear a lot about the new Ghostbusters, for the upcoming film "Ghostbusters 3" In case you have no idea what I am talking about, Ghostbusters was an 80's film franchise that starred Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Bill Murray, and Harold Ramis in 2 films that were pretty much about them building intense machinery and using it to catch ghosts in traps.

This is them.



Okay, now that we are all caught up to date with 80's comedy franchises lets bring this full circle. Harold Ramis wrote and starred in "Ghost Busters" and "Ghostbusters II" (yeah the first movie is two words, the second movie is one word), then many years later he played Seth Rogen's dad in "Knocked Up", which was directed by Judd Apatow.

Judd Apatow is producing Ghostbusters 3.



I think that it will be a very interesting blend as long as Ramis' writes this new installment so we keep the original style of the films. I feel that Apatow is a brilliant choice of producer, because he and his gang of actor-friends essentially is a reincarnation of the 1980's comedy troupes, and even while Apatow has filthy humor, the films essentially progress in similar ways with just as much heart which is why we loved 80's comedies so much.

It is speculated that this film will have the old Ghostbusters come out of retirement in response to a new threat, but when they are too old to handle the occurrence, they bring in some newbies to train. Presumably, those newbies will be: Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen, Craig Robinson, and either Bill Hader or James Franco. Then we will see the fun and games of old Ghostbusters teaching new Ghostbusters who also have their own life problems to deal with but pulling through at the end to stop the threat. And who knows... maybe with the good visual effects that exist these days, we'll get to see what happens when you 'cross the streams'.

More on this when it develops...

I'd get a major kick out of it if Jack Black would make an appearance singing the song below:



Maybe the movie's plot will be about trying to find Rick Moranis... because nobody knows where he has been for the last 7 years... Now that would be a cool cameo.

If you want to see more Ghostbusters sooner, check out the upcoming video game which was written by and stars all the original Ghostbusters!


To give credit where credit is due, the art was done by
jhroberts
and
dr-gore
on DeviantArt.com Check out their stuff!

Kevin Smith Makes a Porno

Why is that the word 'porno' is so much funnier than 'porn'?

Whatever the reason, Kevin Smith knows his comedy, and is back with an all new film, Zack and Miri Make a Porno.

Zack and Miri (Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks) star as two life long friends who, in order to make money to keep their apartment, decide to make a porno. But sex on camera isn't all daises and bundt cake, and soon the two realize that they may have more feelings for each other than they previously expected.

The cast looks great. While not part of the Askewniverse, Smith has endeavored to cast a bunch of his regulars, including but not limited to Jeff Anderson and Jason Mewes.

But the cast is also riddled with Apatow's gang. Besides the obvious Seth Rogen, Smith has cast Justin Long, Craig Robinson, and Gerry Bednob. I haven't seen Bednob in a movie since his memorable cameo in Walk Hard, so I am looking forward to that with great excitement.

This movie is sure to be hilarious. The trailer has been released, so definitely check it out. I know I'll be there opening night.

Here's the trailer. It's Pretty NSFW, but hilarious and Craig Robinson seems to steal almost every laugh.



PS - The poster that I uploaded is pretty great. However, it's the Canadian one. This was banned in the US. Oh, that Kevin Smith.

Zack and Miri discharge October 31.