‘The Other Woman’ — Movie Review

‘The Other Woman’ is a hell-hath-no-fury revenge comedy that’s entire premise hinges on the antics of three women determined to ruin the life of a cheating man. That man in question, played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, cheats on Leslie Mann’s character (Kate King) with Cameron Diaz (Carly Whitten), who discovers his married status only upon an awkward run-in with his wife. The two then strangely become friends and mutually decide to make Kate’s cheating husband miserable. They bring another scorned mistress into the mix (Kate Upton), and the predictable punch lines ensue.

While it’s refreshing to see another film with female leads, this film lacks the same comedic power of ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘The Heat.’ That’s likely because Mann is forced to carry the film without much help from her cohorts. Though Cameron Diaz is certainly a sight for sore eyes, she lacks Mann’s masterful timing, sacrificing the needed power-pairing. Plus, toilet humor tends to turn me off. The other issue with the film is that in order for it to work the man has to be cartoonishly awful. After all, if he has even a modicum of humanity, we might take a moment to feel sorry for him, which would destroy the humor. But if he is in fact cartoonishly awful (which he is), then why would these women waste their well-valued time taking him down? It’s a creative conundrum, but I was willing to suspend disbelief for the sake of having a little fun.

Though this film has some predictable plot holes, it’s worth seeing. It’s a fun, refreshing comedy that will certainly make you laugh if for no other reason than Leslie Mann.

RATING: 3/5 DISHES

‘Enough Said’ — Movie Review by The Dishmaster

movies-enough-saidThere are mandatory must-haves to propel the plot of all popular films. Without them, the film will sink faster than one of Tony Sopranos’ rats. There are; however, ways to achieve Hollywood’s most-wanted themes without infringing on the hokiest of sentiments. And ‘Enough Said’ did just that.

Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfuss and the late, great James Gandolfini, the film centers around Eva and Albert, two divorced, middle-agers who are settled in their lives but open to a new relationship. Their mutual affection is slow-growing, and much like real life, each take the time to assess their feelings. Eva isn’t sure she’s attracted to Albert, and Albert, though interested in Eva, seems slightly broken by his past. They begin to date, and just when you fall for their adorable affections, Eva does something to sabotage what they’ve built.

Though I’ve always been impressed by Louis-Dreyfuss and Gandolfini, this film well exceeded my expectations. Each is known for the extremes of their comedic and dramatic genres, but it’s far more impressive to forgo those extremes for a more nuanced performance. These lovable characters come with a powerful palette of details that are so beautifully subtle, it’s mesmerizing.  That’s a feat also attributable to writer and director Nicole Holofcenter,who clearly made a conscious choice to forgo all of Tinseltown’s tritest tricks. During a post-film Q & A at the AARP’s Movies For Grownups Film Festival, Louis-Dreyfus touched on this idea, explaining that she didn’t want a “standard Hollywood kiss,” and instead hoped to get the point across another way. She did just that.

Go see this film. It’s a little gem that’s hard to come by. And as James Gandolfini’s last performance, it does him justice.

4.5/5 DISHES
 

 

 

 

 

‘We’re the Millers’ — Movie Review

WE'RE THE MILLERSA gratuitous stripper scene is always welcome, and Jennifer Aniston does the job well. Unfortunately, that might be the only shocking moment in this Rated R flick, which is a shame considering the rating only serves to unnecessarily lock out a huge part of the public.

The film follows David Burke, a small-time pot dealer who agrees to smuggle drugs across the Mexican border after his entire stash was stolen. He commissions a local stripper named Rose (Jennifer Aniston) to play his wife, in hopes that a faux family might help avert border patrol from any suspicion. He also convinces two troubled teens to act as his children, and the usual antics ensue when just about everything goes wrong.

There’s not much to say about this film other than it’s mildly entertaining with mediocre jokes and an enjoyable cast. But it could have been funnier. That being said, I’d still recommend it. It’s a good enough distraction from your Sunday stroll.

OVERALL RATING: 2.5/5 DISHES

Movie Review: Turbo

WRITTEN BY DEVIN CARBAUGH, GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

turboTurbo is the story about overcoming the impossible. Dreaming of winning the Indy 500 is a dream most would find impossible. Dreaming of winning it when you’re a snail? Not a chance! This incredible underdog story reminds viewers that luck is far surpassed by hard work and persistence, and no matter what one’s obstacle, dreams can come true. Turbo is an inspiration to all.

Turbo’s story is told through the framework of two brothers—Turbo and Chet. Turbo, like his name, desires speed and thrill, and is perfectly cast by a cheerful and effervescent Ryan Reynolds. Chet, intent on keeping his brother safe—at times to a stifling and overbearing degree—is cast by the stuffy sounding yet insanely likable Paul Giamatti. The two actors face off perfectly—one, fun loving and the other, overprotective, but nevertheless ultimately embrace brotherly love. The perfect foil to this pair is the two brothers Angelo and Tito who own Dos Bros Tacos. Tito’s real passion is racing, just like Turbo,  while Angelo just wants Tito to toe the line and sell tacos. The parallel story adds additional humor and heart to the film.

The other key defining relationship in this movie is that of Turbo’s with his collective known as The Racing Snails. These snails, unlike Turbo, cannot physically move fast. However, what they lack in speed they make up for with ingenious and crafty methods of winning races. The Racing Snails’ imaginations also embody Turbo’s ideas of not allowing your physical limitations to hold back your dreams. The leader of the crew, Whiplash, both wise and tough, is adeptly portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson. Once Turbo has earned his respect, he and his familial crew help him fulfill his destiny. The other unforgettable members are the super cool low ride Smoove Move, portrayed by none other than smooth rapping Snoop Dogg, and sly and sassy Burn, played by a witty Maya Rudolph. They end up serving as Turbo’s pit crew in the Indy 500, and it is their heart and humor that serve as a glue for the film.

Set in Los Angeles, specifically in the San Fernando Valley, the film takes on an authentic feel, even amidst a storyline of racing snails. The backdrop’s legitimacy paints a vivid picture: what may seem impossible may not be so.

OVERALL RATING: 4/5 DISHES

Movie Review — ‘The Internship’

20130610-124430.jpgThe naysayers know nothing! The Internship is a refreshing reunion of two comedy titans who I’ve longed for since Wedding Crashers. Despite those curmudgeon critics, I went in with an open mind, and I left with all the laughter I looked forward to.

The film follows two laid-off salesman (played by Owen Wilson & Vince Vaughn) who are on a desperate quest for a career change after their day jobs have become dated by the digital age. Their search lands them a lucky internship at Google, where their behind-the-ball antics amidst their much more experienced (and younger) peers result in hilarity.

The sweeping undertones of the film are inspiring, playing into an idea that everyone has something to offer, and no matter what our life trajectory, we can always jump off one train in favor of another. It also helps that the Vaughn/Wilson chemistry is comedically unmatched. I’m relatively certain I could watch a looped documentary of these guys having coffee together and still enjoy it. As for the idea that their digital ignorance is dated, or that the story is a gigantic Google ad, this simply doesn’t concern me. I loved every millisecond of this film — and that’s my only judging criteria.

OVERALL RATING: 5/5 DISHES

Movie Review — Epic

Written By Devin Carbaugh, Guest Contributor

epic-movie-trailer-featThis film brought me back to my childhood. I spent the majority of my youth in a heavily wooded area of rural Texas, and my escape was 50 yards into the forest amidst the insects, birds, squirrels, snails, frogs, and occasional snake. The forest always seemed magical, and ‘Epic’ brought those memories to life once again. The 3D animated adventure comedy is brought to us from the creators of ‘Ice Age’ and ‘Rio,’ and the mythical forest takes center stage. Add in a dysfunctional father-daughter relationship and the classical nature vs. nurture paradox, and the story unfolds.

Professor Bomba obsessively studies the woods, insisting that there are magical creatures within. His strong-willed and stubborn daughter M.K. doesn’t relate to her father’s quest. However, once transported to the world in the woods, she meets her romantic match and counterpoint in Nod, who relates to her individualism and desire to rebel against her parents. Ultimately, both embrace their idiosyncratic qualities while helping to battle evil forces that try to take over the forest.

‘Epic’s’ title properly represents this larger-than-life film. The cast is replete with megawatt stars and platinum musicians, and yet still manages to match its grandeur with a relatable, coming-of-age story-line that brings out the childhood dreamer in us all.

OVERALL RATING: 3 DISHES

Pain & Gain — Movie Review

20130515-173258.jpgThe irony of this film is it’s about a kidnapping, and I felt kidnapped while watching it. I scoped the exit doors, made excessive trips to the restroom, and solved the mystery about how long it takes for a rasinette to melt into a raisin.

The film is based on a true story about a group of pumped-up dolts who make a fast quest for cash by kidnapping a member of their gym (Tony Shalhoub) who naively disclosed his wealth to his trainer (Mark Wahlberg). The trainer commissions his friends (The Rock, Anthony Mackie), and their idiocy makes for “comedy” when they botch the job time and time again. Call me crazy — but murder doesn’t make me laugh. Sure it had its moments, but the one-note joke about their stupidity isn’t worth a 2 hour film.

OVERALL RATING: 1.5 DISHES

Movie Review– ‘This is 40’

20130103-125854.jpgThis film felt like an extended episode of ‘Modern Family’ minus the laughs. And though I have no idea what forty feels like, this certainly shed light on all of its unwanted woes. The Judd Apatow directed flick stars his wife (Leslie Mann), which is concerning, especially considering all her unlikable traits. If I were her, I’d have long conversation with my husband after reading a script that may or may not be based on his personal life. As for her on-screen husband, played by Paul Rudd, he’s predictably more likable, and I’d venture to guess that has a thing or two to do with what I deem to be Apatow’s sexism, an observation I gained from ‘Knocked Up,’ which is now solidified. Apatow has a keen ability to turn his women into vile naggers with sweet husbands who are just trying to survive their wrath. There’s not much else to say other than — it’s probably a good idea to make movie characters likable — and funny.

RATING: 2/5 DISHES

Movie Review — ‘Jack Reacher’

Image Courtesy of Paramount

Prior to entering this film, there was a lot of social media speculation as to the plot. After exiting the film, my speculation remains. Though it is always enjoyable to see Tom Cruise on the big screen kicking ass, I’m still at a loss about Jack Reacher. From what I gather, he’s an ex-military guy who solves crimes, much like Sherlock Holmes, except he beats up the bad guys while he’s doing it.

The film opens with a random shooting leaving five civilians dead, one of which was carrying a child. I mention this because of the very unfortunate timing, given the recent events in Newtown. This was obviously filmed well before the tragic massacre, but I found myself in tears during the beginning scene and quickly realized it was simply too soon to be watching it. Luckily, it was short and soon picked up in other places.

The story gets complicated when the man on trial for the murder calls upon Jack Reacher and then subsequently enters a coma so he can’t explain the reason for his request. Jack Reacher arrives, and the investigation begins. It’s still unclear why a man of Jack Reacher’s stature, intelligence, value, and crime-fighting ability took such an interest in this case, other than for sport. Sure he knew the guy in question, but did he know him well enough to risk his life?

My other issue with this film is the casting. Though I’m a massive Tom Cruise fan, I gained renewed respect for him while watching him with the other actors. In short, they weren’t good enough. Rosamund Pike couldn’t contend with Cruise and her performance was therefore distracting. My guess is Cruise’s high quote demanded less expensive actors — but if you’re going to be on screen next to Cruise, you better hold court.

Despite my aforementioned criticism, I’d still encourage my readers to see the film. It’s action packed, it’s suspenseful, and it’s Tom Cruise. It’s a standard popcorn flick, and it’s enjoyable enough to bring a group of friends for a fun time. Plus, there’s a great no-guns-allowed fight scene that’s worth seeing.

RATING: 3/5 DISHES

Movie Review: Flight

Robert Zemeckis called his film, “bold, audacious, complex, and morally ambiguous.” I’d call it a subtle study of alcoholism with a flawed superhero. The film centers around Captain Whip Whitaker, an inebriated pilot who lands a mechanically doomed plane under impossible circumstances. Though the media immediately celebrates him, his close personal circle warns him that the National Transportation Safety Board might discover his intoxication during their investigation, and even though his mental state did not cause the crash, the exposure will cause serious civil and criminal ramifications. The remainder of the film centers not only around whether he’ll get caught, but on the impact of his addiction on his personal life.

Though I enjoyed the film, I’m not on board with the Oscar buzz. The film doesn’t stand up to its sweeping themes. The protagonist isn’t enough of a hero or enough of a villain. We certainly see the effect of his addiction, but it felt more similar to a documentary than a movie. But perhaps I’m a spoiled viewer. Roger Ebert, for example, enjoyed the underplayed elements of the film, saying, “it’s effective here how [Denzel Washington’s] performance never goes over the top but instead is grounded on obsessive control . . . . A lesser actor might have wanted to act them out. Washington depends on his eyes, his manner and a gift for projecting inner emotion.” Though I understand Ebert’s point, I miss the movie-magic days of “You Can’t Handle the Truth.”

RATING: 3.5 DISHES