Napoleon Dynamite (November 11, 2004) (DVD Released March 14, 2005) 2-disc Special Edition also avaliable
Tagline - He's out to prove he's got nothing to prove
Website - www.napoleondynamitemovie.com
Australian Gross - $395,051
Meet the pride of Idaho. The man with no plan. A nerd undeterred. He's Napoleon Dynamite, and thank's to his special skills and new friends, Pedro and Deb, life at Preston High School will never be the same. Now if only he can survive life at home with his idiot brother, Kip, cand scheming Uncle Rico. Are you ready to get your groove on? Yessssss!
Hilarious. When you watch the film, you do feel it goes on for ages, even if it's only 90 minutes, but every scene always had something so stupid, or so random, that you had to laugh, sometimes not even talking. You could tell it was low budget, and it really pissed me off that the high school students, well most of them looked like they were in their 30's, but in the end it didn't really matter. The ending was overhyped, but still funny.
The plot is basic, a nerd in a trailer trash town, who gets bullied at school, plus the story. It was funny to watch the characters interact, especially Pedro and Deb, who never really seemed to say anything at all, whereas Napolean wouldn't shutup, and his lies were funny too, and his "great" pictures.
The acting was average, "Jon Heder" was the obvious star as "Napoleon". He had this wierd facial expression thats so grotty looking, but hilarious. "Efren Ramirez" and "Tina Majorino" were supporting leads, weren't AS much funny, bgut still had their moments.
Overall "Napoleon Dynamite" is a comedy for people with a very loose sense of humour, and is a film that only requires vieweing once, before it gets unfunny. My rating is 3/5.
Not Another Teen Movie (March 21, 2002) (DVD Released September 18, 2002)
Tagline - The Teen Mother of All Movies
Australian Gross - $5,192,646
At John Hughes High School, the students are the same as just about every other teenager in a teen movie. The popular jock, Jake, takes a bet from Austin, the cocky blonde guy, that he can transform Janey, the pretty ugly girl, into the prom queen before the prom. But two people are trying to stop Jake from succeeding: his evil sister, Catherine, the cruelest girl in school, and Priscilla, the bitchy cheerleader. And all of their friends are the same as any other teen movie: Areola, the naked foreign exchange student, Les, the beautiful weirdo, Malik, the token black guy, the desperate virgins, Amanda Becker, the perfect girl, Ricky, Janey's obsessed best friend, and Sadie, the VERY old undercover reporter
Grossly entertaining. The film is hilarious, and takes off films like "10 Thins I Hate Abou You", "Varsity Blues" and "She's All Tha", and does it straight to a tee. The stereotypical characters, are funny, and even with cheap laughs, it still manages to make everything funny. Every single character was dimwited, and had their own special moment, which was always hilarious. igged with cliche characters, and jokes, the film used them in a way witho making them different, and just as they would be, even if it did make them a little unealistic in a way. The ending was the biggest cliche of them all, where the dude gets the girl.
The plot, well if you could call it a plot, was filled with hilarious dialogue, and scenes. Of course no effort was made to make it solid, which would make it unfunny. Every character was based on another character from a different movie, and I found "The Cruelest Girl", based on "Sarah Michelle Gellar's character from "Cruel Inentions", to be the funniest, whether from being incest, or kissing a granny.
The acting was bad, well each character was good at what it did, so I guess the acting wasn't so bad. The main cast of characters were obviously not realistic, but sometimes believable, depending on the situation.
Overall "Not Another Teen Movie" is grossly great, hilarious, and is a great laugh for when your in the mood. My rating is 3.5/5
The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas (April 23, 2009) (DVD Released September 2, 2009)
Website - www.boyinstripedpajamas.com
Australian Gross -
Based when Hitler ruled, the story follows 9y.o Bruno, who along with his family move from Berlin to Out-With, as his dad is commondant of the concentration camp near their new home. With no one to play with, he decides to sneak out and go to the "farm", which eh can see from his window. When he gets there, he sees a fence, and that all people inside are wearing blue-striped pyjamas. He meets Schmuel, who sits on the other side, but doesn't quite understand why he isn't allowed to play with him.
Rushed. If your a fan of the book, or maybe even read it, you'll find this movie to be rushed, and a dissapointment. The book is a great read, and very interesting, but the film removes key elements, and scenes that made the book so interesting, and it made the film not intriguing, and ruined the atmosphere. The film kept the same characters, but changed them, for example: Bruno's sister Gretel, in the book was a straight out brat, and in the film she is comforting. There were also scenes in the movie that were changed for the entertainment effect, and didn't impact as much as the books version did. I found that the ending was much more powerful in the movie, because in the book, it is just implied what happens, and when people are actually expressing it on film, it made it much more powerful.
The plot was based on the book by the same name, and really was too quick and rushed. In the book, the maid is a very interesting character with opinions, but she is just there doing her duty in the film. The ending was a positive change, because it made a more positive impact on the viewer than the book does. The dialogue in the movie was only sometimes taken from the book, which I felt was a little insulting to the book, since it's dialogue made the character of Bruno so innocent and clueless, but in the film he isn't.
The acting was average. "Vera Farmiga" was very powerful at the end of the film, and really showed what a gutted mother does in the situation that is the climax. She wasn't as amazing as she could've been, but she was still able to give the realness and believability factor.
Overall "The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas" is a dissapointment if you've read the book, but if not, you'll find it intriguing, and either way the ending is very powerful. My rating is 3/5.
Coyote Ugly (January 1, 2001) (DVD Released July 4, 2001)
Tagline - Tonight, They're Calling The Shots
Australian Gross - $11,454,787
Moving to New York to chase her dream of becoming a famous songwriter, Violet Sanford finds herself desperate and broke. The shy, innocent Violet ironically lands a job as a barmaid at the hottest nightclub in town. It's one wild adventure for a small-town girl with big city dreams.
Witty. If you actually think about it, this movie could've been a T.V series, and in the final episode the girl finally landed her dream. It is definately a chick flick, but does have it's moment for the guys too. It goes for 1hr 40mins, but our too caught up in the story, that you don't even seem to realise it's going for ages, and in the end, you couldn't really care less. I think every single person that watches the movie, knows what the end is going to be, with the girl of course getting her dream at the last minute, but the time it takes getting there is what the film is really about. It's a story of chasing dreams, and it shows that if you work hard enough, you can do it. It is also a story of friendship and loyalty, which gets proven in the last 20-30 minutes of the film. The film has some highs, but then also has some lows, but in the end, you know it will end good for the character. The movie is very sexy, which gives the male audience something to stick around for.
The plot seems like a premise for a television series, and I'd probably bet it was originally written to be one, but then shelved, and shortened into a feature film, which was a successful move. The plot is simple, basic, and maintains to keep the viewer intriuged, and interesting in what was about to happen around the corner. I think the characters were written really strong, and we didn't even have to get to know them to understand who they are, and what they're like, as it's shown just by their attitudes, and behaviour. I did feel it good abit predictable towards the end, and it was as predictable as picking a number between 1-3, but it was an enjoyable film either way.
The acting was definately a strong point to the film, and the realisticness and believability, apart from the charmer who got the girl in the end cliche that 95% of chick flicks have, was very enticing. "Piper Perabo" has a unique look, a not so strong voice, but was a gtood choice as lead character Violet. She gave us the sweet/innocent girl at first, but then the sass/sexy girl later on, and held both looks well. "Adam Garcia" was the charmer, but his Australian accent was appauling (As an Aussie myself, trust me), and majority of the time it was more like a UK accent. "John Goodman" was also realistic as the father.
Overall "Coyote Ugly" is a sexy chick flick, and is an enjoyable film about chasing dreams, and following them through. My rating is 3.5/5.
South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (July 15, 1999) (DVD Released March 11, 2000)
Tagline - UH-OH.
Website - www.southparkmovie.com
Australian Gross - $7,434,299
After the boys are caught swearing religiously because of The Terrence and Phillip movie, Kyle's mum starts M.A.C (Mothers Against Canada), and capture Terrence and Phillip to execute them. This starts a war, and Canada start bombing, and after Kenny informs Cartman from beyond the grave that Satan and Sadam Hughsain are going to rule the world when the Canadian's blood hits the dirt, they try and fight to set them free before it's too late.
Hilarious. The film without a doubt is one of the best movies adapted from a T.V show. Whether it's the funny scenes, or funny dialogue the film manages to keepy your eyes glued, and is sure to have a laught every minute. With catchy tuens added to the mix, the film lightens the mood, and still keeps your funny clock ticking. In every setting, there's always something not referred to that is funny, whehter it's the poster for the faux film "Mega Streisand Attacks New Yor" at the cinema, or the rats eating kenny, it manages to make you laugh. It does only go for 79 minutes, which is a letdown, but with all the hilarious antics, this is a forgivable thing.
The plot was actually solid. When you think back at episode of South Park, there is always some that are sketchy, but everything in the film is there for a reason, and is connected to the ending, even Kenny dying. The ending was the lowest plot time, but even the fact that the songs were related to the plot was truly astonishing, and just shows that the writers of the series know what they're doing.
The animation is of course not amazing, but thats because it's made from material, not computer technology. When you think of it, it would've taken forever to make the film, and it still looks great, in a cheap trashy way.
Overall "South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut" is definately one for the fans, but if your a passionate Canadian, I'd give it a miss. My rating is 3.5/5
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (October 24, 2002) (DVD RELEASED April 2, 2003)
Tagline - Love Is Here To Stay... And So Is Her Family.
Australian Gross - $27,989,731
Toula Portokalos is a Greek tragedy - 30 and unmarried.Oh, the shame it brings on her family - "Why for she don't go to Greece and find a nice Greek husband?". And then IT happens - she meets the man of her dreams: handsome, intelligent, kind... but about as Greek as apricot chicken. The only way this family will accept Ian as their new son-in-law, is if he becomes Greek.
Fun. I love the Greek culture, and it's always funny to watch them do their thing, and this film brings it out excellently. The parents always know best, and I love the extremely Greek family, the Portokalos. The film is very realistic, just because proud Greeks are like this film, and would be very thrilled with a film like this. The jokes are with the family, who are just funny with their way of life, and their characters. There is the always cliche of the predictable ending, but the trick for these types of films are to keep the movie going with comedy, or drama, and this one has alot of comedy, and a little drama, which is great.
The plot is very well written, and the dialogue is hilariously realistic. The settings were also very funny, and the exact last scene, was just a great fun scene, because although you'd expect something like that to happen, you just weren't thinking it at the present time. I love the fact that each character has it's own uniqueness, which makes them either stand-out, and ultimately clash with their family members for pure gold watching.
The acting was great, and believable, and very realistic. I love the way "Nia Vardalos" was able to have control over her character, which was great to watch. I loved her facial expressions, you could always tell her mood just by looking at her face. "John Corbett", who played the un-Greek husband, was somewhat irritating at just how he was always happy, and had the right thing to say, which really pissed me off. The supporting cast (especially the Greeks) smoothed out the film, and were the real funny ones in the film.
Overall "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is fun, puts a smile on your face, and is very, VERY Greek. My rating is 3.5/5.
Jurassic Park (September 2, 1993) (DVD Released February 2, 2005)
Tagline - An Adventure 65 million Years In The Making
Website - www.jurassicpark.com
Australian Gross - $33,002,776
John Hammond has developed a dinosaur park (in a very remote Island) using a DNA of a prehistoric dinosaur taken from an ancient insect. In a tour that Hammond makes to a selected audience which suppose to decide whether the park is safe or not safe for public, the security system collapsed, and the dinosaurs set themselves free. Now the selected audience, in the leadership of Doctor Grant and include Doctor Malcolm, Doctor Sattler, Hammond's grandchildren, and some more has to survive in the Island.
Amazing. The film is the perfect dinosuar film. It's not packed with blood, but there are people killed, and alot of the dinosuars weren't CGI, they were live action. A film like this really needs to let you in on every peice of information possible, and it does, even if that takes an hour to do, but when the dinosuars are let loose, and havoc breaks loose, the film gets alot of heart-warmning moments, and scenes that would scare children. I've watched this film so many times over the years, and it still remains amazing to me.
The plot is great, anyone would be intruiged by it. It has dinosaurs, it has death, it has action, and the fact that it can go on for an hour, without anything big happening, is great work. The dialogugue, and key scenes are visually awesome, and cool to watch.
The acting was great. "Sam Neil" was the highlight, his character turning from loathing kids, to realising there not so bad. "Richard Attenborough" was also great to watch, from his over-the-top excitement, to his worried and scared scenes.
Overall "Jurassic Park" is amazing. It would definately scare kids, but they would love it too. My rating is 4.5/5
Wedding Crashers (August 11, 2005) (DVD Released February 6, 2006)
Tagline - Hide Your Bridesmaids
Website - www.theweddingcrashersmovie.com
Australian Gross - $16,774,852
Guided by a set of "wedding crashing rules", John and Jeremy can charm their way into any wedding...and into the heart of any bridesmaid. But at the biggest nuptials of the year, John breaks the rules and falls in love with the daughter of the US Secretery of Treasury, and Jeremy is left at the mercy of her "stage-five-clinger" sister. Being there for his buddy, Jeremy follows John to the family's huge estate for a weekend that may be even too wild for these professional party guys.
Trashy. Lets face it, other than the differing plot, this is a straight-out romantic comedy. It's cheap laughs are neither funny or smart, but just irritatingly idiodic. The film is most likely made to appeal to the man-sluts of the world, lazy slobs, and average Joes, but in all, it's just a predictable piece of crap. I'm not fan of rom-coms, but when one like this comes out, somewhat claiming to be something it's not...i do get slightly pissed off. I will admit, some scenes were worth a laugh, because they were original, but majority of it was unrealistic, and a sloppy piece of work.
The plot was trying so hard to differ from a rom-com, but failed because of the cliche's and endless unfunny jokes. Cut the jokes and unrealisticness, you have a drama film, which is so predictable, you'll see the ending a mile away. The plot is fun, but the bigger picture proves the film isn't as good as it could be.
The acting was actually the highlight of the film. I honestly hate "Owen Wilson" and "Vince Vaughn". "Wilson" plays a lip-pouting slut, that falls in lovem and is so utterly annoying, and cliched I feel like i'm gonna vomit. "Vaughn" plays his usually character, a slob, that is incapable of loving another person, then realises his not, and falls in love. "Rachel McAdams" was the good-girl, and is far from the evil bitch from "Mean Girls". The highlight of the film was definately fellow Aussie "Isla Fisher". Her dim-witted, childish character, had scenes of truly laugh-out-loud moments, and was very well played. Cameo by "Will Ferrell" was not needed, and not funny, and pointless.
Overall "Wedding Crashers" is not funny, sleazy, and basically the average rom-com, but this ones NOT funny. My rating is 1/5.
Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs 3D (June 29, 2009)
Website - www.iceage3.com.au
Australian Gross -
After the events of "Ice Age: The Meltdown", life begins to change for Manny and his friends: Scrat is still on the hunt to hold onto his beloved acorn, while finding a possible romance in a female sabre-toothed squirrel named Scratte. Manny and Ellie, having since become an item, are expecting a baby, which leaves Manny anxious to ensure that everything is perfect for when his baby arrives. Diego is fed up with being treated like a house-cat and ponders the notion that he is becoming too laid-back. Sid begins to wish for a family of his own, and so steals some dinosaur eggs which leads to Sid ending up in a strange underground world where his herd must rescue him, while dodging dinosaurs and facing danger left and right, and meeting up with a one-eyed weasel known as Buck who hunts dinosaurs intently.
Unneeded. The film wasn't really needed, and wasn't worth the $17.50 Reel-D screening of the film. The only highlight of the film was "Scrat", the squirell obsessed with his nut. The jokes weren't funny, and it was just new ways of extending previous storylines. It was boring, and had no moral at the end, and I highly feel the film was only made for the profit it was guaranteed to get.
The plot was really messy, and was just extentions if "Ice Age 2" storylines.
The animation was really well done, but the 3D didn't happen too often, and really wasn't worth it.
Overall "Ice Age 3" is boring, and has no benefits. My rating is 1/5.
Land Of The Lost (June 11, 2009) (DVD Released October 21)
Tagline - Right Place, Wrong Time
Website - www.landofthelostmovie.com.au
Australian Gross -
Dr. Rick Marshall, sucked into and spat back through time. Way back. Now, Marshall has no weapons, few skills and questionable smarts to survive in an alternate universe full of marauding dinosaurs and fantastic creatures from beyond our world – a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
Sucked alongside him for the adventure are smart-as-a-whip research assistant Holly and a redneck survivalist named Will. Chased by T-Rex and stalked by painfully slow reptiles known as Sleestaks, Marshall, Will and Holly must rely on their only ally – a primate named Chaka – to navigate out of the hybrid dimension. Escape from this routine expedition gone awry and they’re heroes. Get stuck, and they’ll be permanent refugees in the Land of the Lost.
A complete waste of money. I will admit that the only reason I wanted to see the movie was because the ads showed a T-Rex and a Giant Crab, but the $12.50 was a waste of money. Cheap jokes, and the coarse language was not needed to make us laugh, because the movie was a complete bore. Amazing setting's, and cool CGI effects, but the film really lacked the sense of isolation, and the characters just seemed to feel right at home, even with dinosaurs, lizard people, and moneky people. The ending was predictable, and from start to finish, "Will Ferrell" was annoying. The dialogue was abit too mature for children, and I'm sure they wouldn't get what was happening. The highlight of the movie was definately the giant crab running towards them, which lasted 10 seconds before it was killed off, and the characters ate it. "Land of the Lost" is definately an appropriate title, since the movie was lost within the land, and not even the cool CGI effects, and Giant Crab couldn't fix it.
The plot was adapted from a book, and I guess chopping a book into pieces, and making it a feature film would be hard, but I highly think that the only thing that was similar to the book, was the plot. I highly doubt the crude dialogue, and annoying characters were in the successful book.
The acting was so irritating, and annoying. "Will Ferrell", who is apparently really funny, made the film cheap, and anooying. His presence, and self-loathing really pissed me off, and his character was just a complete douche-bag. "Anna Friel" and "Danny McBride" were watchable, but nothing special.
Overall "Land of the Lost" is cheesy, boring, and it's cheap jokes are idiotic, and pointless. My rating is 1/5.
The Reader (February 19, 2009) (DVD Released June 18, 2009)
Tagline - Unlock The Mystery.
Website - www.thereadermovie.com.au
Australian Gross -
Post-WWII Germany: Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Burk is reunited with his former lover as she defends herself in a war-crime trial.
Mysteriously intriguing. Hearing about the film, not a little bit of interest cam about me, but watching the film, it unveils little mysteries, that you really want to see the outcome of. Towards the end of the movie, it does get a little slow, and the ending was somewhat unexpected, but the film really succeeds in keeping the attention of the viewer, and being enjoyable. Flashbacks could've been better revealed, instead of just switching, and the future scenes were very intense to watch. The films strong points are definately the storng performences and dialogue.
The plot is definately a mystery, until all is revealed towards the end. No visible plot holes, and the film's dialogue is a strong point, in keeping the film feeling like it's set in the meaningful time.
The acting is definately the center point of making the film really fine, and really high up on the scale. "Kate Winslet" is definately the one that steals the show, really proving her acting skills.
Overall "The Reader" is a very very fine film, and is mysterious and intriguing. My ratins is 3/5.
X-Men Origins:Wolverine (April 29, 2009) (DVD Released October 14) Collector's tin avaliable from EzyDVD. 2-disc Edition also avaliable.
Rating - M for Action Violence
Website - www.xmenoriginswolverine.com.au
Australian Gross -
Wolverine" tells the story of Wolverine's epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe whose appearances in the film series have long been anticipated.
Entertaining. The film was packed full of action sequences, and was entertaining. As a prequel, it fails to give us info on "Wolverine" other than showing us how he got into the good mutant team he is in now. I was expecting it to go through his life story and include HOW he got the claws, but all it did give little hints on how. The time flies while watching, as you get really enthralled with the action sequences. There was a few unexpected moments and twists that kept it's momentum rolling.
The plot as a prequel isn't great. I haven't seen any X-Mn films and this is my first, but im glad it's a prequel, where you don't have to see the others to know everything. No visible plot holes were detected, apart from detailing how he got claws.
The acting was great. "Hugh Jackman" being the obvious star. His expressions always change perfectly to fit the scene, and he made a tremendous effort. "Ryan Reynolds", and "Will.I.Am" were also highlights.
Overall "X-Men Origins:Wolverine" as a stand-alone film was great, but as a prequel sucked. My rating is 3.5/5
Mean Girls (July 24, 2004) (DVD Released November 9, 2004)
Rating - M for Mature Themes
Tagline - Welcome To Girl World.
Watch Your Back.
Only The Strong Survive.
Website - www.meangirls.com
Australian Gross - $8,560,603
Having moved to her new high school from Africa where she was home-schooled by her parents. Cady finds it difficult to adjust until she is accepted into the schools most exclusive clique known as 'The Plastics'. Everything is fine until she falls for Aaron - one of her new-found friends boyfriend. Suddenly it's every girl for herself...
The funniest movie i have ever seen. This film is honestly the most hilarious film ever made. Yes it may be a chick flick in a way, but 70% of comedy. Every scene has a moment of pure greatness, and every scene in the movie is just well made. Not a major comedy fan, but this is so ruthless and sneaky, that it's hard not to find a moment where your literally pissing yourself. Nothing is funnier than the moment that the obese girl tells the "popular" girl "Watch Where Your Going Fatass". The story is being narrated by the main character "Cady", and there is many times it will show hilarious ways of doing pratically anything.
The plot is amazing. "Tina Fey" is honestly the funniest person on the planet. The film was inspired by the book "Queen Bees and Wannabes" and just the dialogue, and the way the film is put togetehr, is truly astonishing.
The cast was amazing. Highlights include "Amy Poehler" who was the trashy, breast implanted mum of popular slut "Regina Geroge", and "Rachel McAdams" who was the popular slut "Regina". "Lindsay Lohan" of course is the main star, and the transformation from innocent, to trashy is excellently pulled off. "Amanda Seyfried" and "Lacey Chabert" were also great in their roles of Regina's best friends. "Lizzy Caplan" was the stabdout performer, and really good at her role of "Janice", the "loser". The whole cast was well assembled, and as funny as it could've been.
Overall "Mean Girls" is the funniest film ever made, and although a chick flick, will make any guy laugh. My ratins is 5/5, it's is just the perfect comedy film, and can be watched on repeat for days on end.
Monsters vs Aliens 3D (April 2, 2009) (DVD Released October 1)
Rating - PG for Mild Animated Violence
Tagline - Oooze Gonna Save Us?
Alien Problem? Monster Solution.
Website - www.monstersvsaliens.com.au
Australian Gross -
When California girl Susan Murphy is unwittingly clobbered by a meteor full of outer space gunk on her wedding day, she mysteriously grows to 49-feet-11-inches tall. Alerted to the threat of this new monster, the military jumps into action and Susan is captured and secreted away to a covert government compound. There, she is renamed Ginormica and placed in confinement with a ragtag group of other monsters: the brilliant but insect-headed Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D.; the macho half-ape, half-fish The Missing Link; the gelatinous and indestructible B.O.B.; and the 350-foot grub called Insectosaurus. Their confinement is cut short, however, when a mysterious alien robot lands on Earth and begins storming the country. In a moment of desperation, The President is persuaded by General W.R. Monger to enlist the motley crew of Monsters to combat the Alien Robot and save the world from imminent destruction.
Weak. The film really isn't one of the greatets films ever made, nor one of the best Dreamworks pictures either. It fails to be really enjoyable, and the only laughs are the ones made by the lovable "B.O.B" played by funny man "Seth Rogan". The 3D effect wasn't that good either,after a while just looking like a normal modern animated production. It tried SO SO So hard to be really funny and good, but it just failed miserably. I was in a packed cinema, filled with children, yet they didn't seem to laugh at anything. Several moments were funny, but only for a minimal 5 seconds, totalling about 30 seconds overall. Predictable scenes, meant that nothing was really keeping my eyes on the screen, and the overall effect the movie had on me, wasn't great.
The plot could've been alot better, with many more potential funny scenes. The character set-up's and premise's were great, and the characters themselves were likeable, but only ones dialogue ended up being funny. The animation was done great, but there really was no need for the 3D version to be made.
The cast was great, and their voices did actually suit the character. "Seth Rogan" portrayed the brainless "B.O.B", who was the only funny character in the film. "Reese Witherspoon" was of course "Ginormica", the human, that got hit by a meteorite. Guest appearence by "Amy Poehler" had one funny few seconds, and the quest appearence by "Kochie" from "Sunrise" was not needed, and just stupid.
Overall "Monsters vs Aliens" failed to sustain attention, even with the 3D effect. My rating is 2.5/5.
Matilda (September 19, 1996) (Deluxe DVD Released July 28, 2008)
Rating - PG for Mild Violence
Tagline - A Little Magic Goes A Long Way.
Australian Gross - $5,496,868
Matilda, a super-smart little girl who's woefully misunderstood by her parents (Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman), her brother, and an evil school principal. But with the help of a brave best friend and a wonderful teacher, Matilda discovers she doesn't have to get mad to get even.
Electrifying. Even as an almost 15 year old, I am still in love with this movie. Everything about it is so cool, and just funny. Every scene has a laugh, and even while laughing your still not dragged away from the plot. It has modernised humour, that parent can appreciate, and it is all around hilarious. It's one of the movies that can be re-watched on repeat a hundred times a day.
The plot, of course is adapted from the "Roald Dahl" book of the same name. I viewed this after reading the book, and the movie is way better. The characters are funny, and just majority of the scenes are so well portrayed and it is just really great.
The acting was top-notch with "Mara Wilson" of course being the great "Matilda". "Danny De Vito" and "Rhea Perlman" are definately highpoints as Matildas parents. "Embeth Davidtz" is delightful Miss Honey, but the ultimate highlight of the movie is "Pam Ferris" who was the mean old "Trunchbull".
Overall "Matilda" is one of the greatest childrens films ever made, no doubt about it. My rating is 4.5/5
Beverly Hills Chihuahua (September 25/29, 2008) (DVD Released May 6, 2009)
Rating - G
Tagline - 50% Warrior, 50% Lover, 100% Chihuahua.
Website - www.beverlyhillschihuahua.com.au
Australian Gross - $6,787,000
Pampered Beverly Hills Chihuahua Chloe (voice of Drew Barrymore) delights in her luxurious lifestyle and has no time to notice amorous pup Papi (voice of George Lopez), who belongs to Sam (Manolo Cardona), the landscape gardener. When Chloe's devoted owner Vivian (Jamie Lee Curtis) goes to Europe on business, Chloe is left in the reluctant care of her niece Rachel (Piper Perabo), who takes a spontaneous trip to Mexico with friends. When Chloe gets lost in the bad end of town, she finds an unlikely ally in the street-smart German Shepherd Delgado (voice of Andy Garcia). Meanwhile, Papi heads south of the border and joins forces with a doggie threesome (voices of Placido Domingo, Luis Guzman, Eddie 'Piolin' Sotelo) to join the rescue party.
Funny. What I love about the movie is that the mouth movements of the animals actually looks real, and that the voices actually suit the dog. So many funny scenes in the movie, kept the momentum building, and although the ending was predictable, the movie was still top-notch. The characters were so well done, and my favourite was the Iguana, just for the pure fact he was a little kooky.
The plot, was original enough for me not ro relate it to another movie. The characters were well thought of, and they each had an individual moment of funniness.
The acting was superb. The animals are very well trained, and there wasn't even a moment where I thought that the animal doesn't even look like it's acting..
Overall "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" is a fun film, that keeps the laughs all the way through, while always having some drama too. My ratins is 3.5/5.
The Simpsons Movie (July 26, 2007) (DVD Released December 6, 2007)
Rating - PG for Mild Animated Violence, Nudity and Drug Use. Sexual References, Coarse Language, and Themes.
Website - www.thesimpsonsmovie.com.au
Australian Gross - $31,435,860
Thanks to Lisa Simpson, Lake Springfield is cleaned up from the pollution that once fouled it. But when Homer, who's adopted a pig and dumps a silo full of the pig's crap in the lake, the EPA places a large dome over Springfield, and the Simpsons family manage to escape through a sinkhole. The family flees to a better life in Alaska, but when the head of the EPA, Russ Cargill, orders the towns destruction, it's up to them to save Springfield!
Not as good as expected. Although it's not as good as I was expecting it to be, it was still awesome. Many 22 minute episodes are better than this 90 minute movie, but the movie still has it's own originality, with gags fresh, and funny. It is very appealing to anyone, and the pop culture references really make the film worthwhile. The new style animation was a tad distracting, but was still good. The opening credit sequence was pretty cool i must say, better than the new one they're bringing in 2009 (It's awful). The many characters in the film, even if just for a minute, make their presence known. Although somewhat predictable, but then again it did surprise you even with added stuff you wouldn't imagine.
The plot was very original, and im glad it was never used for an episode. It was very well structured, and It was good to see that every Simpson character had at least 5 minutes of their own screen time (except Maggie).
The voice cast was amazing, and the credit sequence at the end showing who does all the voice of who, was well worth watching.
Overall "The Simpsons Movie" is a hilarious entry into the hit shows back catalogue, and will definately be enjoyed by anyone with even a tiny sense of humour. My rating is 3.5/5
Bolt (January 1, 2009) (DVD Released July 1, 2009)
Rating - G for Some Scary Scenes
Tagline - Fully Awesome. Ridonculous. Let It Begin.
Website - www.boltmovie.com.au
Australian Gross - $11,561,750
Bolt tells the story a dog who plays a heroic dog in a hit TV show and has some trouble recognizing that he doesn't even have superpowers. This becomes something of a hindrance when he is accidentally shipped from Hollywood to New York City. From there he has to make his way home with the help of a manky old cat and an overweight hamster in a plastic ball.
Enjoyable. While watching you don't really pay attention much as it's really not interesting, but it does have some funny scenes. Throughout the movie, it references to other Disney films, which i thought to be a little wierd, but in all of it's cockiness, the film will not dissapoint. Every scene in the movie is way too predictable, but then again a disney film really has to be. Pointless gags throughout make the film difficult to digest, but overall it was a positive experience.
The plot was a bit cliche, and was predictable which i hate in movies, but as a Disney film, it's passable. Not the strongest plot, with not enough funny dialogue to say the film was great, it really fails in being a bit too mature for it's targeted audience.
The animation wasn't the best i've seen, but it was definately realistic enough for me to think it was actually the real deal. Many times the film made me laugh, not because it was funny but because it was plainyl obvious the dialogue was not coming from the mouth it was aimed to. Voice cast were great, with majority of voices fitting into their role, apart from Miley Cyrus, who I don't think is good as a little girl "Penny".
Overall "Bolt" delivers not enough laughs, but when it does, they're fantastic, and it is an overall positive experience. My rating is 3/5.
Date Movie (February 16, 2006) (DVD Released Septembe 20 2006)
Rating - M for Moderate Sexual References
Tagline - Everyone Want's A Happy Ending.
Website - www.datemoviethemovie.com
Australian Gross - $6,103,846
Julia Jones (Alyson Hannigan) who has finally met the man of her dreams, the very British Grant Fonckyerdoder (Adam Campbell). But before they can have their "Big Fat Greek Wedding" they'll have to "Meet the Parents"; hook up with "The Wedding Planner" and contend with Grant's friend Andy (Sophie Monk) – a spectacularly beautiful woman who wants to put an end to her "Best Friend's Wedding"
Great. This is one of the best entries into the "spoof" genre, and this was pacekd with the laughs the whole way through. Basically every minute the movie was on, it was getting a laugh. With spoofs of "Michael Jackson","Kill Bill", "Paris Hilston Burger Coomercial" the film really tries to make you laugh, and it does by going too far. It's really enioyable and fun, but also has the little love story mixed in their too. It has the funniest opening credit scene i have ever seen.
The plot would be really ahrd to compile, as there is at least 23 movies that were spoofed. The plot was a mixture of comedy and romanticness that had a little humour. Overall the plot really didn't dissapoint.
The acting was great with "Alyson Hannigan" being the main role, which she was fantastic ar. "Sophie Monk" also had a supporting role, and was good. The rest of the cast were all well assembled, and this type of comedy doesn't need good acting to be funny.
Overall "Date Movie" is packed full of laughs that will keep you entertained the whole time. My rating is 3.5/5
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (April 17, 2008) (August 20, 2008)
Rating - MA15+ for Strong Sex Scenes, and Sexual References. Coarse Language.
Tagline - A Comedy About Getting Dumped, and Taking It Like A Man.
Website - www.forgettingsarahmarshall.com.au
Australian Gross - $6,791,476
Struggling musician Peter Bretter has spent six years idolizing his girlfriend, television star Sarah Marshall. He's the guy left holding her purse in paparazzi photos and accidently omitted from acceptance award speeches. But his world is rocked when she dumps him and Peter finds himself alone. After an unsuccessful bout of womanizing and an on-the-job nervous breakdown, he sees that not having Sarah may just ruin his life.
To clear his head, Peter takes an impulsive trip to Oahu, where he is confronted by his worst nightmare: his ex and her tragically hip new British-rocker boyfriend, Aldous, are sharing his hotel!
Watchable. Although not funny to me, the film did really have some scenes that would make it seem like a comedy drama. Idiots would definately laugh at this, but I really don't laugh at comedy's unless they're really childish (Scary Movie, Disaster Movie etc). The basic plot makes the film really easy to watch and just as fun, without getting bored.
The plot was again basic, with no visable plot holes, and I think that certain scenes in the movie would be definately hard to act, given the stranger dialogue and the wierdness of the scene.
The acting was great. "Jason Segal" was definately at home, because I really felt like I was watching a spin-off series to "How I Met Your Mother", which ironically he also plays "Marshal". "Mila Kunis" too was very great, and it seemed she was at home, because alot of the time she kept reminding me of her character from "Family Guy". Supporting cast were also reat, and gave the film the believablity it needed to succeed.
Overall "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" didn't make me laugh, but is watchable, and will make any person who laughs at "Knocked Up" and "Superbad" enjoy the movie. My rating is 3/5.
Role Models (January 15 2009) (DVD Released June 3 2009)
Rating - MA15+ for Strong Sexual References and Coarse Language
Tagline - Danny and Wheeler were just sentenced to 150 hours of mentoring kids. WORST IDEA EVER!
Website - www.rolemodels.com.au
Australian Gross - $6,509,665
Danny and Wheeler, two salesmen who trash a company truck on an energy drink-fueled bender. Upon their arrest, the court gives them a choice: do hard time or spend 150 hours with a mentorship program. After one day with the kids, however, jail doesn't look half bad. Once the center's ex-con director (Jane Lynch) gives them an ultimatum, Danny and Wheeler are forced to tailor their brand of immature wisdom to their charges, Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and Ronnie (Bobb'e J. Thompson). And if they can just make it through probation without getting thrown in jail, the world's worst role models will prove that, sometimes, it takes a village idiot to raise a child.
Funnier than expected. I wasn't expecting much when going to see it , but it wasn't as bad as I though it would be. Many scenes weren't original, and have been used many times before in other films, but some of the time they were funny. The simplicity of the plot made the film easily watchable without questioning too much about it.
The plot was pretty basic and funny. Although it was predictable what was going to happen, the film still gave some solid laughs.
The acting doesn't have to be good in a film like this, and in my opinion comedy your not really acting, your just trying to be funny. Sean William Scott, and Paul Rudd gave solid performences, and supporting cast were pretty average.
Overall "Role Models" is watchable, and has a few good laughs. My rating is 3/5.
Miracle On 34th Street (December 1, 1994) (DVD Released October 30, 2001)
Rating - G
Tagline - When You Love Someone Deeply Enough, Anything Is Possible.
Experience The Miracle.
Australian Gross - $868,383
Six-year old Susan Walker (Mara Wilson) has doubts about childhood's most enduring miracle - Santa Claus. Her mother told her the "secret" about Santa a long time ago, so Susan doesn't expect to receieve the most important gifts on her Christmas list. But after meeting a special department store Santa (Richard Attenborough) who's convinced he's the real thing, Susan is given the most precious gift of all - something to believe in. This uplifting and joyous seasonal film will make believers out of the entire family.
Watchable. This isn't really in my opinion a movie for the real little kids as the film really centres around whether or not Santa Claus is real or not, and give some pretty good stuff for kids not to want to believe. The film is weatchable and during the christmas season perfect for that cold day with the family. It's nothnig spectacular bit is worht watching if you like the chirstmas genre.
The plot was really well constructed and even had a little love story going on during. Once again nothnig special but watchable.
The acting was also watchable as the cast put on a believable show. "Mara Wilson" is the show stealer as the little girl who doesn't believe in Santa, but then realise's he's real.
Overall "Miracle On 34th Street" is a good watch for the christmas period, or a lazy afternoon. My rating is 3/5.
Scary Movie (August 31, 2000) (DVD Released March 14, 2001)
Rating - MA15+ for Sexual Refereces, Medium Level Violence, Drug Use
Tagline - No Mercy. No Shame. No Sequel.
Australian Gross - $11,564,213
Six friends - Cindy Campbell, Bobby Prinze, Buffy Gilmore, Greg Phillipe, Ray Wilkins, and Brenda Meeks - are being stalked by a serial killer. A serial killer that is after them because of an accident that they caused last Halloween. A serial killer that seems to have come out of every other scary movie. The body count has already started with Drew Decker, the local town slut, and it's starting to build up. The friends are going to have to escape from both the killer's clutches and annoying news reporter Gail Hailstorm if they plan on living to the sequel. The movie's name is what I believe to be based on Screams working title.
Great. From the minute the movie starts you know your in for an hour of laughs. The film spoofs "Scream", "I Know What You Did Last Summer", and many in between. The funniest scene is towards the end, where the movie is mocking the opening scene from "Scream 2". That scene has got to be one of the funniest i've ever seen. What is so intriguing about the film is that it also has little side gags which are mocking pop culture. The killer is a dumbass, the characters are idiots, and the film is just great.
The plot, well o one in the right mind can say it's original, but the plot was so welll constructed without going overboard with the gags. It maintained consistency in it's jokes and kept the audience laughing every step of the way.
The acting, well as you'd expect doesn't need to be top notch, and has a cameo by "Carmen Electra" who spoof's "Drew Barrymore" from "Scream". The acting is nothnig special but is passable as it's not really caring about anything but making the audience happy, and it triupmhant's in that.
Overall "Scary Movie" is the funniest film of 2000, and is sure to keep you laughing every second you'r watching. My rating is 4/5.
Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (December 18 2008) (DVD Released April 16, 2009)
Rating - PG for Mild Animation Violence
Tagline - You Got To Move It It!
Still Together. Still Lost.
Website - www.madagascar2.com.au
Australian Gross - $21,984,063
Left marooned on the distant shores of Madagascar, the New Yorkers have hatched a plan so crazy it just might work. With military precision, the penguins have repaired an old crashed plane - sort of. Once aloft, this unlikely crew stays airborne just long enough to make it to the wildest place of all – the vast plains of Africa itself – where our zoo-raised crew encounters species of their own kind for the very first time.
While discovering their roots, they quickly realize the differences between the concrete jungle and the heart of Africa. Despite long-lost relatives, romantic rivals and scheming hunters, Africa seems like a "crack-a-lackin" great place...but is it better than their Central Park home?.
Funnier than the first. When walking into the cinema I was a bit hesitant as the first, was really one of the best Dreamworks films in a long while, but the more the film was screening the funnier it got. So many scenes were so funny, yes on the childrens level, but also on an adult level which I understood aswell (i'm 14). Although the occasional predictable scene came along, it was great to see what the makers done to make it less predictable if you know what I mean. The movie kept reminding me of "The Lion King", because Alex's dad is king of the jungle and the King's rival is trying to get rid of him, so he'll be king. But the film is very original, and some classic characters return including the crazy old lady from the first, that snogged Alex over the head with her handbag. She returns as part of a human group that the penguins hijack for their jeep while on tour. She turns to be their leader.
The plot was original, although some scenes reminded of "The Lion King", vaguely I might add. We learnt that al the characters were missing something in their life, and well In Africa, they found it. Great Plot=Great film.
The dialogue was very funny, and gives the film the funny vibe the first one had.
Overall "Madagascar 2: Escape To Afirca" is alot funnier than the original, and is the best Dreamworks pic in a long time. My rating is 4.5/5
Disaster Movie (October 2, 2008) (DVD Released March 10, 2009)
Rating - M for Coarse Language, Crude Humour and Violence.
Tagline - Your Favourite Movies Are Going To Be Destroyed.
Not Another Shallowe Hollywood Movie
Mother !@#?*0% Nature.
Rock On!
Better Get Off Quick.
Website - www.disastermovie.com.au
Australian Gross - $1,011,958
A 22 year olds sweet 16th party is ruined when continuous disasters are hitting the world. Miley Cyrus is crushed by a Meteor, and Will thinks he knows how to stop it. He had a dream the previous night in which Amy Winehouse told him that the only way to stop it is to get the crystal skull back on it's shrine. Then he and a few others race around town trying to get to the museum where the Crystal Skull is at.
Wow. I wen't in knowing it wasn't going to be excellent, but i was actually surprised at how many times i laughed. The humour throughout is so early teen humour and i couldn't stop laughing. I'd say 75% of the film was wannabe funny and 25% was funny crude humour. I must admit that these movies (Egzample Epic Movie, Superhero Movie) are really getting out of control, I've seen all of them and the Scary Movie's are obviously the funniest, then Date Movie, then this, then Meet The Spartans. The rest are poor with nothing that appeals. One thing that pissed me off was the posters for the film. There is a Simpsons poster in which nothing relatig to the simpsons is even in the movie. I was expecting something cool for the Day After Tomorrow spoof but it was really shit.
The plot was really really stupid and i mean worse than that of Superhero Movie. The scenes were so coincidental and just how everything meshed wasn't very good to watch. Some parts of the plot made sense but the whole storyline was pretty damn stupid.
The characters in the film are just as dumb if not dumber than Cindy Campbell from the Scary Movie franchise. But they don't appeal to me like Cindy. Matt Lanter isn't very successfull at being believable. I was expecting Carmen Electra to have a bigger role than the 3 minute cameo, but she really wasn't needed. Nicole Parker made me laugh my head off with her undeniable stupidity. She is basically the enchanted slut princess. Crista Flanigan is very irritating as Juno aka Juney. She really irritates you with her mockings of Juno.
Overall Disaster Movie is a somewhat entertaining/dunny film but majority of it is just crap. My ratins is 3/5
Baby Mama (August 21, 2008) (DVD Released December 31, 2008)
Rating - M for Infrequent Coarse Language.
Tagline - Would You Put Your Eggs...In This Basket?
Would You.....Pay Her To Have Your Baby?
Website - www.babymama.com.au
Australian Gross - $2,569,148
Kate who is in her late 30's suddenly wants a baby after years of hating kids. She thinks it's now or never, and when her doctor says she has a 1 in 1,000,000 chance of concieving she finds another way of having her own child. She hires a surrogate mother, who ends up living with her. The surrogate mother Angela is a white trash and she and her boyfriend are only in it for the money. Kate never got pregnant, but pretends to so she can keep the money.
Meh. This wasn't a bad movie, but it dragged on and on. Only a few laughing moments in the whole film. I'd say more or less it is a comedy/drama only because majority of the film is about Tina Fey's mid life crisis. The plot was soppy and i was hoping for the excellence of what Fey brang to Mean Girls.
The plot could've been better but then again not many plots are as good as they could be. The humour was mature and since i'm only 14, it would be right to say that i didn't find it that funny as some of the others in the theatre did. I glanced at the time a few times because the story was predictable and the movie wasn't going anywhere.
The acting was great with Amy Phoeler of course being the standout with her trashy ditsy character Anglea. Tinay Fey's character Kate is the sarcastic serious woman that is accidentially funny.
Overall Baby Mama has a few funny moments, but the movie drags on to an extent. My rating is 2.5/5