Tag Archives: Jane Lynch

Adventure, Animation, Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews

WRECK IT RALPH (2012), The Things I Liked…

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Wreck It Ralph (2012), John C. Reilly
Wreck It Ralph (2012), John C. Reilly

Wreck it Ralph, the animated comedy about a video game villain who wants to be a hero, but inadvertently brings havoc to the place he lives, as he tries to do just that is a movie I’m glad to have finally watched.

What I like most about writer / director Rich Moore’s film is the general cleverness of the story and its execution. There’s a particular twist in the story that I didn’t see coming that stands out as a favourite moment.

Another element to enjoy about Wreck It Ralph is the animated cuteness. It’s not quite the baby Jack Jack from Incredibles 2 (2018)or the Minions (2015)kind of extreme cuteness, but it’s cuteness all the same. 

Even though Wreck It Ralph is overall a good movie, it isn’t quite in my top ten list of favourite animated films. I blame my non-gamer status for this. Especially since I’m sure that those who’ve played all or most of the arcade games featured are very likely going to enjoy this movie that much more. Of all the games in the movie, I’ve only ever really played PacMan and Sonic the Hedgehog.

I know that by this point you’ve probably already seen this movie and its sequel – but if not, tune in to appreciate the smart execution and especially if you’re a fan of arcade games.

Wreck It Ralph stars John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch and Sarah Silverman.

Happy Film Loving 

G

Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews

MASCOTS (2016): Funny…

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Mascots (2016), Zach Woods, Sarah Baker
Mascots (2016), Zach Woods, Sarah Baker

As the trailer promised, Mascots has a healthy serving of quirky and entertaining characters. A very special selection of unusual people gathered in one place for the 8th World Mascot Association Championships; a sports mascot competition in which the very best sports mascots compete for the ‘Golden Fluffy Award’.

I’m one of those people who stopped watching television talent programmes because I could no longer take all the seemingly forced and inauthentic sob stories. I also decided that life’s not long enough for me to be ok with sitting through the numerous delusional performer’s unbearably cringeworthy interactions with the judges. Luckily for me, there’s none of that nonsense in Mascots.

Mascots (2016), Susan Yeagley, Parker Posey
Mascots (2016), Susan Yeagley, Parker Posey

I loved the humour and the stories of people unapologetically being their – often very peculiar selves. Sid The Hedgehog (Tom Bennett) and Alvin The Armadillo (Parker Posey) are my two favourites.

Mascots is perfect for a relaxed evening’s viewing. I spent most of the time smiling rather than laughing but in this instance, that’s not a bad thing. I like the shooting style which towards the end really had me feeling as though I were right there in the venue audience.

I’m not quite sure if Mascots is based on a real sports mascot competition of this kind but if someone had tickets, I wouldn’t be so quick to say no.

Written/ directed by Christopher Guest and also starring Chris O’Dowd,  Zach Woods, Sarah Baker and Jane Lynch, watch it because the characters are ‘unhinged’, in a good way.

Happy Film Loving

G

Comedy, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

THE LATE BLOOMER (2016): The Things I Liked…

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The Late Bloomer (2016), Johnny Simmons
The Late Bloomer (2016), Johnny Simmons

Starring J.K. Simmons, Jonny Simmons, Brittany Snow, and Paul Wesley, The Late Bloomer is unfortunately not as good a movie as the trailer suggested. A notable issue is the slow pace of the film and the general mediocre execution of what may have been a great comedy about what happens when puberty comes to man at age 30.

Not only did it take too long to get to potentially the most entertaining part of the film – when puberty finally hits, but the amount of time it took to get their proved not nearly worth it because the characters being introduced in the first 30 minutes or so are barely interesting and not particularly convincing. When we do finally get to the puberty segment, the laughs are few. 

The Late Bloomer (2016), J.K. Simmons
The Late Bloomer (2016), J.K. Simmons

As for what I like about The Late Bloomer, I enjoyed Johnny Simmons’s character’s notes to himself about ‘chapter title’ ideas for his new book. I liked the dad character played by J.K. Simmons. His lines were the most amusing and the father / son conversation towards the end is just beautiful. 

Overall, is a movie you should probably only watch only if you absolutely must. I was hoping for something such as the likes of The 40 year Old Virgin (2005). Me and my expectations…

Look up I Love You, Man (2009), a well executed comedy where J.K. Simmons plays another good and funny dad. There’s of course, plenty more to the film than that and it’s all good.

Happy Film Loving

G

Comedy, Drama, Romance

THE LATE BLOOMER (2016): New Trailer From Johnny Simmons, J.K. Simmons, Brittany Snow…

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The Late Bloomer (2016), Johnny Simmons
The Late Bloomer (2016), Johnny Simmons

Imagine the awkwardness of having to go through puberty at 30 years old. That is the premise of The Late Bloomer, the new comedy starring Johnny Simmons, J.K. Simmons, Brittany Snow and Jane lynch…

Based on the book by Ken Baker and directed by Kevin Pollak, I’ll be watching in hopes that the movie will be executed well and be a little reminiscent of The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005). 40 Days 40 Nights (2002) also comes to mind.

I’m also excited about the father/ son relationship between Simmons and Simmons’ characters. The clips in this trailer remind me of what I loved about J.K. Simmons’ good work in I Love you, Man (2009).

Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bello, Charlotte McKinney and Lenora Crichlow also star.

The Late Bloomer Release Dates: October 7th, 2016 (US)…

Happy Film Loving 🙂

G

Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

JULIE & JULIA (2009): In The Name Of Passion And A Love Of Food

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Julie & Julia (2009), Meryl Streep
Julie & Julia (2009), Meryl Streep

When you sit down to watch Julie and Julia, I highly recommend having a few of your favourite foods with you. I say this because you will find yourself with at least one or two serious  cravings.

Based on the life of American Chef, Julia Child, and Writer Julie Powell, meet two ladies with a shared passion for food, cooking and feeding the people they love.

Besides the joy of a well executed drama about two women who quite literally come alive whilst indulging in their favourite pass time, Julie & Julia will likely inspire you to dedicate more time pursuing your own passions.

To look at it another way, should the task of silencing doubters be a  hobby of yours, or one you wouldn’t mind taking up, then look no further to see it done with such admirable aplomb.

If you’re still unsure, I have two words. Meryl Streep.

Happy Julie & Julia 🙂

G