Directed by Brian Henson; Melissa McCarthy, Elizabeth Banks and Joel McHale star in The Happytime Murders, an action/comedy about a disgraced LAPD detective-turned-private eye puppet.
The private eye puppet is determined to solve the case when the puppet cast of an ’80s children’s TV show begins to get murdered one by one.
I don’t yet know what to make of this. I’m just glad that the word ‘Muppets’ isn’t in the title, considering the ‘R’ rating. It will hopefully be a good comedy, thanks to the involvement of Banks in particular and McCarthy.
Directed by Marielle Heller; starring Melissa McCarthy, Dolly Wells and Richard E. Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me? is based on the true story of Lee Israel.
Israel was a celebrity biographer whose writing fell out of step with current tastes. So, Israel turned her art form to deception.
There’s no doubt in my mind that McCarthy’s performance will prove notable. I just hope that the story’s execution is adequately engaging overall. I’d be even more confident if I didn’t feel as though this trailer had revealed more than it probably needed to.
Knowing that ‘acting queen’ Julianne Moore dropped out of playing McCarthy’s role doesn’t equal to increased confidence. Nevertheless, all could still turn out great because, in addition to being a biography/drama, Can You Ever Forgive Me? is also a comedy.
Jennifer Westfeldt, Joanna Adler, Julie Ann Emery, Alice Kremelberg and Anna Deavere Smith also star.
Ghostbusters (2016), Kate McKinnon, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones
Starring Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig and Chris Hemsworth, Ghostbusters is simultaneously everything I expected and also what I did not expect. The former because the trailers were so very disappointing that I really ought to have known. The latter because the director is Paul Feig, the man who brought us big comedy hits such as Bridesmaids (2011)and Spy (2015).
Surely, if anyone could do right by the much-loved Ghostbusters classic, it would be Feig. Apparently not, because the words that went through my mind as I watched Ghostbusters were ‘Oh, this is bad and slow.’ ’Why does the green slime feel ridiculous, unfunny and the special effects dated?’ ‘Why am I not laughing?’ ‘Is this movie made for nine to fourteen-year-olds?’ Was the production just a mad rush?’ ‘Where did it all go wrong? I had such high HOPES! (before I saw the trailers).’
Ghostbusters (2016), Leslie Jones
Even though the trailers did leave plenty to be desired, I didn’t really believe that we’d end up with what feels like a wasted opportunity and a Paul Feig movie I’d much rather forget.
Within all the madness, I did manage to find a few highlights. Firstly, there’s the great line or two delivered by Kevin (Chris Hemsworth), when he’s questioned about his glasses. Second, Leslie Jones’s energy and commitment to her character is something that really helped with my engagement levels. Third, the role played by Zach Woods – because he has great facial expressions and eyeballs.
Last but certainly not least, Bill Murray. His character’s appearance actually helped lift things for a good few seconds, far from long enough, obviously.
At this point, I’d just really love for Feig’s next movie to be great because rightly or wrongly, he’s the one I’m most disappointed in.
Central Intelligence (2016), Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson
Central Intelligence is a watchable action/comedy because of the fantastic dynamic between Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson’s characters.
As for how believable I found the movie in regards to the way some of the story and action unfolded, let’s just say my disbelief was hardly ever fully suspended.
Nevertheless, i say watch it for the light entertainment and humour. Just don’t expect to be convinced by everything that takes place.
Jason Bateman’s small part is a highlight, as was the message about bullying.
The Boss, directed by Ben Falcone who co-wrote the story with his wife Melissa McCarthy is a comedy that isn’t quite as unwatchable as Tammy (2014) – the couple’s last collaboration, but that doesn’t mean it’s good either
What’s undoubtable by now is McCarthy’s comedy skills. Unfortunately, I just see The Boss as another movie that’s actually more enjoyable in the format of short comedy sketches. I.e. the film’s trailer or something like an episode of Comedy Central’s Inside Amy Schumer.
The good thing about thecomedy sketch/trailer format for this movie is that nobody would have to put up with what in the end feels like story telling, minus the commitment required to make it good enough.
The Boss (2016), Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell
As for the notable amount of profanity in the movie,I enjoy creative use of cuss words as much much as most, but in this film, it’s used so much that it actually stops adding to the comedy and borders on tedious and lazy.
I was really hoping that The Boss would have me raving about how much fun it is – as I did with McCarthy’s last movie Spy (2015). Sadly, The Boss just feels kind of empty and instead makes me want to re-watch Horrible Bosses (2011), a really, rather good comedy.
Mary Sohn, Timothy Simons and Kathy Bates also star.
The Movie My Life 