gnr008-3 Reviews

MacGruber (2010)

The Gum Holds

[6/10 · 21 May 2010]

In 1985, a show began about a man who refused to use weapons but instead used his mind (and everyday household items, of course) to outwit the bad guys. Fast forward to the beginning of the 21st century, Will forte created a character on Saturday Night Live that would have been hilarious and relevant, in the 80's. His character MacGruber stars in a one-note riff parodying the TV icon Macgeyver. Naturally Lorne Michaels thought this 90-second sketch should be made into a feature length movie.

Along with Forte, fellow SNL cast member Kristen Wiig is thrown into the mix as MacGruber's daft gal Friday, Vicki St. Elmo. A nuclear warhead is stolen and of course the only man for the job is a stale 80's parody. In this film it actually works. Stuck together like makeshift crossbow made out of Bubble Yum and a paper clip, Macgruber mixes realistic action with over the top crude, childish and witty comedy. The movies gags are a lot like Macgruber himself. When he wins, he wins big but when he fails he falls flat on his face. The hit and miss comedy will leave you cackling and rolling your eyes. The movie's strength is its repetition of jokes, which surprisingly, make you laugh harder the second time.

Forte plays Macgruber with the same weak acting as that of MacGyver. Some of his nonsense rings true and some of it makes you wish he'd shut up. Val Kilmer is given surprisingly little to do as the movies villain. The funniest thing about him is his name. All together it leaves us with a mish mash of epic proportions. Though uneven the film does reward its audience with laughs. MacGruber has parts that shouldn't fit but by some miracle the Bubble Yum holds.

Iron Man 2 (2010)

Too Much Iron

[7/10 · 18 May 2010]

Just a few years ago the careers of Robert Downy Jr. and Mickey Rourke looked like the smoldering aftermath of one of the explosive battles in Iron man 2. Now they're together staring in one of the biggest movies of the summer. The problem is biggest does not always mean best.

Downy reprises his role as weapons mogul Tony Stark. We pick up the story after Stark announces he is Iron man. Soon we are pulled along with him as he's stretched every direction by the government, friends and enemies. As he's spiraling out of control he becomes somewhat of an ass but Downey's irresistible charm pulls you through.

Rourke joins the cast as a disgruntled Russian baddie who invents his own suit and weapons manufacturer and rival to stark, Justin hammer (Sam Rockwell) finances his operation. Rourke steals almost every scene he's in with little dialogue. His presents on the screen is commanding. Rockwell is solid, as Downys smarmy know it all rival. But in the end the show belongs to Tony Stark. Downey keeps you hanging on every word with the help of Justin Theroux's dialogue. There is sharp wit and bite with every snarky comment. The movie oozes humor and it saves the picture.

While Theroux wrote great dialogue, his story suffers from a bloated plot. Too many new and uninteresting characters such as the members of S.H.E.I.L.D. put a speed bump in the middle of the movie throwing of the pacing a bit. Sam Jackson and Scarlett Johansson give wooden performances that take away screen time from the Downy, Paltrow would be romance and the more interesting plot line of Starks daddy issues. I understand that they are trying to set up an Avengers movie but not at the cost of Iron Man.

The action is bigger and louder as you would expect in a summer sequel, but is unnecessary. Its always gonna be more fun to see one dastardly bad guy pummel the hero, than whole mess of not so dastardly ones get ripped to shreds. The smaller action scenes do work but the climax leaves the movie down flat. In the end Iron Man 2 leaves you wanting a little more man and a lot less iron.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

More fun, courtesy of Doctor Jones

[9/10 · 28 May 2008]

I've read a lot, and I mean a lot of ridiculous reviews of the new Indy movie. Has everyone forgotten what Indy stands for? When you go to see an Indiana Jones movie you should expect to go on a hell of a ride. That is exactly what this movie does. To expect Oscar gold is just plan stupid. I know its the most anticipated sequel since the Phantom Menace but unlike that movie, I got exactly what I expected. Spielberg and Lucus delivered a really fun summer movie.

It was great to see Harrison back in the fedora. He did not miss a beat, fitting back into the character like a beloved worn leather jacket. Shia LaBeouf did a good job as short round part two. His character does grow on you as the movie throttles forward. Karen Allen is back as Marian Ravenwood. Witch is a blessing after the screaming Cate Capshaw. Cate Blanchett rounds out the cast and does a god job as an evil Soviet "doctor".

Like I said earlier the movie is a thrill ride. The well choreographed chase scene's may at times seem a little unbelievable, but who cares Its Indianna Jones! All of the other movies are just as unbelievable. The truck chase in raiders, the mine cars in temple and the tank in crusade are just as ridiculous, but thats why we love Indy. There is one particularly good motorcycle chase with Indy and Shia's character Mutt.

Finally the aliens. I've heard nothing but the aliens make a shaky plot. To that I say, Indianna Jones is not the Godfather. No, the plot is not flawless, but none of the Indys plots are flawless. Like the killer ghost in the arch is more plausible than aliens helping Mayans build a lost city. People don't see Indy with E.T. but, there is no reason they shouldn't. It fits the action packed, supernatural theme of all of the other movies. Its really not a stretch. This is a hell of a summer blockbuster and Indy is definitely back.

If you don't like this movie you don't like Indianna Jones!