I apologize for the delay in updates; as I've been busy this past week. By next Sunday night, however, I will be posting a new article outlining my excitement for this Summer's upcoming comic book movies. I will be explaining my views on the premises, cats, and more. In addition, I will be commenting on the themes of each one; thus establishing them as serious films. I am planning to have my writing up by the end of the month; that way, it prepares you all for the arrival of "The Avengers;" a comic book adaptation that's sure to be one of the Summer's biggest hits.
So stay tuned and I will be posting my writing by the end of next weekend. Trust me, you do NOT want to miss this one!
EDIT: Due to three eye doctor appointments I had this past week, I am behind. My blog post will be up right in time for "The Avengers" to his the screens. It will be up by Thursday night
E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
That's the show
All in all, not the best show of the season at all. Josh Brolin was hardly given anything funny at all. I feel that he was wasted with very weak material.
The cold opening started off kind of silly with the singing of Green Day's "Time of Your Life;" but most of the performances saved t. It was nice seeing everyone present their impressions of all the Republican candidates. Bill Hader was truly hilarious as Rick Perry and Sudeikis was good as Mitt Romney as always. Kristen Wiig was great as well; but Kenan Thompson's Herman Cain wasn't very funny at all. It wasn't a bad opening; and it got better as it went on.
I was happy to see Josh Brolin get a simple monologue; but unfortunately, it ended very abruptly with Jay Pharaoh's Will Smith impression. Brolin handled himself well; though I wish he was given better material.
The Californians wasn't terrible; but it wasn't very funny. Everyone gave good performances. Unfortunately, the writing wasn't stellar at all. Though I liked everyone's Californian accents and all the acting was fine. I just wish that the sketch was actually funny.
The game show sketch featuring contestants performing variants of Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" was an interesting idea; but the sketch appeared a bit rushed throughout. All the performances were good; especially Jay pharaoh's -- as his Jay-Z impression was both accurate and funny. I enjoyed Josh Brolin's and Kristen Wiig's singing; as they gave the best performances out of all the sets of two-people singing groups. This was an intriguing sketch; but I feel it was played out too quickly.
Laser Cats 7 proved to be more strange than funny; but I did like all the references to Stephen Speilberg's films. His cameo was COMPLETELY unexpected; and his participation in the Laser Cats clip was funny as well. Both Bill Hader and Andy Samberg gave good performances; but unfortunately, I've seen too many Laser Cats shorts to find it entirely amazing. With rumors of Andy Samberg leaving the show after this season, I'm wondering if this is the last one.
Weekend Update wasn't great at all as well. Seth Meyers had a few funny jokes; but some of his quips fell flat. I don't have a lot to say about Fred Armisen and Kristen Wiig bringing back their characters Garth and Kat respectfully. The format of these segments basically follows the same format every time; with a couple exceptions. Fred Armisen and Kristen Wiig performed well; but their material was very weak.
Piers Morgan Tonight wasn't as good as its first installment. Once again, however, Taran Killam gave a good performance and his impression of Morgan is hilarious. The rest of the sketch, unfortunately, wasn't very funny; and Josh Brolin wasn't given anything funny at all. I also saw no need to bring back Andy Samberg's tightrope bouncer character back again; as his involvement was basically a complete rehash. This sketch had a lot of potential; thanks to Taran Killam's performance. However, he was the only funny performer in the sketch.
The high school sketch was creative; though I feel that the joke of the students walking slowly got a tad old. Nevertheless, everyone gave good performances; and Bill Hader was funny when he was explaining to Vanessa Bayer's character what was going on regarding the physics for why the students were walking slowly. I also feel that Josh Brolin was amusing as the scientist that was trying to find a cure for everyone's slow walking. I must say, however, the sketch ended a bit too abruptly.
The second digital short was great; as I loved seeing Andy Samberg and Taran Killam poke fun at Gotye's somewhat strange music video for "Someone I used to Know." Gotye was a good sport throughout the short; and it proved that he has a sense of humor about himself. Both Samberg and Killam were very funny and they played off Gotye very well. This was a MUCH MORE ENTERTAINING digital short than Laser Cats 7.
The school assembly sketch wasn't very funny. I liked seeing Jay Pharaoh front and center; as he gives good performances. Unfortunately, the writers didn't give him anything truly funny to do. In addition, I got a little tired of Josh Brolin's character going on and on about dating a student. The joke got old quick and he came off as kind of annoying in his performance. Kenan Thompson didn't deliver anything funny as well; and I didn't laugh at all.
All in all, most of this show could be considered to be be somewhat forgettable. Josh Brolin was hardly given anything special at all; though he did give good performances in some sketches. But unfortunately, he was saddled with weak material.
Gotye went on to be a good musical guest. He performed his songs well and his music was nice to listen to. I'm glad to see him involved in a digital short as well; and his reactions to Samberg's and Killam's antics were very good.
And that's my review. There are three episodes left in the season. The show returns May 5 with Eli Manning as the host and Rhianna as the musical guest. I truly hope that the final three shows are all good. If they are not, than I'll be sad to see this season end on a whimper; as the year started on a positive note when Alec Baldwin hosted the premier. But that's a post for another time.
Thank you so much for following me tonight and I look forward to posting my next writing.
E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com
The cold opening started off kind of silly with the singing of Green Day's "Time of Your Life;" but most of the performances saved t. It was nice seeing everyone present their impressions of all the Republican candidates. Bill Hader was truly hilarious as Rick Perry and Sudeikis was good as Mitt Romney as always. Kristen Wiig was great as well; but Kenan Thompson's Herman Cain wasn't very funny at all. It wasn't a bad opening; and it got better as it went on.
I was happy to see Josh Brolin get a simple monologue; but unfortunately, it ended very abruptly with Jay Pharaoh's Will Smith impression. Brolin handled himself well; though I wish he was given better material.
The Californians wasn't terrible; but it wasn't very funny. Everyone gave good performances. Unfortunately, the writing wasn't stellar at all. Though I liked everyone's Californian accents and all the acting was fine. I just wish that the sketch was actually funny.
The game show sketch featuring contestants performing variants of Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" was an interesting idea; but the sketch appeared a bit rushed throughout. All the performances were good; especially Jay pharaoh's -- as his Jay-Z impression was both accurate and funny. I enjoyed Josh Brolin's and Kristen Wiig's singing; as they gave the best performances out of all the sets of two-people singing groups. This was an intriguing sketch; but I feel it was played out too quickly.
Laser Cats 7 proved to be more strange than funny; but I did like all the references to Stephen Speilberg's films. His cameo was COMPLETELY unexpected; and his participation in the Laser Cats clip was funny as well. Both Bill Hader and Andy Samberg gave good performances; but unfortunately, I've seen too many Laser Cats shorts to find it entirely amazing. With rumors of Andy Samberg leaving the show after this season, I'm wondering if this is the last one.
Weekend Update wasn't great at all as well. Seth Meyers had a few funny jokes; but some of his quips fell flat. I don't have a lot to say about Fred Armisen and Kristen Wiig bringing back their characters Garth and Kat respectfully. The format of these segments basically follows the same format every time; with a couple exceptions. Fred Armisen and Kristen Wiig performed well; but their material was very weak.
Piers Morgan Tonight wasn't as good as its first installment. Once again, however, Taran Killam gave a good performance and his impression of Morgan is hilarious. The rest of the sketch, unfortunately, wasn't very funny; and Josh Brolin wasn't given anything funny at all. I also saw no need to bring back Andy Samberg's tightrope bouncer character back again; as his involvement was basically a complete rehash. This sketch had a lot of potential; thanks to Taran Killam's performance. However, he was the only funny performer in the sketch.
The high school sketch was creative; though I feel that the joke of the students walking slowly got a tad old. Nevertheless, everyone gave good performances; and Bill Hader was funny when he was explaining to Vanessa Bayer's character what was going on regarding the physics for why the students were walking slowly. I also feel that Josh Brolin was amusing as the scientist that was trying to find a cure for everyone's slow walking. I must say, however, the sketch ended a bit too abruptly.
The second digital short was great; as I loved seeing Andy Samberg and Taran Killam poke fun at Gotye's somewhat strange music video for "Someone I used to Know." Gotye was a good sport throughout the short; and it proved that he has a sense of humor about himself. Both Samberg and Killam were very funny and they played off Gotye very well. This was a MUCH MORE ENTERTAINING digital short than Laser Cats 7.
The school assembly sketch wasn't very funny. I liked seeing Jay Pharaoh front and center; as he gives good performances. Unfortunately, the writers didn't give him anything truly funny to do. In addition, I got a little tired of Josh Brolin's character going on and on about dating a student. The joke got old quick and he came off as kind of annoying in his performance. Kenan Thompson didn't deliver anything funny as well; and I didn't laugh at all.
All in all, most of this show could be considered to be be somewhat forgettable. Josh Brolin was hardly given anything special at all; though he did give good performances in some sketches. But unfortunately, he was saddled with weak material.
Gotye went on to be a good musical guest. He performed his songs well and his music was nice to listen to. I'm glad to see him involved in a digital short as well; and his reactions to Samberg's and Killam's antics were very good.
And that's my review. There are three episodes left in the season. The show returns May 5 with Eli Manning as the host and Rhianna as the musical guest. I truly hope that the final three shows are all good. If they are not, than I'll be sad to see this season end on a whimper; as the year started on a positive note when Alec Baldwin hosted the premier. But that's a post for another time.
Thank you so much for following me tonight and I look forward to posting my next writing.
E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com
The writing Josh Brolin was given wasn't funny. His performance saved it though
I think that Jay Pharaoh played this character back when Paul Rudd hosted in December 2010.
Kenan is just annoying in this sketch.
I'm not finding this sketch to be very funny. I blame the writers.
The performances are good but this segment wasn't very funny.
Kenan is just annoying in this sketch.
I'm not finding this sketch to be very funny. I blame the writers.
The performances are good but this segment wasn't very funny.
This basically the last sketch for the night
Jay Pharaoh has done alot tonight. He's a good performer but he' s often given weak material.
Gotye is now performing
He sounds a little like Sting; you can DEFINITELY hear it in his voice.
Nevertheless, he is a good performer and this song sounds good
Nevertheless, he is a good performer and this song sounds good
Some of the comedy in this sketch is kind of silly
But it's creative and well-performed
Another digital short. Good to see Gotye appearing in the short. That was a GREAT spoof of Gotye's music video for "Someone I used to Know"
That was funny. I'm glad that they are poing fun at the offbeat nature of the music video. That was funnier and more creative than Laser Cats 7!
Another digital short. Good to see Gotye appearing in the short. That was a GREAT spoof of Gotye's music video for "Someone I used to Know"
That was funny. I'm glad that they are poing fun at the offbeat nature of the music video. That was funnier and more creative than Laser Cats 7!
Next sketch is now
A school-baded sketch. This is aniterestinmg idea for a sketch. I like seeithe castmembers and Josh Brolin performing comically-exagerated slow motion movements
Armisen isn't very funny during this sketch
Taram Killam is doing well though. Josh Brolin isn't getting do much comedy in this piece other than speaking in a comical accent.
And by the way, I'm getting tired ofNasim Pedrad's Kim Kardashian impression,. She's done it too much by now
I'm glad that Jay Pharaoh is getting to do more tonight. And why did they bring back Andy Samberg's tightwalk character back from the first installment? It was funny before; but the joke was basically rehashed.
Taran Killam gave the funniest performance in that sketch
And by the way, I'm getting tired ofNasim Pedrad's Kim Kardashian impression,. She's done it too much by now
I'm glad that Jay Pharaoh is getting to do more tonight. And why did they bring back Andy Samberg's tightwalk character back from the first installment? It was funny before; but the joke was basically rehashed.
Taran Killam gave the funniest performance in that sketch
This isn't bad so far
Taran Killam and Jason Sudeikis perform well. And now Fred Armisen's impression of ICE-T.
Show's back with a spoof of Piers Morgan Tonight
Taran Killam does a good job impersonating Piers Morgan
This isn't that great of a show so far
It's having it's moments; but it isn't the funniest show of the season AT ALL. Josh brolin hasn't even done that much so far
These segments always go on a bit too long
And they basically end the same way. What do you expect from these writers?
I blame the writters for the monotony of these bits
I REALLY wish that Armisen and Wiig are given better material
Wow! Garth and Kat
Fred Armisen and Kristen Wiig basically do the same thing every time they play these characters.
That was very silly
But those films have always been silly. I wonder if that will be the last Laser Cats short?
Musical performances is coming up now
Musical performances is coming up now
Jay Pharaoh's impression of Jay-Z is one of the funniest pats of this sketch
That last song was performed well.
Eli Manning to host on May 5
Had a feeling that an athlete would be hosting the show at some point. This means that there's two more hosts left for the season that are yet to be revealed.
The writing in this sketch isn't funny
The castmembers' performances as well as Josh brolin's are saving it.
Andy Samberg seems to be channeling Adam Sandler for his impression
He sounded just like him a few times
This is an interesting sketch opening in all honesty
Kenan as Herman Cain. His impression isn't that great though
It's Almost That Time!
In just a little over two hours, my live coverage of tonight's episode of "Saturday Night Live" will begin. I'm looking forward to commenting on the sketches and performances that will take place throughout the show.
Once again, please feel free to comment on any of my posts as your feedback is very important. Be sure to keep refreshing your screens so you can see my latest updates.
Be sure to have your televisions set to NBC by 11:30pm and have my blog on your computers. Thank you for following me and I'll see you at 11:30pm!
E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com
Once again, please feel free to comment on any of my posts as your feedback is very important. Be sure to keep refreshing your screens so you can see my latest updates.
Be sure to have your televisions set to NBC by 11:30pm and have my blog on your computers. Thank you for following me and I'll see you at 11:30pm!
E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com
Tonight I'm Live-Blogging "Saturday Night Live"!
Don't miss my live coverage of tonight's all-new episode of "Saturday; Night Live;" which will be hosted by Josh Brolin and Gotye as the musical guest. Throughout the show, I will be opining on the sketches, performances, as well as anything else that's worth mentioning. I'm happy to be doing this again; as it will be my first live-blogging since my surgery a few weeks ago.
So get ready and have your televisions set to NBC by 11:30pm and have my blog up on your computers. Be sure to keep refreshing your screens so you can see my latest comments. Fell free to share your own thoughts by clicking the "comments" link below my comments. Your feedback is very important.
So stay tuned and I'll see you at 11:30pm!
E-mail me thatsnatertainment@gmx.com
So get ready and have your televisions set to NBC by 11:30pm and have my blog up on your computers. Be sure to keep refreshing your screens so you can see my latest comments. Fell free to share your own thoughts by clicking the "comments" link below my comments. Your feedback is very important.
So stay tuned and I'll see you at 11:30pm!
E-mail me thatsnatertainment@gmx.com
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Sorry for the Dellay in Posts
I apologize for the lack of updates lately. I've been a little busy but I'm ready to blog again.
This Saturday night, I will be live-blogging this week's episode of "Saturday Night Live;" which will be hosted by Josh Brolin and Gotye will serve as the musical guest. Throughout the episode, I will be commenting on the writing and performances as well as anything else that comes to mind. I'm very excited about this week's show; as there are only four episodes left to air this season.
So prepare yourself for some in-depth live-blogging this weekend. Stay tuned and I'll see you Saturday night!
E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com
This Saturday night, I will be live-blogging this week's episode of "Saturday Night Live;" which will be hosted by Josh Brolin and Gotye will serve as the musical guest. Throughout the episode, I will be commenting on the writing and performances as well as anything else that comes to mind. I'm very excited about this week's show; as there are only four episodes left to air this season.
So prepare yourself for some in-depth live-blogging this weekend. Stay tuned and I'll see you Saturday night!
E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com
Monday, April 2, 2012
From the Mind of Nate: My Opinions of Some of the Comedies of 2011
2012 is more than underway! As we are now in the third month of the year, people everywhere are taking stock of the twelve months that made up 2011. As others tend to reflect on foreign affairs and, economic matters, and the latest technological breakthroughs, my mind happens to be focused on something more leisurely: the comedies that were screened to the delight of movie-lovers everywhere. I remember being excited whenever a new comedic film was headed to the theaters; so much so that I kept searching the Internet about any updates or changes to a specific one. And due to the intriguing premises of the films as well as the involvement of some of my favorite performers, I was excited to see a good number of comedies either in the theater or on DVD. Unfortunately, to my vast disappointment, a good number of films proved to be not as entirely great as I hoped they would . Some particular films failed to have a good storyline, weak performances, and humor that appeared artificial. . Henceforth, in response to the year 2011, I can say with no hesitation:
2011 Wasn't the Best Year for Comedy Films
One of the comedies that disappointed me in some way was perhaps the most widely-praised films of 2911. I'm talking about the p Judd Apatow-produced “Bridesmaids;” which opened May 13th and starred Kristen Wiig as Annie; a former pastry chef whose life falls apart when her best friend Lillian, portrayed by Maya Rudolph, is getting married. Kristen Wiig, who also co-wrote the script, bestowed an entertaining and personable performance as the film's lead and went on to receive an Academy Award Nomination for Best Screenplay. The film starred a collection of hilarious actresses that included Melissa McCarthy; who stole the spotlight as Megan; the sharp-tongued sister of the groom. Throughout the film, McCarthy displayed a true knack for both physical and verbal comedy; resulting in one of the year's most comedic performances. Melissa McCarthy's involvement in the film earned her many honors; including an Academy Award Nomination in the Best Supporting Actress comedy. The film also featured keen performances by Chris O'Dowd, who portrayed the Officer Nathan Rhodes, the eventual love interest of Kristen Wiig's Annie, and Jon Hamm; who hysterically played our heroine's sleazy on-and-off-again sex partner. Needless to say, there was a lot of great talent in this movie. However, in all honesty, not everything in “Bridesmaids” was perfect. For starters, while Kristen Wiig gave a memorable performance as the film's central protagonist, I greatly wish that some of the supporting actresses, such as Wendi McLendon- Covey and Ellie Kemper, got more opportunities to demonstrate their comedic skills. Both McLendon-Covey and Kemper were very funny as bridesmaids Rita and Becca respectfully; and I wish they got more screentime. Furthermore, some of the comedy in the film appeared forced in order to generate laughter from the audience. One such scene I found to be a tad much was when, as a result of food poisoning, Mclendon-Covey's Rita, Kemper's Becca vomitted in the sink of a bridal boutique. During the same sequence, , McCarthy's Megan expelled bodily waste in the sink; which eventually lead her to receive a lot of attention from critiques and moviegoers. . While I'm happy to see a group of talented actresses get the opportunity to demonstrate their comedic skills, the action appeared forced to get laughter from the audience. I would have liked to seen Kristen Wiig and her writing parter Annie Mumolo come up with a more subtle and less desperate attempt to make moviegoers laugh. Thus, “Bridesmaids” may have been a good opportunity for a talented ensemble of women to engage in R-rated comedy flair, but alas, it wasn't as perfect as I hoped.
Another movie that proved to not be as great as previously hoped was “Crazy, Stupid, Love;” which opened on July 29th. The movie starred Steve Carell as Cal Weaver; a family man that is greatly saddened when his wife Emily, played by Julianne Moore, tells him that she slept with a co-worker and wants a divorce. When first hearing about this movie, I was greatly hoping that Carell would be giving a passionate performance; one that would have been equal to his breakout feat in 2005's “The 40-Year Old Virgin.” Unfortunately, throughout his recital, Carell delivered his lines in a manner completely devoid of raw human emotion. The actor looked as if he was hardly into his role; resulting in a lack of chemistry with Julianne Moore. Because of this, I didn't truly believe the yearning Carell's on-screen persona had for Julianne Moore's Emily.. However, I do have to say that Ryan Gosling gave a very engaging performance as Jacob Palmer; an expert ladies' man who gives Carell's Cal Weaver advice on how to meet single women. The interactions shared between the two characters were quite engaging; mostly due to the latter's fiery performance. Furthermore, his scenes with Emma Stone, who played an aspiring lawyer that proved to be the one woman that was able to initially reject his character's advances, were very enjoyable; as they exhibited top-notch chemistry and acting that truly helped save the film from being completely disappointing. In fact, I truly wish that Fogelman would have centered more of his attention on the relationship between Gosling and Stone's characters; thus allowing bother performers to spend more time on screen together. Their acting proved to be more engaging than Steve Carell's and even Julianne Moore's; who turned in a bland performance as Emily and didn't truly deliver anything memorable. This is a true shame; seeing as Carell and Moore played the film's central characters; and they both failed to bestow genuine acting.
While “Bridesmaids” and “Crazy, Stupid, Love” had their fair share of disappoints, it has to be said that it was “The Hangover: Part II” proved to be the biggest misfire of the summer. When it opened this past Memorial Day Weekend, I was looking forward to reuniting with the “Wolf Pack,” once again played by talented comic-actors Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, for another adventure.. However, to my dismay, a majority of the format followed the exact structure of the first film Only this time, it was Ed Helms' panicky dentist Stu Price that was getting married and the entire affair was taking place in Thailand-- rather than Las Vegas. It was obvious that Screenwriters Scott Amstrong, and Craig Mazin thought the change in scenery would prove to provide much laughter. However, this proved to be wrong as there were hardly any surprises in the film. We knew what to expect right at the beginning; as the movie even started out the same way. As a result, much of the comedy appeared staged in an attempt to recapture the glory of the original film. As the actors stumbled their way from one sequence to the next, I hardly laughed at all. This was the complete opposite from two years ago; as I remember laughing non-stop; considering that the entire story was creative and all the scenes played out in a genuine manner. In other words, we never knew what to expect and our laughter was honest. Here, we were able to predict what happened; leading to a drastic loss of merriment. Thus, the magic was gone and “The Hangover: Part Two” proved to be the biggest low-point of the Summer 2011.
But while these films let me down in various ways this past summer, there were a few comedies that proved bright enough to salvage the year. For instance, “Our Idiot Brother,” which opened August 26th, featured an engaging story as well as a very endearing performance by Paul Rudd; who starred as Ned; a carefree guy who inadvertently disrupts the personal lives of his sisters-- payed by Elizabeth Banks, Emily Mortimer, and Zooey Deschanel.. As Ned, Paul Rudd kept the audience's attention through his lighthearted delivery and his personable attitude. In addition, the rest of the cast's characters were given plenty of screentime; thus allowing viewers enough opportunities to enjoy all the performances. Combined with a humorous and heartfelt screenplay written by Evgenia Peretz and David Schisgall, “Our Idiot Brother” proved to be one of the better comedies of 2011. Another comedy that proved to be very good was “The Change-Up;” which took the body-swap premise, one that has been done before, and utilized it with comical R-rated flair-- thanks in large part two great performances by stars Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds. The film, which opened August 4th, centered around an over-worked business and family man named Dave Lockwood, played by Jason Bateman, switching bodies with his single and womanizing friend Mitch Planko,played by Ryan Reynolds, after urinating in a magical public fountain. The screenplay, written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, proved to tell the story of two completely different male friends who learn to better themselves when experiencing each others lives. What's more, Both Bateman and Reynolds possessed great chemistry; as they were able to trade barbs flawlessly. Both performers gave likable performances; and it was great to see them demonstrate keen comedic timing. The movie proved to be very enjoyable; thus proving that a common premise could provide plenty of opportunities for laughter. In addition,
All in all, 2011 may not have been the best year form comedy; but, perhaps it may have been a transition period. Filmmakers could possibly be trying to see what makes people laugh the most. And this year, we can take to heart that the most important aspects that guarantee a good comedy include atop-notches performances and genuine comedy. Hopefully this year's crop of comedies are much better; thus allowing moviegoers to enjoy themselves in the theaters, After all, good comedies bring people together through the power of laughter and joy. And that is no joke.
E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com
2011 Wasn't the Best Year for Comedy Films
One of the comedies that disappointed me in some way was perhaps the most widely-praised films of 2911. I'm talking about the p Judd Apatow-produced “Bridesmaids;” which opened May 13th and starred Kristen Wiig as Annie; a former pastry chef whose life falls apart when her best friend Lillian, portrayed by Maya Rudolph, is getting married. Kristen Wiig, who also co-wrote the script, bestowed an entertaining and personable performance as the film's lead and went on to receive an Academy Award Nomination for Best Screenplay. The film starred a collection of hilarious actresses that included Melissa McCarthy; who stole the spotlight as Megan; the sharp-tongued sister of the groom. Throughout the film, McCarthy displayed a true knack for both physical and verbal comedy; resulting in one of the year's most comedic performances. Melissa McCarthy's involvement in the film earned her many honors; including an Academy Award Nomination in the Best Supporting Actress comedy. The film also featured keen performances by Chris O'Dowd, who portrayed the Officer Nathan Rhodes, the eventual love interest of Kristen Wiig's Annie, and Jon Hamm; who hysterically played our heroine's sleazy on-and-off-again sex partner. Needless to say, there was a lot of great talent in this movie. However, in all honesty, not everything in “Bridesmaids” was perfect. For starters, while Kristen Wiig gave a memorable performance as the film's central protagonist, I greatly wish that some of the supporting actresses, such as Wendi McLendon- Covey and Ellie Kemper, got more opportunities to demonstrate their comedic skills. Both McLendon-Covey and Kemper were very funny as bridesmaids Rita and Becca respectfully; and I wish they got more screentime. Furthermore, some of the comedy in the film appeared forced in order to generate laughter from the audience. One such scene I found to be a tad much was when, as a result of food poisoning, Mclendon-Covey's Rita, Kemper's Becca vomitted in the sink of a bridal boutique. During the same sequence, , McCarthy's Megan expelled bodily waste in the sink; which eventually lead her to receive a lot of attention from critiques and moviegoers. . While I'm happy to see a group of talented actresses get the opportunity to demonstrate their comedic skills, the action appeared forced to get laughter from the audience. I would have liked to seen Kristen Wiig and her writing parter Annie Mumolo come up with a more subtle and less desperate attempt to make moviegoers laugh. Thus, “Bridesmaids” may have been a good opportunity for a talented ensemble of women to engage in R-rated comedy flair, but alas, it wasn't as perfect as I hoped.
Another movie that proved to not be as great as previously hoped was “Crazy, Stupid, Love;” which opened on July 29th. The movie starred Steve Carell as Cal Weaver; a family man that is greatly saddened when his wife Emily, played by Julianne Moore, tells him that she slept with a co-worker and wants a divorce. When first hearing about this movie, I was greatly hoping that Carell would be giving a passionate performance; one that would have been equal to his breakout feat in 2005's “The 40-Year Old Virgin.” Unfortunately, throughout his recital, Carell delivered his lines in a manner completely devoid of raw human emotion. The actor looked as if he was hardly into his role; resulting in a lack of chemistry with Julianne Moore. Because of this, I didn't truly believe the yearning Carell's on-screen persona had for Julianne Moore's Emily.. However, I do have to say that Ryan Gosling gave a very engaging performance as Jacob Palmer; an expert ladies' man who gives Carell's Cal Weaver advice on how to meet single women. The interactions shared between the two characters were quite engaging; mostly due to the latter's fiery performance. Furthermore, his scenes with Emma Stone, who played an aspiring lawyer that proved to be the one woman that was able to initially reject his character's advances, were very enjoyable; as they exhibited top-notch chemistry and acting that truly helped save the film from being completely disappointing. In fact, I truly wish that Fogelman would have centered more of his attention on the relationship between Gosling and Stone's characters; thus allowing bother performers to spend more time on screen together. Their acting proved to be more engaging than Steve Carell's and even Julianne Moore's; who turned in a bland performance as Emily and didn't truly deliver anything memorable. This is a true shame; seeing as Carell and Moore played the film's central characters; and they both failed to bestow genuine acting.
While “Bridesmaids” and “Crazy, Stupid, Love” had their fair share of disappoints, it has to be said that it was “The Hangover: Part II” proved to be the biggest misfire of the summer. When it opened this past Memorial Day Weekend, I was looking forward to reuniting with the “Wolf Pack,” once again played by talented comic-actors Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, for another adventure.. However, to my dismay, a majority of the format followed the exact structure of the first film Only this time, it was Ed Helms' panicky dentist Stu Price that was getting married and the entire affair was taking place in Thailand-- rather than Las Vegas. It was obvious that Screenwriters Scott Amstrong, and Craig Mazin thought the change in scenery would prove to provide much laughter. However, this proved to be wrong as there were hardly any surprises in the film. We knew what to expect right at the beginning; as the movie even started out the same way. As a result, much of the comedy appeared staged in an attempt to recapture the glory of the original film. As the actors stumbled their way from one sequence to the next, I hardly laughed at all. This was the complete opposite from two years ago; as I remember laughing non-stop; considering that the entire story was creative and all the scenes played out in a genuine manner. In other words, we never knew what to expect and our laughter was honest. Here, we were able to predict what happened; leading to a drastic loss of merriment. Thus, the magic was gone and “The Hangover: Part Two” proved to be the biggest low-point of the Summer 2011.
But while these films let me down in various ways this past summer, there were a few comedies that proved bright enough to salvage the year. For instance, “Our Idiot Brother,” which opened August 26th, featured an engaging story as well as a very endearing performance by Paul Rudd; who starred as Ned; a carefree guy who inadvertently disrupts the personal lives of his sisters-- payed by Elizabeth Banks, Emily Mortimer, and Zooey Deschanel.. As Ned, Paul Rudd kept the audience's attention through his lighthearted delivery and his personable attitude. In addition, the rest of the cast's characters were given plenty of screentime; thus allowing viewers enough opportunities to enjoy all the performances. Combined with a humorous and heartfelt screenplay written by Evgenia Peretz and David Schisgall, “Our Idiot Brother” proved to be one of the better comedies of 2011. Another comedy that proved to be very good was “The Change-Up;” which took the body-swap premise, one that has been done before, and utilized it with comical R-rated flair-- thanks in large part two great performances by stars Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds. The film, which opened August 4th, centered around an over-worked business and family man named Dave Lockwood, played by Jason Bateman, switching bodies with his single and womanizing friend Mitch Planko,played by Ryan Reynolds, after urinating in a magical public fountain. The screenplay, written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, proved to tell the story of two completely different male friends who learn to better themselves when experiencing each others lives. What's more, Both Bateman and Reynolds possessed great chemistry; as they were able to trade barbs flawlessly. Both performers gave likable performances; and it was great to see them demonstrate keen comedic timing. The movie proved to be very enjoyable; thus proving that a common premise could provide plenty of opportunities for laughter. In addition,
All in all, 2011 may not have been the best year form comedy; but, perhaps it may have been a transition period. Filmmakers could possibly be trying to see what makes people laugh the most. And this year, we can take to heart that the most important aspects that guarantee a good comedy include atop-notches performances and genuine comedy. Hopefully this year's crop of comedies are much better; thus allowing moviegoers to enjoy themselves in the theaters, After all, good comedies bring people together through the power of laughter and joy. And that is no joke.
E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com
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