Growing up, I never became interested in the National Lampoon magazine and then the movement because the humor didn’t impress me. But, I cared more for the actors involved in the productions, like Animal House, which completely changed the stage for teenage comedies.
With that, Drunk, Stoned, Brilliant, Deadis a funny documentary that will shine humor for anyone who remembers the era of National Lampoon.
In the documentary, the story shows how the magazine came to fruition with examples of the covers, cartoons, stories, and funnies. I didn’t find myself laughing out loud, but I am sure a few of you will. Politically Correct hadn’t been invented yet, so National Lampoon used the freedom to upset the status quo and rock the stuff-neck-shirts of American and thus the world.
Clearly, the magazine had more freedom than we do today. There wasn’t college campus censorship or PC-police at standup comedy shows. No one pointed fingers at the magazine’s cultural humor that we don’t see today.
The documentary also notes the launching the careers of legends like John Belushi, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Christopher Guest, and Gilda Radner.
The documentary clearly states the magazine changed comedy in America, and Hollywood is still trying to determine how they changed it and if they can bring it back. The only way such humor can come back is if our culture would allow us to communicate freely and opening about social issues.
Directed and co-written by Jared Hess, known for the sleeper hit Napoleon Dynamite, Don Verdean is an example of when the timing and hilarity of a movie fail to make the mark. Hess uses jokes that are there, but the subject matter doesn’t work in this storyline.
Verdean is hired by a determined small-town pastor to find sacred artifacts in the Holy Land. Verdean presents himself as an archeologist but doesn’t deliver the goods and attempts to cover up his fiasco. The hilarity enters the story when he tries to cover up his serious mistake.
Jared movies are pretty clean when it comes to harsh language, but Don Verdean changes that style. We hear the more common expletive words in the English language, and it is not funny. Besides that, Sam Rockwell provides a performance worth watching. He offers some serious hilarity to the idiosyncrasies of a well-intended archeologist. His accent holds its own quite well with his quirky slang. I would like to see more of an arch in his decent to misbehaving. Amy Ryan is great as Carol Jensen. Her mannerisms and timing work well with the material Hess offers.
The crux of the storyline is forced and not simply told because the movie is off-beat, slap stick, and then serious. The ending comes quickly but is worth watching because there is a surprise. Here the story comes to form, and it is easy to see what Hess is trying to get across to the audience. I should mention the co-writer is Hess’ wife, Jerusha. I am not sure what aspect she contributed to the movie, but she does collaborate with her husband on each of his movies.
I am sure some will find the humor both eccentric and indirectly nonsense. The cast is fantastic, but the comedy is not mainstream. You will probably have a good time watching the movie if you are familiar with the Bible.
Grace and Frankie airs on Netflix and stars four legendary actors worth watching until it is obvious they have run out of material. Homosexually is not uncommon anymore. Nobody has to be in the closet because it is excepted now. I just wish the series moved forward more quickly with the story handling other situations that are funnier and not so sad.
Grace, played believably by Jane Fonda, is straight-laced and a former owner of a cosmetics company. Frankie, played over-the-top by Lilly Tomlin, is an open-minded hippie who tries to generate good vibes no matter if her life is falling apart.
The point to the series is these two women in their early 70s have nothing in common until their husbands, played by Sam Waterson and Martine Sheen, declare their love for each other and are leaving them to live as homosexuals.
All due respect, they are bisexuals and Waterson’s character clearly shows his attraction to his former wife, Frankie.
The series is a comedy with serious undertones, but it would have been much better in the 1980s with the issue a hot topic. Today, this is old news. Though husbands leaving a 40-year-old marriage for another man is not common, the idea is not shocking anymore nor is it funny. Still the series has funny moments with more slow and off-beat situations.
The cast is what makes the series. They bring a lot of charm, verve and truth to their characters. Sheen and Waterston are cast against type because they are not your usual eye-candies. Tomlin is as funny as ever as the flaky hippie, and Fonda timing is beautiful but a bit crusty.
I just wish the four of them would get on with their lives and deal with situations that are more entertaining for this day and age.
I was going to post this review in the Kids section of Movie Roar since it really is safe for kids to watch and is really silly. I changed my mind when I realized it really is funnier from an adult’s point of view.
Shaun the Sheep: Season 2 is hilarious. The short episodes are not too long nor too short – about 7 minutes. They are just right for any rainy afternoon or boring evening with nothing to do. My favorite one is about the bagpipe. The sheep and dog think it is a goose. I have never laughed so hard in such a short amount of time.
The package comes with two DVDs. If you have a free moment or two, just pop in the DVD and peruse the menu for an episode that catches your eye. The set has a total of 40 episodes. There are plenty of choices.
Let’s face it. These cute little sheep and the dog are hilarious. Each episode has no dialogue, just music and some grunts here and there. It is produced so well that I didn’t even think about the fact there was no dialogue.
Another funny aspect about the storyline is the dog and sheep try to steer clear of the farmer, who is as blind as anyone with a pair of opaque eyeglasses. I just laugh thinking about it.
I recommend the DVD set for the whole family. Any age will enjoy these short stories. Just thinking about the sheep, the dog, and the farmer puts a smile on my face.
Directed by Ben Palmer and featuring whimsical music by Dickon Hinchliffe, Man Up is a romantic comedy one doesn’t expect, but it’s still terrific and fun to watch. Jack, played honestly by Simon Pegg, and Nancy, played with heartfelt emotion by Lake Bell, take an unusual situation and make the most of it. It’s not quite a blind date, but still, they have a night on the town. The talented supporting cast adds even more sparks to the believable and well-honed script by Tess Morris.
The movie starts with Nancy, who seems to be having a hard time. She meets Jack at the train station, and they end up spending the day together, even though she promised her parents she would give the “Happy Anniversary” speech at their party. Running into Jack sets her boring life on a whirlwind, and the stimulating chemistry and ease they share are fun to watch. Pegg is not the typical handsome leading man, and for him to play Jack makes their situation a bit twisted, though the attraction is percolating.
The movie flies along as the couple gets along quite well, sharing sharp-witted humor and going with the flow, just having an excellent time. They move from place to place and become comfortable with each other as they communicate and laugh together.
They have a run-in with Jack’s almost-ex-wife, Hilary, played caustically by Olivia Williams, and her new boyfriend. The scene is fun to watch because Hilary is so arrogant toward Jack, and when she gets her comeuppance, it’s so perfect to see.
More twists happen in the story that I will not disclose because I want you to enjoy the movie and be surprised. I will say that at one point, Jack completely goes whacky with such blatant sarcasm and over-the-top wit that Pegg pulls it off brilliantly, as he is so well-known for doing.
All in all, the ending really brings the movie to a nice close with a feel-good, let’s-have-fun attitude. I am happy I saw this movie and highly recommend it.
For Better or for Worsereunites former The Facts of Life co-stars Lisa Whelchel and Kim Fields in two very different roles. If you like the former TV show, then you should find these two women together again a scream. Antonio Cupo also stars in the movie and is a regular on Hallmark, appearing in Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade, and I Do, I Do, I Do.
Based on the novel by Diana Hunt and directed by Marita Grabiak, Wendy (Whelchel) is a wedding planning coordinator. She is coming to grips with her grief of losing her husband. In walks charming, and a bit of a thorn in the side, divorce attorney Marco (Cupo). He establishes his practice next door to Wendy’s wedding chapel. Rosanne (Fields) works for Wendy, is a good friend, and offers sage advice to the two businesses that conflict with each other. A feud emerges as it becomes clear that weddings and divorces are like oil and water. When Wendy’s son and Marco’s daughter meet, fall in love and get engaged, Wendy and Marco are forced to team up and plan the kids’ wedding. Opposites attract, and well…you need to see the movie and find out how the romance blossoms between the two.
The movie is fresh and delightful as a romantic comedy, and is a little too predictable for my tastes. Yet, if you are a fan of Hallmark movies, then you will love this happy, go-round, and up and down movie.
Directed by John Asher, Taken is a gut-wrenching spoof of Liam Neeson’s Taken. The movie is billed “…a retired CIA agent uses his special skills to get his beloved dog back from Albanian mobsters.” Brown Finger leads the mobsters, played wonderfully by Margaret Cho.
It sure sounds ridiculous, and it is, as we follow Bryan Miller, played over the top by Lee Tergesen, as the counterpoint to Liam Neeson’s Bryan Mills. Some of the other cast members held their own, like Money Maker, played by Reno Wilson, who is very funny, and Dirty Lady, played by Barbara Ann Moore, who is pretty funny, too.
If you look at other reviews online, you will see that Tooken doesn’t have much to offer, though some might like it. It is undoubtedly not for everyone, or just for a select few, with offensive nudity and crude humor. It is nothing but crazy and nonsensical comedy filled with immature situations. Yet, there is even a spoof on “Non-Stop,” which is kind of nice to see. That is about as good as it gets.
I am not a fan of spoof movies, so I am biased. But if you are a fan, then you’ll probably laugh your socks off because it is foolish.
Directed by Joe Menéndez,Ladrones follows a pair of modern-day hoods who rob the rich and give it to the poor. This is the sequel to the hit movie, Ladrón Que Roba a Ladrón. Starring two of Univision’s biggest stars, Fernando Colunga and Eduardo Yáñez, they play Toledo and Guzman. The hoods set out to steal the original 1848 Texas land grants and return them to their rightful owners. The grants were stolen from the lawful owners by Miranda Milroy, played by Jessica Lindsey. She plans to level the ranches to build a cultural center where she will sing opera. How these two pull off this caper is quite good.
The movie is in Spanish with English subtitles throughout. It feels like a TV movie, though. Comedy is mild, not raunchy, so I can’t figure out why it is rated PG-13. The storyline is simple, though the movie is slow at times due to a bit of action. On an upbeat note, Jackie, played by Cristina Rodlo, is funny and super intelligent, and her ranch hand boyfriend, played by Vadhir Derbez, is undoubtedly hired for just his looks. The characters keep the movie entertaining, but the plot is just too straightforward, with not enough hooks to keep me intensely interested.
Though you think this is a guy’s movie, it is not. Families with older kids can watch this movie without much flak. Some points in the story go unexplained or are so simple that they don’t bother me. Like when Toledo and Guzman nabbed the land grants. The situation should have been handled, but it wasn’t. The conflict kept going, which didn’t make sense.
America’s most charming duck-hunting family is with us in Duck Dynasty as we learn the hilarious ins and outs of the Robertson family.
They run Louisiana’s top duck calling business, Duck Commander. They also employ half their neighborhood as the business continues to grow. True to their roots, they’ve never lost their taste for fun and adventure, or their captivating Southern charm. Here is the brief low-down for each season in this 8-disc set.
Season 1
We meet the Robertson family and enjoy their sense of humor, innocence, family bonding, and running a multi-million-dollar company. Some would say this is truly American: Faith in God, Family and hard work, while making sure life is to be enjoyed. Learning the back woods, how to live off the land while wearing a beard, is what the show is all about. I wouldn’t call them rednecks; just good old boys sharing what they do best, including a family of love and respect for others. Lessons are the topic of each episode. Not killing for the fun of it. Kill for what you need to eat, or donate it to your favorite charity for people who need the food.
Season 2
Keeping to the original storyline, these guys are not selling out. Authenticity makes this show worth its weight in Duck Commander and the family of love and respect for each other. Phil Robertson (Papa Phil), the Dynasty Godfather, is one lucky dude, blessed with more charisma than feathers on a duck. The whole dynasty is a joy to watch. We have Uncle Si, Willie, Jase, Jep, and Miss Kay, who is a great cook. Even the employees, such as Martin and Godwin, make the show hilarious.
Season 3
We know now, for sure, this show is funny. Yet, Duck Dynasty still manages to teach us how the environment can be used for survival. We are talking squirrels, frogs, and other mammals, as well as oviparous (birds) species, which are edible and delicious. However, continuity, folks who make sure the show is continuously correct, must have taken a break during this season. The gang blows up Si’s truck, yet it’s seen in a couple of episodes later, being used to propel a device into the swamp. Not much charity and Christian moments in this season, and I haven’t a clue why not.
Season 4
The family and employees are super happy. Phil Robertson shares his story of overcoming tribulation and becoming a real person. Papa Phil is grateful for women of essence, particularly his wife. He offers bighearted advice to his grandsons on finding the right woman, “When you’re talking…pain can come up on you real fast.” Miss Kay is the family’s charming mother and a talented cook. She is a true individual and has a unique connection with her rat terriers. Along came her sons, Willie, Jase, Si, and Jep, and employees Martin and Godwin. Godwin is lucky to have some “ham sammiches,” and his funny voice sounds to me like a bear or a similar creature. We are also graced with Uncle Si dancing and “Tales and Wisdom from Duck Dynasty’s Favorite Uncle.” After viewing this season, I felt motivated to kick back and not worry about a thing.
Season 5
The show is now truly an original piece of work that is beyond anyone’s imagination. The finale is unique, where Jase and Missy’s astonishing, delightful little girl, Mia, born with a split in the roof of her mouth, brought tears to our eyes. What she went through is an inspiration, as is each Robertson. After undergoing multiple surgeries with guts, faith, and family, she amazes everyone. Missy sings a song at the end that is pure magic, if not angelic. The whole season is heartening, nourishing, unconventional fun. Phil inspires us all with his “My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander.”
Season 6
Robertsons offer more of their commitment to serving God, bringing warmth, fun, and entertainment. As Christians, they are not flawless, and they live life with its troubles as they bring glory to God. Uncle Si cracks me up at every turn. He is so funny with his dry wit and humor. It is good, clean humor with a lesson of virtues. Do I sense a chance in the storyline for the coming seasons?
Season 7
Little too much sentimentality for my taste is my first thought about this season. The family knows the series has endured for a long time with great success and is compelled to focus on their faith. They built a house for a friend that is a bit more staged than reality TV. Don’t get me wrong, the family is still funny, and there are good times with plenty of arguing and family values.
Season 8
When I first heard of this show, I could not believe it was true. The family-values theme was never used when my friend described the show. But, it is a key character in the storyline where the family performs a quick prayer of thanks at dinner time. That is one of the show’s unique aspects, because you don’t see that in other shows today. Don’t think they are stupid or idiots, because they are not; they own one of the wealthiest duck-calling companies in the world.
All in all, the 8-disc set features more than just the episodes. The set also includes exclusive footage not seen on TV, Webisodes, behind-the-scenes, and deleted scenes.
For a reality TV show, this is the best family show, with family values, no foul language, and just ordinary people living ordinary lives. Most of all, if you purchase the collector’s set, you get a beard.
Directed by Scottish television and film director Tom Vaughan, the movie follows Richard Haig, played by Pierce Brosnan. Haig teaches the Romantics at Cambridge, where he meets an American student, Kate, played by Jessica Alba. They start a relationship of sorts, and after 6 months, she is having his baby.
Richard is an honorable man and takes his new and young bride to Los Angeles. He meets Kate’s half-sister, played by Salma Hayek. Now, we have a threesome happening here, and Kate has a baby boy.
Haig discovers his wife is leaving him, and his life is crushed. His entire livelihood is focused on his son while he tries to get a new job. His situation twists, and he begins to have lustful and romantic feelings for Olivia. The problem is that his Visa renewal is coming up. At this point, Richard needs to find a job, remain in the US, and find love with Olivia, whom he never wanted to find love with in the first place.
The storyline is nothing new, but it is good to see these actors together. Vaughan has done his fair share of romantic comedies, yet this one misses its mark. The movie is way too predictable and not original, with no surprises. Don’t get me wrong. It is funny and easy to watch, but Vaughan holds back the final punch for the knockout of laughs. The actors do a fine job trying to save the movie from being too cookie-cutter, while the movie holds its own. Some Kind of Beautiful is worth a watch on cable or on a streaming network if you like these actors and can put up with a so-so, funny story. But watch the trailer… you’ll have a good laugh. Fun stuff.
Growing up, I never became interested in the National Lampoon magazine and then the movement because the humor didn’t impress me. But, I cared more for the actors involved in the productions, like Animal House, which completely changed the stage for teenage comedies.
