movies I’ve seen recently…
Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) C+
You can add “Hot Tub Time Machine” to the list of many films that are an homage about ’80s movies. The plot about a hot tub transporting four guys back to 1986 is a novel idea that could potentially bring about a lot of funny moments. Well, the answer to that is kinda a yes and no. While there are funny moments to this movie; mostly involving Rob Corddry, as well as a running gag with Crispin Glover‘s character, I thought “Hot Tub Time Machine” actually has too much pathos. There’s a story thread about the struggling friendship between this group of friends, and how depressing their present lives really are, which I honestly would have preferred if they toned down that aspect a tad bit. The film’s time travel plot also comes off some times as simply a gimmick to poke fun at the ’80s, which doesn’t always come off as actually funny. However when the movie cuts loose with the random and unexplained humorous things happening is when “Hot Tub Time Machine” shines. Ignore the plot holes, predictable cliche moments, overall flaws, etc, and you should have a good time with this movie.
The Runaways (2010) B
As far as musical biopic films go, “The Runaways” is not the best example for that movie genre. There are tons of gaps in the time-line chronicling the Runaways, from being a fledgling rock and roll band to all of a sudden becoming the next The Beatles, that we don’t really get a proper sense of who they were as a band, except for what the movie literally tells you. The reason might be that the movie is suppose to reflect the volatile, down and dirty nature of what this band represented at the time, and director Floria Sigismondi may have wanted to capture that with how she made this movie looked and felt. In that regards, she succeeded in spades. Besides the fact that Kristen Stewart plays Joan Jett relatively well, it’s Dakota Fanning that really shines in this movie as lead singer Cherie Currie who loses her innocence by being in this band (the script is based of her book after all). Michael Shannon also makes an incredible scene stealing turn as musical Svengali Kim Fowley, and deserves notice for his work here. “The Runaways” isn’t really for everybody to watch, but at least the soundtrack is excellent.
Diary Of A Wimpy Kid (2010) B-
I should first say that I’ve never read the books by Jeff Kinney to which this movie is adapted from. With that in mind, I actually rather enjoyed “Diary Of A Wimpy Kid.” The movie chronicles Zachary Gordon as Greg Heffley, a kid going into middle school and thinks he’s figured it out in advance on how to be one of the “popular” kids. As the story moves along, he learns that it’s not easy to become one of the cool kids, especially when he makes stupid, groan-inducing, hilarious mistakes that slowly kills his social standing in school. Add in his dorky best friend Rowley; as played by Robert Capron, and you’ve got a pretty enjoyable buddy kid comedy that’s fun to watch. While not entirely a unique premise for a movie, “Diary Of A Wimpy Kid” had a certain charm and some creative directions that transcends it from being just another movie for kids, but one that adults can enjoy as well. Sure it has some “gross out” moments that are just for the kids, but I thought the main plot of trying to fit into school socially, and the overall theme about friendship was quite endearing.
She’s Out Of My League (2010) B
The premise of a nobody average guy getting the hot has-it-all girl isn’t exactly a unique story, but you can get a lot of mileage with that plot in a well made romantic comedy. “She’s Out Of My League” I thought successfully tackled this tried and true familiar genre, and made it a very enjoyable movie to watch. Jay Baruchel plays Kirk, the nice meek guy who was lucky enough to get the attention of the very attractive Molly, played by Alice Eve. Kirk’s got the funny and over the top friends and family, while Molly’s got the traditional parents and ex-boyfriend that’ll love to get her back. Hilarity ensues. Written by Sean Anders & John Morris, and directed by Jim Field Smith, “She’s Out of My League” was able to give us hilarious moments, mostly at the expense of Kirk’s dignity as a man (a shaving scene for the ages), but was also able to amped up the charm with the strength of the romance between him and Molly which I thought was honestly quite believable. There some hanging plot threads that I would have loved to have seen played out, but as a whole the movie was pretty solid.
Cop Out (2010) B-
Do you miss the buddy-cop comedy films of the ’80s? Then “Cop Out” as written by Robb Cullen & Mark Cullen, and directed by Kevin Smith just might be for you. This movie is a straight homage to the ’80s buddy-cop comedies (except with the added benefits of cell phones and the internet), complete with shoot-outs, chase scenes, explosions, and an incredibly authentic sounding soundtrack to match that time era. Of course the result of this direction could potentially be bad, but I’m glad to say that it actually kinda worked. Bruce Willis plays the straight man who simply wants to do right for his daughter, while Tracy Morgan plays his uncontrollable partner who sure talks a lot. Seann William Scott memorably plays the parkour capable thief that acts as both a foil and friend to the duo. This is a straight forward relatively predictable movie with some memorable moments, but Tracy Morgan and Seann William Scott were pretty enjoyable to watch for the price of admission. Here’s a quick bit of trivia : “Cop Out” was originally titled “A Couple Of Dicks,” which I thought was more fitting for the movie.
