By: Bryan Montgomery
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
A sure-fire Oscar contender, Silver Linings Playbook is a product of the outstanding performances its cast turns in. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence are at the top of their game in this witty, funny and strongly-scripted comedy from the director of The Fighter.
In my 26 years, I have watched some fantastic movies. I have also watched some real stinkers as well. The only negative thing about reviewing movies is that you have to take the good with the bad. Up until July 1, 2012, I had never contemplated leaving a movie theater before the film was done. That was all before I took my first plunge into a Tyler Perry/Madea movie.
Seth MacFarlane has undoubtedly changed the landscape of television by reinventing the sitcom with shows like “American Dad,” “The Cleveland Show,” his upcoming revamp of “The Flintstones,” and of course, “Family Guy.” When word spread that he was directing his first live action film, it was questionable how he would be able to apply his humor to real life when in animation he got away with some of the raunchiest material on television. With Ted, MacFarlane holds nothing back, giving us one of the best comedies of the year.
Think of your favorite comedy film and the first time you viewed it.
The odds are that so much laughing occurred that it felt like you had an ab-workout.
Now fast forward to your fifth viewing of it. You know all of the punch lines, what is going to happen, and thus the laughs are few and far between.
That doesn’t mean you like the film any less, but that the humor has grown stale.
Unfortunately for Adam Sandler, that is the case for his newest film That’s My Boy.
The men in black are back (sort of). Eight years since the last film came out, Men In Black 3 brings back Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, along with some familiar and new faces. However with stunning visuals and effects, the third go-around was lackluster at best.
It’s your 10-year high school reunion and you haven’t talked with some of your good friends from your formative years in at least a presidential term.
You’re nervous because you wonder if things will be awkward. Those fears are unfounded, however, as you and your mates (that is such a better term than friend) pick up right where you left off, just as if there was no gap in communication.
50/50 is an appropriate title for this film in more than one way. The title represents the odds that Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a 27-year-old stricken with cancer will survive.
The title also represented the odds that it could blend Seth Rogen’s brand of humor with the seriousness of Adam’s disease. Luckily, director Jonathan Levine crafts a film that balances the laughs with Adam’s life or death battle with cancer. In fact, the argument can be made that 50/50 is the best film of the year.
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By: Emily Kellas
Rating: 8.75 out of 10
“Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once and a while, you could miss it.” Sure It frequents every high school yearbook, every year, but it doesn’t make it any less true! Ferris Bueller’s Day Off supplies movie-goer’s with that gem among so many others. The films humor and insight travels far beyond 1986. Directed by teen soothsayer John Hughes, the film stars the talents of Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck and Mia Sara. Not to mention supporting roles for Jennifer Grey, and Charlie Sheen. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off gave every teenager and beyond an excuse to take a personal day in order to live life to the fullest.
By: Emily Kellas
Rating: 8 out of 10
You’ve seen the famous photo, Marilyn Monroe attempts to exercise some restraint as she pushes down her upblown white dress whilst atop a New York City subway grate. But it is the film behind that infamous publicity still that you may not have seen. The Seven Year Itch is a wonderfully funny look into what happens when ego and reality come together for one delusional NYC husband. Starring Tom Ewell and Marilyn Monroe, directed by Bill Wilder, this 1955 classic film helped to cement both the legend and sex appeal of Ms. Monroe while providing a fantastic film.
There are some things I fib about to avoid ridicule from friends. For example when they ask what music I listen to, the answer is a stock “AC/DC,” but in reality Josh Groban is the CD you will find in my stereo.
The same goes for movies. While I enjoy blood and gore fests like Saw and Hostel, I am just as likely to be caught watching a romantic comedy.
Now that the secret is out, it is OK to admit that I was very much looking forward to the rom-com Crazy, Stupid, Love. From a stellar cast led by Steve Carrell and Ryan Gosling, and the directing tandem of Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, who were at the helm of the hilarious but over-looked “I Love you Phillip Morris,” CSL had the makings of a fantastic rom-com. Luckily for movie goers, CSL is able to overcome a stagnant first 15-20 minutes to deliver on its potential.
