Ride Along

Genre: Action/Comedy

Directed: Tim Story

Starring: Ice Cube & Kevin Hart

Running: 100 minutes 

The buddy cop genre has had some ups and downs in its time. The origins are however, worth remembering such as 48hrs, Lethal Weapon and Beverly Hills cop still holding up. Unfortunately the existence of such classics are often used to help revive such a genre resulting in many copycats; the dire and ultimately forgettable Cop Out (2010), the divided opinion of The other Guys (2010) and R.I.P.D of late (to name a few) have all proved unoriginal and most importantly, not funny. Ride Along falls into the same poison chalice.

Stuck with the same facial expression since Boys in the Hood, Ice Cube finds himself in position similar to Friday; shunned by Chris Tucker's comedic dose, Ice Cube's lack of personality gives way to Tucker's replacement, Kevin Hart.

Ben (Hart) is a part time boyfriend and full time video gamer. Destined to become a police officer, his national security job is a stepping stone to become the bad ass his brother in law defies him to become. Desperate to impress his mundane companion Angela (Tika Sumpter), Ben passes his exams. Behind Ben's obviously obnoxious personality is hard as rock, straight-outta Compton rouge officer James (Ice Cube) who showcases is gun skills upon the movies introduction. Like all buddy cop movies a hatred must exist and indeed one does. Ben plans to wed James's sister Angela, much to the disgust of James whose long term memory of a barbecue incident is the route to Ride-along’s typical chemistry of modern buddy cop humour. Hell bent on proving his courageousness, Ben is taken on a "ride-along" by James, resulting in a part-time comedy (thanks to Hart) but monotonous which is also thanks to Hart.

I would be lying if I told you that Ride-along offers nothing in its comedy, it does. Kevin Hart's miniature presence is somewhat memorable and really tries to give this nonsensical blockbuster a heartbeat (excuse the pun); re-enacting Denzel Washington's Oscar winning disintegration scene from Training Day in front of a biker gang, to the testing of various guns in a police gun range. However the drawn out perspective of Kevin Hart's height is used to the extreme, resulting in a comedy that takes a new direction in depending on "slapstick" over the witty dialog that maybe could have been used in replacement. Kevin Hart's attempt to become the next Eddie Murphy gets the best of him with his in your face dialog proving tiresome the longer the movie survives.

Other cast members include cop companion Santiago played by John Leguizamo who thanks to his Luigi portrayal in that god awful super Mario movie still gives me nightmares, am I the only one? Laurence Fishburne also makes a predicted appearance looking shocked as to how the hell he ended up in this stage of his career.

Ride-along is weak in its plot, so much so that you forget there is one. James's so-called determination to bring in the concealed identity of a "word of mouth" killer is quickly forgotten as his obsessive hatred for Hart's character is just preposterous; so much so that an investigation turns into a 24 patrol premise revealing segments of spiritless comedy, resulting in a tedious film. The final 10 minutes reminds us of a plot we have already ignored and depending on your humour, the three funny scenes involved in a 100 minute cash grab may prove hilarious or just inattentive.

Jackass presents: Bad Grandpa

Genre: Comedy
Director: Jeff Tremain
Starring: Johnny Knoxville and Jackson Nicoll
Running: 92mins

As Jackass 3D came to an end in 2010 it felt like the right time, and while the 3D concept was well orchestrated and hilariously professional, the 3D premise was not much of a comedic step up from its predecessors. Three years on, Johnny Knoxville returns with Bad Grandpa; a Borat style mockery of gullible America with a surprisingly relevant but extremely brief story line. 

Irving Zisman (Knoxville) finds himself in an unexpected situation following the death of his wife. Excited at the prospect of dabbling in American women, he is approached by toward the end of a hilariously disturbing mass dedicated to his wife's recent passing. Irving is left with no choice but to consider his morals, and more importantly, his family, and agrees to take grandson Billy halfway across America to his uncommitted father. 

The loose plot in Bad Grandpa is wonderfully connected to the pranks that follow along the way as each pit-stop is met with the intention of distracting the people around them in comedic and at times disturbing fashion. Both Knoxville and sidekick Billy are ambitious from the start, holding no punches as they gate crash a wedding, destroy a local diner, flirt with women and the climatic build up of the beauty pageant in a fantastic scene that the trailer so stupidly reveals. However there is a lot more involved, as the sleazy 86 year old brings back some Jackass related moments such as robbing supermarkets, and potential fistfights with controversial moments involving racism and homophobia. 

The chemistry between Knoxville and child star Jason Nicoll is a treat, with Nicoll's stone faced impressions proving gutsy in some terrifying situations; he is well mentored by Knoxville as he is clearly obliged to escalate further havoc to the finest and strangest parts of America. 

Just like the previous Jackass movies, Bad Grandpa is short and may leave you wanting more. Bad Grandpa seems inspired by Sacha Baron Cohen's fictionalised plot in Borat. With Knoxville's renowned bravery, this ambitious attempt at shying from Jackass but keeping the bones of its origin pays off even if the trailer did reveal the majority of the hilarious pranks involved. 

2 Guns

Genre: Action/Comedy
Director: Baltasar Kormakur
Starring: Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton & Bill Paxton.
Running: 109 Mins

Buddy cop movies signified 1980/90 action flicks with Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte's 48hrs, Tango and Cash and Beverly Hills Cop to name a few. While modern Hollywood tends to be more ambitious with dramatic tales featuring pretentious dialogue, a movie such as 2 Guns could be potentially overlooked by so-called movie connoisseurs as Ryan Gosling parades the fans with his good looks and facial expressions in Only God Forgives, and Johnny Depp and Tim Burton try to squeeze endless money from the passive. If you look hard enough, Denzel Washington and Mark Whalberg can be seen in the background advertising a simple movie that is well shot, ambitious and truthfully funny; it goes down as one of the most surprisingly entertaining flicks of the summer. 

2 Guns is an explosive tale of two ambitious individuals who believe they are working for the right cause only to discover loose ends that could spell the end of their careers. It was important to pair the right actors to create the necessary chemistry and that is well advertised in the opening scene as Robert "Bobby" (Denzel Washington) and Michael "Stig" (Mark Wahlberg) are in a restaurant which conveniently sits next to a bank. The story flashes back to show us the initial plan, played out by Stig. What they both know is their friendship is fake as both Bobby and Stig are working to rob the bank for different associates; Bobby is an undercover DEA agent and Stig is a Naval intelligence officer. It's the vanity in both characters that gets them into trouble following the robbery as Bobby's alliance as well as Stigs', betray the supposed plan leaving both men blackmailed and head hunted by Earl (Bill Paxton) who is determined to retrieve his money in the bloodiest and funniest ways possible.

The result of the bank robbery sees Stig sitting on 43 million with nobody to turn to. Bobby is also left out in the dirt as he is destined to investigate the motive behind his agencies portrayal; all while dodging bullets from the Mexican Cartel, the Navy and of course, Earl and his cohorts.

If 2 Guns sounds messy, it is, but all in good fashion as it supplies an endless amount of funny characters and die hard murderers. The movie focuses on two concepts; a survival premise as 2 Guns is blended with numerous "bad guys". On the other hand, its a fantastic reference to 80s and 90s "Buddy" action flicks, as Bobby and Stig come to realise the daunting task of having to work together in order to survive this mess and that's where director Baltasar Kormakur introduces a comedic ingredient that advertises great chemistry and wit about each of our protagonists.

2 Guns is the first movie to showcase Denzel Washington's humorous side. Okay, he has a certain amount of "swag" in almost all of his movies that can make him funny anyway, but he is full on this time around and bounces off Mark Walhberg's character so smoothly, you would think these two were raised in the same home!

This movie isn't trying to be perfect, with the introduction of Bill Paxton transforming it into a right cheese-fest at times, but that premise is recognisable from the off. Bill Paxton's Earl is a vicious character, playing a villainous Governor of California (Terminator free) to the extreme. While 2 Guns is explosive and funny, a movie like this can't fulfil it's buddy cop premise without an exotic female intervention that uses the clichéd fall out of two apparent friends and Paula Patton as Deb does just that.

Overall, director Baltasar Kormakur did a great job in constructing some great action scenes with dialogue of serious and humorous. While we know of Mark Walhberg's comedic side from Seth McFarlen's "Ted", nobody could have predicted the chemistry between Mark and Denzel would work so well.

7.8/10

This is the End

Genre: Comedy
Director: Evan Goldberg & Seth Rogen 
Starring: James Franco, Seth Rogan, Craig Robinson, Jay Baruchel & Jonah Hill
Running: 107 Mins

A gathering of "stoners" and every Seth Rogen cohort you can think of, turn up for James Franco's house warming. Sounds like a lot of fun, especially if you are actually friends with these guys. But unfortunately, a seat in a dark room with a big ass screen is as close as we are going to get to witnessing the adventure of six of the funniest guys in Hollywood (at the moment); Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, James Franco, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride and Jay Baruchel. 

Seth Rogen plans a weekend of consistent weed smoking and 3D television with Jay Baruchel. Much to Jay's disappointment, a the change of plan results in the attendance of James Franco's house warming party featuring a bunch of Hollywood comedic personalities; an atmosphere that Jay would have liked to avoid. However Jay isn't forced to endure the vanity of Jonah Hill for too long as an apparent Earth Quake ruptures the centre of Hollywood, opening up the ground and swallowing many victims (most of the party actually). A group of six are barricaded in Franco's house with very little food and not much patience, resulting in the hilarious circumstance that showcases the witty humour and the chemistry involved with each actor. This is the end depends on the bond that each personality share with each other in the real world, carrying that over, resulting in an effortless movie that comes across extremely well rounded, even if it does become stupidly far-fetched toward the end.

If you enjoyed "Superbad" (2008) and "Knocked up" (2007), you will love this. If you don't enjoy crude humour and you are not one for recognising a bunch of movie references when you hear them, well then you will struggle to engage and I for one, pity you. This is the end survives on crude dialogue and a lot of references relating to the career of each actor and movies in general. As seen in Superbad and Knocked up, the cast are serious movie fans, with a premise that sets out to both mock and praise Hollywood movies. This is the end is very similar; but original due to the casts official identity, slagging their own personal experiences in Hollywood, regretting some of their own flicks which makes for great comedy.

If you include cameo's such as Michael Cera, Emma Watson and many more, the overall cast is huge and gives you so much more than the trailer shows us (which is rare might I add). However, the star of the show is James Franco who, following on from his role in Pineapple Express continues to show his comedic side. James Franco is simply hilarious, and partly out shines the "true" comedians if you like.

This is the end is by no means consistently funny, with the last 20 minutes appearing extremely nuts and a bit silly. But we forget these guys are constantly "high", once again going with a "dizzy stoner" premise that worked so well in Pineapple Express and Knocked Up. You will find scenes being noticeably set up for the next. And while Jay Baruchul and Craig Robinson get themselves into some funny situations, it is the back to back bickering from each individual that really makes this movie memorable.

This is the end is no "Superbad" which is not too unfortunate as it succeeds in trying so desperately to move on, however fans of Seth Rogen and co will have such a good time with this one.

Overall: Great cast  - Far-fetched - Not consistently funny - but, when it's funny...it's hilarious

7.5/10

See it if you liked: Superbad, Knocked up and Pineapple Express.

The Hangover Part III

Genre: Comedy
Director: Todd Phillips
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Zack Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Ken Jeong. 
Running: 100 Mins

While The Hangover was pretty original, Todd Philips shows for the third time around that his visionary comedies are pretty funny but at times, one dimensional.  The Hangover part III looks to take a new direction (hangover free). So how did Todd and the guys get on this time around?

The guys are worried for the mental health of Alan (Zack Galifianakis) following the sudden death of his father. While Alan is hilariously obnoxious in refusing to cooperate, it is the presence of Phil (Bradly Cooper) and Stu (Ed Helms) that helps reel Alan into what he believes to be the return of the wolf pack. However things take an expected turn for the worst as the gang are ambushed on route to Alan's destination. Doug (Justin Bartha) is kidnapped. Phil and Stu can't help but ignore the name of Chow who has a big part to play in the mess they will inevitably become part of.

On the orders of Marshall (John Goodman) the guys must find and return Chow - or Doug is a dead man.

And so begins a wild goose chase that is sometimes funny, yet most times boring and child like with the concept slowly but surely loosing the clever, witty comedic effort it supplied in the first movie. The onscreen companionship of both Chow and Alan is what saves this comedic effort from completely sinking. The character of Chow is in your face the whole time with sequences of loud, over the top camp-ness, revealing a movie that could have been called "Hangover: The origin of Chow".

Zack Galifianakis continues to advertise the same character he plays in everything. Of course we expect nothing less than humorous dialog from this guy and that is just what we get - with a more twisted mind-set from the once touched-friendly Alan who is now on the verge of straight up murdering someone. Not everyone will appreciate the sudden change of character or maybe you won't even notice.

The apparent importance of Alan is so drawn out at this stage that he completely shuts out the presence of both Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms. The Hangover III reveals that while Chow becomes annoying, along with the peculiar change of Zack's character, we will still munch on our popcorn and laugh on occasions with or without Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms - Hangover III so desperately wanted to take a new direction that they forgot about Cooper and Helms. It is a bit of a shame, but yet this is what happens when one man steals the show from the very beginning.

We did not need the Hangover III, let alone a sequel. Yet this is modern day Hollywood and while it is funny on occasions, one can not help but notice a desperate attempt for new material has resulted in a two man show - Chow and Alan. The Hangover part III is funnier than the sequel (in small sequences), but just as forgetful. The wolf pack may live on, but not to fill the pockets of the Hollywood hierarchy.

Overall: Partly Funny - unoriginal - over the top - beats the sequel - highly forgetful 

5.5/10

Happy Birthday Richard Pryor

Fans and Hollywood personalities will be taking time out today to reflect on Richard Pryor and the life he lived; leaving behind an influential path for those to follow. Just as Bill Cosby did for Richard, he did the same in his wake with comedians such as Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock to name a few. A large majority have embraced and represented the on-stage ego of Richard Pryor.
Richard carried a life of mixed montages, with multiple marriages and a media established drug addiction. However concerts such as Richard Pryor Live on the Sunset Strip (1982), Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979) and Richard Pryor... Here and Now (1983) created the comedic icon we fell in love with. Richard is one of the stand-out most influential comedians to ever brace a stage.

                                   Richard is 65 today. Happy Birthday and RIP (1940 - 2005)

The Campaign

Like nothing we haven't seen already, Will Ferrell plays a character that depends on comedy through the chemistry of his new on screen buddy Zach Galifianakis.

North Carolina is iconic for the origin and current congressman, Cam Brady (Farrell), who, despite rivalry through-out his career, the chances of Cam retaining position every year is pretty fat. While taking the personality of a modern day body of government, Farrell's character is a mocking portrayal of George Bush which he uses to air a lame comedic performance.

To lighten the mood is Marty Huggins (Galifianakis), a some what camp individual who is happy out walking his Chinese pugs and running his low budget tourism centre.

When two CEO's eye future profits, a devious plan is set on reforming the campaign by convincing Marty that he could out-way Cam's votes and become the next Congressman. As Naive as Marty is, he is easily convinced as he sets on proving his worth to his not-so proud father Brian Cox.

It is no ordinary campaign this time around for Cam as he is shocked to find Marty stepping up to the plate. Insulted by Marty's actions, a war of words turn into a war of media as Cam realises that Marty is not acting on his own. Mitch (Jason Sudeikis) is assigned to accompany Marty and to make sure he uses every trick in the book to out-wit Cam and win the pride of Carolina.

A simple slap-stick that offers nothing new in terms of originality and overall humour. Will Ferrell was anonymous as he remained on the outskirts while Zack Galifianakis tried savouring a dying film from start to finish. Ferrell's performances are quite boring this time around, offering a concept we have seen time and time again; Blades of Glory, Anchorman, Step Brothers, all rivalry concepts that were quite successful upon release. The Campaign had outweighed this concept, with unworthy results.

Zack Galifianakis is quite humorous as a quirky socialite with his presence adding a comedic ingredient to every scene. Although the chemistry between both looked well onscreen, it didn't play well as each scene they were tied up in was childishly played or just down right boring, with gags such as the baby punch desperate to win you over. You will find yourself laughing more at the stupidities of the film while you realise you are left abandoned from the iconic, witty dialogue that Ferrell and co once brought.

The Campaign comes with a complete lack of comedy freshness, with a partnership that was destined to happen since The Hangover. Sadly the performances didn't play to the hype. Zack Galifianakis will continue to move forward. I have doubts over Will Ferrell's next destination. Recent times have fed me that result.

Overall/rating; so mundane, offering the same old stuff! Although a cheap part-time gag is on the table, the performances and overall film results in 85 minutes worth forgetting!

3/10

The Watch

The watch is the latest attempt in reviving the career of Ben Stiller. Unfortunately for him, I am sure most will agree that the last time we laughed at his comedic performance was in Tropic Thunder...four years ago; anything after that was complete and utter horse shit! (apologies).

We follow the happy-go-lucky life of Evan (Ben Stiller), who is your local community savour in a small suburban area. In a Town unified by trust and friendship, it is when Evan's managerial position in Castco comes under scrutiny following the conspicuous murder of the stores late-night security guy.

Evan, who once thrived on the saftey of the residents makes it his mission to track down the killer and end this suburban nightmare. Offering to join the band waggon is Bob (Vince Vaughn), Franklin (Jonah Hill) and quirky Englishman Jamarcus (Richard Ayoade). And so it is from there we witness the formality of the neighbourhood watch consisting of four idiots that are now involved in each others lives to further the investigation of the mysterious murder. The car crash comedy is thrown at you once the watch discover a steel ball which turns out to be the property of an Alien. Once the discovery is made, Evan and co decide to ignore the law of the town Sgt Bressman (Will Forte), a sarcastic idiot who struggles to ignore Evan's intervention.

The Watch consists of a reasonably good cast, who to be frank, were once funny, could not have been more dull in this latest attempt at comedy. It is often phrased that critics do not give the genre of comedy the credit it deserves because too many dramas are stealing the awards. Well, an award will never provide the proof of a good comedy, the majority will decide if certain movies are worth the entertainment, so as I am part of the majority of movie buffs, trust me, with 90 minutes of filming, the watch consists of two..maybe three funny scenes.

Watching this gave me horrific flashbacks of Tower Heist which again provided a decent cast (Stiller...) but failed to make me choke on my popcorn, in fact watching both these movies I had hoped to choke on my popcorn purposely! The jokes showed a lack of ambition which consisted of penis jokes that you would have grown ever so tired of, and CUM, aka semen! (although that was one of three funny scenes).

It could have been so much better, after all, the idea of four individuals hunting a local alien sounds hilarious, so either the cast was wrong or maybe the script should have been used as toilet paper. Vince Vaughn was humorous in parts but down right annoying in most. Ben Stiller's character just bugged me. He was basically the dull baby sitter who was provided with a character that is enrolled to take the matter (Alien on the loose) seriously, while Richard Ayoade apparently has a hilarious reputation in the IT crowd?, this is a horrible example of what he can provide the big screen. Jonah Hill's Franklin provided the movie with the three laughs I mentioned previously.

The best possible ending for this movie was that they all get abducted by the toy-r-us life form and die...unfortunately that doesn't happen!

Overall; There isn't many comedies out at the moment, so I understand the need for a cheap laugh on the weekend. So either just rent "21 Jump street" or go see "A few best men" which to be honest provided me with better gags than the Watch.

4/10

Ted Review 2012

So following a dry portrayal of comedy in The Other guys and a typical mundane bad-ass in Contraband, Mark Wahlberg returns for another comedic attempt? Honestly, when watching The Other Guys I felt I was one unfortunate member of the audience to witness one of the worst comedy's of the decade. What looked like so much fun in the trailer, The other guys was funny for the first 20 minutes or less, then quickly dried up like a prune. The fact Will Ferrell out-shined Marky-Mark was blatantly obvious. So on that note, I had no hope for a humours Mr Wahlberg in the near future.

However, a friendship between Mark and an outlandish teddy bear has shown results of being one of the finest comedy's of the last ten years. When I admit my prior judgement to Mark and this movie was wrong, boy I was really wrong.

A young John Bennett (Wahlberg) gets the ultimate wish, one that savours himself from his lonely neglected childhood. John, who appears a friendly guy although his will to make friends differs from the final result. Even the bullied kid wants nothing to do with John!

On a privileged Christmas morning, John receives his friend to be;  a cuddly beady-eyed teddy bear that at the time could do no wrong. John who uses his imaginary mind makes an incredible wish resulting with inscrutable results. Introducing the life in the teddy bear, Ted (Seth MacFarlane), a walking talking stuffed bear with a humorous yet realistic soul.

It is from there we are introduced to a hilarious montage as the movie takes us to places through-out the lives of both John and Ted as the results show the hilarious brotherhood and the growth acceptance of the public towards Ted. He is famous for being a once in a life-time miracle. John and Ted spend their days smoking weed and watching Flash Gordan! The mood and laxy-daisy lifestyle is disrupted now and again as John appears to struggle with the right satisfaction from his girlfriend of four years, Lori (Mila Kunis).

Ted is a simple plot, well almost no plot just an amusing tale of two friends having a lot of fun while trying to play separate lives. John has trouble considering Lori instead of Ted while Lori believes the time is right to send Ted out on his own. Its fun concept concentrates on the events before and after the relationship between Ted and John with Ted showing his crude and inappropriate personality as a supermarket assistant. Ted is left to fend for himself as a stalker lurks in the background, Donny (Giovanni Ribisi) who is desperate to create the life of John for himself.

Seth MacFarlane's Ted offers so many Jaw dropping scenes that you wonder how many parents mistakenly brought their kids to this movie. Obviously the trailer reveals some adult humour which is very little in terms of the overall movie as there is no way you are prepared to witness the extent Seth has taken to provide the best of laughs! Seth MacFarlane aka Peter Griffin aka Ted has created a wonderful film filled with originality. There is an obvious touch of Family Guy providing the pro- American theme tunes jingling in every background, Seth creates comedy like no other.

Seth manged to form a perfect role around Mark Wahlberg. I believed in Marks character. Sure, he was a kid when he came to meet Ted, but the fantastic thing about his character is he never changes and every now and again his vulnerability and child-hood shows with his lack of maturity taking its toll on his relationship with Lori. This worked so much better in terms of Mark's comedic performance previously. I felt his character, or acting or possibly poor script made his desperate attempt to be funny look stupidly obvious and lacked ambition in the Other Guys. Mark Wahlberg won me over in this movie as I felt myself not only laughing at MacFarlane's Ted!

It's full of surprising cameos and some strange turn of events that will leave you wanting more from John and Child-hood side kick Ted. With a nice soundtrack and fantastic CGI (performed by Seth through Motion Capture), the dedication and "will" to make the audience laugh out loud is seen through-out the movie.

Overall: If you Like Peter Griffin you will adore the origin of both Ted and John.

7.5/10

The Dictator Review 2012

Sacha Baron Cohen returns to chuckle the audience with another wacky character, a "Mockumentary" fictional portrayal of a Dictator by the name of Aladeen.

The republic of Wadiya is summoned by the oppressive ruling of Aladeen, who's portrayal of a disruptive and in-human individual is far from mundane. Although Aladeen is as egotistic and ruthless as they come, his hilarious persona sees him travel to New York to clear up an apparent accusation of his holdings in Wadiya.

The South African oil rich country he dictates has had eye brows raised for strong rumours concerning a mass holding of nuclear weapons. America, being the most convenient (sarcastic)country to voice its opinion, calls for Aladeen to voice a clear explanation for these accusations.

It is when Aladeen arrives in New York for a conference that the trip goes awry and where the elements of his true character and comedy combine. He is soon found a lost puppy when an incident involving his kidnapping sees him left on the streets of New York with his signature beard being removed leaving him unrecognisable but vulnerable to the public which could be a bad thing in terms of his reputation.

Aladeen, who would rather shoot himself in the head than see his beloved Wadiya turn into a Democracy state, is fighting for his country and leadership as Tahir replaces Aladeen with a foney Dictator, who in time, will agree to a Democracy free republic.

The Dictator offers a decent cast. Ben Kingsley plays Tahir, a corrupt friend of who in truth wants rid of him, leaving himself to take the throne of Wadiya. Anna Faris is Zoey, a helpful individual who runs a food store in the heart of the city. Oblivious to the man without the beard, she offers to help Aladeen with work and offers him a job in her store.

Minor cameos include Megan Fox, and a bit-part role featuring the always hilarious John C. Reilly who is Clayton, the head of security at a Waldorf hotel who assures Aladeen of his safety.

So what does the Dictator offer in difference to Sacha Baron's previous creations. It was nice to see a scripted concept from Sacha. Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006) was brilliant and will go down as one of greatest comedies of all time. But Brüno (2009) over stepped the mark in terms of the sheer desperate attempt to make the audience laugh, failing to accomplish what Borat had done in terms of originality. Sure, the character was gay and we found his feminist personality fun at first, but all in all it was highly forgettable. The Dictator succeeds in keeping you entertained, offering some hilarious, yet unexpected moments in the movie where you will be like "Did that just happen"?. Obviously, like  Borat and Bruno, it gains notice through its level of controversy. Sacha does indeed over step the mark relating to real life Dictators and he does it with hilarious originality.

The Dictator is nothing special but is worth a watch, especially for its cheap laughs and outlandish character. I was delighted to see Sacha Baron descend from the concept that brought his British persona to life in Hollywood. Ali G Indahouse was the first fictional character from Sacha in what was hugely successful in Britain. To see Sacha reform to script writing once again was enjoyable and makes for a decent watch.

Overall: Don't be fooled by Bruno or Borat, very different and Unexpectedly humorous

The Five-Year Engagement Review 2012

So before Jason Segel was to revel in success, he was advised by a good friend in the movie industry. That good friend was a guy by the name of Nicholas Stoller. That advice was on the basis of being a true success out in movie-land (Hollywood) and in order for his talents to be identified, he must write and create his own characters.

Since then he has done wonders, including the hilarious "Forgetting Sarah Marshall"(2008), "Get him to the Greek"(2011) as well as a memorable resurrection of "The Muppets"(2011). He returns to the screen with long-time friend Emily Blunt in The Five Year Engagement.

Tom (Segel) is a long-time chef in San-Francisco. A well established one at that, he is destined to spend the rest of his life with Violet (Blunt). After only a year since they met, in what was hilarious circumstances, Tom proposes to Violet in what is quite the funny introduction to Tom's awkward ego. Awkward being an understatement.

Both seem financially settled as Violet's career in psychology seems to reach new heights everyday. Things turn sour when Violet receives an invitation into what seems a once in a life time opportunity, the unfortunate thing for Tom is that the position she dreams of is in Michigan! The prospect of life in snowy temperatures sails over the head of Tom as he shows his desire to Violet by agreeing the move, believing his cooking abilities will be an advantage else where.

As Tom is destined for a revived career in Michigan, he struggles to find a position to his standard. (previously a head chef).

The comedy evolves through-out the time of the movie, as well as the time in the movie! A five year engagement may seem acceptable to those suffering financially, but in Tom and Violet's circumstances, the reality is that the people around them are dying waiting on this wedding to happen...literally!

Tom's best friend and former cook buddy Alex (Chris Pratt) is hilarious with his constant irritating, childish behaviour! What was once Tom's life back home, is now run by Alex. To make matters worse for Tom and Violet, Alex marries Violet's sister in such short time, in what slowly evolves into a game of envy and jealousy!

As Tom quickly struggles with life in Michigan, Violet is loving her new position as she fights off her former lover and current boss Winton (Rhys Ifans) who appears destined to help Violet settle into her new life. Although Violet and Tom have a faithful relationship, it is when Violet's love for psychology and Tom's desire to hurry the wedding that result in a clash of fate and different desires that adds a touch of drama to this Rom-com.

The Five year engagement succeeds with it's hilarious round-up of numerous characters who individually know how to make this movie their own. Violet's cast of new workmates are genius as she tries adjusting to the weirdness and seriousness of each individual.

Watch as family members anticipating this so-called wedding cry for help as we get to see matters worsen for poor Tom Solomon. As people around Tom are moving on, living in what appears a better life back home, Tom struggles with the workmates of his new position...and his insanity!

The Five year Engagement is definitely worth a watch, although any comparison to the previous work of Jason Segel will be left for yourself. As for me, I went into this movie with little or no hope as I avoided "Jeff who lives at home" (Was that a mistake?) and I really disliked "I love you man". Apart from minor screen roles, I rate Jason Segel highly and believe with certain comedians (former I should say) truly stuffed their careers with rubbish movies, Mr Segel will continue to entertain us!

Overall: Surprisingly funny and worth a watch

American Pie: Reunion Review 2012

Jim, Stifler and the rest of the gang return for one last gag. A high school reunion.

It has been 13 years since the release of what was surely one of the best teen comedies of the late 90s. American Pie was, and still is a classic piece of work. Unfortunately I can't say the same for the sequel nor the "Wedding". So what does the latest instalment offer?

A number of years have passed since Jim accepted ditsy Michelle as his lawfully wedded wife. How times have changed for the virgin slash pie lover. Jim Can't seem to find the time and enjoyment he once experienced as his responsibilities include his very own infant. As we see in the trailer things are not going so well for the couple, both are lacking ambition to please each-others sexual needs.

Just like Jim, the rest of the crew have moved on living life as a real adult. A brief reunion between Finch, Oz and Kevin lead to the idea and planning of a high school college reunion. But hey, just like the wedding, do not tell the funniest guy in the movie what is happening, Stifler.

So quite obviously, Stifler finds out and there you have your attempted comedy as Stifler is once again the genius behind the antics he so forcefully drags his buddies into.

Some funny scenes involve the grown men hanging out at beach parties with 16 year old girls etc. There are some nostalgic scenes and some same old material. As always Jim is the victim as he is found embarrassed in some oddly funny circumstances.

I laughed my butt off of what clearly seems ridiculous now as I reminisce on its concept. Once again, Stifler is the joker and if anything probably the one tiny excuse the audience will to use to see the latest instalment.

Unfortunately the film lacks any relation to the word that follows American pie, Reunion? No, far from it. The movie is indeed the same slapstick as the "wedding" as it is at least 95 minutes before the audience get to see any of the previous characters.

American Pie reunion was a laugh of course but I just wanted to see more of the nostalgic characters like the "Sherminator" etc. Instead we got the same old stuff in what seems to become terribly childish and boring. In relation to the previous movie, it is funnier than the wedding (just about) and maybe even Part 2 (its been a while). The chances of you laughing at the stupidity of Jim and Stifler are very high which is genuinely obvious but this reunion is worth one watch only as the future for American pie lies in the past as we will always choose to giggle at the 99" classic that started it all.

I can not help but think the reason behind the latest comedy is the lack of industry work for the cast of the saga. It seems quite obvious as we have really only seen Sean William Scott hit our movie screens with his wacky character "The Goon". Unfortunately for most of the cast, American Pie seems the only route available. Although, would you want to see them in anything else? I mean as brilliantly quirky Jason Biggs can be, he has never really warmth to a successful career.

So all in all, the reunion is a good time in the cinema as we seem to always enjoy the hilarious consequences and filthy scenes involving a group of guys who some might say, have wanted to be one or two of these egos. I for one wanted to be Finch!