It isn't a secret that it takes time and effort to plan a wedding. The same can also be said for the art of creating humor. The jokes should have the potential to put you in stitches, and the characters should be relatable to us, even if the situations they find themselves in might not be the norm for us. Screenwriters Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo master this art form in their wedding comedy Bridesmaids. The film celebrates comedy in women and the hilarity that they can generate, and proves that they can be just as side-splittingly funny as men.
Annie (Kristen Wiig) is living a hard-knock life. She is in debt, works at a job she hates, and can't stand the roommate in her apartment. When her life-long best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) breaks the news that she's getting married, she asks Annie to be her maid of honor. Despite the heap of pressure that will come with it , she accepts. On top of creating the perfect pre-wedding events for Lillian, Annie also has to juggle competing with fellow bridesmaid Helen (Rose Byrne) who is trying to steal her position as maid of honor, as well as trying to handle her distrust in men as she starts to become smitten with a police officer (Chris O'Dowd).
Kristen Wiig is best known on television for the myriad of characters that she plays on Saturday Night Live. Her role in Bridesmaids, however, could be the one that shoots her to the status of movie-stardom. Her awkward quirkiness that we're so used to remains as comical as ever in a full-length feature as it does in a five minute skit. Since the movie diverts the attention away from the bride-to-be and focuses mainly on the maid of honor, Wiig does a marvelous job with carrying the movie. What's great about her character is that besides being the film's primary laugh-machine, she also makes the audience feel sympathy for her as she realizes that as Lillian's life is coming together, her own life is falling apart.
Alongside Wiig is a motley crew of wonderfully witty women. Maya Rudolph retains the connection she's had with Kristen on SNL, and this holds the charm of an average, everyday gal-pal relationship. The group of bridesmaids includes Wendi McLendon-Covey as a mom trapped in a boring marriage who wants to have naughty fun; Ellie Kemper as a Disney-loving girly-girl; and Melissa McCarthy as the tomboy and standout of the bridal unit, who is truly a caring friend at heart. Rose Byrne nails the prissy attitude of her character. Watching Annie and Helen compete with each other is nothing short of amusing. If Annie is the wedding cake, then Helen is the figure that goes on top. She always feels she has to overshadow Annie.
Wiig and Mumolo's screenplay thrives on the comical interactions of these women. Each of them has their own time to shine. Although there are a couple of characters who were funny enough and should have had more screen time than they did, the movie is mainly about the camaraderie between Annie and Lillian. It all concerns with whether or not they will remain friends through the changes that are happening in their lives. As the stress of being a maid of honor starts to pile on Annie, so does the hilarity. There is some gross-out humor that will make the audience cringe and laugh all at once; but thankfully, it never goes too over the top. It doesn't matter if you're a male or female viewer, Bridesmaids cordially invites everyone to this wedding.
Final grade: A-
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
The god of thunder conjures a thoroughly entertaining storm
It is widely known that the mystical legends from centuries ago greatly influence the stories that are told today. A prime example of this is the Norse god of thunder, Thor, being initiated into the Marvel universe. He has crossed the bridge from the myths that were revered by earlier civilizations, to the vibrant pages of the comic book by Stan Lee. Director Kenneth Branagh has now plucked the hero from his paneled domain, and made a superhero movie that's every bit as much for broader audiences as it is for those that have followed his otherworldly adventures on the page.
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) are brothers living in the kingdom of Asgard, and their father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), is ready to pass down the throne to one of his sons, and chooses Thor. Without Odin's knowledge, Thor's first act of business is to go to the world of Jotunheim and battle its inhabitants known as the Frost Giants, Asgard's oldest adversaries, after they try to steal a powerful artifact from Odin. Upon seeing this as a prideful and selfish act that could start a dangerous conflict, Odin banishes Thor to Earth until he can learn what it means to be a leader. Once Thor arrives, he meets an astrophysicist named Jane (Natalie Portman), her assistant Darcy (Kat Dennings) and their mentor Dr. Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard), who all agree to help him get back to Asgard before it suffers a terrible fate at the hand of his jealous brother.
Hemsworth brings the power that it takes to play Thor. With his commanding voice and physical strength, he showcases a true heroic stature. He deserves to fight as the god of thunder and wear the cape and armor. Natalie Portman proves her versatility by lending herself to the superhero genre. She connects well with her co-stars, and looks like she's having a great time being a part of the Marvel world. With Anthony Hopkins as the mighty Odin, he reminds us that he is as legendary in acting as his character is in mythology. Tom Hiddleson is a talented newcomer to American audiences as the villain with an envious force to be reckoned with.
Just like the previous movies adapted from Marvel comics over the past few years, Thor does well in preparing its hero for the Avengers movie, which is due next May. Be sure to look close for a cameo by Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton, who eventually becomes Hawkeye, another member of the Avengers team. He is also set to appear in the upcoming film.
Thor works well as both a superhero film and as an origin story. The first half hour of the film is dedicated to introducing the character of Thor and his home world to the audience. From the storybook-like imagery of Asgard to the Frost Giants' dark and desolate planet of Jotunheim, we become familiar with Thor's universe. The film takes its time with telling this part of the narrative, and this helps those who haven't read the comics. As a result, those viewers don't feel alienated from the story. The screenplay doesn't get derailed by a barrage of special effects-laden fight scenes, and tells the tale of Thor's beginning as it should be told. The few action scenes that are in the film, however, serve the story and are exciting; especially the final battle between Thor and Loki, which is the ultimate fight of sibling rivalry. With all of this put together, Thor is thunderous fun.
Final grade: A-
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) are brothers living in the kingdom of Asgard, and their father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), is ready to pass down the throne to one of his sons, and chooses Thor. Without Odin's knowledge, Thor's first act of business is to go to the world of Jotunheim and battle its inhabitants known as the Frost Giants, Asgard's oldest adversaries, after they try to steal a powerful artifact from Odin. Upon seeing this as a prideful and selfish act that could start a dangerous conflict, Odin banishes Thor to Earth until he can learn what it means to be a leader. Once Thor arrives, he meets an astrophysicist named Jane (Natalie Portman), her assistant Darcy (Kat Dennings) and their mentor Dr. Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard), who all agree to help him get back to Asgard before it suffers a terrible fate at the hand of his jealous brother.
Hemsworth brings the power that it takes to play Thor. With his commanding voice and physical strength, he showcases a true heroic stature. He deserves to fight as the god of thunder and wear the cape and armor. Natalie Portman proves her versatility by lending herself to the superhero genre. She connects well with her co-stars, and looks like she's having a great time being a part of the Marvel world. With Anthony Hopkins as the mighty Odin, he reminds us that he is as legendary in acting as his character is in mythology. Tom Hiddleson is a talented newcomer to American audiences as the villain with an envious force to be reckoned with.
Just like the previous movies adapted from Marvel comics over the past few years, Thor does well in preparing its hero for the Avengers movie, which is due next May. Be sure to look close for a cameo by Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton, who eventually becomes Hawkeye, another member of the Avengers team. He is also set to appear in the upcoming film.
Thor works well as both a superhero film and as an origin story. The first half hour of the film is dedicated to introducing the character of Thor and his home world to the audience. From the storybook-like imagery of Asgard to the Frost Giants' dark and desolate planet of Jotunheim, we become familiar with Thor's universe. The film takes its time with telling this part of the narrative, and this helps those who haven't read the comics. As a result, those viewers don't feel alienated from the story. The screenplay doesn't get derailed by a barrage of special effects-laden fight scenes, and tells the tale of Thor's beginning as it should be told. The few action scenes that are in the film, however, serve the story and are exciting; especially the final battle between Thor and Loki, which is the ultimate fight of sibling rivalry. With all of this put together, Thor is thunderous fun.
Final grade: A-
Friday, May 13, 2011
This 'Fast' crew starts their engines once again
The franchise that has a knack for glorifying the ecstasy of street racing returns for a gas-guzzling fifth installment. Just like its predecessors, it ignores all the rules of the road that we wish we could. The Fast and the Furious movies display racing on a grand scale, and place us in the passenger's seat of these speed demons. Fast Five, directed by Justin Lin, is put into drive with its 100-mile-per-hour action and the adrenaline rush that is the sustenance for the characters.
The film begins right where the fourth entry ended, with Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) on his way to prison. When his friends, including former FBI agent Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) and Dom's sister Mia (Jordana Brewster), break him out, they head to the exotic Rio de Janeiro to hide from the authorities. Before Dom and his team leave the city for good to begin a new life, they decide to plan one last job: taking down a malicious businessman, Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida), and stealing his money from a heavily-guarded bank vault. At the same time, Dom and his friends are being tracked by a squad of U.S. DSS agents, led by Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson).
The cast is an enjoyable reunion of the diverse group of car aficionados from every other installment, including Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and Tyrese Gibson from 2 Fast 2 Furious, and Sung Kang from The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, with each person having a special talent for a successful heist. After the original, Walker and Diesel weren't together in any of the other films until the fourth entry, Fast and Furious. This above-the-rules duo of tough guys is a major part of the appeal to these movies, and that's why the first, fourth and fifth street racing escapades are superior to the second and third films. Dwayne Johnson's role as the hardnosed DSS agent is one that fits him like a glove. He finds an equally unyielding persona in Dom, and the two fight each other like rock-'em-sock-'em robots. There are some brief times of serviceable drama among the characters; but given that we've been through five movies with them, there should be some more of those moments.
Fast Five doesn't have as much racing as the previous four movies; but that provides it with a chance to focus on its heist story, which gives the movie a feel of Ocean's 11 with tricked-out cars. Although the street racing in these movies have become routine with a been-there-done-that vibe, the climactic car chase through the streets of Rio de Janeiro will satisfy the appetite of any action-movie fan who has a taste for destruction in their summer movie entertainment. There is a post-credits scene with a plot twist that sets up the franchise for a sixth movie. Although this might be a little much to ask from a Fast and Furious movie, but let's hope that the next film has more of a new car smell.
Final grade: B
The film begins right where the fourth entry ended, with Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) on his way to prison. When his friends, including former FBI agent Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) and Dom's sister Mia (Jordana Brewster), break him out, they head to the exotic Rio de Janeiro to hide from the authorities. Before Dom and his team leave the city for good to begin a new life, they decide to plan one last job: taking down a malicious businessman, Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida), and stealing his money from a heavily-guarded bank vault. At the same time, Dom and his friends are being tracked by a squad of U.S. DSS agents, led by Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson).
The cast is an enjoyable reunion of the diverse group of car aficionados from every other installment, including Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and Tyrese Gibson from 2 Fast 2 Furious, and Sung Kang from The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, with each person having a special talent for a successful heist. After the original, Walker and Diesel weren't together in any of the other films until the fourth entry, Fast and Furious. This above-the-rules duo of tough guys is a major part of the appeal to these movies, and that's why the first, fourth and fifth street racing escapades are superior to the second and third films. Dwayne Johnson's role as the hardnosed DSS agent is one that fits him like a glove. He finds an equally unyielding persona in Dom, and the two fight each other like rock-'em-sock-'em robots. There are some brief times of serviceable drama among the characters; but given that we've been through five movies with them, there should be some more of those moments.
Fast Five doesn't have as much racing as the previous four movies; but that provides it with a chance to focus on its heist story, which gives the movie a feel of Ocean's 11 with tricked-out cars. Although the street racing in these movies have become routine with a been-there-done-that vibe, the climactic car chase through the streets of Rio de Janeiro will satisfy the appetite of any action-movie fan who has a taste for destruction in their summer movie entertainment. There is a post-credits scene with a plot twist that sets up the franchise for a sixth movie. Although this might be a little much to ask from a Fast and Furious movie, but let's hope that the next film has more of a new car smell.
Final grade: B
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