Blu ray movie review of Couples Retreat

Ever since Swingers, I’ve been a big fan of Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. As such, I was fairly excited about their latest comedy Couples Retreat. While they had no hand in directing the movie, they were both the writers for the film. Overall, I was disappointed with the movie. Maybe Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau are more mature and this is their idea of romantic comedy. I’m not so sure. With both of them writing, I thought the movie would be lot funnier. It even stars one of my favorite actor Jason Bateman along with Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau.

The movie centers around four couples. Jason and Cynthia, played by Jason Bateman and Kristen Bell, are close to a divorce due to Cynthia having hard time getting pregnant. Dave and Ronnie, played by Vince Vaughn and Malin Akerman, have seemingly good marriage. Joey and Lucy, played by Jon Favreau and Kristen Davis, are planning to divorce once their daughter leaves for college. And finally Shane, played by Faizon Love, is divorced and having a good time with younger girl friend. Jason and Cynthia ask the other couples to join them in the couples retreat to try to heal their marriage. They need them to go in order to get a big discount for the group. Once they get to the retreat, they try to fix their various problems.

There are some funny moments in the movie. Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau are always good together in comedies. The overall premise of the film was pretty weak and predictable. You can see that everything will work out and the only reason to watch is the comedy. While the movie did offer some very funny scenes, it did not have enough to keep me interested through the entire movie. The stellar comedic cast of Vince, Jon, and Jason seemed to have been wasted on this weak effort. Never the less, it is worth watching if you are a fan of Jason Bateman, Vince Vaughn, or Jon Favreau.

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Blu ray movie review of Zombieland

Zombieland does a very good job of imitating the 2004 horror/comedy classic Shaun of the Dead. This is not a knock down Zombieland. Before Shaun of the Dead, there have not been very many horror comedy films. In fact, Shaun of the Dead spawned many clones that tried to copy the success of the cult classic. None has succeeded until now. Zombieland is without a doubt a very funny movie worthy of being compared to Shaun of the Dead. Like Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland packs in incredibly funny moments in a very classic horror setting.

The story is not atypical in horror films. The world is turning into a wasteland thanks to a virus that turns people into zombies. We’ve seen this scenario in countless other horror movies. Two main characters, Tallahassee and Columbus form an unusual bond. Tallahassee is the gun toting mad man to Columbus’ geeky underdog character. They both set out to survive in the wasteland and reach a place where it is safe from the flesh eating zombies. Along the way, they meet Wichita and Little Rock and head toward west.

What sets Zombieland apart from the other horror films is the comedy. Sometimes you forget you are watching a zombieland. Instead, movie delivers funny scenes throughout the movie. From opening scene to the final scene, Zombieland consistently delivers laugh out loud moments like running into Bill Murray or the funny rules about surviving in the new zombie infested country. Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson are perfect as two unlikely buddies slaying zombies left and right. This is without a doubt one of the funniest movies to come out last year. Everyone who enjoyed Shaun of the Dead should not miss this movie.

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Inglourious Basterds Blu ray movie review

As a big fan of Quentin Tarantino, I was little bit disappointed with his last two films. Kill Bill and Death Proof was a letdown compared to his earlier movies like Jackie Brown, Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs. Nevertheless, I was excited to watch his latest film, Inglorious Basterds. Tarantino takes his shot at a World War 2 film in Inglorious Basterds. Inglorious Basterds is a different type of war movie. It is dark, violent, funny, and has tint of alternative fiction element. You really would not expect a conventional film from Tarantino. The overall premise borrows from previous war films for over all framework. However, Tarantino adds his own flavor to the movie.

The movie takes place in Nazi occupied France. The Nazis track down any French that harbor the Jews in order to exterminate them. In one such occurance, Jewish family harbored by their neighbor is slaughtered in the opening scene. Shosanna is the only survivor who runs away from Colnel Hans Landa’s atrocity. Years later, Shosanna plots her revenge when her theater is selected to show a film featuring a German hero. The high ranking Nazi officers and the Hitler himself is announced to attend the event. Meanwhile, Lt. Aldo Raine assembles a group of Jewish-American guerilla force to harass the German forces in France. They hear of the movie event and decide to take down Hitler and his officers.

The plot doesn’t sound like much. However, it’s Tarantino’s dark humor and style that makes the movie such a great experience. There are only small numbers of violent scenes. But, the scenes are funny and cringe worthy at the same time. The violent bar scene is one of the best action sequences in a war movie. The scene contains no CG or crazy explosion. Instead, the comical build up right before the violence and subsequent mayhem is pure Tarantino. Brad Pitt deserves some award for his portrayal of redneck Lt. Hell bent on killing Hitler. Overall, any fan of Tarantino should not miss this film.

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Land of the Lost Blu Ray Review

The casting of Will Ferrell in the Land of the Lost remake was little baffling at first. Will Ferrell is mostly known for his comedic acts. Even his sole dramatic role in Stranger Than Fiction had strong comedic elements. So, it’s little strange that he was cast as the lead in the remake of the family friendly science fiction franchise. But, you can instantly understand the casting once you start the movie. The movie is more comedy than its predecessor. I expected movie similar to Journey to the Center of the Earth starting Brendan Fraser. Instead, you get more of gag oriented film.

The movie starts with Rick Marshall being interviewed by Matt Lauer on his scientific theory. Matt Lauer laughs at Marshall’s theory on time warps. This enrages Marshall and he proceeds to attack Matt Lauer on air. Three years later, Marshall is reduced to working at a museum teaching kids. One day, Holly Cantrell persuades Marshall into building a tachyon amplifier to try his theory on time warp. Both of them end up at a tourist spot called Devils Cave where they try the tachyon amplifier. Along with the guide, Holly and Rick are thrown into alternate universe.

While it may not accurately represent the Land of the Lost franchise, it is still a fairly amusing movie. Will Ferrell delivers his usual comedic performance while Anna Friel and Danny McBride adds very good performances of their own. I was especially pleased with Danny McBride as the guide who tags along in the adventure. If you were looking for family friendly adventure, this might not appeal to you. However, if you are looking for some funny gags from Will Ferrell, this will be a perfectly funny movie. All in all, don’t expect too much in the way of science fiction or drama.

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Wedding Crashers Blu Ray

Wedding Crashers Blu Ray Review

Pick and two from Vince Vaugh, Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, Luke Wilson, and Owen Wilson and you get a funny movie regardless of plot. Wedding Crasher is a similar raunchy, over the top comedy that has been well received by the male audiences. You can think of Old School, Meet the Parents or any other Ben Stiller movies and you can pretty much guess what type of movie the Wedding Crasher is. In my opinion, Wedding Crasher is as good as Old School.

John Beckwith, played by Owen Wilson, and Jermey Grey, played by Vince Vaughn, are divorce mediators who have been good friends for long time. They are only interested in crashing weddings to hook up with available women who attend the wedding. They have perfected this crashing technique with complete back story and believable identities. Both are incredibly charming and cunning. This leads to many affairs with women while they have no intention of staying with them. On their latest wedding crash, they are sucked into the life of Treasury Secretary William Cleary’s family. John ends up falling for one of Cleary’s daughter at the wedding. This leads to some funny complication and lies. After the wedding, they end up as guest at Cleary’s house for the weekend.

This is one of the funniest comedies you will watch in a long time. That is, if you enjoyed Old School and similar type of comedies. Vaughn and Owen are great as comedy duo. I’d even say as great as Vaughn and Favreau in Swingers. The cameo by Will Ferrell was one of the funniest parts of the movie. Rachel McAdams was surprisingly good in the comedy. She is more suited to romantic films but was great in this comedy. Overall, this is very well done comedy.

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Adventureland Blu Ray Review

Adventureland is Greg Mottola’s follow up to successful Superbad. The trailer and small previews all point out that fact very proudly. The marketers also touted it as similar movie. That would have been except Adventureland is a very different movie. It is not a teenage sex adventure film like Superbad. Instead, Adventureland is a coming of age romance film that is vastly different from Superbad. The movie does have some funny scenes and moments. However, it is more drama than comedy.

The movie is about a recent college graduate who has to move back home to earn some money before heading to New York to attend graduate school. He initially planned to travel the Europe after the graduation. However, his parents encounter financial difficulty when his father is demoted. Forced earn his own money, he moves back home and takes job at local amusement park called Adventureland. The job is terrible and funny at same time. We meet various funny characters. But, he falls hard for an employee named Em. She is a college student who is taking a break and working at the amusement park. The overall story revolves around this couple.

The story is a fairly entertaining. The setting of 1980s is clearly aimed at the older generation who might feel nostalgic about their time in the 80s. However, it’s a film a Superbad fan will also be able to appreciate. The movie has right balance of drama mixed in with some comedic moments. Overall, it is a very enjoyable film with broad appeals.

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Blu ray disc movie review of Big Trouble in Little China

John Carpenter has produced some of the most beloved cult classics in his career. Big Trouble in Little China has to be one of them. The Halloween and Prince of Darkness established Carpenter as a great director. However, Big Trouble in Little China trumps them all as one of his best movie. It’s little hard to place the movie in any one genre. Instead, it has little bit of action, fantasy, comedy, and little bit of romance all rolled up in one film.

The story is about a truck driver named Jack Burton, played by Kurt Russell who is roped into helping out his old friend Wang. He has to drive him to airport to pick up his future wife. However, some hoodlums kidnap her which forces Jack and Wang to chase and rescue her. This drops them in the middle of gang war with some odd opposing sides and threats. There are some supernatural and fantasy element mixed in with constant action. The overall plot is odd but the pace and action of the movie makes it a very satisfying experience.

Kurt Russell plays the perfect wise cracking hero that reluctantly encounters trouble after trouble. Denis Dun works very nicely as the sidekick or sorts. Kim Cattrall was funny and refreshing as Gracie Law, the lawyer who is also swept up in the overall plot of the movie. The movie didn’t succeed when it was released back in 1986. But, it has found enduring cult following for its lively and fun ride. This movie definitely deserves a Blu-ray release.

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I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry Blu Ray

I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry Blu Ray Review

I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry is a typical Adam Sandler movie. That is to say, it is over the top sometimes crude, and very funny. Critics mostly dismissed this film along with most of Sandler’s comedies. However, Sandler usually pulls in healthy box office receipt even with bad reviews. I think the movie maker tried to inject some social commentary on the gay issues with very limited success. The film is mostly funny college humor stuff and that’s what film maker should have stuck with.

The story is about two firemen who are forced into gay marriage by a bizarre circumstance. Larry, played by Kevin James, needs to keep his benefits in support of his children. Chuck, played by Adam Sandler, owes Larry for all the times he was saved by Larry on the job. Larry calls in that favor when he finds a loophole allowing a domestic partnership that will help with his situation. This is a big problem since Chuck is a big playboy. The plot is mildly serviceable for the funny “gay” antics.

Sandler and James inject great deal of comedic presence in their roles. Both are natural comedians who know how to deliver a line or physical comedy. The movie is part buddy film part college humor film. It works fine for the targeted audience and most likely repulse serious movie goers. It’s not as funny as the Apatow movies but should be enjoyable for Sandler fans.

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Ghostbusters Blu Ray

Ghostbusters Blu Ray Review

Twenty five years after the release, the Ghostbusters is one of my favorite films of all time. If you were growing up during the 80s, you will most likely remember the original, the sequel, and the bombardment of animation series. A lot of us gobbled up everything related to Ghostbusters. Even with limited technology, the Ghostbusters displayed great special effects along with great story and even greater dialogues. Even though the film is clearly aimed at younger kids, the jokes and dialogues are funny to the adults. I find myself laughing hard at the film even as an adult.

Ghostbusters is a comedic gem that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Three scientists, Venkman, Stantz, and Spengler decide to start up a business to deal with paranormal beings after being let go by the University. This gets them a case dealing with Dana Barrett, played by Sigourney Weaver, where they have to deal with portal openings in her refrigerator. From there, the Ghostbusters have to deal with the evil forces that threaten to destroy entire Manhattan. The story is rather simple but very fun.

A lot of the credit for the movie’s success rests on the funny dialogue as well as great directing and acting. Bill Murray as the funny Dr. Venkman is one of the most memorable characters played by Bill Murray. Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis round out the perfect partners for the Ghostbusters. Without a doubt, this is the best movie directed by Ivan Reitman. He’s had hand in some semi successful films since the Ghostbusters and its sequel. However, they don’t come close to the greatness of Ghostbusters movies. With the release of the new video game as well as the new Blu-ray version, this would be great time for new generation to experience this fantastic movie before the release of the third installment in 2012.

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Black Sheep Blu Ray Review

Black Sheep is Chris Farley’s second foray into comedy movie. The first one, Tommy boy, was a big success for the former Saturday Night Live funny man. Naturally, he followed up with equally funny Black Sheep. Christ Farley made one more feature film, Beverly Hills Ninja, before he tragically passed away. While Black Sheep is funny, it feels like a poor attempt to replicate the Tommy Boy formula. The plot changes but the characters seem have transferred from Tommy boy. While this may not be a bad thing, it is somewhat disappointing that they couldn’t come up with original movie.

Chris Farley plays Mike Donnelly while David Spade plays Steve Dodds. Essentially, Mike’s brother is running for the governor’s seat and Steve Dodds is hired to keep Mike out of trouble during the election. This is basically the same situation set up in the Tommy Boy where David Spade’s character is charged with looking out for the bumbling Tommy Callahan. The rehashed characters don’t detract from the laughter from the duo. If you were fan of Farley and Spade, you will most likely ignore the redundant characters and enjoy the film. On the other hand, if you are not a fan, you might find it boring and trite.

The main attraction of the movie is Chris Farley. He was extremely talented comedian who always put smile on my face. The guy is non-stop from one sequence to next. David Spade fills in nicely as the side kick and foil to Farley’s comedy. Another delight was Gary Busey as the crazy sergeant Drake Savage who turns out to be a “good” guy. The entire movie is based on the chemistry between the main characters and the side characters. And, the interaction between Farley and Spade was one of the best combos. It is shame that Farley passed away so early in his life. He could have surpassed all other former SNL member as the greatest comedian to grace the big screen.

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