FUNNY PEOPLE Review!!

The Plot: This movie was spot on about what it has to say to be a comedian and how most of the great jokes that have come out of life are usually the horrible things that happen to us. The film sets up the fact that Sandler's character is a secluded comedian that is dying from a disease and when he gets wind of his impending death, he has nobody close to him to tell. This movie is about the bad mistakes that one goes through in life and what that means for you in the end. The main theme of this movie is what happens when life doesn't go exactly your way and what that means when you know exactly where you are supposed to go and you go in a completely different direction and about how we lie to ourselves to make our lives better. Director Judd Apatow nails so many different aspects of what it is to live in the life of an entertainer whose worse moments are the one the audience pays to hear about. He plays on the fact that both Ira and George are really two sides of the same coin and they parallel each other so well in terms of what Ira can become and what George used to be as a struggling comedian. The script also manages to create characters that are dimensional. The film knows what it wants to be and it achieves that so brilliantly. The script is written well to where we cringe at moments where these characters just have no spark in their comedy routines and we can't help but laugh along with the audience at the jokes that are working. It has you rooting for the characters when they crawl their way of the crap situation that they are in and just hate, but understand them at the points where they become competitive and cutthroat in getting their names out there. How it is in the real world. Everybody is waiting for the moment to play their card. When it comes they'll take it, but what are the ramifications of doing so. That is not to say that this film ain't funny. The jokes are almost kinda of incidental to the plot. The real funny bits comes from the more depressing moments of the film, but that is the point to it where our worst moments are our funny bits and we take those shitty moments and try to make people smile with them. But this film is definitely funny, but its not the typical Judd Apatow film. It also is funny in the fact that they are congruent with the real world that you get one of the characters going to see a movie that just opened up in theaters a few weeks ago, and making jokes about how Seth Rogen lost too much weight and needs to gain it back to be funny. It had me chuckle a few times at those moments when it realized there is a real world. It leaps beyond being a comedy and actually tells an engaging and heartfelt story about a guy who comes to a point where he realizes where he is going to end up and realizing he has nothing. The film is quite depressing at times, but that is exactly the intention so that we come to care for each of these characters and Apatow nails it! Overall, a great script and the ending is great and sentimental.

The Acting: The acting in this film is very subdued and not as over the top as some of the other Apatow films. This isn't 40 Year Old Virgin or Knocked Up, but it isn't trying to be or outdo them. It is more comparable to Punch Drunk Love or Spanglish. This is a more introverted, deeper, and darker story. With that said, all the performances are pretty much excellent. The standouts in this film has to be Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen. The both play their parts very subtly and they aren't trying to outdo each other. They complement each other and they work as a duo in this film. I also liked how Apatow was able to reign in Sandler from being "Adam Sandler" and just have him give a strong dramatic and comedic performance. Seth Rogen was also great and he plays everything a bit more straighter than any of his previous films and he is a idiot like the rest of us, but that is why he works so well in this film. He doesn't know where to start his career off as a comedian, and he isn't funny. The writing for his character shows an arc that is very satisfying by the end of the picture. The performance by Leslie Mann was also effective and I did enjoy watching the scenes between her and Sandler as they added a lot of depth to the narrative and punctuates the mains points of the film so well. The one actor that really surprised me was the Eric Bana character. Without giving too much away, you kinda are lend to not like this cat from the ads and even in the film, but when you are introduced to this character, you would gladly have a beer with this guy because he is a good dad. If he is a good husband, I'll leave that to you to find out. Overall, great cast with appearances by famous comedians and the typical Apatow crew all shine in this film at various points.

The Negatives...

Well, there isn't much I have to say against the film except that the film had a rough start. The film felt as if there was an uncertainty of tone and it felt as if it took awhile to find itself, but that is a minor quibble and that went away fast. I just enjoyed the film, but it does run a bit long at times. Some of the scenes could have been trimmed without hurting the film, but its just a case of tightening the film up.

Overall, I enjoyed the hell out of this film and this isn't 40 Year Old Virgin or Knocked Up, this is something completely different. It is a very relatable story and it is effectively maybe Judd Apatow's strongest piece of writing thus far as it doesn't rely on the jokes as his other films do. I'd give it a FULL-PRICE! I enjoyed the hell out of this film!

Till next time keep the laughs coming! :P

Orphan REVIEW!!

Before seeing this film, This trailers gave off the impression that this was going to be a film that was very much in the same vein as the classic horror film The Omen. It also seemed to me like a film that was destined to let me have a great first half only to deliver a lackluster 90's style plot twist that negates the whole point of the first two acts. I went into this with an open mind and I decided to give this movie a shot. To which, I can safely say I am glad I did.

Ok this film completely surprised the hell out of me. Without giving away any spoilers of the film, this film established within the opening that even though they are treading the old and cliche' plot device that seemingly is taken straight out of a film such as The Omen, this film is going to present a different angle to the whole kid killer story. This film knows what it is, and it knows what it wants to be. It is also aware of the fact that this is a child murderer movie and it uses that knowledge to it's advantage. You can tell that the filmmakers all saw films such as The Omen in which the antagonist is a child and is seemingly in control of the situation. It knows that audiences out there have seen films such as The Omen or The Good Son. Whenever the film seems to be heading into cliche' territory it redeems itself in surprising ways. What this film does so effectively and brilliantly is play on the fact that this is a kid killer story and they use that to it's advantage. As I was watching the film, I got more and more tense especially in the first acts where you realize that kids are both in danger and committing the crimes. These filmmakers are aware of the fact that children doing these heinous and evil things is much more disturbing to an audience than if an adult was doing it. The filmmakers understand that the best angle to get through and convey these intense feelings of terror and suspense to the audience is to put the kids in dangerous and believable situations. This film nails it!

The opening act of the film is rather predictable to say the least, but after an OK first act, it redeems itself and quickly gets into full swing. This film is the type that as the plot keeps progressing, it gets better! In the second half of the film it becomes an engaging mystery. Not in the same vein as a film like The Omen which relies heavily on fantasy biblical elements or how The Good Son revolved around an inexplainable killer mentality, the plot in this film is very believable. It doesn't feel like a cheat when you get to the last act of the picture. They also have moments that nearly parody those classic Kid killer movies with the characters having some beats that are taken from those film, but twisting them in a way you haven't seen before.

What this film also does effectively is create characters that are dimensional. These characters are all flawed in some way and they are all using each other to get that sense of happiness, but that becomes their downfall. The Characters of Kate and Peter Coleman have some dimensionality to them that shows they are flawed, but they are trying their best to keep the family together despite the situations that come about. They don't seem like the typical parental figure that doesn't see their flaws in the family, but you can't help but understand why they are in the situation they are and what is going through their heads. With that said, I was kind of let down by their logic for wanting to adopt. It seems a bit easy, but it went away quickly and it's a very small complaint. This film gets you to care for the characters more than your typical suspense thriller. That's what makes Kate's character so good in that you understand she is right in her understanding what is going on around her and putting the pieces together, but she's in a real deep hole that is tough to climb out of with those around her. You can't help applaud when she tries to not let her family become next in line to this child antagonist.

The standout in this film without a doubt is Isabelle Fuhrman as Esther. She gives about as creepy a performance as you can get in these child murderer story. At the beginning of the film, she does something that the audience kind of isn't expecting...she actually wins us over, but you still get the hint that there's something not totally right about this one. The opening act of the film show that she can be a lovable child and that you don't really see a logical progression as to why this child goes on to do what she does. She is also not the typical child murderer who kills simply because of the fact she enjoys killing. You get the impression that she is doing it on a "Either-it's-me-and-you" basis and definitely chooses the latter. Her progression in the film doesn't seem like a cheat and as she tears the family apart and you see how manipulative she can get, you sense that she's in full-control of the situation. That creates an effective villain and by the end of the third act, she has you in her grim and all bets are off by that point in the film. That is a true sign of an effectively scary and unpredictable character.

Onto the flaws of the film. While I did enjoy this film, this film maybe too much for audiences to take. Because it is so tense and you understand that children's lives are at risk, it almost becomes too much to a point. While I thought this worked to the film's advantage and it certainly had an impact on myself, I would say that there's still that audience that is uncomfortable with seeing children in danger this way. But that's merely a case of knowing what your in for and to go along with it.

Overall, I thought this film was a big surprise! I wasn't expecting this film at all. It's definitely an entertaining one and effective thriller at that. It didn't leave me feeling betrayed and it kept the intensity all throughout. The film has some creepy and uncomfortable moments that are played brilliantly with the knowledge that this film is in familiar territory. It does not feel intimidated by the films that have come before it, it merely knows what it wants to be and knows of a good angle to give that thrill to audiences. I'd say that for the film it is and you know what you are in for when you see this, this is worthwhile and entertaining. I'd never thought I'd say this, but it's a FULL-PRICE! I enjoyed the hell out of it!

My Top and Bottom Films of 2009 So Far!

Hey guys! It's my Mid-Year Report card for the flicks I've seen! Heres my list of films from my Least Favorite films of the year 2009 so far!

LEAST FAVORITE FILM OF 2009 so far

BRIDE WARS

No amount of words can express my utter disgust at this movie. I know a lot of people are going to call me overly critical of this film, but this film is just downright offensive in nature. This movie makes the Sex and The City movie look like Citizen Kane next to this piece of garbage! These two women are such self-centered bitches that they negate the very person they are marrying. The filmmakers give off the impression that all women want out of life is marriage to the point where it becomes overly offensive. If I was a woman, I'd totally hate this film too. Nothing works, every twist is a tired cliche'. You don't care for any of these characters. The dialogue is god-awful!!! I just fuckin hate this movie. Enough said, skip it at all costs.

PS: Guys if you take a date to see this and she at any point says "Oh she is just like me."

YOU RUN!!!! RUN AT ALL COSTS CUZ SHE IS A CRAZY BITCH!!!!

The Biggest Disappointment of 2009 so far

PUBLIC ENEMIES

Technically the film was both impressive and lackluster. I was looking forward to this film after I heard of the mega cast that was attached and the HEAT director was going to tackle the legendary John Dillinger Outlaw story!...but god the film let me down. It was still a quality flick, but I can't help feel underwhelmed and kinda of cheated when I left the theater. All the talent was basically wasted. I won't get to see THE John Dillinger movie for another decade at the very least. It just didn't capture to me what was the more compelling aspects of Dillinger. I know Dillinger lead an anti-climatic life, but you could have placed some emphasis on what made him the outlaw that he was and make it cinematic. Overall, it was just ok, and not the awesomeness that I was expecting. Michael Mann has lost his mind after discovering the HD camera with Collateral and his styles have only made his films suffer since then.

The Biggest Surprise of 2009 So far:

THE HANGOVER

Wow this film surprised me. The trailers kind of made it look like crap. I was watching the film and it seemed like another stupid drinking film that was trying to copy what BEERFEST did and it looked pretty damn lame. I wasn't impressed by the film at all...then I saw it. GOD I WAS SO WRONG!!! This film: Beat for Beat works as any other great comedy and its essentially a mystery of sorts! It's definitely a film I think will maybe one day make my top comedies of all-time list! Overall, funny as hell and definitely check it out if ya haven't!

MY PICK FOR BEST MOVIE OF 2009 SO FAR GOES TO.......

FIRST AN HONORABLE MENTION TO...

I thought Watchmen was done well enough to compress the classic graphic novel into a film. It had a lot of meat on it's bones and the film stands on it's own if you didn't read the novel. It's a great movie and I give Zack Synder props for trying to do the near-impossible.

My FAVORITE FILM OF 2009 SO FAR IS....

UP just hit me in my heart in so many ways. I just couldn't help but nearly cry at the end of the third act of this film. It emotionally affected me and it left a lump in my throat. This was a funny and emotionally touching story about how being in love is ulitmately the greatest adventure anyone can experience. I would have to say it's maybe about time a pixar film gets nominated for BEST PICTURE. The story was so good, that I first saw the opening 45 mins at a film fest in NYC and the entire opening was done in storyboards...and the audience was crying at storyboards. THIS MOVIE IS JUST PURE STORYTELLING BRILLIANCE! This has to be one of my top favorite pixar films! GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!! Its fantastic! :)

Here's my list of movies I have seen in 2009 in order from greatest to least!

Enoy!

Up 4.5 of 5 Stars

Watchmen 4.5 of 5 Stars

The Hangover 4.5 of 5 Stars

Terminator Salvation 4 of 5 Stars

Star Trek 4 of 5 Stars

Friday The 13th 4 of 5 Stars

I Love You, Man 4 of 5 Stars

Adventureland 4 of 5 Stars

Crank 2 4 of 5 Stars

Drag Me To Hell 4 of 5 Stars

Fanboys 3.5 of 5 Stars

Bruno 3 of 5 Stars

Public Enemies 3 of 5 Stars

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans 3.5 of 5 Stars

Taken 3.5 of 5 Stars

Harry Potter 6 3 of 5 Stars

Monsters Vs. Aliens 3 of 5 Stars

Earth 3 of 5 Stars

Fast and Furious 3 of 5 Stars

Notorious 3 of 5 Stars

Transformers 3 of 5 Stars

He's Just Not That Into You 3 of 5 Stars

Duplicity 2 of 5 Stars

Observe and Report 2 of 5 Stars

Year One 2 of 5 Stars

X-Men Origins: Wolverine 1.5 of 5 Stars

DragonBall Evolution 1.5 of 5 Stars

Bride Wars 1 of 5 Stars

Till next time guys!

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince REVIEW!

Harry Potter in the past few years since this engrossing series has debuted, it has become one of the most well-known story arcs of this generation. Harry Potter is a global phenomenon. J.K Roweling has in fact created such memorable characters that charm both children and adults alike. It has become one of our most endearing and debated film adaptations to date. People argue about these films and what they left out, and the endless debates about how in the hell the 7th book will be adapted properly to film. The Harry Potter franchise has it's devotees and it's wild fan-base. I myself, wouldn't have called myself that. I didn't read the books. I just decided to sit down and see each film as it is. I started with the second film. I came late into the series, but as soon as I saw The Chamber of Secrets; I dug the franchise and I couldn't wait to check out the first film and see the next one! The Prisoner of Azakban was fantastic! Goblet of Fire was my favorite to date because it was both thrilling and it gave me some surprises. I thought that Order of The Phoenix was a bit of a misfire. I remember being at the Chicago test-screening for part 5 back in February and being disappointed. I waited till I saw the completed film in IMAX 3D and was still a bit disappointed because the series at that point had started to turn into "filler-films" until the next one, with no real conclusion.

Which brings us to this film. Overall, I felt that this film was better than the last Potter film. It definitely harkens back to the spirit of the third film where it was a more character-driven film. One of the things that struck to me about this series is that as the kids are growing, so is the stories. In the first film, it played most of the twists safely where you knew these kids weren't in any real danger, but it was still thrilling. That all went out the window with the forth film in which all bets were off! I was excited for that turn and dug the films more for it. As much as I didn't enjoy Order of the Phoenix, there were certain aspects that I loved about it that I'd wish they spent more time developing.  With all that said, this film feels like these stories are growing to be more adult and mature stories and it definitely should because it only makes sense to grow as these characters are growing with us.

The Plot of the film is very interesting in which Harry is delving deeper into the Death Eaters by way of following Malfoy's involvement in the group and going into some of the backstory of Voldemort's childhood and his stay at Hogwarts. The plot is very much a character driven piece with not too many action sequences. There is maybe only two action pieces in the whole film. Nothing really happens, but this isn't that type of film. This film is trying to tell a more introverted story and it's about how these characters are finding themselves by the choices they make that leads to what they will come to deal with later on in their lives, not just against Voldemort, but also with each other. The film to me is about choice and the repercussions that come along with that. So for myself, I enjoyed the plot.

Everyone in the film is as strong as they have been. The real standouts of this film is Hero Fiennes-Tiffin and Frank Dillane as the Voldemort/ Tom Riddle at ages 11 and 16 respectively. Young Tom's story is really the hook for this story. You watch the kid's performances and you look into their eyes, and you see the evil that they are more than capable of later on in their lives. Espiecally Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, because you read his performance and it you sense this kid is not one to be trusted for those few scenes he is in. Voldemort doesn't appear in the movie, but you feel his presence all throughout the film. They also clearly establish a tone for this film. This series of films are gettin progressively darker and mature. The structure of this film is simliar to some of the great sequels in which these characters are all put to the test and you see the change that has occured in them, especially in Harry. The last film felt more passive at times, but in this film by the end you see he is ready to take on the journey that lies ahead of him. Malfoy is also a good performance as his character gets a lot of screentime and you feel that he and Harry are both trying to live up to the image that have been pushed upon them. I got more of the sense that these two are very silmilar in nature as opposed to the previous films in which it seemed more like a rivalry. This is the rivalry gone sour. There is definitely a lot of meat on the bones of this story for sure. The visual effect sequences are still amazingly well done, but I can't really picture what sequences are going to use the IMAX 3D technology. This film seemed a bit anti-climatic with just action set pieces that occur way before the climax of the picture.

On to the negatives...

The pacing of this film was definitely off at times. There was definitely things that could have been cut down. This film runs at a two hours and thirty minute runtime and that can get a bit tendious at times. There is some interesting stuff happening, but it does feel a bit too long. Another big complaint that people had walking out of this screening was the fact that nothing happens. While I was fine with that because I know that there is going to be two more Harry Potter movies, this is definitely going to hurt the film because it leaves a weird taste in your mouth when the credits roll. You just feel as if you saw more filler film until Death Hallows part I comes out (which will be another filler film until part 2 comes out) I know that by the time the next film rolls out, they will have to stop holding back and really let this series go out with a bang. I was with this film halfway in and then it started to drag. 

Some of the character relations seem a bit forced at times. The love stories between both Ron and Harmonie and Harry and Ginny's relationship seemed a bit forced. It seems as if Ron and Harmonie built up their relationship to where it could work, but how it happened just seemed a bit off. Harry and Ginny's relationship seemed to have happened too fast for myself. I felt as if there was no real lead up to it and that it happened simply because it happened in the book.

I can see why the first test screenings for this film had such a negative response, but I wouldn't call this movie a bad one. Overall, I did have enjoy the film for what it was, but I know a lot of filmgoers are going to be left a bit disappointed, but the fans will eat this film up! For myself, I'd give it a MATINEE! I enjoyed it more than part 5, but I hope in part 7 Harry goes all out. What I am enjoying about this film is the promise of what is to come in future films. This was a good character piece, but this is a set up for part seven. That film is going to pick up where this one leaves off and I want to see that story!

Till Next Time guys, heres my two cents!

THE DARK KNIGHT Review!

Hey guys! I thought that to mark the one year anniversary release date of a little film called THE DARK KNIGHT, I'd post up the original written review of the film! As most of you guys know this is one of my all-time favorite films! With this said. Hope ya enjoy the review!

OH MY GOD!!! THIS MOVIE WUZ FLAWLESS!!! God this film has some fuckin balls to go where no other comic books films go to. Christopher Nolan completely outdoes himself and both technical and artistically. Where do I begin?

Story: The story-line is fittingly complex in terms of how to progress a story like this. Chris, J, and David Goyer all delved straight into the ideas of what a vigilante could do in the real world in terms of what could happen and how the public and the criminals react to Batman. The biggest theme that stood out for me was the theme of escalation. Everything having to get worse before it gets better is a key theme to how the Batman can inspire the people of Gotham to do things to take their city back. I thought the plot twists that occur in the film were definitely credible, especially with the arc with Harvey Dent and it doesn't feel like a cheat when you watch the last act unfold. Another bit that impressed me was that they actually brought conflict to the character of Bruce Wayne more than Batman. One thing that people tend to forget about the Batman films is that it's a story about Bruce Wayne and we need that emotional connection. Not to mention that the action scenes completely outdo anything that was done in the original film. Another thing I was worried with this film was the amount of time we get to invest in a character. The problem with Tim Burton's Batman

was that Batman wasn't even the star of his own film and that Jack Nicholson overshadowed

Batman in every scene. In this film, it seems as if The Joker, Batman, and Harvey Dent all have as equal amount of screen-time and they are developed enough as characters that they seem well defined. This film has quite a lot of action, but they all work as a storytelling device. Bigger explosions just aren't gonna do it, there has to be something fresh brought to the story or there is no reason to continue the Batman mythos. Overall fantastic story line that is about the progression of a man who has attained power the first time and the struggles and repercussions that comes with that power.

Acting: The acting in this film is certainly above par!

Christian Bale once again does the fantastic job of portraying the conflicted Bruce and he brings a lot of to the table and he gives a clear definition to how this Bruce Wayne is struggling with the anarchy that the Joker brings to the film. Also this film brings out the more Detective aspects of Batman and how he has to use all his skills to stop all the villains in the film. Its another great performance overall and he's as good as Batman and Bruce Wayne as ever. The supporting cast of Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, and Eric Roberts all are great in the roles. Maggie Gyllenhaal also did a great job as Rachel Dawes and she brings a toughness and a emotional core to the film that really makes her character pay off in this film.

Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent is a great addition to the cast of this film. A lot of people are overshadowing his performance since Heath Ledger's Joker has been gettin alot of positive buzz (Which I'll get into later), but I think Eckhart brings a fantastic characterization in the role of Harvey Dent and his story is so tragic and so relatable that the audience can certainly buy his "transition" later on in the last few acts of the film. I think he did a great job with Harvey overall and I was certainly surprised by his ability to really play the more aggressive nature of his character in the later acts of the film. Overall He delivers as great of a performance as Heath did in the film.

Now for the One you all been waiting for...

Heath Ledger as The Joker.

Is Heath Ledger worthy of an Oscar Nomination?...

Bottom Line: YES!

From the technical aspects of the performance, Heath was incredible. He has done something with The Joker that is more in tune with what the earlier comics were trying to do with the character where he started off as a sadistic psychopath. He tuned in and gave us a interpretation that is the best of any on-screen Joker ever performed. Heath plays it so different, textured that he inhabits the role and you don't think for a second he is onscreen that it is Heath....HE IS THE JOKER. He's like the shark in Jaws, he has a few scenes and each one of them is fantastic and its a riveting performance because its not a Heath Ledger role per se', and that he dives right into it and makes this character terrifying, disturbing, and Iconic. it's definitely the role that will launch Heath Ledger into legendary status. This film is certainly a tribute to his acting

ability and I do believe whole-heartedly that he should at least get nominated for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for this role. Overall, Heath Ledger takes the Joker to his own and outdoes all the previous Jokers with an Iconic re-interpretation that will stand as one of the most menacing on-screen villains in not only comic book films, but in film history.

Overall, the film is an emotional powerhouse and it just knocks you right out with each plot twist as it unfolds and it becomes a drama much less a comic-book movie. This movie is everything a Batman sequel should be. It stands alone as is my favorite of any comic book adaptation ever made. It is the Empire Strikes Back or The Godfather Part II of all comic book based films! With this said, GO SEE THE MOVIE!!! BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR!!! IT DEFINITELY DOES NOT DISAPPOINT IN ANY RESPECTS!!!!! GO CHECK IT OUT!!!! FANTASTIC FILM!!!!!

PS: I would reccomend checking this film out in IMAX first because the huge frame of that enormous screen is put to well use in a manner that just feels like a great roller coaster! Definitely a memorable movie going experience!

Posted: July 16th, 2008

Post Reaction to the Film:

Heath Ledger won the Oscar and Dark Knight got snubbed at the oscars for a number of other awards. I called it that he should get nominated and I'm so glad he won. This is a character that will not only holf up to future Batman/Joker fans, this is definitely a memorable performance. Nobody I know today refers to Heath as that guy from Brokeback, he's The Joker. He definitely etched his name into cinema history with this role. I think if he was still with us, then making the third film would definitely be a no-brainer, but there has been talks that Nolan isn't even interested in a third film anymore and that he is done with the franchise. If so, god bless him and good luck on Inception!

Meanwhile...Dark Knight has had raving reviews! It has become the 2nd highest grossing film in the United States with a whooping 533 Million Dollars!! Im so glad this film did so well because it shows that quality will still get money in Hollywood as movies have been progressively hyping only to under-deliver to the fans and this film didn't disappoint!

I, myself still can't stop talking about this film. Working at the theaters last summer; this was my personal Vietnam! Lots of sleepless and late nights dedicated to serving popcorn and drinks to the audience. It was all worth it! I love this film!

If ya havent seen it, go check it out! I haven't come across one person that said this movie wasn't good! You owe it to yourself to give it a chance. If ya seen it, check it out again!

Heath Ledger we all miss ya still! Especially all of us who made The Joker the most worn male halloween costume of 2008...next to Sarah Palin for female costume ha ha ha!

Till Next time folks!

Bruno REVIEW

To call this film offensive would be an understatement. The best way I can possibly describe this movie is...well for lack of better word: GAY! Like I'm talking really GAY! But that is not to say that this is a bad movie at all. 

First off I actually laughed my ass at this movie! Watching Sasha Baron Cohen do his thing as Bruno is frickin' hysterical and he definitely fits more awkward turns as Bruno than he does with Borat with this being a exaggerated outspoken gay male. That is the point to this film. People tend to view gayness as a taboo subject. It seems people have a much bigger problem with gay people than they do with foreigners. That is where Sahsa's Bruno comes into the picture. He is basically there to exploit this fear of gayness to the point where it becomes over the top and funny. The first ten minutes of this film very clearly set up what this film is going to be in terms of gay content and it just tops itself over and over again. That is to say that this film achieves everything it sets out to do as a comedy. It just wants to make us laugh awkwardly and hysterically. It works, but I can definitely say coming out of this first screening that it's not going to be a film for everybody. It plays very heavily on the gay jokes. Note that these gay jokes isn't Sasha going over the top with some of these jokes. He is just rolling out evidence that he is gay and we watch how everybody in the film freaks out at his various and over the top ways of showing how proud he is to be gay. The joke is more on the audience rather than Bruno. This film presents gayness and tells you to deal with it because nobody is going to or should hold back. It presents the idea that being gay is fine and the only problem with it is YOU because you can't deal with it. If you can take the gayness of this film, then your in for some laughs.

Going over the film, the acting and plot of the film...is almost non-existent. It is a mockumentary that is funny and it doesn't try to achieve anything more than that. The talent of Sasha Baron Cohen is not wasted and he takes the audience to the full extent of what can pass as funny. The technical aspects of this film are almost incidential and they don't really add much to this film. It is meant to be more about what is being presented on-screen rather than how it is being shown.

I know a lot of people are going to be compraring this film to Borat. But the fact of the matter is that this film is not trying to outdo Borat. This is more or less the same film with the same beats. Only difference this time is that Borat was a revolutionary film in the fact that it decided to use real life and real people in bizzare situations as the backdrop for the humor in a way that hadn't been presented to a mainstream audience before. Borat was the revelation, Bruno is the evolution. In that sense, these two films and characters are radically different from each other and they both work for different reasons. The filmmakers and Sahsa both were clearly trying to say something different with this film. For the most part, they definitely achieved that.

As for the negatives, I really can't think of too many. Sometimes some of the situations ran a bit too long and needed to be cut, but this film is an hour and twenty minutes, so time is definitely not the issue. This is a very small complaint.

Overall, I laughed, gaged, was disturbed, but I had a fun time. I'd give this one a MATINEE. It's definitely a movie to see with an audience. Funny film! Thanks Sasha for disturbing me and throwing a few laughs in the mix. Bruno is funny, but it's not Borat, nor does it need to be. This stands out on it's own.

Till next time, here's my two cents folks!

My Top 5 Favorite Comedies!

Hey guys! 

With Bruno coming up this week, I'd thought I'd drop a line and tell ya guys what are my TOP 5 of my ALL-TIME FAVORITE COMEDIES!!!

Feel like having a laugh? Then go out and find these movies and you'll have a blast!

#5. Monty Python and The Holy Grail

This film is so over the top and utterly hilarious! You will laugh yourself to tears at several brilliantly funny scenes! The Monty Python crew are all in full-effect and in their prime here! This is definitely one you need to rush out and see right away!

4. Pineapple Express

Ok a WEED ACTION COMEDY and it is fucking hysterical!!! Go see this! You'll definitely have a blast watching this film wether or not your a stoner! But if ya aren't ya will still have a load of fun with this movie! Weed + Machine Guns = HILARITY! 

GO CHECK IT OUT!!!

#3. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Before Will Ferrell's "different-profession" film burned out, this was the one that everybody looked up to as that perfect comedy. It is so over the top and full of one liners that you can just recite over and over again! Will Ferrell is in full effect here and he's utterly hilarious! Full of young comedians that are peppered all through-out the film! Utterly Hilarious!

#2. Hot Shots: Part Deux

Perhaps the best spoof that has been made. It borrows notes from every single action movie from the 1980's and inserts randomness at every corner...but it WORKS! It turns every action cliche' into a joke! Its such a funny ass movie! Definitely one that will get you laughing non-stop!

#1. Knocked Up

Ok, why I chose this as my all-time favorite comedy! What this film did for me, was it made me feel uncomfortable. I was Laughing non-stop! I thought this film was one of the more realistic of all the Comedies I have seen in the past. It's a great and touching little film that any one of us can relate to. This comedy is ultimately a coming of age film when you are way past the age you should have matured at and taking responsibility for your actions. This is a very touching and very sweet film. I whole-heartedly recommend this film to anybody looking for a movie with a ton of one-liners and a load of laughs!

Honorable Mentions:

Old School

The Hangover

High Fidelity

The Incredibles

Up

Borat

Clerks

Well guys! I hope ya enjoyed this list! Remember based soley on opinion! My picks aren't the best, but they put a smile on my face regardless!

Till next time guys! Enjoy the flicks!