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21 Jump Street starring Channing Tatum & Jonah Hill: A Silly Yet Funny Ride

Posted on October 26, 2012 Written by ripitup

21 Jump Street starring Channing Tatum & Jonah Hill : A Silly Yet Funny Ride

21 Jump Street movie — 21 Jump Street starring Channing Tatum & Jonah Hill. Image via hollywoodreporter.com.

Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) are on the opposite sides of the popularity chart in high school. Schmidt is successful at classes and a failure when it comes to girls. Jenko, on the other hand, is the prom king but the teachers’ nightmare. They have nothing in common.

Fast-forward 7 years. Both of these young men have chosen to be cops. As expected, Schmidt rocks at tests and sucks at the physical training, and vice versa for Jenko. They decide to be friends and join strengths. And it works- they both graduate the academy, and have formed a strong friendship.

But when they fail spectacularly in the beginning, and they are begrudgingly assigned as undercover cops to pose as high school students, because they look young.

This is when the comedy truly starts as Jenko realizes the rules of popularity have changed, as well as how fellow students are grouped. It also blows up in their faces when their identities get mixed and Schmidt has to pose as the athlete and Jenko as the nerd.

With their angry captain breathing down their neck and expecting results and with them realizing that they are starting to like their new roles, both their friendship and skills as cops will be tested.

Can they pull off the mission-without getting killed and ruining the friendship in the process?

Funny & Entertaining: But Could Have Been Hilarious

One problem with PG-13 and R-rated comedies in common is that they rarely push the boundaries in between, meaning PG-13 comedies almost strive to stay too clean, and R-rated ones go out of their way to be vulgar.

Some PG-13 romcoms have succeeded in finding a decent balance- such as Someone Like You and This Means War. From character interactions to language, from storylines to certain scenes, they feel a lot more natural than their other fellow PG-13 (romantic) comedies (Also these two have quite a high level of comedic scenes and theories, hence my reason to reference them. 🙂

Now, the problem with 21 Jump Street that they give the feeling that no one really talks like that, or acts like that. And they make a habit of keeping a lot of the characters’ jokes/reactions/language below the belt- to the point of looking ridiculous. If the movie pulls it off (The Hangover), it is hilarious. If it fails, it is annoying (The Hangover 2.)

Thankfully 21 Jump Street has some decent physical comedy and other funny situations to back up the vulgarity for vulgarity’s sake language, and it does make you laugh. A lot. Sometimes you laugh despite yourself.

But frankly, I was expecting to be a lot more hilarious after watching the trailer.

But the movie is fun, and there will also be a sequel. I can’t wait to see that one, though I suspect they will further abuse their freedom with the R rating since our boys will be “grown up.”

Should you see it?

If you don’t mind a lot of vulgarity, yes- definitely. Isn’t going to make it to one of the funniest films ever list, but this silly/incapable and highly emotional duo will entertain. Oh, not to mention- Johnny Depp, the original star of the 21 Jump Street series (although the series wasn’t a comedy), reassuming his role as Tom Hanson, makes a cameo- and makes us laugh our butts off in his short screen time. And man, that man doesn’t get old!

7.3 on IMDB. 6 from me- though with a less forced language, I’d have easily given it a 7.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen: Gorgeous, Entertaining & Heartfelt

Posted on July 1, 2012 Written by ripitup

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen starring Ewan McGregor & Emily Blunt. Image via movieposter.com.

Plot

Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor) is a fisheries expert with a respectable academic position in a dead marriage. He is stuck in his routines, and when he hears about the “insane” idea of the Yemen Sheikh (Amr Waked) through an investment company, he is sure that they have all gone mad.

The idea is to introduce “Salmon Fishing” in the Yemen. However he’s blackmailed by his boss into doing it, and his boss was blackmailed into it by the Prime Minister’s press secretary Patricia Maxwell (Kristin Scott Thomas.) She sees this as a crazy yet wonderful opportunity for good press.

The investment company representative, Harriet (Emily Blunt) is also extremely hopeful about the project; and along with the Sheikh’s (Amr Waked)’s unlimited resources, Alfred starts to find himself enthusiastic.

As Harriet and Alfred form a friendship with the Sheikh and each other, Alfred starts to loosen up, become full of life and get drawn to the emotional and natural Emily, who is the exact opposite of his wife. When Harriet’s soldier boyfriend Robert (Tom Mison) is lost in action, it’s Alfred’s turn to provide Emily with support and enthusiasm.

And while Harriet had spent a wonderful couple of weeks with Robert, can it really beat the connection two people find through a shared dream, friendship and the experience of a lifetime?

Then there’s the question of pulling the project off despite the lack of cooperation from the British fishermen and the Yemen Rebels….

Should You See It? Definitely! Here’s why:

1) Swedish director Lasse Hallström. Apart from a movie that I didn’t really care about (Dear John), Hallström has directed movies that filled me with warmth, lust for life and hope. They usually include a decent sense of humor, full of interesting characters, good actors and engaging emotional story.

Some of Lasse Hallström’s films:

His What’s Eating Gilbert Grape starred Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis and Mary Steenburgen, bringing Leo an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

Chocolat starred Juliette Lewis, Alfred Molina, Peter Stormare, Lena Olin, Judi Dench and Lena Olin. An deven though I don’t like half of Depp’s movies, both Hallström- Depp collaborations ended up as Depp movies I loved.

Casanova starred Heath Ledger, Jeremy Irons, Oliver Platt, Sienna Miller, Charlie Cox, Lena Olin.

Hachiko: A Dog’s Story feat. Richard Gere and Joan Allen

2) The actors: Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt and Kristin Scott Thomas were made for their roles, and so was Amr Waked.)

3) The two lead characters are just relatable, entertaining and sweet. I also loved the cultural empathy they display both towards the Sheikh, and the Sheikh to them. His “subtle comments” on Alfred and Harriet’s relationship are priceless.

4) The transformation of McGregor’s character

5) The lines. Especially the Sheikh’s use of British English and slang.

6) The project’s transformation.

7) The scenery, cinematography, the music

I’m not a huge Ewan McGregor fan. I think he is a very good actor, but he usually doesn’t pick my kind of stories. However I really enjoyed Big Fish and The Ghostwriter, and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen became my favorite McGregor effort, as well as one of my fav. Hallström.

Emily Blunt is lovely, Kristin Scott-Thomas is hilarious- especially with her relationship with the prime minister.

Still, it might not be for everybody:

This movie will probably relate more to romantics and dreamers, people who emotionally and professionally put themselves out there to find success and happiness, and self-actualization. It’s also a lovely story about friendship and love, with the project providing the chances and the platform for it.

Currently at 6.9 on IMDB, and I do find it highly underrated. After all, it makes you laugh, smile, think, believe and dream.

Based on the novel by Paul Torday and adapted to screen by Simon Beaufoy.

This Means War: A Funny Action Comedy with a Fun Romance & Brilliant Ending

Posted on June 27, 2012 Written by ripitup

This Means War movie poster - movie starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine & Tom Hardy — This Means War starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy. Image: moviepostersdirect.co.uk

Plot

CIA Agents Tuck (Tom Hardy) and FDR (Frank – played by Chris Pine) are partners and best friends- they consider each other family despite having totally different outlooks on life and romance:

Tuck is divorced with a kid, but he hasn’t given up on romance. He wants to find the right woman to share an immense, permanent bond.

Frank on the other hand is the perfect womanizer. He’s gorgeous, a smooth talker and he always has the perfect strategy-compliments of being a good agent. And while Tuck is an equally kick-ass agent, he prefers honest, serious relationships – although he has to lie about what he does for a living.

But things get complicated when the pretty, successful but romantically jaded Lauren (Reese Witherspoon) is forced back into the dating pool by her married friend Trish (Chelsea Handler.) But Lauren’s outrage about Trish’s putting up an online dating profile for her disappears when she sees that a “travel agent” named Tuck seems interested.

Frank, however, is not willing to put Tuck’s heart on the line by letting him go dating on his own. After all, there’re lots of crazy women out there, and he is out of practice. Tuck unwillingly lets him to be at a safe, unseen distance – just in case.

The date goes great, but unfortunately before Tuck can let him all about it, Frank meets Lauren – and is totally attracted to her no-bullshit, I-don’t-date-players-like-you attitude.

When they boys find out they’re dating the same woman, they decide to “let the best man” win, as they both seem to like her a lot. But unfortunately their spy habits turns the deal into “let the best agent” win as they start spying on and sabotaging each other’s dates.

Lauren wouldn’t take Frank seriously, but a chance encounter forces her to give him another chance. Then she gets into a dilemma however when she realizes that she is dating two great, gorgeous guys. She decides to choose after a couple of more dates.

So who is going to win as both men are playing “dirty”? And will their friendship survive their increasingly growing rivalry? And how the hell are they going to protect Lauren when they are too busy to notice that their ultimate CIA target is on the right track and dying for revenge?

Why You Should See It:

This movie is just so much fun. It is a lot more hilarious than it is romantic, and the fighting scenes are really cool – and when the fighting gets funny, it is still really cool because let’s remember, we have two badass fighters instead of Colin Firth’s Darcy and Hugh Grant’s Daniel “fighting” on Bridget Jones’ Diary (they fought quite clumsily in both movies.) Don’t get me wrong, I love those scenes, they make for great comedy – but two agents fighting is a lot sexier than watching two clueless men fighting.

As for the ending, let’s say there is more to it than a happy ending. And the very last scene might be my ultimate favorite in the entire movie.

If you were Lauren, who would you pick?

OK, this might suit my dating blog more, and I’ll post a related article there too. But both guys have their flaws and dealmakers so let’s have fun. My point of view:

( I do give a bit about the tricks and events, so it might be a bit spoilerish).

My turn-offs from Frank (Chris Pine)

– I hate clubs – I can’t stand the music played there. It’s a nightmare for a rock addict.

– I’d love it if potential Mr. Right hadn’t slept with 500 women.

Sure, your past is past- but a guy having slept around that much is not a very impressive trait. I get that he is gorgeous, but I really hope he doesn’t tell Lauren- if he is going to be all romantic and loyal it is great- but I’d not be happy knowing my boyfriend slept with pretty much any girl he wanted.

– His taste in music. Sade? Really?

– His taste in movies. Titanic? You’ve got to be kidding me! I guess that he was in the mood for sappy and cheesy and overdramatic – but he could have just as well opted for a much more heart-felt romance with a better story. Titanic? Seriously?

– He is too freaking arrogant! He looks great and he knows it, but at least he can fake a little modesty.

– Pretending to like the art when he doesn’t.

– Pretending to love animals.

(Not that I care about Lauren’s taste in art or am that keen about pet shelters, but I’d be disappointed to find out we didn’t have that much in common after all.)

My turn-offs from Tuck (Tom Hardy)

– He is divorced- which would bring me to the question –what did he do? Was it a mutual screw-up or did he cause it?

– And he has a kid, and an ex-wife- and if things worked out, it would be a little complicated.

– Not to mention that his wife is gorgeous and they don’t seem to be completely over each other.

Turn-ons – Frank

– The moment Frank sent the stewardess home.

– He actually tried to be a gentleman when he took her home. It lasted for 2 seconds, but in all fairness, she didn’t want him to be a gentleman.

– He is a badass agent- I love all the fighting stunts.

– He’s a great friend – for the 95% of the time anyway.

– When he is in love, he really is in love.

– He’s the perfect “fake” boyfriend to drive your ex crazy in about 2 minutes.

– He is good in bed. And he can do it 5 times in one night. Hallelujah!

– Did I mention hot? He’s also charming and he can be very nice and cute when he wants to be.

Turn ons – Tuck:

– Great guy.

– A decent dad.

– He is a lot of fun.

– I love safe and earnest, but I never thought he was safe- first date was about acrobacy after all.

– I should mention sexy and cute, which is a pretty irresistible combination.

– He is very funny. Half my favorite lines come from him.

– Him being British is a perk, not a flaw!

– He actually is a gentleman- he’d let you take control over how fast you want to go.

-When he chose fun dates for Lauren, he didn’t fake interest in anything. He just chose something she’d love, but he’d also enjoy. Remember the convertible ride?

– He is a pretty cool agent. I loved how he got rid of the cameras when he wanted to.

– I’m sure there is more. But you get the idea.

Does it look like I’d pick Tuck? Well, I’d- had it not been for the whole ex-wife/kid/unresolved feelings bit, as well as the several redeeming qualities they threw in for Frank (the whole time at his grandma’s house was “emotional porn”(Tuck’s words) indeed. Throw in the stewardess rejection and looking genuinely hurt when she was with Tuck). But when you add it all up, Frank actually does seem to be a pretty strong rival to me.

Yes, I was lusting after them both, though I rooted for Tuck for the 85% of the time.

And during that 85%, I was lusting after Frank. Though I didn’t/couldn’t picture myself dating him. He seemed like the guy even the most emotional and romantic of girls would want to have on speed dial as a booty call. And then I’d want to date Tuck, and just Tuck for good (as I said- had it not been for the ex-wife (Abigail Spencer and the son.)

You can write your vote in the comments. I’d love to hear your preferences and why.

But the ending was perfect, and I couldn’t have written it better myself. And by the ending, I do mean all the scenes starting at the showdown at the restaurant.
*

Why the ending is awesome: it ends with action, and not the romance (though we get to learn about the romantic decision too right before.)

I always make fun of a friend of mine for seeing Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona as the ultimate “romance” movie- and I totally get it. Trust me. Two girls, one guy, all meaningless in a cool city. And I enjoyed Vicky Christina Barcelona as a movie- just I didn’t like any of the characters, including Bardem’s. No, wait –especially Bardem’s.

But This Means War might very well be a girl’s Vicky Christina Barcelona. Two hot guys fighting for one girl, being romantic and fun and adventurous – and not to mention their ass-kicking skills. I had a great time with all the action and eye candy, and I also enjoy seeing Witherspoon on the screen.

See it. It is in the league of Knight and Day – the romance is there, but so are humor and action. And if someone deems this one a chick flick, I know that we have totally different taste in movies. It’s OK, as it is all relative.

But I freaking loved this movie because it made me laugh out loud, a lot!

ONLY Disappointment:

Angela Bassett didn’t have a bigger role and I’d have loved to see her bring her A-game from Strange Days and beat the hell out of the boys for abusing the agency resources.

Favorite lines:

Tuck or Frank: I love you, man

– Tuck or Frank: I love you too.

-Lauren: Oh my god! I’m yoko

(though I don’t think that Paul McCartney ever had a thing for Yoko. But she did break the band so this line did crack me up.)

Lauren: (on why she doesn’t like the idea of online dating) I might end up in a body suit or in somebody else’s trunk.

Trish: You’re being dramatic. That only happens to one in 20 girls.

Discussing pros and cons of the two:

Lauren: FDR has these tiny, like, girl hands. Like little T-Rex hands.
Trish: Eeww gross that means he’s got a mike and ike for a penis.
Frank: [observing from the ops center- to Tuck] you know that’s not true.

(then he goes on to remind how Tuck has seen it in Bangledash and it is not true. But just as Tuck is enjoying this too much, Lauren says what is wrong with Tuck):

Lauren: He’s British
Now it’s Frank’s turn to crack up.)

Directed by McG, and written by Timothy Dowling, Marcus Gautesen and Simon Kinberg.

Also with Tom Hardy:

Inception

Also on Reese Witherspoon:

Penelope starring Christina Ricci and James McAvoy

Recommendations for the people who enjoyed This Means War and/or people who love the combination of action/romance comedy.

Bird on a Wire starring Mel Gibson & Goldie Hawn

Knight and Day starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz

Air America starring Mel Gibson & Robert Downey Jr. (no romance, action/comedy with some drama)

What’s Your Number starring Anna Faris & Chris Evans: Raunchy, Funny, Annoying, Honest

Posted on February 18, 2012 Written by ripitup

whats-your-number-movie-poster — What's Your Number starring Chris Evans and Anna Faris. Feat. Blythe Danner & Andy Samberg.

What’s Your Number Plot

Ally (Anna Faris) is a normal, single woman in her 30s who is working at a job that she doesn’t like, and dating guys she probably shouldn’t. Oh, and she has a tendency not to know exactly what she wants, and she listens to what other people think.

That’s why when stumbles upon a girlie magazine article, she realizes that her number (of guys she has slept with) is a bit too high than others around her, as well as the national average. Determined to keep her number 20, she decides to seek out all her exes –inspired by her sister, who is marrying one of her exes.

Surely some of hers just got better in time too? She is assisted by her hunky womanizer neighbor Colin (Chris Evans) whose detective skills are impressive. In return, Ally provides haven for Colin from all the girls he slept with.

But tracking down so many men takes a lot of time, and this ends up in Colin and Ally spending a lot of time together. As they both realize that the other is fun, spontaneous and easy-going- not to mention attractive – things get a little complicated. Can the one-night-stand guy actually be the one? And what happens if one of them doesn’t notice it on time?

Funny? Check. Romantic? Check. Sometimes too crude? Check.

What’s Your Number is a fun romantic-comedy with some annoying qualities, but it is interesting enough to ignore them. Of course I’m completely biased: being a girl who’s a Chris Evans fan and all that…

But putting that aside, all movies can be nitpicked to pieces. I just don’t see the point in doing with any movie (unless it really gets on my nerves), especially not with romantic comedies (although I do analyze the issue on my dating blog.)

Are you annoyed by the girl’s number? Do you think it is too low to care? Too high already? Who cares? In the end she ends up with the guy that she should- the guy who doesn’t give a damn about that (which is just as well since his number is way too huge), who can be her best friend and most importantly, this is the guy who loves exactly who she is, and supports her dreams. Combine that with Chris Evans’s looks, and you’ve already scored half of your female target audience.

I don’t get it. What’s the big deal with any number? Don’t talk about it if it bothers you. It is a personal choice, everybody’s own business. But yeah, I would be alarmed at Colin’s number and freak out before ending up with him.

Assuming that his number is 300+, surely that does scream non-relationship-material! It says that you have one night stands all the time just because you can. That’s way too shallow and random for my taste. But I might totally overlook it for the right guy. After all what matters is the last number, and him staying at that! As long your partner doesn’t try adding numbers when you are together, you can let any number go to hell.

Bottom line for What’s Your Number?

Often funny, sometimes sexy and partly annoying, it is just about anything you can expect from a romcom.

Favorite Scenes/Things from the Movie.

– Strip basketball where Ally is the much better player

– All of Ally and Colin’s relationship.

– Ally’s methods of saving Colin from his dates

Favorite Lines

Ally: “I was thinking that maybe you’d want to be my date to my sister’s wedding.”
Rick (Zachary Quinto, number 19): “Are your parents going to be there?”
Ally: “At my sister’s wedding? I think so.”
*

Colin and Ally’s first actual conversation

Colin (Chris Evans): I locked myself out of my apartment – do you mind if I use your phone?
Ally: (seeing he is just trying to avoid his latest conquest) Do you think the woman coming out of your apartment could have helped you with the being locked out problem?
Colin: I look at it as trying to avoid her feelings.

Simon: (In British accent) Ally! It’s brilliant to see you.
Ally: [faking British accent] Simon, I can’t believe it.
Ally: This is Colin, but he has to go now.
Colin: (laughing at her faking) No, I don’t

Ally: He probably still works at Starbucks but he’s the best sex I ever had.
Colin: You haven’t had sex with me.
Ally: No, but I have had sex with other overly confident, struggling musicians so I’m good.
Colin: What makes you think I’m a musician?
Ally: Guitar in your apartment, you dress like a horny teenageR, I paid for that sandwich, struggling musician.

On finding one of the exes on Facebook, married:

Ally: He’s adorable…and so are his wife and kids.
Colin: Well he clearly doesn’t understand what Facebook is for.

Colin: What’d you do to turn him off?
Ally: Nothing, he’s a gentlemen.
Colin: You wore that pantsuit, didn’t you?
Ally: Hey, that pantsuit is sexy. It’s very Katherine Hepburn.
Colin: All right, let’s clear something up right now. Katherine Hepburn was not sexy, Audrey Hepburn was sexy, Katherine Hepburn was a dude.

Ally: I think I love you number 21.

Colin: I love you too number 300 and… (Ally puts her hand over his mouth to prevent him from finishing the number and they kiss).

Fun Cast & Entertainment Facts

– Is it just me or the one of the exes they see on Facebook looks like Jason Segel?

– The puppeteer ex is Andy Samberg, one of Saturday Night Live’s regulars.

– Ally’s mother is Blythe Danner, Gwyneth Paltrow’s real-life mother.

– The movie is based on the book called 20 Times a Lady written by Karyn Bosnak. The premise reminds me a lot of Shari Low’s book What If. The premise is similar, but in that book it is the girl who has walked away from a lot of the relationships. And although her number is lower, the changes in the guys are far more hilarious and extreme. Oh, and she does travel all around the world to find them. What If is one of my favorite books. It is hilarious, with the actual female lead being actually British and not faking it. : )

– The disgusting boss is Community TV series star Joel McHale.

– Heroes’ Sylar Zachary Quinto plays the doggy-style-lover/environmentalist number 19.

– The English ex is actually English. He’s played by The Office (original UK version)’s Martin Freeman who also co-starred as the shy porn actor in the ensemble cast Love Actually.

Recommended Chris Evans Reading:

The Perfect Score starring Chris Evans, Bryan Greenberg & Scarlett Johansson

Chris Evans Trivia

Recommended Raunchy Romantic Comedies:

The Ugly Truth starring Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler

Friends with Benefits starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis

No Strings Attached starring Ashton Kutcher & Natalie Portman

Wedding Crashers starring Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson & Rachel McAdams