From there, the film’s attempts at satire fall embarrassingly flat, leaving plot hole after plot hole wide open. Perhaps some divine intervention was required, because the film runs a mere 80 minutes, 11 of which are for the credits, more than five of which are just to slooooowly list the extras. Joseph Cross (“Milk”) is […]
The Hangover
Posted inArts & Culture
Cedar Rapids
So when a comedy comes along like “Cedar Rapids,” in which the apple-cheeked innocent is a nerdy man and the big, bad world takes the form of an insurance agents’ convention, it’s not likely to break new ground. But that’s all right. The story’s familiar contrivances and clichés actually feel kind of cozy in “Cedar […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Cedar Rapids
But that’s all right. The story’s familiar contrivances and clichés actually feel kind of cozy in “Cedar Rapids.” The film is burnished with the glow of sweetness not easily replicated by the Hollywood machine. That is no small feat, but the movie’s sly appeal is even more impressive when you consider how it also manages […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Due Date
Practically anything Phillips did would be seen as disappointing. Here’s the thing, however: Don’t expect another “Hangover,” and “Due Date” is just fine. It may not be as funny as that film, despite sharing Zach Galifianakis, but it’s plenty funny enough. It still has more laughs than most of what passes for studio comedies — […]