So, a new Will Ferrell movie comes out at midnight. Here's the trailer:
If you can handle the profanity, I suggest the much-funnier restricted version (NSFW).
Based on the job interview and bunk bed scenes, this looks like a funny movie, and I'm planning on watching.
But I'm leery. There was a time after "Anchorman" when every Will Ferrell movie was greeted with unanimous jubiliation, but then came "Kicking and Screaming", an overrated "Talladega Nights", "Semi-Pro" and the absolutely awful "Blades of Glory", which somehow managed to suck despite featuring a spectacular cast (I'm not including Jon Heder, who isn't bad, just not spectacular).
In "Step Brother"'s defense, the director is Adam McKay, the guy behind "Anchorman" and "Talladega Nights". The problem with Ferrell's bad movies, as far as I can tell, has been writing. Filmmakers seem to be working with horrible scripts, then figuring they'll just let Farrell improvise the material. Sometimes it turns out really great because Ferrell is a brilliant comedic actor. But he's not a writer, and his worst films often come off as just a series of amusing skits.
John C. Reilly will be by Farrell's side, and I have mixed feelings there, too. Reilly is also a great comedic actor...he was the bright spot in "Walk Hard", which had its moments. But, as I said before, I thought "Talladega Nights" was overrated. Moving away from the cliched world of red state hickdom should help.
Anyway, are you planning on checking it out? Is Will Ferrell still the best comedic actor out there? How many "Blades of Glorys" would he have to make for you to ignore the guy completely?
(Speaking of comedies, I watched "Hot Rod" last night per Dan Gibson's endorsement. The movie received a dismal 39% from Rotten Tomatoes, and I have no idea why. It was really, really excellent and very, very funny.)
24.7.08
Which Will It Be?
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4 comments:
I'm going to skip this one. All of the movies start with a funny premise but the writers didn't seem to think about plot, story arc, conflict, or climax. Those things, all somewhat important to any good story, appear to come second to the characters. I'm kind of tired of these single ingredient films.
Maybe I'm just more into indie films, but I think the best Ferrell/McKay project has got to be "Pearl the Landlord."
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/74
I would imagine "Step Brothers" will be entertaining, but I think I'll save my limited moviegoing dollar for either "Tropic Thunder" or "Pineapple Express". The law of diminishing returns seems to have kicked in with Farrell's comedies, especially since it seems he's mining the same material again and again ("Look, that middle aged man is acting like a child!"); after all, there was a time when Adam Sandler movies were funny as well.
I think that's partially why I enjoyed "Hot Rod" so much...it's obvious Samberg and his posse have little concern of whether they're establishing a franchise, just tossing together a thousand things they happen to think are funny into a ninety minute film. After watching it in the theater, I turned to my friend and said "That movie was like every Youtube clip I've ever enjoyed smashed together into a movie." I could see why that might not add up to a critical favorite, but I'm surprised it didn't catch on with stoners, at least.
I've given up on Farrell/Reilly movies. From experience we have seen the TOTAL number of funny scenes in the TV ads and trailers. Just like Anchorman, Elf, Talledega Nights & Old School... there is a point (about 2/3 through) where you are begging someone to put you out of your misery.
Sorry, I won't be wasting time or money on this one.
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