Movie Review: Despicable Me 2

(Note: I had thought this opened today, but it turns out it comes out July 3rd. as a result I'm not really supposed to post it. So... nobody tell the studio on me, OK?)

In "Despicable Me 2," out in theaters next week, Steve Carell returns as the voice of Gru, a (now) former evil mastermind trying to adjust to his new life with his three beloved girls. But Gru is not a man for backyard cookouts,  and playing nice with the neighbors, so once the government tries to get him to help them find a new evil menace, he grabs his Freeze Ray, and gets the minions ready for action.  

Like the 2010 original, "DM2" is a fun colorful romp, with lots of likable characters (especially the Minions.) Mind you, this is a sequel, and so some of the novelty of the concept has worn off a bit, but the writers did a good job at enforcing the parts of the original that worked (the Minions) and adding more characters who fit well into the goofy assortment. 

The 3D effects are still also as good, if not better than the original. Mind you, many are BLATANT uses of 3D, but to be honest, some of the best uses of 3D are blatant.  They do a great job of reminding you why you forked out that extra money, and allowed the film to be a bit dimmer.  Still, the 3D is not crucial to the plot, and if you're looking to save some money, then feel free to.

Parents, while this is a family film, it is PG. There are some moments of peril for some of the characters. And while the minions appear to be immune from any of the damage,  they still do hit each other quite a bit. But, like the first one, I feel the violence is mostly harmless, and balanced by what is, at its heart, a plot with a positive message. 

So, if you're looking to take the kids out, or maybe you just need a break from being some damn serious all the time, then I recommend that you check it out. 

Just for fun, here's my review for 2010's "Despicable Me."

And tell them Doktor Klankenboom sent ya!

World War Z (mini review)

Well, once again circumstances are keeping my review brief.

Over a decade ago, Max Brooks helped to put Zombies into the main stream. His first book, "The Zombie Survival Guide" was enjoyed by more than just your standard horror fans. His second, "World War Z" pushed it even further, helping to make zombies so hip, in a decades they would be acceptable romantic leads. (I know... GR is the Zombie God. I'm focusing on one thing here.)

So, more than a decade after its release, we finally get the movie. Fans of the book, like myself (Mitch, I still have your copy!) Had a gut feeling that KT could be never be as good as the source. And, to get to the point, its not. The movie took what was a thoughtful tribute to Zombie films of yore, as well as war movies, and a surprisingly realistic view of what it takes to win, and turns it into another action flick filled with disaster porn.  Gone are any of the elements linking this film to traditional Zombies. In, are the fast moving zombies that can kill and convert you in seconds.

Mind you, as an action film, its not bad. Some of the scenes are quite thrilling... but never really scary.  And, with a PG13 rating, there's nothing that even closely resembles Gore.

Oh, and the last act of the film is a huge let down compared to the rest of the film.

As for 3D, only those who really love it should bother. The best 3d in the film was the opening credits.

If you're looking for yet another action flick, go ahead and see it. But if your looking for some good old Zombie action,  you'll be left slack jawed.. drooling... and really wanting to rend flesh.

Quick Review: The Internship

My computer has crashed, so here comes the quick review.

The worst part of "The Internship" is the premise itself. The Comedy features the Wedding Crashers themselves, Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, as a pair of unemployed salesmen looking to win a job at Google.

The comedy is there, the root-for-the-underdog spirit is there... but floating above it, like a toolbar you haven't gotten around to uninstalling, is Google.

This isn't a generic movie computer company, filmed with cast members of "The Big Bang Theory," this is the polished dream Google of the company's own advertising. Filled with young, beautiful nerds. (That is, unless adorably cute... or just fat. They leave one fat guy in for a few laughs.) These nerds looked like they just stepped off some ad for Google.

And the company itself is looked at with such awe and wonder. The building itself is filled with free food, nap time, and toys. And the love of the Google isn't spiritual. They also tout the Googliness of Google. The spirit that fuels this machine to improve the world. 

I'm not saying Google is a bad company. I am typing this out on an Android phone, posting it from Blogger.  I remembered my screening through Google Calendar and reminded myself with Google Now. Its just, after two hours, the comedy seemed much less like a movie, and more like a commercial.

Wrapping up: the jokes are rather tame considering most current comic outings. It does sexualize women all over the joint. 

I laughed at The Internship, I really did. And if that's all you want, than it will do fine. I just feel like Google should have paid for part of my Ticket.

Ron