Critical Capsule: Jumanji - Welcome to the Jungle

I know a lot of people had very strong feelings about the prospect of a Jumanji remake. I was not one of them, sure I enjoyed the movie, but I cannot say I had any particular attachment to it. That said, I initially thought this new edition looked pretty bad. I was wrong. No, it is not a great movie by any stretch, but it is a lot of fun and I liked the use of the video game elements throughout. Beyond that, the cast had great chemistry and Jack Black, in particular was quite well cast and had a rather strong character arc. Likewise, I actually didn’t mind Kevin Hart here, I am not usually a fan of his. Then we have the Rock, who was great as usual. Finally what can be said about Karen Gillan? Overall, this was a fun addition to the Jumanji-verse, not sure I need anymore but this is an easy one to recommend for a little fun in the theater.

Movie Review: Central Intelligence

When I first saw the trailer for Central Intelligence, it was right around the time that Ride Along 2 was out, I thought it was pretty quick for a third entry in the series. Of course, I knew it was not another Ride Along, but it was hard to deny the similarities that trailer had to the Kevin Hart/Ice Cube series of films. Based on those similarities, I was almost ready to write it off then and there; however, there was something else at play that kept my interest afloat. I am a fan of Dwayne Johnson, sure, he's had his share of disappointments, but he has a charisma that has carried him past them. In short, I saw the movie and I did, indeed, laugh.

Movie Review: Ride Along 2

Two years ago theaters were graced with the presence of Ride Along, the buddy comedy that paired Kevin Hart with Ice Cube. Despite not being all that good of a movie, it proved to be a hit at the box office, assuring that we would see the pair again. It also seems to have been around this time that somebody, somewhere decided that Kevin Hart was going to be the next big comedy movie star. He was no stranger to the cinema, having been appearing in films for the better part of a decade. Now, while I think he can be funny, his outings of late have just not been funny. Ride Along 2 included.

Critical Capsule: Ride Along

So, Ride Along arrived, pushed back from its original Fall release to a January slot. To me, that signifies a lack of confidence on the part of the studio. Based on the crowds and reaction I saw opening night, I think they needn't have been worried. Ride Along will do just fine and will likely do well enough to allow for a sequel. Still, that doesn't mean the movie is good, just that it plays well to the masses. Sure, I laughed a little, but it really isn't all that good. I found it likable enough, but underdeveloped and completely forgettable. It has barely been a day since I have seen it and the details are already slipping away.

Outcast Mini: Grudge Match (2013)

Well, Grudge Match happened and I am glad it is over. The overlong comedy looks to pit Rocky against Raging Bull but ends up being a couple of old guys giving each other love taps. I can see how this movie would seem to be a good idea on paper, but in execution it just wasn't funny. Grudge Match is more sad and boring than anything else, a couple of stars looking to relive the success of the past. Funny, kind of like the two stars. It is nice to see Deniro doing so much work, but he hasn't done much of note lately, while Stallone's bad films get pushed while the underrated Bullet to the Head is ignored. Whatever, Grudge Match just isn't funny and I was glad when it was over.