Category Archives: Comedy

2009, Acceptable Trash, Comedy, Drugs, Explicit sex, Gay theme, Medical Theme, TV Series

Nurse Jackie (2009)

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From NetFlix:

The great Edie Falco (in a Golden Globe-nominated role) stars as feisty emergency room nurse Jackie Peyton, who boldly navigates the storm of patients, doctors, fellow nurses and her own demons at a New York hospital — occasionally with the aid of unprescribed prescription drugs. A wicked combination of dark comedy and poignant drama, this Showtime series also stars Eve Best, Haaz Sleiman, Merritt Wever, Paul Schulze and Peter Facinelli.

Following the “acceptable trash” tradition of such important TV series like “Arrested Development”, “Nurse Jackie” fits right in there with its mixture of medical cynicism, sexcapades, etc. Throw in some pathos and family drama (e.g. a daughter with anxiety syndrome). Finally there is a heavy emphisis on drug addiction. Nurse Jackie herself is addicted to pain pills and has daily midday sex with the pharmacologist who supplies her with the pills from the hospital storeroom. All of which should paint a picture of total nonsense which is not for everyone.

I LOVE TRASH!

2009, Comedy, Could Be Sad, Drama, Love Story

Up in the Air (2009)

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From NetFlix:

Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) racks up miles flying around the country firing employees on behalf of companies. But he faces losing the job he savors to recent college grad Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) — and losing the ability to escape emotional ties to anything. A connection he builds with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), however, might change his outlook on the future. Golden Globe winner Jason Reitman’s smart comedy also stars Jason Bateman.

For at least one reason this film made me unhappy: I don’t look a bit like George Clooney. Now let’s get serious. Although I used to think he was just another Hollywood pretty boy, lately I have read that his acting has improved with age and indeed in this film he is perfect. I cannot say why without spoiling the film for you. At the very least, during the film assume nothing.

If nothing else this film captures perfectly the current depression of 2008 through (let’s hope) 2011. Remember, if your neighbor loses his job, it is a recession. If you lose your job, it is a depression. If you have ever been laid off from a job, this film will really resonate.

There are some laughs, but this film is only partly a comedy. In addition it offers genuine human value.

Until I started to write this review I had not realized that Jason Bateman, who plays George Clooney’s smarmy boss, was the star of the outrageous TV series “Arrested Development”. What a character transformation !

“Up In The Air” is an unqualified “must see”.

1976, Brazilian, Comedy, Could be boring, Explicit sex, Explicit sexual discussion, Mostly About Sex, Nudity, Old-Fashioned, Vulgar

Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands (1976)

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From NetFlix:

Proving that bad boys are hard to shake, this fanciful Brazilian comedy follows the adventures of Dona Flor (Sonia Braga), a conventional girl who weds a handsome ne’er-do-well (José Wilker) whose only saving grace is his talent in bed. When he dies suddenly, Flor remarries — but to his polar opposite: an exceedingly dull pharmacist (Mauro Mendonça). Soon, she finds herself longing for hubby No. 1 … and next thing you know, his ghost appears.

“Dona Flor” is the most successful Brazilian film ever made. For more history see wikipedia. Because I am studying Brazilian Portuguese I watched this historical film. Today’s audience would probably find the film dull even though it is completely about sex. In fact the nudity and the sex scenes are fairly chaste. Unless you are a determined afficionado of Brazilian film history, skip this one. I was just grateful to understand some small amount of the Brazilian.

2006, Acceptable Trash, Comedy, TV Series, Vulgar

30 Rock (2006)

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From NetFlix:

Tina Fey stars as Liz Lemon, the lead writer on a television variety series à la “Saturday Night Live,” in this Emmy-winning workplace sitcom co-starring Jane Krakowski, Tracy Morgan and the scene-stealing Alec Baldwin. When brash network executive Jack Donaghy (Baldwin) arrives on the scene to pep up the show, he unnerves the cast and crew with his meddlesome ways — among them, hiring a whacked-out movie star (Morgan).

I warn you: this TV series is at best acceptable trash. My son Mike suggested this series. His tastes are juvenile, sophomoric, and crass. Unfortunately, genes being what they are, he and I seem to share those tastes. I learned this during the recent Christmas vacation when I sadly realized that my tastes and those of my daughter Kate seemed to have diverged. Could it be that Kate is maturing ? What have Kathy and I done wrong ?

Every now and then there is a good laugh that was worth waiting for. Surprisingly, after her success imitating Sarah Palin, Tina Fey in this series is the straight man who leaves the laughs to others. Alex Baldwin does indeed steal the show, he just knows how to deliver a line. Jane Krakowski (she was Elaine in “Ally McBeal”) always gets it right.

You were warned, so don’t complain.

2009, Comedy, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story

(500) Days of Summer (2009)

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From NetFlix:

When his girlfriend, Summer (Zooey Deschanel), unceremoniously dumps him, greeting-card copywriter and hopeless romantic Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) begins sifting through the year-plus worth of days they spent together, looking for clues to what went awry. As he recalls the good and bad times he spent with the commitment-phobic girl, his heart reawakens to what it cherishes most. Marc Webb directs this uncommon love story.

Although I laughed at lot watching “Just Friends (2005)“, daughter Kate thought it was a bit crass without much subtlety. So I watched “(500) Days of Summer” at her suggestion and the comparison was enlightening. In fact “light” is the operative phrase. No matter your age, pretend you are in your mid to late twenties, relax, and enjoy this unpretentious, easy-going, clever comedy. Think of the film as the bubbles in a glass of champagne.

2005, Chick Flick, Comedy, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story

Just Friends (2005)

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From NetFlix:

After being snubbed by his high school crush (Amy Smart), a nice guy (Ryan Reynolds) moves to Los Angeles, where he blossoms into a womanizing music exec. But when he’s stranded in his New Jersey hometown, he runs into his former love and is completely floored by her. Again. Reynolds donned heavy makeup and a fat suit to play the ex-dork who reconnects with the girl who broke his heart in this romantic comedy about big-time attraction.

We have seen Ryan Reynolds in some minor supporting roles, in some serious dramas, but he excels in comedy. He seems to be the next generation after Steve Martin. His timing, facial expressions, and physical movements are tuned to perfection. This movie made me laugh throughout. Call it a chick-flick if you will, but it is a relief to relax and enjoy this romp after watching more serious and difficult films.

Warning: The first part in which Ryan is an overweight high school student is only so-so. After that introduction the film improves.

Probably the sex talk excludes children.

2007, Comedy, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story, Mediocre, Melodrama

Chaos Theory (2007)

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From NetFlix:

Thanks to a strict regimen of timetables, to-do lists and index cards, efficiency expert Frank Allen (Ryan Reynolds) lives his life exactly how he wants it. That is, until his well-meaning wife (Emily Mortimer) decides to set their clock back a mere 10 minutes. Suddenly, Frank’s once-safe and predictable life is spinning dangerously out of control … which is the one thing he never bothered to plan for. Stuart Townsend and Sarah Chalke co-star.

Don’t expect much. This mediocre melodrama rates a C. There are some genuine laughs. And the story has some original twists. The language is at times crude enough to exclude children.

2009, Animated, Comedy, DO NOT MISS, Feel Good For All

Up (2009)

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From NetFlix:

After a lifetime of dreaming of traveling the world, 78-year-old homebody Carl (voiced by Ed Asner) flies away on an unbelievable adventure, with Russell, an 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer (Jordan Nagai), unexpectedly in tow. Together, the unlikely pair embarks on a thrilling odyssey full of jungle beasts and rough terrain. Other voices include the renowned Christopher Plummer and Pixar stalwart John Ratzenberger.

Not your average Disney film. Entertaining for young and old alike. Sometimes I just burst out laughing. In the initial part of the film we watch the lifetime of a married but childless couple. They age, she dies, he is alone. As I watched this part I thought “Oh my gosh, do I look like him ?” The fatherless boy scout is at times touching. The villain is, well, a real Walt Disney villain. If I could do the athletic stunts that the old man carries off, I would be in amazing shape. Just suspend disbelief and enjoy the fun.

2008, Chick Flick, Comedy, Complicated, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story

Definitely, Maybe (2008)

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From NetFlix:

Interested in knowing how her divorcing parents met, young Maya (Abigail Breslin) listens as her dad, Will (Ryan Reynolds), recounts his romantic past with three different and special women: Emily (Elizabeth Banks), April (Isla Fisher) and Summer (Rachel Weisz) — leaving Maya to guess which one is her mom. Kevin Kline makes an appearance in writer-director Adam Brooks’s tender tale of father-daughter bonding and lost love.

You may remember Abigail Breslin as “Little Miss Sunshine”. She is also perfect for this easy-to-watch Chick Flick. Ryan Reynolds you may remember from “The Proposal”. Kathy and I watched all three “date films”. “Little Miss Sunshine” and “The Proposal” are both better than “Definitely, Maybe” in our opinion. The character Will dates so many women that not only can the plot be confusing at times, but his daughter even calls him a “slut”. In fact, except for very explicit and oft-repeated sexual terminology this could be an OK film for all ages. What does sparkle are a lot of snappy retorts. Now why can’t I think of such funny comebacks ?

2009, Comedy, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story, Nudity

The Proposal (2009)

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From NetFlix:

When she learns that she’s in danger of losing her visa status and being deported back to her native Canada, overbearing book editor Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) forces her put-upon assistant, Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds), to marry her. Directed by Anne Fletcher (27 Dresses), this romantic comedy also stars Craig T. Nelson and Mary Steenburgen as Andrew’s parents, Joe and Grace, and Betty White as the outspoken Grandma Annie.

Kathy and I watched this film at her request. We both laughed ourselves silly. It is a typical Sandra Bullock romantic comedy and the usual amount of fun. Of course there are parts that are maudlin or unbelieveable. And we could have done without the male strip dancer at ladies night. But the ensemble work between Bullock and Reynolds is for this genre just about perfect.

Historical notes:

  • Sandra Bullock (born 1964, Arlington VA) at this writing is 45 years old and still holding her own.
  • Ryan Reynolds (born 1976 Vancouver BC) is 33 and stars in the film “Fireflies in the Garden”.
  • Mary Steenburgen (born 1953, Arkansas) is 56 and is married to Ted Danson of “Cheers” fame.
  • Craig Nelson (born 1944 Spokane) is 65 and is in many films as well as “CSI:NY”.
  • Betty White (born 1922 Illinois) is 87 and still thriving. She was one of the “Golden Girls”. But I always remember her as Sue Ann Nivens from the “Mary Tyler Moore” TV show (1973-1977). Look her up in IMDB to see an unbelievable list of appearances.

There is innocent nudity and sexual frankness, so maybe not for childern. But all in all just a lot of fun.