Ted 2 (Review)

Ted 2 (2015)

Comedy

Directed By: Seth MacFarlane

Back in 2012 Seth Macfarlane (The creator of the wildly popular Family Guy) decided to make the jump from T.V. to film with his debut motion picture Ted. A raunchy stoner comedy about a kid who wishes his teddy bear would come to life and what happens twenty years later when it actually does. It's a rather genius plot and although the first film was funny, I felt it was a missed opportunity to make a great movie. It made a boat load of cash though so a sequel was inevitable, and after decent critical success it seemed everyone was okay with it. I wouldn't say I was overly excited for this movie, but I definitely was curious to see if it could correct some of the mistakes he made the first time around and I think he did. Ted 2 is in no way a great film but it definitely made me laugh and I think it stands as is most well rounded effort to date.

The plot gets a little more depth this time around as our lovable teddy bear has just gotten married to his girlfriend Tami- Lynn (Jessica Barth) and the two decide they want to have a baby. Since Ted (Seth MacFarlane) doesn't have any reproductive organs and Tami can't conceive they end up having to adopt, but there's a problem. In the eyes of the government Ted is not an actual person, he is property. Now he must go in front of a judge to try and prove that he is in fact human. All the while his best bud John (Mark Wahlberg) is in long time remission from his divorce and is having trouble getting back into the game. Ted's new circumstances become the perfect setting for the two of them to rehash their lifelong friendship and discover what they truly want from this life.

I know, it sounds way too emotional for a MacFarlane film, right? Well don't worry, even though this film adds a little more depth it is still the same old raunchy, toilet humor driven content the world has come to love form this guy. Yeah, he adds a little more humanity to the movie but in the end the It's just a compilation of cut away jokes held together by the shell of a story. This is what kills me about this guy, he creates such good comedy but his stories always seem to fall flat. He creates these amazing shells of characters and then never goes anywhere with them. This story, a guy and his living teddy bear, could be an absolutely genius level comedy but instead he just turns it into a two hour episode of one of his shows.

He was oh so close with this one though, he almost had me hooked on the story but he just tried to do too much. If this film cuts out the one useless story-line this film becomes almost a half hour shorter and about twenty times better. At a 115 minute run time there just isn't enough to keep you interested all the way through. The first hour of the movie flies by as there is great joke after great joke that will have you laughing hysterically. Then the second half comes around and while there are some good jokes scattered throughout, this is where the film loses its steam. If he had gone a little more in depth with the character development and put a little more emphasis on Ted's arch then it could have finished strong.

What do we judge comedies on though? Especially “R” rated ones, is it on how well rounded a film it is or is it how funny the film is? I tend to say the latter is the most important, if a comedic film makes me laugh a lot than it has done its most important job. Ted 2 does just that, from the opening scene right down to the last there is so much to laugh at. MacFarlane is a master joke teller, I don't think there are many people who would argue that, and the Ted franchise is one of the best platforms for him to display that humor. He also fills the movie with A-list cameos, with some of the better jokes revolving around them. It is easily his best effort yet as a film maker and it shows significant improvement over his previous work. There is actually some character and story development in this one and they utilize some great camera work to add a dramatic gravity to some scenes that ironically make them even funnier.

We could pick apart the story and the characters all day but in the end this movie is funny. Mark Wahlberg and Amanda Seyfried are fantastic in their roles and if anything, they make this movie great to look at. Macfarlane knows his audience and he caters to them perfectly, if you aren't a fan of his then this movie isn't for you. It is two hours of dirty, raunchy, drug filled, toilet humor centering on a 30+ year old man child and his talking Teddy bear. If that doesn't sound like something that would amuse you, then save yourself the ten. I do wish he would work with a talented screen writer or get a better editor because his movies are one or two steps away from being quality work. In the end, I laughed a lot and left the theater smiling and there isn't much more I could ask for from this. Time may forget these movies but at the very least they are a fun time at the theater for you and some friends.

As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who Watches Movies. You can find me anytime on twitter @ZachWWMovies, smell ya later!

FLASHBACK FRIDAY: Jaws (1975) and Finally Getting to See it on the Big Screen

Hey everyone! Zach Who Watches Movies here with this weeks 'Flashback Friday'. This week I want to focus on the theatrical re-release of Jaws and its 40th anniversary. I know I am about week late on this post but I wanted to wait to talk about this quintessential film until after I got a chance to see it big and see it loud. This past Wednesday, I made it to the last showing of the limited run and had to switch shifts at work to make it happen. I wasn't missing this. I had never gotten the opportunity to see this film on the big screen, where it belongs, and I wasn't about to wait another ten years for the 50th anniversary for that to happen.

Like most kids my age, I grew up being shown the Jaws films often. My uncle worked in art direction on the third movie, and I know it’s not a quality film, but we watched it constantly and loved every minute. Although I saw the original at a young age, it failed to resonate with me then. I was not much into horror as a kid as I enjoyed being able to sleep at night. As I grew up however, I morphed into a horror film junkie and Jaws has always been a key factor in making me just that. It’s a piece of art that never fails to influence generation after generation of film makers and story tellers and it deserves to be seen as big and as loud as possible.

TCM has done a service to the fans I hope we will begin to see more of. So many movie geeks out there have never got the chance to see some of their favorite films on the big screen and to give that opportunity is amazing. Seeing Jaws for the first time on a gain screen, I was blown away. It's hard to imagine being more impressed by a movie you've seen dozens of times and is hailed as one of the greatest films ever made. Seeing this big and loud it was like seeing it for the first time all over again. I jumped at the scares and laughed whole heartedly at the classic jokes, as did the rest of the crowd.

One of the coolest aspects of this experience was the audience. So often do I see people complain about bad theater experiences and obnoxious audiences, not here. Everyone sitting in the theater was a diehard fan. They had seen Jaws countless times and could not wait to see it again. We all laughed together and at the end of the film the entire crowd applauded the now forty year old film. It wasn't a packed house but there was a solid crowd and it was probably the best experience in that aspect, that I have ever had.

As far as picture quality goes, the digital HD print was solid. If you've watched the Blu-Ray this wasn't much different as far as picture goes. A few scenes were a bit grainy or blurry but again, this film is four decades old, that's to be expected. All that mattered was the size, having your entire plain of view taken up by this film is astounding. The entire final act you believe you’re out at sea with the guys, trying to catch our shark.

What made this experience such a landmark for me however, was the sound. Getting to hear the sound effects and John Williams score blasted into my ears was incredible. This is the magic of the film that can never be recreated outside of a theater. Watching at home, you don't get the same impact from Williams score. Hearing it as loud as I did took the film to an entirely new level of greatness for me, and I thought that was impossible. His dark, lingering theme builds suspense and keeps you gripping the edge of your seat.

I made sure to hold off watching this for the past few weeks, knowing I'd see it in theaters and it paid off. I was reminded (not that I ever really forgot) how amazing the performances of Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfus, and Roy Scheider are. The late night scene where the guys are sitting around drinking on the boat is one of those moments that stick with you for weeks after seeing it.

Even the effects still hold up amazingly well. Done entirely with practical effects (there were no CGI enhancements back then, remember) they created a film that stood the test of time and will live on for another forty years strong. One of the greatest movie monsters is brought to life by the magic of cinema and watching today, it is still completely believable. This isn’t a film where you have to understand the times to appreciate the movie, as far as effects go, this may as well have been made last year it looks that good.

What Stephen Spielberg did forty years ago is still unparalleled. Year in and year put we find ourselves comparing the success of every summer hit to this film; it was the original summer blockbuster after all. I cannot thank TCM enough for allowing me this opportunity to experience a piece of history the way it was meant to be seen. I can only hope more special events like this will happen in the future. I'd kill for the chance to get to see movies like Alien and Blade Runner in a theater. I’ll never forget this experience and for anyone who missed it, we can only hope it happens again come the 50th anniversary

As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who Watches Movies. You can find me anytime on twitter @ZachWWMovies, smell ya later!

Spring (Review)

Spring (2015)

Horror, Romance, Sci-Fi

Directed By: Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead

I never thought watching two people fall in love could be so horrifically beautiful. By the time the credits rolled on Spring, the new movie from writing and directing duo Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, I found myself in a daze from what I had just seen. The two have crafted a beautiful and twisted love story that sucks you in from the very beginning, just threatening to rip your heart out. Watching the main characters mother lay sick in bed in the opening scene you can only imagine where this movie will go, because aside from being a tale of true love this also happens to be a horror movie.

As far as plot goes, the less you know about this movie the better. I went in knowing almost nothing about it and am better off because of it. Spring centers on a young man named Evan (Lou Taylor Pucci) whose mother has just died. This marks a low point in his life and with no family left to hold him back he decides to heed the advice of his peers and get the hell out of dodge. On a quick impulse he buys a plane ticket to Italy to see where fate will take him. After traveling up the coast with some brutish fellows, he meets a girl named Louise (Nadia Hilker) and for him, it's love at first sight. He extends his stay in town in hopes of winning her over, but this girl has a dark secret that will make things more complicated than he could have ever imagined.

If anyone doubted that you could blend horror and romance after the Twilight films, you can rest easy. Here is a film that succeeds stunningly on multiple levels, it's a gripping romance between two young and beautiful people and yet it never fails at keeping you on edge and worrying about her little secret. I've never felt so anxious watching two people lust over each other, it's having that notion that something dark is lingering in the background. You can't help but tense up, even in the happiest of moments.

A film of this nature would not be possible without incredible talent both behind and in front of the camera. The cinematography on this film is gorgeous. The natural beauty of the Italian coastline and some clever use of lighting make this film very pretty look at, not to mention our two leads. Lou Taylor Pucci and Nadia Hilker are phenomenal as the two love birds and without their excellent performances this movie falls flat. For the most part this film focuses on these two and the growth of their relationship, but there is still some solid support. Most notable for genre fans is Jeremy Gardner (The Battery), who plays a small role as Evans best friend and adds a nice level of charm to the beginning of the movie. 

What Benson & Moorhead are doing in the horror genre is absolutely astounding. Between this film and their previous, Resolution these guys are blending genres to create stories that are completely original. They are exploring the human condition and making deep, thoughtful movies with characters that they make you care so much about. While at the same time spinning the films into inventive new horror with scribbles of science fiction scattered throughout. I'm a firm believer that some of the best film making can be found in indie horror, what these people can do with a low budget and a good script is incredible.

Between Spring and Resolution these guys have made two of my favorite modern horror films. They are inventive, fresh, smart, and incredibly emotional story tellers that add a level of gravity you don't see too often in the genre.  For all the people who say horror is just blood, guts, and pop out scares, see this movie. This film is not only wonderful horror, but just a great film in general that explores the human mind in all new ways. This genre is hardly dying; it's just finding new roots and evolving into something new and fantastic. After two successful outings in the horror world, I can't wait to see what Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead have up their sleeves next.

As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who Watches Movies. You can find me anytime on twitter @ZachWWMovies, smell ya later!

What We Do in the Shadows (Review)

What We Do in the Shadows (2015)

Horror, Comedy

Directed By: Jemaine Clement & Taika Waititi

If you want to make a movie about classic horror monsters (Vampires, Zombies, Werewolf's, etc.) nowadays, then you have to be inventive. The only way your film can stand out among the hundreds of others of its kind is to do something we haven't seen before. The new horror-comedy What We Do in the Shadows is a perfect example of doing just that. The Ne Zealand produced indie flick takes us on a journey into the behind the scenes life of Vampires to show us how they handle everyday life.

Viago (Taika Waititi), Deacon (Jonny Brugh), Vladislav (Jemaine Clement), and Petyr (Ben Fransham) are four vampires living together as flat mates in Australia. Some have come to hide and other just to relax in the countryside, but when the sun goes down, blood flows. The film is done documentary style as the guys have allowed a camera crew to document the months leading up to The Unholy Masquerade, a yearly party for the creatures of the night.  Although they live in hiding they seem to have no reserves about revealing anything to the cameras.

When Peter (the eldest of the four) turns one of their "meals" into a Vampire their whole dynamic is tested. The new guy, Nick (Cori Gonzalez-Macuer) starts getting them into night clubs and takes them out partying. He evens begins teaching them how to use the new technologies they have missed while in hiding. What happens when four Vampires, who are hundreds of years old, are forced to catch up with the times? Comedic brilliance, that's what. Watching these guys learn how to use technology and fighting over simple things like who has to do the dishes will have you constantly giggling. Even when they go for the kill, you can't help but laugh out loud.

What We Do in the Shadows was written, directed, and starred in by both Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Concords) and Taika Waititi (Eagle vs Shark) and they have done a brilliant job in all three. These two found a way to take one of the oldest and scariest monsters of all time and turn them into a group of immature goofballs, and it works so well. Blending horror and comedy is one of the hardest tasks in movie making and to see them do it so wonderfully is a treat. While the movie is never really "scary" it does have some great gore and excellent kill scenes, they just happen to make them hilarious as well.

The film plays around with a lot of the classic vampire tropes we have seen so many times, like having to be invited into a building in order to enter it. This makes for some great laughs when the guys hit the town and want to go clubbing. Not an easy task when you need the bouncers to invite you inside. They also have some fun with other creatures of the night and how they interact with each other, like zombies and werewolves. Any genre fans will find plenty to make them smile and giggle from start to finish.

Filming documentary style also adds to the movie as whole as well, they are completely self-aware of the fact cameras are following them the entire time and so are the people around them. This all adds up to make one of the most original vampire movies I have seen to date. They have successfully taken something we thought we have seen played out to death and made it feel fresh and original. At a brisk 86 minutes this film never falters and definitely never bores.  Any horror fans looking for something new, inventive, and a whole lot of fun should check this movie out first chance they get.

As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who watches Movies. You can find me anytime on twitter @ZachWWMovies, smell ya later!

What's going on with Green Lantern?!

Alright, I caved. I wasn't going to chime in on the subject but more news is surfacing and now I just have to talk about the future of my favorite super hero. Yesterday rumors were surfacing that the inevitable Green Lantern reboot may star all three major incarnations of the Earth bound Green Lanterns. That is Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, and John Stewart. The idea of three lanterns in one film seem like a bit much, but now today we are getting new rumors, and I like what they are hinting at.

Collider is reporting that the guy we all assumed would be playing Wonder Woman's love interest will actually be our new Hal Jordan. That's right, Chris Pine is rumored to be the new Hal Jordan and kudos to DC and WB for the huge misdirection. Chris Pine is a great cast, he looks the part and we know from watching him as Kirk in the new Star Trek movies that he has the charisma and personality. My only reserve with bringing him in was that I wanted to see John Stewart come to life and I figured if Jordan were around he wouldn't be.

Well, according to reports I (we) need not worry about that. Despite original reports that all three Lanterns would be in the film it looks like it will actually only be two (though the possibility of Gardner is still there) . Hal Jordan, played by Pine, and John Stewart who they haven't announced any casting for yet. While I was iffy on adding all three to one movie, I think this is a wonderful idea. I'm not sure how they will do the story but I like the idea of two human Lanterns co-existing and working together to fight crime.

It could essentially be a buddy cop super hero movie and I couldn't think of a better pairing for it than Jordan and Stewart. Hal Jordan is traditionally the cocky, in your face type guy while John Stewart tends to be more disciplined and serious. These are the makings of the perfect buddy cop movie, now give them alien rings that basically make them gods? That sounds like a good time.

Collider is also reporting that DC and WB want to focus on all different Green Lanterns throughout their movies.  Essentially saying that when they reboot GL they will be focusing on the Corps, not just one specific ring wearer. This is the right idea, take us into the amazing universe of the Lantern's. I want so much more Oa and Kilowog and all the other different corps. Its such an expansive world and to limit yourself just to Earth is boring. If this is in fact the route DC goes than they are doing it right.

With guys like Phil Lord and Chris Miller attached to future projects I am hoping DC will lose this dark tone sooner rather than later. A Green Lantern film is the perfect opportunity to lighten the spirits of the franchise a bit and show everyone just how fun their characters can be. The first Green Lantern standalone film is currently slated for 2020.

What do you guys think of this? Do you like Pine as Hal Jordan? What do you think of a two Green Lantern movie? Who do you want to see cast as John Stewart? Let me know in the comments below or find me on twitter @ZachWWMovies. As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who Watches Movies. Smell ya later!

Ben Affleck Set to Direct Solo Batman Film?

Hey everyone! Zach Who Watches movies here to talk about a huge rumor circulating this morning. According to the Latino Review, Warner Bros. and DC are planning a solo Batman movie in 2018. That's not even the biggest news however, as they are reporting that Batman himself, Ben Affleck is set to direct the standalone film. They slate the film for a November 2018 release to compete with Marvel studios Captain Marvel movie.

Wow! Even though this seems like an obvious choice, I'm still in love with it. Anyone paying attention to movies at all over the past half decade knows that Affleck is best when he's directing himself. The Town and Argo are arguably his best performances to date and if there is potential for him to do the same for Batman why not take the risk?

We've long been waiting for the true Batman to make it to the screen, you know, the greatest detective in the world? Well the guy who directed and starred in The Town is perfect for the job. We already know he is capable of making intense, thrilling movies which is exactly what Batman should be. Besides, with a batsuit that looks as good as this one, how could it not kick ass?

They are saying the film will be called simply "The Batman". Perfect, keep it simple, don't try and do too much and service the fans with some title implying their favorite story arc. This also keeps the trend of hiring the hottest film makers for their movies. While they tend to be a bit flashier than Marvel (I'm not complaining) they have brought in some crazy talent for the future films. Aside from Snyder they have tapped David Ayer for Suicide Squad, James Wan for Aquaman, Phil Lord & Chris Miller are penning a script for The Flash and now this. We definitely cant say they aren't at least trying to do this thing right.

What do you guys think of this news? Are you exciting about another standalone Batman film? Is Affleck not the guy you want to direct? Let me know in the comments below or you can find me anytime in Twitter @ZachWWMovies. As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who Watches Movies. Smell ya later!

We have our Spidey! and an Interesting Director Too.

 

Hey eveyone! Zach Who Watches Movies here with some exciting news. Marvel has finally cast their Spider-Man! not only that, but they have also picked a director I think none of us saw coming. Collider is reporting that Tom Holland has been cast as the iconic web slinger with Jon Watts set to direct the stand-alone film. Woah. This is not what I, or I'm sure most anyone else expected. We knew Holland was on the shortlist but Jon Watts wasn't even on my radar for director. As of two weeks ago we all thought Asa Butterfield was playing Parker and the list of potential directors looked like five more Marc Webb's.

This is great casting in my opinion. Even though I am not even that familiar with either of their work I just love the direction they are taking this. They are going with a young peter Parker this time and Tom Holland is perfect for it. He looks like a sixteen year old and although the only work I know him from is Locke and he is only a voice in that I always trust Marvel's decision making. The comes in Jon watts as director, I haven't seen his film Clown yet but I have heard it is fantastic horror. This is what I love about Marvel, they bring in the most unique talents for their films, and now they are tapping into horror directors. After James Gunn made Guardians a hit they gave Dr. Strange to horror vet Scott Derrickson, and now this.



The new collaboration between Sony and Marvel is off to a crazy start. Spider-Man will make his first appearance in the MCU next year in Captain American: Civil War and then in his own standalone film in the summer of 2017. What do you guys think of the castings? is Tom Holland too unknown to form an opinion? Do you like that Marvel is tapping more horror directors for their movies? Let me know what you think either in the comments below or on twitter @ZachWWMovies. As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who watches Movies. Smell ya later!