Dear Hollywood Producers,
In the middle of the summer heat, there is nothing better than a good movie to cool down. However, this movie doesn't have to include any of the following: superpowers, costumes, and sound effects. Enough with the superhero movies. I don't care what 15 yr old ComiCon nerd camps out for four days in the middle of California, just stop. Batman with Christian Bale is legendary, Iron Man with RDJ is cool, but Captain America with the dude who was the Torch in Fantastic Four, really? Really? Chris Evans looks good undoubtedly, but does he have to look good in tights? Superhero movies are so cliche' yet easy to produce because they guarantee box office. Yet earlier this summer we saw the epic fail of the Green Lantern and last year's Green Hornet. So it isn't a golden ticket. But why can't we get some diversity? I like thinking about being rescued by a cute guy, but it gets old. The narrative is over exhausted and trite, just like a lot of things going on in entertainment. But what really gets me is the fact that I'm supposed to want to see Captain America get his rescue on. The only capacity I had heard about Captain America was in ads in magazines as a kid. He wasn't even in the doggone SuperFriends. Come on now. Let's be real. Captain America is the redheaded superhero. No one cares enough to see, but eventually the disaster will be televised (probably on TNT). But please producers, give me something, anything to stop this trend.
Sincerely,
We Don't Need Another (Super) Hero
Showing posts with label Stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stars. Show all posts
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Clash of the Box Office Titans
Summer movies are in full effect. From superheroes to super comedians, there is something for everyone marketed. However, the new trend for this year is the romantic/dirty/sex comedy that uses some combination of sex jokes, big stars, and gags to get audiences to flock. So far this summer I have seen Bridesmaids and The Hangover Part II and between the two of them there is one clear winner. Bridesmaids by far is funny, witty and silly. Something I think a lot of movies have been lacking lately. I will venture to say it is a one of kind film. And I wasn't alone. According to Box Office Mojo it has grossed $161 million alone domestically and become the highest grossing R rated comedy ever. Even though The Hangover II has grossed more, it lacked the initial spark of the first movie. The reviews reflected this and I think that even though the financial success is there it can't ever duplicate the magic of the first film.
Bridesmaids to me is unique because it shows that American audiences are open to funny women who aren't necessarily ladylike or stereotypical of the romantic comedy formula that has been sold but is ultimately failing with audiences (Something Borrowed, anyone?). I really believe that these kinds of comedies are going to give the diversity needed to show that female characters aren't all the same in the movies.
Bad Teacher is another example of how a funny woman is not only bankable but charming. Cameron Diaz is finally allowed to be her funny, zany self which I think is her best self. I haven't seen the movie, but the reviews have been mixed. Once again I think it boils down to writing and character development. The idea is fresh so it will only be a matter of time until we see how it works out.
Soon to come this weekend is the much publicized Friends with Benefits or the Natalie Portman/Ashton Kutcher movie (No Strings Attached) with more appropriate casting as I like to think of if. NSA did make 70 million domestically according to Box Office Mojo but really the problem was in the casting. Yes Portman and Kutcher are in the same peer group but their respective claims to fame are different. Ashton Kutcher married the most famous Brat Pack alumni while punking celebrties and Natalie Portman made Oscar worthy films in which she finally won one this past year. I'm not saying one is better than the other but in order for anything in the movies to work you have to believe the chemistry. This one didn't sell me with the casting or the previews, but Ludacris as a best friend did seem interesting. I think this is a movie I'll more than likely catch on TBS in 2013.
Friends with Benefits is directed by Will Gluck, the filmmaker behind the first witty and insightful teen comedy in nearly a decade, Easy A. And as most know it stars Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake, two people who seem to match better on paper than Kutcher and Portman. I think another plus for this movie going in is that it is debuting against Captain America (which I'll address in another posting). The premise isn't different but I think just looking at the previews enriches my desire to see it. The pop culture references, the dialogue, seems funnier and fresher. I think Will Gluck has a knack for that and along with the star pairing it works.
Interestingly enough Jessica Biel (Justin Timberlake's real-life ex or something like that) auditioned for the film. I hate to be honest, but it would have never worked (Gigli, anyone?). Jessica Biel is a former teen star known for action roles and lad mag covers more than actual acting gigs. Chemistry doesn't always translate onscreen but we'll never know unless they make a movie together.
Back to Friends with Benefits, I'm definitely going to see it. I mean if you don't like laughing or Mickey Mouse Club alumni I understand, just don't tell me how it ends.
Bridesmaids to me is unique because it shows that American audiences are open to funny women who aren't necessarily ladylike or stereotypical of the romantic comedy formula that has been sold but is ultimately failing with audiences (Something Borrowed, anyone?). I really believe that these kinds of comedies are going to give the diversity needed to show that female characters aren't all the same in the movies.
Bad Teacher is another example of how a funny woman is not only bankable but charming. Cameron Diaz is finally allowed to be her funny, zany self which I think is her best self. I haven't seen the movie, but the reviews have been mixed. Once again I think it boils down to writing and character development. The idea is fresh so it will only be a matter of time until we see how it works out.
Soon to come this weekend is the much publicized Friends with Benefits or the Natalie Portman/Ashton Kutcher movie (No Strings Attached) with more appropriate casting as I like to think of if. NSA did make 70 million domestically according to Box Office Mojo but really the problem was in the casting. Yes Portman and Kutcher are in the same peer group but their respective claims to fame are different. Ashton Kutcher married the most famous Brat Pack alumni while punking celebrties and Natalie Portman made Oscar worthy films in which she finally won one this past year. I'm not saying one is better than the other but in order for anything in the movies to work you have to believe the chemistry. This one didn't sell me with the casting or the previews, but Ludacris as a best friend did seem interesting. I think this is a movie I'll more than likely catch on TBS in 2013.
Friends with Benefits is directed by Will Gluck, the filmmaker behind the first witty and insightful teen comedy in nearly a decade, Easy A. And as most know it stars Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake, two people who seem to match better on paper than Kutcher and Portman. I think another plus for this movie going in is that it is debuting against Captain America (which I'll address in another posting). The premise isn't different but I think just looking at the previews enriches my desire to see it. The pop culture references, the dialogue, seems funnier and fresher. I think Will Gluck has a knack for that and along with the star pairing it works.
Interestingly enough Jessica Biel (Justin Timberlake's real-life ex or something like that) auditioned for the film. I hate to be honest, but it would have never worked (Gigli, anyone?). Jessica Biel is a former teen star known for action roles and lad mag covers more than actual acting gigs. Chemistry doesn't always translate onscreen but we'll never know unless they make a movie together.
Back to Friends with Benefits, I'm definitely going to see it. I mean if you don't like laughing or Mickey Mouse Club alumni I understand, just don't tell me how it ends.
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