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Showing posts with label Jane Lynch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jane Lynch. Show all posts

Saturday, December 8, 2012

MOVIE REVIEW: WRECK-IT RALPH

WRECK-IT RALPH




An 8-bit video-game character attempts to shed his bad-guy image by escaping into a popular first-person shooter, but inadvertently wreaks havoc in the video-game universe by freeing a digital villain who can only be contained with the help of a most unlikely ally in this colorful animated adventure. Wreck-It Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) is the arch nemesis of Fix-It Felix (voice of Jack McBrayer), one of the most beloved video-game icons of all time. In a noble bid to prove he is more than the sum of his programming, Ralph sneaks from his cozy retro home into a highly advanced combat game featuring battle-hardened soldier Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch), and strives to prove his bravery by winning a medal. In the process, however, Ralph accidentally frees the greatest threat the video-game world has ever seen. But all hope is not lost, because if Ralph can just convince unpredictable cart racer Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) to help set things right, perhaps he can finally unleash his inner hero and save the arcade from certain destruction. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Rich Moore

Cast: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk

Release Date: Nov 02, 2012

Rated PG for some rude humor and mild action/violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 41 min.

Genres: Animated, Comedy, Family

Review:

Wreck-it Ralph is a surprise on many levels. A smart script with a strong emotional center works on various levels and for various age groups. Thrity-somethings will find enough 8 bit nostalgia to keep them grinning throughout with each tasty Easter egg they run into. Children will find a candy coated story with a good story and message for them to chew on. Rich Moore does what few outside of Pixar have been able to do, deliver an emotional bond with these computer creations. He handles his 2 leads characters with a tenderness which comes through especially with some impressive voice work. John C. Reilly as the lumbering Ralph is just perfect throughout, his voice works so well for the character reminding me of his work in Chicago singing Mr. Cellophane in particular. Sarah Silverman’s precocious misfit character fits her voice like a glove. Both establish a strong chemistry with each other, so much so that it’s hard not to get caught up in their story. Supporting characters are all just as strong. Jane Lynch delivers excellent work as the tough as nails FPS character who spends most of the movie with Fix-it Felix. Jack McBrayer’s southern prep fits the character to a T. Alan Tudyk, drawing inspiration from Ed Wynn, just loses himself in his work here as a fitting villain for the story. If there are a few small drawback in the film is its length and its need to keep us in the Sugar Rush world for nearly the entire film. The latter is understandable considering the plot. Still it’s hard to feel that there’s a wealth of story that could have been told in all the video game worlds hinted at but never explored. It would have been a lot of fun had they not gone with a Wizard of Oz inspired plot line. A few cuts or trims could have streamlined the film by a good ten minutes to deliver a sleeker product. Still it’s a very impressive family film.

B+


Tuesday, June 28, 2011

TV SHOW REVIEW: PARTY DOWN: SEASON 1 and 2 DVD



Synopsis: A group of actors move to LA to make it big, but end up working as caterers.

Cast: Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Ryan Hansen, Martin Starr, Lizzy Caplan, Megan Mullally, Jane Lynch

REVIEW:

Party Down is the type of show that leaves you wondering why it didn’t get a long run than it did. Sadly there are only 20 episodes of this hidden gem that showcases some excellent comedic talents from people who’ve moved on to bigger things. First and foremost you can’t walk away from this series without a new found appreciation of Adam Scott, presently working on the excellent Parks and Recreation. Scott’s is perfect straight man to cast of misfits. His reaction and delivery is just spot on throughout the series. Lizzy Caplan also shines as his primary love interest. Caplan just captures the Gen X sensibility so well I’m almost positive it’s not an act. She and Scott have great chemistry together and while the “will they won’t” isn’t anything new to sitcoms it’s never really a hindrance here. Ken Marino gets to stretch his comedic legs a bit as his character undergoes the biggest changes throughout the series. Ryan Hansen and Martin Starr are both solid as secondary characters which each getting moments to shine through. Jane Lynch is gold in her limited run, before Glee came a calling. Jennifer Coolidge replaces her for a short run, probably a good thing as her character could have gotten grating, and then Megan Mullaly takes over the better part of the 2nd season. Mullaly takes a little while to settle in but she fits right in by the second half of the season. The 2nd season does experience a bit of a rocky start, mainly because some of the dynamics have changed from the 1st along with new characters coming in. Its take while for them to hit their stride but they do with hilarious results. By the end of the 20th episode you’ll be forgiven to feel a bit disappointed that it’s over but it’ll be quickly replaced by a desire to watch the whole thing again.

B
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