Josh Lambert heads east to drop his son, Dalton, off at school. However, Dalton's college dream soon becomes a living nightmare when the repressed demons of his past suddenly return to haunt them both.
Director: Patrick Wilson
Cast: Patrick Wilson, Ty Simpkins, Andrew Astor, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye, Hiam Abbass, Sinclair Daniel
Release Date: July 7, 2023
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Rated PG-13 for violence, terror, frightening images, strong language and suggestive references
Runtime:1h 47m
Insidious: The Red Door is a solid, if predictable, series closer for the long running horror series. Patrick Wilson stars and directs the film with a confident steady, hand as he sets up a series of traditional scares where something is always lurking in the background. Wilson's director debut leans on old school horror set ups by building tension before delivering a quick shock. He proves more than capable of setting up these sequences even though you get a sense that he's using a rinse and repeat method that dulls the overall effect. On screen, Ty Simpkins carries the lions share of the screen time with Wilson's character playing more of a supporting role in this entry along with Rose Byrne whose appearance is more of an extended cameo. Simpkins, who grew up in the role, is solid throughout even if the trauma slant feels rather quaint by this point after a series of other horror films have covered the same territory. Sinclair Daniel's turn as his roommates brings some fun to the proceedings even though her character's interest in helping him even if it puts her in harms way never really makes much sense. Still, the pair are fun together especially a couple of sequences in a frat house. The rest of the film does serve as wrap up for the overall story set up over the last four films. As such, Insidious: The Red Door isn't the best entry point for newcomers since you'll need some knowledge of the previous films and mythology in order to understand why everything is happening.
Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for that rarest of treats: a triple feature. On the docket: Sherlock Gnomes, Peter Rabbit, and Pacific Rim: Uprising.
Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.
First up: Sherlock Gnomes.
When all of London's garden gnomes go missing, it's up to the world's greatest detective to solve the case.
Like it's predecessor Gnomeo and Juliet, Sherlock Gnomes banks on good-nature and likability for its appeal. It's not a game-changer and and it won't be remembered by awards voters when that time rolls around again, but it's the most enjoyable movie I've seen in a good long while. The movie is blessed with a terrific cast, including newcomers Johnny Depp and Chiwetel Ejiofor, returning favorites James McAvoy and Emily Blunt, and...yes...Ozzy Osbourne, whom the filmmakers are wise enough to use in moderation. The art and animation are pretty, bright, and colorful, if not revolutionary, and the cute story bounces along to a cheerful score by Chris Bacon, peppered with familiar snippets of Elton John songs. Sherlock Gnomes expertly rides a fine line, working for kids of all ages while also entertaining adults. There is nothing here that will disturb or upset the young ones, but, in addition to the tunes, there are several adult gags that aim far enough over kids' heads that parents won't be left answering uncomfortable questions afterward. If the message is familiar, the movie delivers it in such charming fashion you won't even mind. Sadly, there's no Jason Statham gnome this time around (*sobs*), but I still loved Sherlock Gnomes exactly as much as I expected, and I expected a LOT.
Sherlock Gnomes runs a quick 86 minutes and is rated PG for "some rude and suggestive humor." (Though the more crass bits from the trailer are missing from the finished product.)
Sherlock Gnomes is great fun for all ages. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Sherlock Gnomes gets eight.
Next on my agenda: Peter Rabbit.
Rabbits and humans jockey for territory in a somewhat abrasive fairytale.
Well, dear reader(s), if there's one thing I want you to know right off the bat, it's that Peter Rabbit probably isn't as bad as you'd think from the trailers or from everything you've heard. Make no mistake, it has BIG problems, but it overcomes most of them for an enjoyable outing.
Getting the bad news out of the way first, we'll begin with the obvious: Those damn rabbits. They are utterly insufferable, like the brattiest, most annoying kids you've ever met. It makes rooting for them impossible, even when the film hits that "delivering the message" point where the relevant parties are supposed to become the best versions of themselves. While the physical comedy mostly works, and Domhnall Gleeson's expressions and timing are impeccable (more on that later), the film's "jokes" are painfully bad, especially a couple awkward attempts at social commentary. The movie struggles mightily to settle on a tone, doubling-down on unfunny attempts at humor and, especially towards the beginning, coming across rather nasty. Finally, though the parental guidelines don't mention it, there are a couple things in this movie that may be upsetting to younger kids. At one point when the rabbits' well being is threatened, there was a small boy in my screening screaming, "I don't like it! I DON'T LIKE IT!" so...um...take care with those little ones, will ya?
Now the good news, and there's more of it than I expected. Leads Domhnall Gleeson and Rose Byrne are ridiculously adorable and have great chemistry. Gleeson, who seems to be in every single movie these days and continues to prove he's pretty amazing at everything, shows off some solid comic chops, working mostly opposite a tennis ball on a stick that would later become the film's talking woodland creatures. An almost-unrecognizable Sam Neill is also great (as always) in too little screen time. The story never really goes anywhere you don't expect, but I'm not sure you'd want it to. Songs pop up awkwardly throughout the movie, but there are some great pop nuggets that are no less enjoyable for the weird placement. Ultimately, the charm of Gleeson and Byrne outweighs the negatives just enough to make Peter Rabbit worth your while.
Peter Rabbit clocks in at 95 minutes and is rated PG for "some rude humor and action."
I'd taken a pass on Peter Rabbit weeks ago, and only saw it this week by virtue of a cinema schedule that left a huge gap between Sherlock Gnomes and Pacific Rim. In the finest example of backhanded praise you're likely to find today, I can tell you it was certainly better than spending two hours sitting in the hallway.
Of a possible nine Weasleys, Peter Rabbit gets five.
Closing yesterday's triple-header was the sequel Pacific Rim: Uprising.
Hey guys...guys...we're cancelling the apocalypse again, 'kay?
Uprising is a big step down from the original Pacific Rim, and I can assure you with a reasonable amount of certainty, dear reader(s), that I didn't find it so only because it's missing Charlie Hunnam and Idris Elba. (Though that won't ever help in my eyes, obvs.) The film suffers from paper-doll characters and painfully bad dialogue, but is salvaged somewhat by its likable cast. Though the action is solid, the plot is weak and filled with predictable twists. Lorne Balfe's score is properly epic, and the effects are as massive as a movie-hugeness junkie like me could hope, but, ultimately, if you want brainless fun with big robots, Transformers is a better option.
Pacific Rim: Uprising is a witless good time that you'll forget almost as soon as you exit the cinema.
Of a possible nine Weasleys, Pacific Rim: Uprising gets six.
Two years
after feuding with a rowdy frat that moved next door to them, young parents Mac
(Seth Rogen) and Kelly (Rose Byrne) are about to have their second child and
move to a new house. Unfortunately, their attempts to sell their current home
hit a snag when a sorority led by a rebellious college student (Chloë Grace
Moretz) become their new neighbors. Desperate to get rid of the hard-partying
gals, the couple forge an alliance with Teddy (Zac Efron), the former fratboy
who tormented them the last time around. Directed by Nicholas Stoller. ~ Jack
Rodgers, Rovi
Rated: R for crude sexual content including brief graphic
nudity, language throughout, drug use and teen partying.
Runtime: 1 hr. 32 min.
Genres: Comedy
Review:
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising provides some hefty laughs
here and there throughout it’s runtime but never really hits the level of
consistency of the original.There’s a
haphazard attempt at feminism throughout the film which is about as subtle as a
hammer.It’s a weird mixture since it
could have been an interesting slant if it’d been handled properly.As is, this sequel is another raunchy ride
through a recycled plot with characters which are never really fleshed
out.It’s a shame because Chloe Moretz
seems like she would have done well with the comedy.Rogen and Byrne ease back into their roles
easily with their interplay being a highlight of the movie.Byrne continues to impress in her comedic
roles but she feels a little underused.Sadly, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising is another comedy sequel which will
be easily overlooked and forgotten since it never reaches the level of the
original.
After years of doing work integral to the success of major missions, an
intelligent but self-conscious deskbound CIA analyst (Melissa McCarthy) is
finally given the chance to go undercover as a homely "cat lady" in
order to save her missing partner (Jude Law) and thwart a global disaster at
the hands of a dangerous arms dealer, in this comedy written and directed by
Paul Feig. ~ Erin Demers, Rovi
Director: Paul Feig
Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Bobby
Cannavale, Allison Janney
Release Date: Jun
05, 2015
Rated R for Language Throughout, Violence, and Some
Sexual Content Including Brief Graphic
Nudity
Runtime: 1 hr. 55 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy
Review:
Spy is Paul Feig’s wonderfully vulgar spoof of the spy genre
that could become comedic classic down the road.It’s hilarious from the start and rarely lags
even with it’s hefty 2 hour runtime.Melissa McCarthy carries the film ably but the real standouts are her
supporting cast.Jason Statham and Rose
Byrne are clearly having a ball hamming it up.Statham steals just about every scene he’s in; thankfully Feig doesn’t
overuse him making him more effective.Byrne and her hair piece are slightly larger players but just as funny
as the sexy villainess.Mix in strong
turns by Miranda Hart and Allison Janney and you’ve got a cast firing on all
cylinders.Paul Feig’s script is sharp
and witty even going as far as giving us a fairly interesting spy plot to keep
things interesting and hilarious all the way through.
Dearest Blog, yesterday it was off to the pictures for the new Paul Feig/Melissa McCarthy comedy, Spy.
Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.
After a mission goes awry, a formerly office-bound CIA agent takes to the field.
Well,
dear reader(s), the truth of the matter is I don't burn many cinema
trips on comedies. There are several reasons for that, not least of
which is that you usually spend your ten bucks and two hours only to
find you've already seen all the really funny bits for free in a
two-minute trailer. However, as Jason Statham goes, so go I, and I'm
pleased to report that this time the captivating Mr. Statham is not
responsible for two hours I want back. (Lookin' squarely at you,
Redemption!)
It's fair to say you haven't heard the last of Jason
Statham here, but Melissa McCarthy is the gal with her name above the
title, and the comedienne ably keeps the laughs rolling as her
accidentally-capable agent plays perfectly off other staples: the
debonair Bond-type (Jude Law), the buffoonish superstar (Statham), the
desk-jockey best friend (Miranda Hart), and of course the slick and
slimy baddies (Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale).
Spy couldn't be more
brilliantly cast, but as a fan I have to give a special shout-out to
Miranda Hart, whose terrific turn hopefully will bring her lots more
notice on this side of the pond. And then there's Jason
Statham...oh...Jason Statham. If you didn't already know Statham can be
funny, well, you just aren't paying attention, but he's a legitimate
scene-stealer in Spy, and I couldn't be more delighted. Well, I *could*
be more delighted if I hadn't had to wait 13 full minutes for him to
make an appearance, but, other than that...probably not. Spy keeps the
laughs coming, and if I worried this might be another of "those"
waste-of-time comedies, that concern was already off the table before
Statham even turned up.
Spy clocks in at an even two hours and is
rated R for "language throughout, violence, and some sexual content
including brief graphic nudity."
Smartly written and perfectly
cast, Spy is a laugh-out-loud comedy with fantastic action and fight
sequences, some beautiful locations, and nice twists.
Of a possible Nine
Weasleys, Spy gets eight.
Until next time...*
*Author's note: This review sucks because I have no Starbucks today!
Seth Rogen, Zac Efron and Rose Byrne lead the cast of Neighbors, a comedy
about a young couple suffering from arrested development who are forced to live
next to a fraternity house after the birth of their newborn baby. Neighbors is
directed by Nick Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek).
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Cast: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne, Dave Franco
Release Date: May
09, 2014
Runtime: 1 hr. 37 min.
Genres: Comedy
Review:
Neighbors is a refreshing surprise of a comedy.Not because it’s hilarious, which it is, but
because it’s actually a lot smarter than you’d expect from any of the trailers.Sharply written, the R rated comedy is just
as much about a tit for tat war between a frat house and 30 something neighbors
as it is about learning to grow up and become an adult.This may sound a bit heavier than you’d
expect but it’s all handled very subtly but the theme is there and it really
elevates it about other raunchy comedies.As for the comedy itself, it’s nearly perfect.The laughs come at a fast pace hit a
wonderful zenith during various moments of its raucous runtime.Seth Rogan and Rose Byrne make a surprisingly
effective combo even if someone like Byrne ending up with something like Rogan
and having a baby requires more suspension of disbelief than most comic book
movies.Zac Efron and his chiseled body,
flexed throughout, brings some impressively refined comedic chops to his
role.He could have easily fallen into
some tried and true stereotypes but he avoids them thanks to the script.Neighbors is one of those films that’ll be
quoted for years to come and for good reason.
The Lambert family learn their struggle with the supernatural is far from over when a long-buried secret plunges them back into a terrifying world of darkness. Director James Wan reteams with screenwriter Leigh Whannell for this horror sequel starring Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye, and Ty Simpkins. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: James Wan
Cast: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye, Ty Simpkins, Jocelin Donahue.
Release Date: Sep 13, 2013
Rated R intense sequences of terror and violence, and thematic elements.
Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min.
Genres: Horror
Review:
Insidious Chapter 2 continues an incredibly strong streak for director James Wan. The first Insidious was an exercise in mood and atmosphere which faltered in the last act. The sequel is incredibly similar, it’s first 2 acts are a relentless series of scares, perfectly set up to deliver jolt after jolt. In an impressive feat since he doesn’t break any new ground. Instead he just continues to perfect the process much like he did in this summer’s The Conjuring. Horror fans will find plenty of nice little nods to classic genre films like Suspiria and Poltergeist. The third act suffers a tad from some of the more outlandish elements at play. It’s not as extreme as it was in the first and Wan keeps the film on a more even keel this go around. Insidious Chapter 2 is helped by a rather smart, time bending script which will have you revisiting scenes from the original and viewing them in a new light. Additionally, it’s not as overly serious as The Conjuring. We get nice comedic breaks in the tension to give us a moment to breathe. The returning cast is strong. Rose Byrne shows us she can take her frantic level to eleven and Patrick Wilson reminds us he can be kind of creepy. The door is left wide open for another sequel but James Wan’s recent announcement that he’s leaving the horror genre kind of dulls any excitement.
I personally enjoyed Insidious, until that final act where the tone shifted wildly. The trailer was one of best horror movie trailer I’d ever seen and got me excited about a film I didn’t care about up till that point.
The sequel’s trailer isn’t quite as impressive but I’m still curious to see where the story goes considering the way the first one ended.
Set in the era before Professor Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr became mortal enemies as Professor X and Magneto, respectively, director Matthew Vaughn's X-Men: First Class follows the two former allies as they lead a powerful team of mutants on a mission to save the planet from nuclear annihilation. Charles (James McAvoy) and Erik (Michael Fassbender) were just young men when it began to appear as if the world was careening toward destruction. And as the Doomsday Clock ticks faster toward midnight, the time comes to take action. In the process of saving humanity, however, Charles and Erik clash. In the years that followed, Professor X would lead the X-Men in the fight for good, as Magneto and the Brotherhood spread chaos and destruction throughout the land. Kevin Bacon, Caleb Landry Jones, Nicholas Hoult, January Jones, and Lucas Till star in a film directed by Matthew Vaughn and adapted from a story by Bryan Singer. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence
Release Date: Jun 03, 2011
Rated PG-13 for Intense sequences of action and violence, some sexual content including brief partial nudity and language
Runtime: 2 hr. 20 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Review:
X-Men First Class is a movie that I had serious skepticism about from inception. Matthew Vaughn being given the directing reigns quelled some of those fears but not all. Any fan of the franchise would be hard pressed to have any sort of hope after X-Men The Last Stand and the criminally atrocious Wolverine X-men Origins film. This prequel faced plenty of challenges and somehow someway it overcame them all. Vaughn delivered one of the best superhero movies ever, just shy of The Dark Knight. A stellar cast working from a strong script brings a thoroughly engaging experience that rarely drags. Michael Fassbender leads the cast with a performance that brings all the rare and pain that his character suffers. Fassbender’s matched by a spot of James McAvoy who’s performance as Charles Xavier is respectful of Patrick Stewart’s original run yet singular in of itself. Jennifer Lawrence taking up the reigns as Mystique is a more than capable and its always good to see certain characters get fleshed out a bit more, ditto for Beast. Kevin Bacon is appropriately sinister and nefarious as the villain. January Jones, who can’t seem to stretch beyond the stepford wife persona, has perfected the art of acting via blinking and cleavage. Vaughn stages the action in epic fashion and even with a few questionable musical choices they never cease to impress. The scale and scope of the story are huge and impressive, A perfect way to restart the series.
A
PostScript
How I paid 90 dollars to see X-men First Class
In case if wasn’t terribly obvious I’m a bit of a nerd. So in perfect nerdish fashion I looked for the first showing of First Class in Las Vegas where I’d be for the week. Nothing says Vegas more than checking out the latest superhero movie afterall. Through a series of missteps and google confusion thing became terribly confused and expensive. I boarded a taxi and handed the cabby the directions. I should have been worried that he wasn’t familiar with the address but not enough to do anything about it. The cabby punched the address into his phone and headed off, still unsure of where he was taking me. Down the strip and on to the freeway, he rushed to try and make my 10am deadline. The more he drove the more I became worried there might have been a slight mistake. 20 minutes later and 40 bucks later he dropped me off at the theater quite literally in the middle of nowhere, later in the weekend I would walk by about 4 theaters that were pretty close to Caesars which we were staying at. Watched the movie which was a first showing so that saved a little cash because I like being thrifty when possible. Once the film ended, I had to ask the manager for a taxi cab number which he happily gave and waited a good 20 minutes for and then paid another 40 dollars to get back to The Strip. One the bright side I did get to see a lot of the Rocky Mountains in my extended trip around the outer reaches of Vegas…..
Director Paul Feig and producer Judd Apatow team with co-writers Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo for this comedy about a devoted maid of honor whose life falls into ruin as she plans her best friend's dream wedding. Upon hearing the news that Lillian (Maya Rudolph) has gotten engaged, ecstatic Annie (Wiig) leaps at the chance to plan the perfect wedding. With the big day rapidly approaching, Annie struggles to put her romantic and financial woes aside in order to give her dearest friend a day of memories that will last a lifetime. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi Director: Paul Feig
Cast: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey
Release Date: May 13, 2011
Rated R for some strong sexuality, and language throughout
Genres: Comedy
Review:
Bridesmaid is a funny movie but it delivers a lot more than you might expect and while it might be shackled with being a “chickflick” it most avoids a lot of the worst clichés of the genre. Starting with a raucous sex scene, Bridesmaids seems like it’d settle into being a Hangover type film with women. In reality it’s something much meatier and even thoughtful. Kristen Wiig, who cowrote this film, is center stage and she truly impresses. Playing a frazzled neurotic woman who’s moments away from a nervous breakdown, she delivers the comedic portions with ease but where she’s truly shines is her ability to deal with the dramatic part. Her performance is the best thing in the film and she’s on key throughout. TV director/actor Paul Feig lets his cast do the work and kind of stays out of the way for the most part. It’s a smart move since the cast is populated with funny women who all shine with limited screen time. Melissa McCarthy is given some of the best lines in the film and leaves a strong impression. Jon Hamm and Chris O'Dowd, as the requisite romantic interest, both have limited roles but are funny with the latter being extremely charming. While the film is strong for the most part, it’s overlong and lags from time to time with the romantic subplot that feels a tad out of place. Even with those issues it’s still an impressive film that really shows off the talents of the cast, Wiig in particular.
Saw franchise veterans James Wan and Leigh Whannell team with Paranormal Activity writer/director Oren Peli to give the familiar haunted house story an exciting new twist with this tale of a family that moves into an old house and begins to suspect they are under siege from otherworldly forces when their young son inexplicably falls into a deep coma. As devoted parents Josh (Patrick Wilson) and Renai (Rose Byrne) struggle in vain to uncover the root cause of their son's condition, the stress of the situation gradually begins to take its toll on their once-strong relationship. Later, when darkness falls and specters appear to reach out for them from the shadows, the frightened parents realize they're dealing with powers beyond human comprehension. Barbara Hershey and Lin Shaye co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: James Wan
Cast: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye, Ty Simpkins, Angus Sampson
Release Date: Apr 01, 2011
Rated PG-13 for Violence, thematic material, terror, brief strong language and frightening images
Runtime: 1 hr. 42 min.
Genres: Drama Horror
Review:
Insidious is a welcome throwback to 70’s horror. . Stylistic, matched with effective music, this film is high on tension, low on gore, it’s the type of film that’s intent on winding you up and then smacking you in the face. It’s a kind of an expected surprise from James Wan who directed the original Saw. Wan directs with an aggressive style, using interesting angles to keep you off kilter and intrigued throughout. He does a fine job of building suspense with only occasional hiccups into absurdity. This film works best when the terror is in the shadows and never fully revealed. Wan doesn’t maintain this but veers into Sam Raimi territory, especially in the final act. The cast is strong even if they are asked to do much in the script. Patrick Wilson primary function is to be dismissive throughout but is given a tad more to do in final reel. Rose Byrne, who was born with the “my cat was just run over” look, is frazzled within 10 minutes of the film. Lin Shayne and her band of ghost hunters bring a change of pace to the film when they show up. I fear Insidious may not be everybody’s cup of tea, mainly because people can be terribly dismissive of tension as opposed to outright in your face gore. That being said, if you enjoy a slow build up this Poltergeist light will be right up your alley.
I have no idea if this film will be any good, Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne are positives, but I just found the trailer extremely intriguing and well cut...
An ambitious young record company executive attempts to transport an unpredictable rock star to L.A.'s Greek Theatre in time for his hotly anticipated comeback performance in this spin-off of the comedy hit Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Aaron Green (Jonah Hill) has just landed his dream job in the record industry, and he's eager to prove his worth. His first assignment: travel to London and escort British rock god Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) to the show that will re-ignite his career. Before he departs, Aaron is warned by his boss Sergio Roma (Sean Combs) to never let Aldous out of his sight, and never underestimate his capacity for mayhem. Immensely talented yet deeply tortured, Aldous hit the bottle hard after his popularity began to wane and his girl walked out on him. Aldous is locked in the midst of an existential crisis, and rues the thought of being accompanied across the pond by an insincere sycophant. Though it seems like sex is the only thing Aldous ever thinks about, his thoughts turn to romance when he discovers that gorgeous model/pop singer Jackie Q (Rose Byrne) will be in Los Angeles at the time of his concert, too. Jackie Q is the love of Aldous' life, and he'll do anything and everything to win her heart. With the concert fast approaching and Aaron's fledgling career on the line, the race is on to get Aldous to the Greek, and ensure the big show goes off without a hitch. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Director: Nick Stoller
Cast: Jonah Hill, Russell Brand, Rose Byrne, Sean Combs, Elisabeth Moss.
Release Date: Jun 04, 2010
Rated: strong sexual content, pervasive language and drug use throughout
Runtime: 1 hr. 49 min.
Genres: Comedy
Review:
A sort of but not really sequel to Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek is tad like a rollercoaster ride. It’s most entertaining in the middle but comes to a jarring halt, fun wise, in the last act. Sadly, the emotional angle falls flat and since the 3rd act deals with it primarily it leaves you feeling way too detached from the Spinal Tap light fun. Nick Stoller, who also directed Forgetting Sarah Marshall, finds some good energy and moves the proceedings along at a brisk pace. Stoller doesn’t over direct the film and allows the strongest part of the film, Brand and Hill’s on screen chemistry, to do the heavy lifting. Russell Brand does fantastic work reprising his faux rock star alter ego Aldous Snow. Brand is just so comfortable on screen as Snow it kind of makes me wonder if we are just looking at him as opposed to a character. Johan Hill provides a good counter point to Brand’s unchecked insanity as the super up tight record label peon. Hill has an excellent understated quality about him that allows him to emote with only minor facial reactions. This gives his character a nice honest heart. Elisabeth Moss is good fun as Aaron’s girlfriend in a limited role. Sean Combs has an innate ability to suck any and all comedy or fun out of scene as he tries desperately to play record version of Tom Cruise’s character from Tropic Thunder and fails miserably. He’s such a dead spot and detracts from some of the funnier moments of the film. Music industry stars pop in cameos giving the film a nice authentic touch, along with some raunchy but funny song lyrics for Snow.
