MOVIE REVIEW: DADDY’S HOME

A mild-mannered radio executive strives to become the best stepfather to his wife's two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling biological father arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the children.

Director: Sean Anders

Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini, Thomas Haden Church, Hannibal Buress

Release Date: Dec 25, 2015

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, crude and suggestive content, and for language

Runtime: 1 hr. 36 min.

Genres: Comedy

Review:

Daddy’s Home is a comedy that keeps you entertained enough to give it some time to find its footing.  Unfortunately it’ never really does.  It’s funny in parts and on rare occasions laugh out funny but it never does either consistently.  It’s a shame considering the strong comedic chemistry Ferrell and Wahlberg share on screen.  They are both game to roll with the punches but the film’s script and direction prefers to play it safe for the better part of the film.  As such, most of the plot plays out in a predictable manner with some bright spots here and there such as Thomas Haden Church and Hannibal Buress adding a bit of life to the proceedings.  Sadly it starts to drag towards the end, feeling much longer than its sparse runtime, never a good sign for a comedy. 

C

MOVIE REVIEWS: EASY A

IN THEATERS

EASY A



Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter is re-imagined as a contemporary high school comedy in this tale of a scheming student who plots to give her popularity a boost by painting herself the easiest lay in school. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Will Gluck

Cast: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Thomas Haden Church, Lisa Kudrow, Stanley Tucci, Patricia Clarkson

Release Date: Sep 17, 2010

Rated: Mature thematic elements involving teen sexuality, language and some drug material

Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min.

Genres: Comedy

Review:

Quick witted, smart and just incredibly likable, Easy A should be Emma Stone’s coming out party. Director Will Gluck is fully aware that the film’s strength is it’s cast and script so he keeps it nice and tight. Gluck moves the story along at a brisk pace and he keeps Emma Stone front and center. Stone is more than up for the task and delivers her lines with a wonderful deadpan delivery. She brings an instant likeability and authenticity to her role. She owns the screen uses excellent comedic timing to keep you laughing throughout. The supporting cast is equally impressive. Thomas Haden Church, Lisa Kudrow, Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson all have limited screen time but each make an impression. Amanda Bynes is decent if a tad over the top as school Bible beater. Easy A is the type of movie that light while dealing with some interesting topics about the current world kids live in. It’s not a message movie and that’s alright. What it is is an incredibly funny comedy that’s gives movies like Mean Girls a run for its money. The wonderful Emma Stone keeps proving that she’s a force to be reckoned with in comedy.

A