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Showing posts with label Will Arnett. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Will Arnett. Show all posts
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Cold Pursuit & The Lego Movie 2
Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for Cold Pursuit and the Lego Movie 2.
Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.
First up: Cold Pursuit. Liam Neeson gets revenge in the snow.
Action thrillers have become Liam Neeson's bread and butter. There's not much about Cold Pursuit that sets it apart from Taken or Run All Night or The Commuter, except it's quite funny, and I'm *almost* sure that's on purpose. Of course, in a film with this kind of body count, it's a grim humor, but...yeah, I'm reasonably certain it actually means to be funny. It's also super-cold, the kind of cold that makes you cold just looking at it, yet Liam Neeson is perpetually without his gloves. That was my big takeaway, so that probably tells you a good deal about the rest of it. Neeson is enjoyable but unremarkable in a role that, by now, he could play in his sleep. His supporting cast is as good as it needs to be, but a handful of Native American characters who turn up late and don't get enough screen time are the most interesting people in the movie. The action is solid and almost entirely unbelievable, and the picture is paced well enough that--despite playing out predictably--it's never slow or dull. If you aren't put off by literal mountains of snow, the scenery is a real feast for the eyes, too. Overall, if you can put aside the controversy currently surrounding its lead, Cold Pursuit is forgettable good fun.
Cold Pursuit clocks in at 118 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence, drug material, and some language including sexual references."
If you want to watch Liam Neeson kill something besides his career this weekend, Cold Pursuit is the film for you.
Of a possible nine Weasleys, Cold Pursuit gets six.
Fangirl points: Nathaniel Arcand! NexDearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for Cold Pursuit and the Lego Movie 2. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. First up: Cold Pursuit. Liam Neeson gets revenge in the snow. Action thrillers have become Liam Neeson's bread and butter. There's not much about Cold Pursuit that sets it apart from Taken or Run All Night or The Commuter, except it's quite funny, and I'm *almost* sure that's on purpose. Of course, in a film with this kind of body count, it's a grim humor, but...yeah, I'm reasonably certain it actually means to be funny. It's also super-cold, the kind of cold that makes you cold just looking at it, yet Liam Neeson is perpetually without his gloves. That was my big takeaway, so that probably tells you a good deal about the rest of it. Neeson is enjoyable but unremarkable in a role that, by now, he could play in his sleep. His supporting cast is as good as it needs to be, but a handful of Native American characters who turn up late and don't get enough screen time are the most interesting people in the movie. The action is solid and almost entirely unbelievable, and the picture is paced well enough that--despite playing out predictably--it's never slow or dull. If you aren't put off by literal mountains of snow, the scenery is a real feast for the eyes, too. Overall, if you can put aside the controversy currently surrounding its lead, Cold Pursuit is forgettable good fun. Cold Pursuit clocks in at 118 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence, drug material, and some language including sexual references." If you want to watch Liam Neeson kill something besides his career this weekend, Cold Pursuit is the film for you. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Cold Pursuit gets six. Fangirl points: Nathaniel Arcand! Next on yesterday's docket was the Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. Everything is no longer awesome in Legoland. Like its predecessor, the Lego Movie 2 is a genuine delight. Top-notch voice work fronts an upbeat, colorful movie with a sweet message. The film’s terrific sense of humor will appeal as much to adults as to kids, and a cheerful score peppered with bouncy original songs is sure to engage the young’uns, and, as one song threatens, end up stuck in your head. As before, the best bits revolve around Batman (offered without bias!), but, truly, there is not a weak link here. The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part runs 106 minutes and is rated PG for "some rude humor." The Lego Movie 2 is another fun outing foe the entire family. Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Lego Movie 2 gets 8. Until next time... PS: Where's my Cats trailer? in Legoland. Like its predecessor, the Lego Movie 2 is a genuine delight. Top-notch voice work fronts an upbeat, colorful movie with a sweet message. The film’s terrific sense of humor will appeal as much to adults as to kids, and a cheerful score peppered with bouncy original songs is sure to engage the young’uns, and, as one song threatens, end up stuck in your head. As before, the best bits revolve around Batman (offered without bias!), but, truly, there is not a weak link here.
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part runs 106 minutes and is rated PG for "some rude humor."
The Lego Movie 2 is another fun outing foe the entire family.
Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Lego Movie 2 gets 8.
Until next time... PS: Where's my Cats trailer?
Saturday, January 26, 2019
MOVIE REVIEW: THE LEGO MOVIE 2: THE SECOND PART
The citizens of Bricksburg face a dangerous new threat when LEGO DUPLO invaders from outer space start to wreck everything in their path. The battle to defeat the enemy and restore harmony to the LEGO universe takes Emmet, Lucy, Batman and the rest of their friends to faraway, unexplored worlds that test their courage and creativity.
Director: Mike Mitchell
Cast: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Charlie Day, Alison Brie, Nick Offerman,Will Ferrell, Tiffany Haddish, Stephanie Beatriz Maya Rudolph
Release Date: February 8, 2019
Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure
Rated PG for some rude humor
Runtime: 1h 46 min
Review:
The Lego Movie 2 The Second Part has a lot to live up to since the original was such a breath of fresh air. The original film was a candy colored concoction that was enjoyable for children but was just as enjoyable for adults since it was an incredibly meta story that offered layers of depth. Throw in the fact that we've had two other Lego related film's released with diminishing returns. Thankful the sequel is just as enjoyable and thoughtful as the original even if it doesn't quiet reach the heights of the original. The story is fun and thoughtful at the same time which speaks to the effort put into making this the best film possible. The returning cast are all great, clearly more comfortable with their roles even if we do miss Liam Neeson's Bad Cop since there's not really a memorable villain. The addition of Tiffany Haddish and Stephanie Beatriz help ease that loss with solid characters even if they're slightly underused. The film does decide to embrace song and dance sequences which are mostly effective even if it take a moment to settle into them. When it all said and done, the film's message is even more pointed and effective than the first film.
B+
The Lego Movie 2 The Second Part has a lot to live up to since the original was such a breath of fresh air. The original film was a candy colored concoction that was enjoyable for children but was just as enjoyable for adults since it was an incredibly meta story that offered layers of depth. Throw in the fact that we've had two other Lego related film's released with diminishing returns. Thankful the sequel is just as enjoyable and thoughtful as the original even if it doesn't quiet reach the heights of the original. The story is fun and thoughtful at the same time which speaks to the effort put into making this the best film possible. The returning cast are all great, clearly more comfortable with their roles even if we do miss Liam Neeson's Bad Cop since there's not really a memorable villain. The addition of Tiffany Haddish and Stephanie Beatriz help ease that loss with solid characters even if they're slightly underused. The film does decide to embrace song and dance sequences which are mostly effective even if it take a moment to settle into them. When it all said and done, the film's message is even more pointed and effective than the first film.
B+
Sunday, July 29, 2018
MOVIE REVIEW: TEEN TITANS GO! TO THE MOVIES
It seems that all the
major superheroes out there are starring in their own movies -- all but the
Teen Titans. Robin is bound and determined to remedy that situation by becoming
a star instead of a sidekick. With a few madcap ideas and a song in their
hearts, the Teen Titans head to Hollywood to fulfill their dreams. Things soon go awry,
however, when a supervillain plans to take over the planet -- putting the very
fate of the young heroes on the line.
Director: Peter Rida
Michail, Aaron Horvath
Cast: Greg Cipes, Scott
Menville, Khary Payton, Tara Strong, Hynden Walch, Will Arnett, Kristen Bell
Release Date: July 27, 2018
Rated PG for action and
rude humor
Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min.
Genres: Animation,
Action, Comedy
Review:
Teen Titans Go! To the
Movies delivers exactly what you would expect if you were a fan of the Cartoon
Network show. The meta humor is
ratcheted up to the nth degree. DC fans
will find themselves in heaven with all the easter eggs and cameos that come
up. The film’s plot is pretty
straightforward but it’s consistently funny on multiple levels. There’s the usual fart jokes that will keep
kids giggling but there a lot more advanced and nuanced comedy that most
parents will enjoy. The film does drag a
tad in it’s latter half which should come as a big surprise since the shows
episode only run 15 minutes long. Still
its great to see Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton, Tara Strong and
Hynden Walch voice the Titans on the big screen. Will Arnett is perfect as Slade the Titans
arch nemesis. Arnett’s voice and comic
timing melds perfectly with the shows humor.
Overall it’s an impressive achievement from everyone involved. Teen Titans Go to the Movies is a film kids
will love as well as superhero fans.
A-
Sunday, February 12, 2017
MOVIE REVIEW: THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE
Batman (voice of Will Arnett) defends Gotham City from criminals and supervillains while bonding with a young orphan (Michael Cera) he accidentally adopted -- who, of course, eventually becomes his sidekick Robin. This spin-off of The Lego Movie also features the voices of Rosario Dawson as Batgirl, Zach Galifianakis as the Joker, and Ralph Fiennes as Batman's loyal butler Alfred Pennyworth. Directed by Chris McKay (Robot Chicken). ~ Daniel Gelb, Rovi
Director Chris McKay
Cast: Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis,
Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes
Release Date: Feb
10, 2017
Rated PG for Rude Humor and Some Action
Runtime: 1 hr. 44 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Animated, Comedy
The Lego Batman Movie is a worthy follow up to The Lego
Movie. It’s not as thoroughly enjoyable
as The Lego Movie but it hits more often than it misses. Will Arnett returns as the blocky caped
crusader and he’s clearly having a ball.
Michael Cera costars as the overly eager to please Robin. They both play off each other very well along
with Rosario Dawson and Ralph Fiennes who round out the hero side of
things. Zach Galifianakis is just as
much fun as the Lego Joker. The plot
itself is more simplistic than The Lego Movie but it’s filled with enough jokes
and bat references to keep most adults laughing for the better part of the
films running time. Its visual flare and
cast are enough to overlook most of its minor flaws.
B+
Cindy Prascik's Reviews of John Wick: Chapter 2 & The Lego Batman Movie
Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for a highly-anticipated pair of pictures: John Wick: Chapter 2 and the Lego Batman Movie.
Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear reader(s), what follows is the historic, first-ever, perfect-nine-Weasley double-bill! Steel yourselves!
First on yesterday's agenda: John Wick: Chapter 2.
John Wick is dragged out of retirement when an old marker is called in.
The first John Wick was a pleasant surprise. With very little buzz and a not-quite-A-list lead, it turned out far better than the generic actioner promised by the trailers. Following up such unexpected success almost unfailingly leads to disaster, but I am pleased to report John Wick: Chapter 2 actually breaks the mold and improves upon the original.
Beginning with the obvious: Keanu Reeves has found the role for which he was born. Sure, the guy has all the acting chops of "Shepherd #3" in your local elementary-school Christmas pageant, but he's given us a few iconic leads over his long career, and John Wick seems destined to become one of his best remembered. Reeves works even the film's corniest lines to perfection and still manages to be the perfect stoic killing machine. A solid supporting cast includes Ian McShane, Common, Laurence Fishburne, and the suddenly-ubiquitous Ruby Rose. John Wick: Chapter 2 boasts epic fight choreography, a dark humor that always hits its mark, and stellar production design. A shootout in a hall of mirrors is a real standout, along the lines of the original's red room scene. The extraordinary body count undoubtedly renders a picture like this not everyone's cup of tea, but if you're able to set aside genre bias, you'll have to admit John Wick: Chapter 2 is one hell of a great movie.
John Wick: Chapter 2 clocks in at 122 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence throughout, some language, and brief nudity."
John Wick: Chapter 2 is a strikingly filmed, beautifully executed movie that's well served by its self-awareness. I pondered long and hard, looking for a reason to dock it even a half-Weasley, and I couldn't find one. Of a possible nine Weasleys, John Wick: Chapter 2 gets nine.
Fangirl points: My beloved Ian McShane! Peter Serafinowicz!
Next on the docket, The Lego Batman Movie.
The Bat goes brick.
The Lego Batman Movie has all the sharp colors, cool artwork, and constant motion that are hallmarks of most good animation these days, but considering it a kids' movie does it a great disservice; it is straight-up comedy gold, and I mean hilarious. I can't remember the last time I heard a cinema crowd laugh as hard or as much. The movie lovingly makes fun of the Bat-verse, from Will Arnett's sulking, self-centered Bruce Wayne to hilarious callbacks to various film faceoffs with his arch-nemesis the Joker. If Gotham's Clown Prince isn't your favorite baddie, never fear, the Lego Batman Movie not only features many of Batman's classic enemies, but cameos by villains from the furthest reaches of fiction. A rockin' score by Lorne Balfe occasionally echoes past Batman themes, underlining the movie's nods to Bat-history, while standing firmly on its own Lego feet.
The Lego Batman Movie runs 104 minutes and is rated PG for "rude humor and some action."
The Lego Batman Movie is everything a moviegoer could want, be he die-hard Batfan or casual walkup.
Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Lego Batman Movie gets nine.
Fangirl points: "Iron Man sucks!"
Until next time...
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Cindy Prascik's Review of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
Dearest Blog: Yesterday I donned my brand new Turtle shirt and headed out to Marquee Cinemas for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.
Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.
Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo risk exposure to save their beloved New York from the evil Shredder's latest nefarious plot.
Dear Reader(s) the best and most important thing I can tell you about Out of the Shadows is this: the movie is EXACTLY as advertised. If you pay your cinema dollars to see this because the trailers look like fun to you, you will have a great time.
If you pay your cinema dollars just to complain that it isn't The King's Speech, well...I feel a little sorry for you.
The movie opens on a beautiful aerial shot of New York City, and, throughout, the City serves as an important supporting character. Famous landmarks are prominently placed, and both the Knicks and Rangers enjoy a bit of Turtle PR.
TMNT2 boasts some nice action sequences, with well-choreographed fights and exciting chases. The effects are solid, and the CGI looks good, in particular as regards the Turtles' facial movement and expressions, which are terrific.
Of course the movie's principals are heard and not seen, but the supporting faces are notable: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Laura Linney, Tyler Perry, and Dean Winters.
Newcomer Stephen Amell brings an earnestness to Casey Jones that is notably lacking in his Oliver Queen.
The film is quite funny, if often juvenile, and the soundtrack boasts some pretty cool tunes.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows clocks in at 112 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sci-fi action/violence."
If you saw TMNT2 and didn't enjoy it, I can only ask, in the words of another famous turtle: "Why don't you like fun?"
Of a possible nine Weasleys, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows gets seven.
Until next time...
MOVIE REVIEW: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS
When the evil
Shredder develops his own mutants, Bebop and Rocksteady, the Turtles must team
up with April (Megan Fox), news reporter Vern Fenwick (Will Arnett), and their
new vigilante friend Casey Jones (Stephen Amell) to defend New York City from
destruction. Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donatello also face an
impending invasion from the deranged extraterrestrial Krang in this sequel to
2014's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Dave Green directed this action comedy,
with Michael Bay serving as a
producer. ~ Daniel Gelb, Rovi
Release Date: Jun
03, 2016
Rated: PG-13 for Sci-fi action violence.
Runtime: 1 hr. 48 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure
Director: Dave Green
Cast: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Tyler Perry, Stephen Amell
Review:
The first film in the rebooted Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles series wasn’t a perfect film but it did get primary characters down
which has always been sorely missing from the Transformers franchise. The sequel opens up the world bringing in a
handful of classic characters. The
action sequences are bigger, well staged and pretty fun for the most part. The voice talents for all the animated
characters are all spot on with Noah Fisher getting all the best lines throughout. Stephen Amell and Tyler Perry join the
franchise with both proving a mixed bag.
Amell lacks any charisma and chemistry with Megan Fox so he’s just bland
throughout. On the other end of the
spectrum is Tyler Perry who’s hamming it up every chance he gets. The film’s plot is decidedly wacky but it
kind of embraces its zaniness, even some of the laughs are decidedly broad.
Still, it’s hard for children of the 90’s not to get nostalgic watching some of
these characters pop up on screen.
C+
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & The Hundred-Foot Journey
Dearest Blog, today it was off to the movies for one of the strangest double-bills ever, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Hundred-Foot Journey.
Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers...er...let's face it, you weren't planning on seeing either of these anyway, were you?
First on my agenda was the newest screen incarnation of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo try to save New York from the evil Shredder.
Here's a true fact: I am wildly excited for every Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, and this one was no exception. First time those words have all been together in the same sentence? Possibly, but, despite the world of hate being rained down on it from all sides, I looked forward to TMNT, and I was not disappointed.
It's always fun to see such familiar and well-loved characters again, and I was pleased with how each turtle was represented here. The new look is okay, if not my favorite, and the martial arts moves are pretty cool in 3D. Will Arnett is entertaining, Megan Fox is smokin' hot, and no movie or TV show was ever worse for having the magnificent William Fichtner. Sure, the humor's juvenile, the story's done to death, and the effects are nothing to write home about, but, somehow, I still enjoyed this from beginning to end.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles runs 101 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sci-fi action/violence." If it's a terrible movie, that didn't keep me from having a great time with it.
Of a possible nine Weasleys, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles gets five. I'd honestly love to score it better, but at some point I have to acknowledge it's probably a bad movie, no matter how much I like it!
Next on the docket was The Hundred-Foot Journey.
Fireworks ensue when an Indian family moves to the French countryside and opens a restaurant across the street from a hoity-toity local establishment.
Whoa! Bickering restaurant owners...sounds like the most boring movie ever, huh? What's next, two dentists trying to lease the same office space? While The Hundred-Foot Journey is a little long, it's a cute story that's elevated by a solid and likable cast. Helen Mirren is, as always, brilliant in the lead, and Manish Dayal and Charlotte Le Bon are appropriately adorable as young chefs at the two restaurants tip-toeing around the possibility of romance. The story is serious when it needs to be and funny when it means to be.
There's enough cooking and eating going on in this movie that restaurants neighboring cinemas are probably seeing a nice uptick in business this weekend. There are also plenty lingering shots of the picturesque French countryside, if that's your thing, and a nice anti-racism message as a bonus.
The Hundred-Foot Journey clocks in at 122 minutes and is rated PG for "thematic elements, some violence, language, and brief sensuality." If the movie is predicable and a bit overly-sappy, that's not hard to forgive in such a genuine and sweet picture.
Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Hundred-Foot journey gets six.
Until next time...COWABUNGA!!!
Saturday, August 9, 2014
MOVIE REVIEW: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
Paramount Pictures and Michael Bay present this reboot of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise with Wrath of the Titans helmer Jonathan Liebesman directing. The sinister Shredder has seized control of New York City's police and politicians, leaving his ruthless Foot Clan to spread chaos in the streets. With no prospects for salvation in sight, mutant crime-fighters Raphael, Leonardo , Donatello, and Michaelangelo leap into action. They put up a fierce fight, too, though in order to truly defeat Shredder, the heroes in a half shell will need the help of courageous reporter April O'Neil Megan Fox and her quick witted cameraman Vern Fenwick (Will Arnett) as well. With their help, Shredder's plan will quickly unravel, and this once-great city will rise again. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
Director: Jonathan Liebesman
Cast: Megan Fox, Alan Ritchson, Johnny Knoxville, Jeremy
Howard, Noel Fisher, Will Arnett
Release Date: Aug
08, 2014
Rated: PG-13 for sci-fi action violence
Runtime: 1 hr. 41 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Review:
Rebooting the Ninja Turtles and getting it back on the
big screen has been a bit of a trek. The
Batred (Michael Bay
produced) hit first by the rumors of them having their back story drastically
changed by making them aliens, etc… That Jonathan Liebesman’s film isn’t a
total train wreck is a small wonder in of itself. In fact, it actually captures plenty of the
original’s sense of fun along with each of the titular characters traits and
attitude. Liebesman does his best Michael
Bay impression by directing some
kinetic action sequences with the most impressive being a snow covered mountain
chase. He moves his film around rather
quickly avoiding as many lingering moments as possible. Unfortunately, the script is kind of clunky
when dealing with non-turtle characters.
Leading the charge is a mostly wooden, strangely pillowed lipped, Megan
Fox who delivers most of her lines with the conviction of a pizza box. She’s window dressing at best and a
distraction from the fun for the most part.
Will Arnett and William Fichtner are fairly underused unfortunately, leaving most of
the live action acting in Megan Fox’s lovely hands. Still, even if you looking for a bit of a throwback
or just some mindless fun, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles succeeds more than it
doesn’t simply doing something most of the Transformers films never did,
getting the primary characters right.
B-
Sunday, February 16, 2014
MOVIE REVIEW: THE LEGO MOVIE
A lowly Lego figure (voiced by Chris Pratt) joins a group intent on battling an evil force after a case of mistaken identity in this computer-generated comedy from the filmmakers behind Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs and co-director Chris McKay (Robot Chicken). Will Arnett co-stars as the voice of Batman, who along with Superman, make appearances in the Warner Bros. picture. Elizabeth Banks, Morgan Freeman, Will Ferrell, Liam Neeson, and Alison Brie head up the rest of the voice cast. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Cast: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman
Release Date: Feb 07, 2014
Rated PG for Rude Humor and Mild Action
Runtime: 1 hr. 35 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Animated, Comedy
Review:
The Lego Movie is quite an accomplishment. It is an hour and half commercial for the product which shouldn’t come as a surprise but it’s also an absurdly clever, well written and exceedingly enjoyable throughout. The script and plot will keep parents and children entertained for the entire runtime. The animation itself is wonderful, giving us the look of claymation even though it’s all computer generated. It’s a dizzying visual feast which will keep your eyes glued to the screen. The voice cast all deliver wonderful work. Each of them sounds like they are just having a blast working on the film. Morgan Freeman in particular is just a riot as he delivers some of the film’s best lines along with Will Arnett. There are a handful of wonderful cameos of all kind in the film so giving anything away would spoil the fun. The Lego Movie is one of the best animated films I’ve seen and I hope future entries maintain the same level of quality.
A
Thursday, May 30, 2013
TV SHOW REVIEW: ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT SEASON 4
“And now, The Story Of A Wealthy Family Whose Future Was Abruptly Cancelled…”
Writer / Director: Mitchell Hurwitz & Troy Miller
Cast: Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Alia Shawkat, Tony Hale, David Cross, Jeffrey Tambor, Jessica Walters
Release Date: May 26, 2013
Genres: Comedy
Review:
The return of one of my favorite comedies of all time had my sights set high, very high. Years of seemingly endless discussions about a possible movie seemed more like a death knell than anything else. Diehard fans rejoiced at the news that Netflix had picked up the series for a new season. The result is an impressively intricate plot with a puzzle like structure. It starts a little slow but rolls towards hilarity as it all comes together. Due to scheduling, Mitchell Hurwitz & Troy Miller had to devise a way to work with the cast members they had at any particular time. As a result, most episodes focus on one family member typically interacting with some but rarely the entire family member. It takes a little while to get used to but as you make your way through the episodes you’ll the genius in viewing the same situations from different point of views. It’s all lovingly crafted and even more self aware than it was before. The jokes are just as rapid fire as you remember with plenty of call backs to previous seasons and a bevy of new instantly quotable jokes. Some of the jokes reach a crazy level of meta comedy at play. The main cast slip back into their roles with impressive ease. The format allows each actor or actress to shine usually accompanied by returning recurring characters or new guest stars. The one drawback to the format is that if you don’t like a particular character you are kind of stuck with them for an episode or two. Since the episodes are so well written it’s never a big issue but some drag a tad more than others, George Bluth Sr.’s plot is a good example. I will warn you that the season does seem to have slightly darker twisted feel to it throughout which might take some people by surprise. Additionally, some of the budget restraints are apparent and even joked about. Even with these minor drawbacks, the season as a whole is a massive success. I was more than a little depressed when I reached the last episode of season 4. It was short lived of course because I knew I’d be watching the episodes again very soon.
A-
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