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Zoolander 2 (2016)
Some funny/silly moments as expected, but bad overall
I never saw the first movie, but found the trailers for this one funny so we thought we'd give it a try. We were the only ones in the theatre if that gives you any idea as to the current interest in this film.
There are some funny parts, but for the most part the film is ridiculous. I sat through most of it trying to figure out who "Derek" reminded me of...and towards the end I figured out it was Achmed the Dead Terrorist from Jeff Dunham's ventriloquist act. The mannerisms, eye movements, voice, and overall daft demeanor are spot on. Wondering if anyone else picked up on this? The whole orgy family with "Hansel" was just dumb and tasteless, and made me wonder is Keifer Sutherland really that hard up for work? There are a number of cameos that bring some laughs, but it's hard to believe that when they read the script that they still wanted to be a part of this. Ben Stiller must be a very good friend, or very convincing at least.
Burnt (2015)
Very engaging, but editing errors noted
This movie kept me entertained throughout. A warning: The language is constantly abrasive and not for tender ears.
Not being familiar with the plot, it kept me guessing at first. There is no explanation of Adam's situation, but then a few minutes in, after the fight with Michel, their conversation lays out most what he is about. The dialogue was odd and to me, didn't seem believable considering the situation, but it got the point across.
Bradley Cooper plays an egotistical know-it-all very well. Just as with Silver Linings Playbook he convincingly plays a troubled soul, and he is gorgeous and so easy to watch in the process.
The biggest issue for me in the film is the inconsistency in editing. In the scene at Burger King, Helene's (Sienna Miller) hair was tucked in her hat at least three different ways throughout the whole scene. The takes were close ups and it was hard to miss and glaringly obvious if you are watching intently. Also, in another scene after Adam had been beaten up and had blood on his face, the blood was magically gone from one minute to the next. With so many hundreds of thousands of dollars and more than one person watching the finished product before release, it boggles the mind that such sloppiness is accepted.
Aside from the technical issues, overall the movie was enjoyable, somewhat believable, and it definitely made me wonder more about what goes on behind the scenes in restaurant kitchens. It convinced me that personalities (and egos) such as Gordon Ramsay are likely the norm in this industry.
The Good Lie (2014)
Oscar worthy?
I was invited to a screening of this movie and wasn't sure what to expect. The only thing I had heard was a bit of Oscar buzz concerning Reese Witherspoon.
I found the movie very interesting and moving, comical at times, yet sad as well. I was moved to tears multiple times at just the thought of what these children to adults had to endure. For her part, I didn't feel that Witherspoon did much in depth acting at all, much less an Oscar worthy performance. The real emotion was depicted by the Sudanese actors. They are the ones who deserve an award.
I was left wanting more, as some parts of the story were not fully told. Overall, a very good movie and worth seeing.