BIG: Movie reviews of Spy and Jurassic World by Howard Casner

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Warning: SPOILERS

spyAre you having a bad day? Things not going well? Are you a bit down in the dumps?

Well, if you want to feel a bit better about yourself and life in general, I can hardly recommend a more effective drop of medicine than Spy, the new espionage comedy starring Melissa McCarthy as Susan Cooper, the unprepossessing agent’s assistant with the unprepossessing name who turns into one bad un-unprepossessing ass of a Jane Bond.

What can I say? I came out of the movie theater feeling wonderful, simply wonderful, ready to take on the vicissitudes of life and the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune once again.

Now, I do have to be honest. Based on remarks I’ve seen on facebook, how you react to the movie will probably depend on how you feel about Ms. McCarthy. If you don’t like her particular brand of comedy persona, the movie may affect you more like a fallen soufflé.

I happen to think she’s an exploding nova of a comic talent. Read the rest of this entry »


THE THRILLERS OF IT ALL, PART DEUX: Movie reviews of Furious 7 and Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter by Howard Casner

First, a word from our sponsors. Ever wonder what a reader for a contest or agency thinks when he reads your screenplay? Check out my new e-book published on Amazon: Rantings and Ravings of a Screenplay Reader, including my series of essays, What I Learned Reading for Contests This Year, and my film reviews of 2013. Only $2.99. http://ow.ly/xN31r

 

and check out my Script Consultation Services: http://ow.ly/HPxKE

 

Warning: SPOILERS

furious 7Okay, I admit it. It got me. Furious 7, the latest entrée in the fast car, not so fast women (the film is surprisingly family focused) franchise, and its tribute to the late Paul Walker brought more than a wee tear to my eye.

How could it not?

However, before I go into any more detail here, full disclosure: I have never seen a Fast and Furious movie before.

That’s right. Zip. Nada. Not a single one.

So, take that into account before taking seriously anything I have to say.

Furious 7 is, well, let’s face it: it’s ridiculous, often cheesy, over the top, clunky.   In fact, one could make a sound argument that it’s really not a very good film at all.

Still, it’s a ton of fun. It more than gets the adrenaline going. It has so much electric energy that if someone had a heart attack in the theater, the movie alone could get the organ pumping again. Read the rest of this entry »