Comedies

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent:

Storyline:
In this action-packed comedy, Nicolas Cage plays Nick Cage, channeling his iconic characters as he's caught between a superfan and a CIA agent.

Given I wouldn't come close to calling myself a superfan nor a huge follower of Nicholas Cage (to which this film would have spoken to this crowd differently), that possibly and most likely credits to the fact that this film was just OK for the everyday watcher. From weird implications and timing to a rocky sense of self, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent was a bigger letdown than a pleasant surprise.

While the concept of this film is worth the applause, as the self-awareness of how actors are perceived and the mocking humor that dives deep into character, the creativity is unmatched. That said, the implication and execution of said details are the problems that become an issue.

Introducing too many characters with full subplots, the jumbled mess of intertwining their backstories and relevance becomes more confusing than anything. While a majority of these supporting roles were left high and dry at the times they were needed most, the others fizzled out their character arcs with uneventful conclusions and predictable resolutions.

Never failing to keep the audience engaged - regardless if it was with a genuine laugh or just pure amusement - the dry writing and snippets of pop culture references will keep you on your toes. Although this wasn't as enjoyable as I would have liked, it is both an odd and low-stakes watch that is a fresh change of pace, despite its flaws.

6/10

The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa.

6.5/10

Dog:

Storyline:
Two former Army Rangers are paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime, Briggs and Lulu, a Belgian Malinois.

Whether it was naive of me to think a movie centered around a dog as the main character would be good (when they never are everything they're cracked up to be) or the hope that the unspoken, fun appeal of Channing Tatum would hold it together, Dog has the right idea but struggles to keep the audience engaged.

Being too easily predictable, it horrifyingly came down to being able to guess the word-for-word responses and interactions within any given point of the script. While uninvolving screenwriting is partially to blame, the rigid delivery of lines is nothing close to inviting.

Feeling as though there is nothing relevant within this story to provide the viewers with, this loses any important features it would have had within the first few moments on screen. Blame it on poor, unfunny storytelling or just the fact that some screenplays don't hold the weight to be a motion picture, some things are better left undone.

From too hard to believe subplots that are thrown in at every tangible moment, it becomes hard to take this seriously when its own doing diminishes its theme. A comedy shouldn't cause an effort for you to wrap your head around goofy circumstances, when they should just be fun. But, there is too much heavy subject matter going on to latch onto either the protagonist, life lesson, or any other important thing this overly tries to portray.

5/10

The Heat:

Storyline:
An uptight FBI Special Agent is paired with a foul-mouthed Boston cop to take down a ruthless drug lord.

While there will always be a time and a place for films like The Heat, there is no denying the utter stupidity and cheap construction it comes from. Quickly created for a brisk laugh, though getting the job done, it's not special.

The chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy, is the reason this works. Playing the stereotypes and typecast they have become does get repetitive, yet will always be believable. Effectively staying in their lanes, the banter and progression create a tone that heightens the easy progression.

Looking too closely at this film can discourage the laugh it provides while glancing over said issues makes them more apparent. Having a happy medium between the two, accepting the critical inconsistencies, and soaking in the slapstick humor, this film is rewatchable and worth the watch, even if it's not a favorite.

6/10

7/10

Horrible Bosses 2:

Storyline:
Dale, Kurt and Nick decide to start their own business but things don't go as planned because of a slick investor, prompting the trio to pull off a harebrained and misguided kidnapping scheme.

Following a film that has no substance, surprisingly, Horrible Bosses 2 is just as funny, if not funnier than its predecessor. Sprucing up the average screenplay with lively performances and comedic delivery, the telling of this story creates a fun and humorous watch, despite its shaky developmental roots.

Given the same descriptive, fun energy of the returning cast, the new additions are just as creative. Though the subject matter is, without doubt, originating from a solely dumb, not just dumb humor standpoint, the energy of the cast having a great time speaks louder than its foreseeable construction.

Although, there is a time and place for this film, as it is not an everyday watch, nor is it a must-see. While its comedy that's great in the moment, that's just it, only in the moment. Arguably, you can start anywhere within the story and watch at about any time and catch on quickly; easy watching can only carry a cheaply made story so far.

5/10

7/10

Hall Pass:

Storyline:
Rick and Fred, two husbands who are having difficulty in their marriages, are given a Hall Pass by their wives: for one week, they can do whatever they want.

If you're a fan of dumb comedies and/or Jason Sudeikis and Owen Wilson, Hall Pass is simply sure to be diverting. Yet, even with being a dedicated fan of either, this faulty product is quite hard to enjoy as it is just plainly not as funny as other things.

While having a decorated cast, you genuinely would think this would be better than it was; however, wishful thinking never gets you anywhere. Whether it's from expecting more from individuals who truly are funnier than what was delivered or the fact that there is no light way to put that this just wasn't good, this is too easily forgettable and non-striking.

With all the negatives considered, and not to fully tear this to shreds, something has to be said for a light-hearted and breezy watch, which is sometimes all that you want. While I would not put this high on the list for this category, for what it's worth, it serves a purpose of being quick.

4/10

The Mighty Ducks:

Storyline:
A self-centered Minnesota lawyer is sentenced to community service coaching a rag tag youth hockey team.

Plain and simple: The Mighty Ducks is not a good film; however, it has you questioning your standards of why bad films are sometimes enjoyable. Being incredibly entertaining, despite the uncomfortable, second-hand embarrassment and terribly predictable lines, this has its notable, awkward, and mostly family-driven moments that make it a classic BAM! film.

The nature of Emilio Estevez, especially in this role, is not too far from being just bad. Underdeveloped and not even trying to make a difference in the product he's creating, there are better things by him and in the genre. Though, for argument's sake, the specific vibe it takes for this type of film was successful, but it doesn't make it any less cheaply produced.

With all things considered, the child actors were well-portrayed (especially given the fact that they can make or break screenplays) and the collective tone produces a heart-warming and full-spirited self-regulated story. Having a beginning, middle, and end, with foreseeable events, cheesy interactions and all, this is easy-going, fun, and watchable for all ages, not to mention it being this way and is over 25 years old. This isn't a go-to nor is it the best BAM! film to be, but it deserves a watch.

4/10

6.5/10

Three Amigos!

Storyline:
Three actors accept an invitation to a Mexican village to perform their onscreen bandit fighter roles, unaware that it is the real thing.

If anything could describe the humor of Steve Martin and Chevy Chase combined, it would be the pure stupidity of Three Amigos! that somehow works. Though this is more bad than good, and wavering on the brink of just not being funny at all, this film is watchable solely because of its stars.

That said, the real star of the show is neither Martin nor Chase, no matter how over-the-top they may be, but Martin Short. Having few moments to himself, he turns them into quotable and comedic snippets not because of the script, but because of his deliverance. Showcasing that (especially at the time) you don't have to be the most well-known in the room to make a difference, his un-scriptable, random, individualized movements are as fun as they are talented.

On the contrary, sometimes enough is enough, and that is a notion this film never learned. Extending and exaggerating moments long after they are due makes for what was once funny turn into too drawn out to deserve a laugh.

All in all, a film such as this would never be able to be made in today's age for multiple reasons. Though dim-witted and careless, from critical mistakes to a simply poor screenplay, this is still watchable 30 years plus after its release with a lively cast and an uncomplicated progression.

4.5/10

6.5/10

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels:

Storyline:
Two con men try to settle their rivalry by betting on who can swindle a young American heiress out of fifty thousand dollars first.

With Steve Martin's classic humorous demeanor paired with Michael Caine's sophisticated class, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels takes a comedic twist onto a familiar juxtaposed partnership.

Having its moments of wacky comedy and expected predictable actions, for the most part, this is pretty convincing. Featuring a balanced storyline that is imaginable, this builds up its characters and does not blast the audience with only jokes.

While more of a mellow comedy, this was not as funny as it could have been. Getting into repetitive lines and foreseeable movements may add to the entertainment value, but falls into being like all the other films from the time.

Given this is worth the laugh, keeps you engaged throughout its screen time, and is over 30 years old but doesn't date itself in the slightest, this is more in-depth and complex than it looks. Proving to stay within its limit and be well-created for what it's worth, this is whimsical and lighthearted but in an orchestrated manner.

7/10

7.5/10

Horrible Bosses:

Storyline:
Three friends conspire to murder their awful bosses when they realize they are standing in the way of their happiness.

While this is enjoyable and laughable at the time, after the fact, this feels just like everything else. Arguably, though, that’s why we go to the dirty humor slapstick comedies, such as these - to entertain. Yet, this is not a waste of time, it rather is the safe bet in being something you’ve seen before in a slightly different presentation.

Giving a nod to the quick on its feet dialogue and witty remarks that feature the personality and humor of its stars, this is creative and intuitive. However, these jokes and comedic script are not powerful enough to make them quotable or deserve to be talked about after, which is a must for must-see-comedies.

Take it for what you will, this keeps you intrigued even if it’s not able to put you into the story. The cast is having fun, which makes for a lighthearted and easily paced film. Horrible Bosses is not the first on the list to recommend, but it isn't the last, either. Although alluring the audience with its unneeded star-power, this is an average, but productively played-out late-night comedy.

6/10

7/10

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Storyline:
Four teenagers are sucked into a magical video game, and the only way they can escape is to work together to finish the game.

While I have never been one to be a fan of complete remakes of films, especially when they were already done well to begin with, this is the one exception that is hilariously its own and tells the story with its own voice.

Creating the same nostalgic feeling of the first film, this instead creates an original concept rather than a re-do. Amping up the technology to fit in today's standards, this innovative idea runs hand in hand with its amusing storytelling. Being aware of its absurdity paves the way for the ridiculousness to be fully absorbed into the audience.

With an utterly unparalleled cast, they simply are fitting in their roles. Entertaining the audience with the performances of Jack Black as a teenage girl, Dwayne Johnson as a dweeby nerd, Kevin Hart as a tall, tough guy, and Karen Gillian as the brainiac, arguably, are some of the most spot-on performances within the past few years. Having everyone give their all, as obscure as it may be, each character is believably lifelike.

Capturing the individuals and a quite wholesome theme amounts to a collective goal that delivers in all the right ways - Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle may rely on its household name to be seen, but its perfect cast, laughable satire, and a fun watch create an overly quotable and recommendable picture.

7/10

8/10

We're the Millers:

Storyline:
A veteran pot dealer creates a fake family as part of his plan to move a huge shipment of weed into the U.S. from Mexico.

Easily entertaining the audience every chance it gets, We're the Millers delivers the essence of what a feel-good film should be. With an inventive take on a familiar concept, this adds humor and an off-centered theme to break up the rut of seemingly (on the surface) dull comedies.

A fresh cast transforms this dry script into something to work with. While this is contributed to good storytelling, this sticks to its strong suit of having a variety of characters and their take on their imperfections. Although overly inappropriate in moments, these cracks and over exaggerations attribute to the quirky humor that separates this from others.

Considering the few sparingly odd and off-putting scenes that were deliberately included, on a whole, not everything is cohesively on the same page. Yet with an effectively consistent tone, all the awkwardness and lifelike emotions portrayed make this overly fake reality feel realistic. Genuinely providing laugh-out-loud humor, this may be a critically average film but is hilariously amusing - which is the entire purpose of this genre.

6.5/10

8/10

The French Dispatch:

Storyline:
A love letter to journalists in a French city that brings to life a collection of stories published in "The French Dispatch Magazine".

Encapsulating Wes Anderson’s craft, those who are not fans of his style simply will not enjoy the aesthetic. Instead, the open-mindedness that embraces the movement of loosely compacted complications can find a way to appreciate it, even with inconsistencies between features.

Presenting numerous, individual stories, there is plenty of room for mistakes connecting it all. Though this falls off track within its first few tales, the narrative quickly redirects to show the importance of the seemingly minor details.

Choosing stylistically distinctive features like a Fullscreen picture, selective black and white scenes, and a multilingual script is as cultural as it is notably creative. Though arguably, this is on the brink of too many ingredients for its own good. Barely odd and chaotic enough to be artsy, the quality should have held more weight than the quantity.

Yet, the unequivocal truth is that the everyday film watcher would not find much enjoyment from this, as its praises, almost fully, come critically. Getting too caught up in creating what the "stereotypical cinematic picture" should look like, The French Dispatch forgets, above all else, that a film should be entertaining.

7.5/10

5/10

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas:

Storyline:
An oddball journalist and his psychopathic lawyer travel to Las Vegas for a series of psychedelic escapades.

Though setting the record straight, as I do not know the book this was based off and/or the style of the author's storytelling, I will say, for what it's worth, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas simply is not for everyone.

Instantly, however, this invents a feeling like no other. Unambiguously telling it for what it is, there is no room for the gibberish filler that usually comes in stories such as this. Dispensing a vibe that uniquely changes in each portion of the story, this film truthfully puts you in the shoes of the drugs and nonsense that take place.

Naturally providing the pace and personality of the protagonist, this film's best feature, arguably, is its spot-on narration. Leaving bits and pieces within the concerned and double-faced dialogue, the audience may get lost throughout the journey, but it is consistent.

Feeling every part of the confusion, grit, and vicious side of drugs that normally are skimped out on, this, in every way showcases the unpleasantries just as much as it's satire.

With all things considered, though, this heads in no direction, nor does its theme make it anything fiercely impactful. Having to try too hard to keep up, there is not enough drive for the audience to want to put in the effort of fully understanding.

5/10

Fletch:

Storyline:
Irwin M. "Fletch" Fletcher is a newspaper reporter being offered a large sum to off a cancerous millionaire, but is on the run, risking his job and finding clues when it's clear the man is healthy.

Simply a fact films such as these are incomparable and one of a kind, this is a freshly executed random comedy. Honorably playing to its strong suits with obscure and off-the-wall comments, Fletch may be all over the place but is planned.

If anything were to embody the vibe of Chevy Chase, it would be this. Never missing a beat, there is always a line to consider and a moment to question. With expectedly absurd humor, this still finds a way to catch the audience off guard.

While the film itself strives off its leading star and a slapstick script, though it's not surprising, the number of plot holes and inconsistencies rack up. From a hilarious protagonist that's underdeveloped to an engaging conflict that has no drive, this may be worth the watch comedically but not critically.

Being yet another addition to BAM! films that are good but not really good, Fletch has its quotable lines and memorable scenes among its imperfections.

5.5/10

7.5/10

Bowfinger:

Storyline:
When a desperate movie producer fails to get a major star for his bargain basement film, he decides to shoot the film secretly around him.

While it's no secret Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy can deliver any screenplay and turn it into something at least watchable, Bowfinger is nothing further. Being the epitome of a 90s comedy, while there is room to enjoy bits and pieces, on a whole, there is nothing that stands out -- therefore producing a quite monotone and forgettable film.

Although executed to the best of its ability, given what little substance it had, even a decently written comedic script can't carry an overall ordinary story. Having most of its humor miss the target, leaves the audience feeling more indifferent than anything.

With all things considered, this gets two things right: a solidifying score and a great concept. From a wholesome 90s feeling to an upbeat watch, this may date itself in most of its humor, but can still find its way to entertain. While this is not my first choice to recommend, it's not un-recommendable, either.

6/10

Men at Work:

Storyline:
Two garbage men uncover a conspiracy involving illegal toxic waste dumping and decide to bring the whole operation down.

Although this is the typical, poorly made 90s comedy, Men at Work rather thrives with its self-aware humor and dumb situations.

With in-tune dialogue, there is more to this than just the quick one-liners (even though they're still funny). Instead, this has quite the in-between-the-lines type of deadpan comedy that's so self-referential, it's almost appreciable.

Given this setup is weak and dull-minded, though it's purposeful, it's cheap, not tasteful. With no premise or development, there is a lack of everything needed for a decent plot. However, with pleasing storytelling and descriptive directing, this takes an otherwise flat production into something watchable.

Getting a genuine laugh and providing a lighthearted, easygoing watch without fail, by no means will you be watching a good film, but you'll surely be entertained. Being easily rewatchable, they just don't make films like this anymore that are simply worth the watch.

4.5/10

7/10

Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar:

Storyline:
Lifelong friends Barb and Star embark on the adventure of a lifetime when they decide to leave their small Midwestern town for the first time - ever.

By keeping an open mind and enjoying the off-the-wall, obscure type of SNL comedy, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is sure to please on an entertainment level.

Although this tends to not make sense throughout the vast majority of this film, it collectively amounts to a unified feeling that is unmatched. Tastefully using humorous aspects correctly, they are not overplayed. Precisely dramatizing moments over others emphasizes the truly chaotic (in a creative way) screenplay.

Effortlessly getting a laugh out of the audience, it's credited to the dry comedic timing. Lead by a genuine, amusing friendship between Kristin Wiig and Annie Mumolo, hands down carries this whimsical and out-there story to something watchable. Though it does not deserve multiple watches, it rather is chalked up to a worth the watch type of comedy.

While it takes a certain mindset to like this film, it adds a different route to the stereotypical comedy that gets too repetitive to hold your interest. With its many hiccups and questionable moments, this is stupid but just stupid enough to enjoy.

5/10

6.5/10

Tango & Cash:

Storyline:
Framed by their ruthless arch-nemesis, a mismatched LAPD crime-fighting duo has to put their differences aside to even the score once and for all.

Though made for nothing more than a poorly done 80s buddy cop film, Tango & Cash doesn't rise above what it was made to do, instead embraces its imperfections to create a self-aware good bad film.

Delivering on a personifying soundtrack, the unmatched vibes this construct is one for the books. While this comes more as something to compliment the cheesy essence of the characters, as this score has one track that is played louder than anything on the screen, it adds to the never-gets-old type of feeling.

Not to mention centering a story around two characters that have lifeless chemistry and a fabricated connection, it just feels like this was made for a paycheck. Nevertheless, even with a stereotypical and uncommitted antagonist, this has the expected turn of events that were presented entertainingly. Incorporating enough one-liners to deserve the time to be spoken of off-screen, this without a doubt is a useless and poorly created film, yet is capable of always being a rewatchable and enjoyable time killer.

4/10

7/10

Central Intelligence:

Storyline:
After reconnecting with an awkward pal from high school through Facebook, a mild-mannered accountant is lured into the world of international espionage.

While this largely plays off the predictable subject matter that only gets views from its familiarized feeling, Central Intelligence surprisingly is worth the time, despite its flaws.

Admittedly getting better throughout its screen time, this tests your patience within its first act. Truthfully portraying some of the worst performances in the beginning, this gets the ball rolling and develops a pace that is matched by the corny tone eventually.

Regardless, the effortless connection between Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson keeps this afloat. Having natural and unforced chemistry brings the dumb humor full circle. Having an even balance of one-liners, overly dramatic action sequences, and pop-culture references, there is more than enough to keep you laughing -- even if it's stupid.

Given there are more things done wrong than right within this film, it failing to show the potential of the people within, and is an overused, mainstream concept, that doesn't seem to matter when all you want is an easy laugh and undemanding watch.

5/10

7/10

Logan Lucky:

Storyline:
A family man, his one-armed brother, and their sister attempt to pull off a heist during a NASCAR race in North Carolina.

Although similar to other things within the genre, Logan Lucky is a fresh representation of effectively blending crime, comedy, and a clever storyline.

Easily rewatchable and overly recommendable, this thrives in its fun and engaging plot. Proving to be more than what first meets the eye, the development, and organization of details prominently keep an upbeat progression while coherently establishing an in-depth story.

With strong screenwriting and impressive humor, the nonexplicit and dry comedy this provides is delivered admirably by the talented cast. Having fitting performances across the board, the feelings conveyed are without a doubt in between the lines, but powerful enough to notice upon the first watch.

Evolving the plot points within its screen time, this film surprisingly keeps a level head, sticks to its strong suits, and creates a well-made, entertaining story for what it's worth.

7.5/10

8/10

Sorry to Bother You:

Storyline:
In an alternate present-day universe, telemarketer, Cassius Green discovers a magical key to success.

Struggling to become anything but a mere discussion topic, Sorry to Bother You admittedly has its small and notable moments, but are over shined by the chaotic and unorganized presentation.

Predominantly running by the unwavering dedication from LaKeith Standfield, his devoted performance makes this watchable. Faithfully carrying the film, the candidly raw emotion makes for an engrossing protagonist, even when the script was not.

Considering this, the execution of it all was the downfall. Having a loyal lead performance, an intriguing idea that is a breath of fresh air within the genre, and cohesive cinematography that displays an effective feeling, there was nothing to piece all of it together.

With each effective aspect clashing with the others, there is an empty void between acts. Scrambling to put everything together at the end of the story, there was no time management, as the things that needed more time were rushed, and more times than not, scenes were dragged on. Unfortunately, embellishing on a different concept made a cinematic picture but an odd and peculiar film that is hard to find enjoyable.

8/10

6/10

Thunder Force:

Storyline:
Two former childhood best friends come together to fight the supervillains that are threatening their city.

Rooting from the most stereotypical commonplace for any poorly executed comedy, Thunder Force is simply a bad film. Failing to provide a spark to hold your attention, this is a script that is not worth laughing for.

With a lack of effort from just about everyone involved, it is apparent that there was no attempt for something decent from the first few moments on screen. Telling the audience what to feel rather than giving any sort of substance, the entire film was nothing more than two flat and overused characters with no personality.

Moreover, the vast majority of this is non-laughable. Having wooden jokes that were as scripted as their flat characters, the blank and empty feeling this provides gets more prominent throughout its screen time.

Not to mention a plot that skipped the needed and important plot points from the last two acts and embellished on the rest, with no time management, this was incredibly drawn out and rushed. However, without Jason Bateman, this would be painful to watch. Stealing the show with his small but exceedingly humorous performance, it's not enough to make this a must-see but makes it watchable. Deserving a better plot, he is the silver lining to a mostly waste of time film.

2/10

3/10

Our Idiot Brother:

Storyline:
An easygoing, dimwitted, jobless guy, Ned, is released from jail and relies on his sisters to help him get back on his feet.

Being the same type of humor as all Paul Rudd films but worse, this fails to execute the jokes effectively. Having the same foreseeable humor and guessable characters, this non-striking film is too simple-minded to be anything noticeable.

Having an entire make-up of a plot surrounded by stereotypes and overly ridiculous cliches, they were neither presented well nor funny. The shortcoming in developing a tangible feeling results in a script and characters that have no significance. Therefore, losing the audience's attention halfway through and having no draw factor to reel you in.

On top of that, the finale that was treated as a monumental, full circle turnaround was nothing more than a forced monologue that was unfitting to the storyline. Furthering the hodgepodge of characters and subplots, Our Idiot Brother has laughable moments that are overtaken by creating an entire plot over a flat character.

5/10

Fast Times at Ridgemont High:

Storyline:
Following high schoolers in a small town in California, their lives become complicated between work, school, relationships, and friends.

Despite having a masterpiece of a character as Jeff Spicoli, I can't say Fast Times at Ridgemont High is anything more than a dumb, slapstick comedy of the 80s. Even by giving a few laughs here and there, the humor was not enough to forget about the non-existent storyline and the non-existent storyline was too prominent without an overwhelming hilarious script.

However, the accurate representation of teens was portrayed authentically and realistically. Depicting struggles and conflicts that are easily relatable, this was more of a lifelike scenario than a film. That being said, while this was made to be diverting and amusing, which it was, there was no purpose, theme, relevance, or practicality. Jumping from one character to the next, each moment had no direction and was a hodgepodge of random scenes.

Regardless of my differences with the plot, given the time this was made, this succeeds in what it was going for - dumb entertainment value. Sean Penn delivers a performance that is worth the watch by itself and there are enough stupid, corny one-liners to keep you watching throughout its screen time.

5/10

YOUR CART

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent:

Dog:

The Heat:

Horrible Bosses 2:

Hall Pass:

The Mighty Ducks:

Three Amigos!

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels:

Horrible Bosses:

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

We're the Millers:

The French Dispatch:

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas:

Fletch:

Bowfinger:

Men at Work:

Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar:

Tango & Cash:

Central Intelligence:

Logan Lucky:

Sorry to Bother You:

Thunder Force:

Our Idiot Brother:

Fast Times at Ridgemont High: