“Futurama: Bender’s Big Score” – I had forgotten how much I missed Matt Groening’s hilariously satirical take on the future before viewing this first of four straight-to-DVD movies. It’s a decent story – despite featuring […]
“Blades of Glory” – We were long overdue for a good figure skating parody, and Will Ferrell and friends score a 6.0 for their effort. It’s a tale of a disgraced skater who resurrects his […]
“The Last Kiss” – In this thematic sequel to “Garden State,” Zach Braff’s heartwarming 2004 directorial debut, Braff plays a guy torn between his fiancee (Jacinda Barrett) and a full-of-life collegian (Rachel Bilson). (If only […]
“The Hole Story” – Boston filmmaker Alex Karpovsky created this hilarious documentary-turned-comedy largely in the editing room. He intended to make a pilot for “Provincial Puzzlers,” telling the story of the “black hole” in 2003 […]
“The Break-Up” – Romantic comedies usually explore the ups and downs of a relationship destined for a happy ending, but this film – determined to be more realistic – shows the minor annoyances and petty […]
“Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” – Everyone will find something offensive about “Borat,” which spins off Sacha Baron Cohen’s character from “Da Ali G Show,” but there’s no […]
“Team America: World Police” – In an oversized puppet show, “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone slam Jerry Bruckheimer efforts such as “Armageddon” and “Pearl Harbor,” while also delivering smart political jabs. Parker […]
“Garden State” – It’s a great romance film precisely because it doesn’t seem like a romance. It stars Zach Braff (who also directed and compiled the Shins-heavy soundtrack) as a bright 20-something wandering aimlessly through […]
John’s “Pieces of April” flashback review, Nov. 26, 2020 “Pieces of April” – This indie charmer has two main plotlines. Well-intentioned bad cook April (Katie Holmes) fumbles her way through preparation of a Thanksgiving meal […]
“Matchstick Men” – Nicolas Cage and Alison Lohman are oddly likable as a father-and-daughter con team. The cleverest plotting of the year plays out atop director Ridley Scott’s soothing, beige backdrop. It’s another entry in […]