Movie Info:
Writer: Pam Brady
Director: Akiva Schaffer
Cast: Andy Samberg, Sissy Spacek, Isla Fisher, Ian McShane, Will Arnett, Danny McBride, Bill Hader, Jorma Taccone
Rating: PG 13
Studio: Paramount

Release Info:
Theatrical Release:
DVD Release Date: December 16, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $19.99

Whatever happened to Ian McShane or Sissy Spacek, for that matter? Lovejoy in the flesh and the woman who made us love Stephen King by portraying the crazy Carrie White have both made one crazy career decision. Of all the movies to star in, why Hot Rod? Seriously, the movie is way beneath their skill level. I know both of them are getting older, but performing in a movie like Hot Rod bespeaks of actors who seem desperate for work. It’s just sad to see such talent in such drivel.

Hot Rod is absolutely pointless as a movie. The story for this is stupid and convoluted. I didn’t like this the first time I saw it, on standard DVD, and I still don’t like it now. I’m not exactly sure why Paramount went out of their way to make a Blu Ray transfer for this film. I feel sorry that actors like Ian McShane and Isla Fisher have their names attached to this crap, because it is just pathetic and if I was in this, I’d be embarrassed to have my name attached to such a stupid, worthless movie.

The problem with this movie is the story. Sure, Hot Rod has a plot, but it’s so stupid I don’t know who the heck would want to watch this movie. I could see a five year old coming up with the plot for this and his dad saying “Gee son, what a great idea! Let’s make this into a film.” The only problem for this scenario is the fact that Hot Rod is geared towards adults so it’s five year old logic is so pathetic, that adults will want to vomit in their mouths at the thought of even watching a film like this.

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Written by Dominick - Visit Website
Dominick Evans is in his late 20's. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics, his religion (Hellenic Reconstructionism) and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities.

Movie Info:
Writer: Ben Stiller, Justin Theroux, Etan Cohen
Director: Ben Stiller
Cast: Ben Stiller, Nick Nolte, Jack Black, Steve Coogan, Robert Downey Jr, Danny McBride, Bill Hader, Jay Baruchel, Brandon T. Jackson
Rating: PG 13
Studio: Dreamworks

Release Info:
Theatrical Release:
DVD Release Date: November 18, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $26.99

I love Robert Downey Jr. He is the only reason I ever wanted to see this movie. Tropic Thunder is a comedy movie I wouldn’t expect to like. I’m not a big fan of comedy, anyway, but I ended up enjoying watching this movie. I guess I’m more into the movies that aren’t PC, because this movie is bound to offend most anyone who takes it the wrong way. You just can’t take Tropic Thunder out of context. Otherwise, you’ll be offended.

First, Robert Downey Jr. plays a method actor who has won five Academy awards. In Tropic Thunder, he is taking on the role of Kirk Lazarus, who is playing an African American in the memoir turned movie, also called Tropic Thunder. Lazarus has had controversial surgery to turn his skin darker, so he can become the role he plays. This seems almost offensive, but even the African American cast member in this movie (Brandon T. Jackson) was not offended by Downey Jr.’s performance. It’s amazing what he’ll have you believing by the end of the movie.

Next, Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller), the former all time greatest action hero, who is stuck in a long series of movie flops, reflects on his role in Simple Jack, a movie about a mentally challenged man, akin to Forrest Gump. This moment makes use of the no-no “R-word” and it set off a hailstorm of criticism from disability rights activists. I don’t believe the intent in using this word was meant to be malicious. I believe the filmmakers were making a statement about how intellectual disabilities are portrayed in film.

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Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writer: Tom J. Astle, Matt Ember
Director: Peter Segal
Cast: Anne Hathaway, James Caan, Terence Stamp, Alan Arkin, Steve Carell, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Rating: PG-13
Studio: Warner Bros.

Release Info:
DVD Release Date: November 4, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $24.99

Based on the original television series by the same name, Get Smart was in the works long before it actually made it to DVD or Blu-Ray. At one point, it looked as those Jim Carrey was going to play the lead. I have to say I am incredibly glad that Carrey wasn’t in the film. The main reason is that this type of comedy seems to be a much better suit for Steve Carell. The lead needed to be reserved and ridiculous all at the same time and Carell pulls that part off with a magic unlike any other.

The original series was created in part by Mel Brooks. If you’ve seen any Brooks’ films you will see a lot of the goofball similarities here, especially in the type of comedy that is commonly used. The jokes are reminiscent of some of Brooks’ tamer gags. If you mix this comedy with a hardcore Bond film, you have Get Smart. Of course, it’s funnier than it is serious and hard core. That being said, some of the funniest moments revolve around the fact that they try to be serious and tough. It’s a predictable film in many ways, but the good acting on the part of the major players in the film, make it worth watching, fun, and enjoyable.

I didn’t think I was going to like Get Smart. It’s a comedy and I’m more of a drama person. I prefer something deep and dark more than I do something lighthearted and funny. Still, I decided to take a risk and give this a whirl, for this review if nothing else. Other than knowing minimal things about the original series, I had nothing to compare this with as I haven’t actually seen the television show.

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Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.