Eric and J.D. discuss why Jason Segel is the new Seth Rogen (”Superbad”) and what makes “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” better than most romantic comedies of its ilk. It may have something to do with producer Judd Apatow (”Knocked Up, “The 40 Year-old Virgin”), but they’re pretty sure it has more to do with an unflinching sense of honesty, lots of male nudity, and a keen eye on satirizing Hollywood types. Plus, UK comedian Russell Brand is hilarious.
Tags: Eric and J.D., Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Jason Segel, Judd Apatow, male nudity, movie review, on-camera review, Russell Brand, Seth Rogen, superbad
The joke goes something like this: “Shine A Light,” the new Rolling Stones concert film, is the first Martin Scorsese movie to not feature “Gimme Shelter.” It’s true, Marty has used the Stones in “Mean Streets,” “GoodFellas,” and “The Departed,” but never before has he orchestrated a entire rapturous two-hour concert film about his favorite dangerous English rockers. So what if they’re in their sixties? Eric and J.D. are convinced that if you are a rock n’ roll fan, you’ll love this movie, especially in IMAX. Eric’s print review has more here.
Tags: instant review, Martin Scorsese, movie review, on-camera review, rolling stones, shine a light, video review
The Blind Side
Sandra Bullock stars in this true-story tearjerker about an underpriveleged black kid who goes to live with an upper-class white family and eventually play pro football. You know what to expect.
Planet 51
It’s nothing new, but Alan says this first-time animated outing from Ilion Animated Studios is good-natured and has a fun premise.
2012
Director Roland Emmerich’s latest disaster porn film is worse than a failed character drama; it’s an overly long, boring, and contradictory action film. Shame on John Cusack.
Pirate Radio
This British import starring Philip Seymour Hoffman skirts with cliche but has just enough heart and humor to stay afloat, says Phil.
The Men Who Stare at Goats
Grant Heslov’s adaptation of the nonfiction book has a loopy enough tone, but it’s all over the place and feels more like a series of gags than a cohesive movie.
The Fourth Kind
This alien abduction suspense movie shouldn’t have included “documentary” footage that feels forced and fake if it wanted to feel real, says Phil.
Disney's A Christmas Carol
Phil says that Robert Zemeckis should have focused his attention more on a little Christmas spirit and less on bombastic chase sequences in this Charles Dickens adaptation.
A Serious Man
Alan says the Coen brothers’ latest is a well-made an intriguing intellectual exercise that Coen fans shouldn’t miss out on.
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
Alan says this lighthearted vampire movie with John C. Reilly doesn’t make any sense, but is a helluva lot of fun.
Amelia
Hilary Swank plays Ameila Earhart in this beautifully shot but emotionally inert biopic, says Phil.
