Millennials Be Like… Mike and Dave is Decent, Bro

-Posted by Alyssa

Cast:  Zac Efron, Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza, Adam Devine

Release Date:  July 8, 2016

A half-baked comedy, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates indulges in its characters’ selfishness and self-glorification. The film safely stays afloat on the surface without fully exploring the complexity of its characters. But it does have a solid cast, Zac Efron shirtless, and tropical beaches. Who needs substance when you have beauty, am I right?

They’re the life of the party, social gathering legends in their own minds. But Mike (Devine) and Dave (Efron) have their antics put to an end by the foot of their father who tells them to buck down and find sensible dates for their sister’s upcoming wedding. Cue the shocked emoticon face. In this digital age of Grinder, Tinder, and the less classy, Craigslist, Mike and Dave post a profile asking women to consider being their dates for an all expenses paid trip to Hawaii. Who could refuse? Certainly not white trash bad girls like Alice (Kendrick) and Tatiana (Plaza) who make themselves over into nice girls—the kind who play damsel in distress and wear Peter Pan collars. At first they are able to keep up the persona. They pretend they have respectable jobs and win over the family. However their true nature claws to escape and soon, they are tearing up the land in ATVs, getting frisky with Cousin Terry in the sauna, and popping Ecstasy with the bride-to-be.

The film strives to be more than just a #millennial’s raunchy comedy. It nobly attempts to give its characters depth and a coming-of-age arc. This does not succeed, nor do the characters become as interesting as they think they are. That being said, it’s a movie that can thank its entertaining factor to the very actors behind these characters. They have realistic and compatible chemistry and are clearly having the time of their lives. Many of the jokes fall flat, but there are some moments where you’ll unabashedly laugh out loud. The hip youngsters who see this film won’t regret it, but they also probably won’t make any memes. Overall, it’s not a complete success nor a total failure. Just like Flappy Bird.

Actor Profile: Miles Teller

 

He’s adorable and has starred in two of my favorite new age generational films Project X and 21 & Over. Get ready to get to know Miles Teller.

He may have starred in two teen party films, but let’s not limit him to just that genre. The multi-dimensional Teller has also made appearances in the critically-acclaimed Rabbit Hole alongside Nicole Kidman and the Footloose remake alongside Julianne Hough. He’s just getting started.

Next up, The Spectacular Now with the equally-talented Shailene Woodley coming out in limited release August 2^nd, the ensemble comedy Get a Job with Anna Kendrick, Bryan Cranston, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Are We Officially Dating? with Zac Efron, the romantic comedy Two-Night  Stand, and the action film Divergent with Kate Winslet and Aaron Eckhart.

I’d say that’s pretty good for a wise-cracking scene-stealer.

ParaNorman is a Spooky Halloween Treat

 

 

— Posted by Alyssa

— Director:  Chris Butler, Sam Fell

— Cast:  Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Leslie Mann, Casey Affleck

— Grade:  A solid B+

Someone has out-Tim Burtoned Tim Burton. He’ll have to watch his back for the King of most haunting, visually-stunning animation because Laika Entertainment (which also gave us the equally awesome Coraline) is going to surpass him in creepily satisfactory family films. In all fairness, the production company has worked with Tim Burton before (Corpse Bride) but he’s going to have to stop with the Johnny Depp stuff if he wants to be back on top (I’m crossing my fingers for Frankenweenie).

An outcast in his hometown because of his ESP, Norman (Smit-McPhee) is trying to get used to his abilities while attempting to fit in. Nobody understands Norman and his ability to see ghosts. At home his father is ashamed of him, his cheerleader sister Courtney (Kendrick) is indifferent, and his mom (Mann) is trying to look out for him, but doesn’t know how to help. At school things are not much better. He has a school bully Alvin (Mintz-Plasse) who constantly writes “Freak” on his locker. The only silver lining in his otherwise stormy life is the new friend he has made in the easily-lovable Neil. After Norman bites off more than he can chew and takes on the living dead to stop an evil witch’s curse, his family and peers (including Neil’s brother Mitch (Affleck)) go on a wild chase with Norman.

The movie doesn’t really establish itself as an anti-bullying story completely. Some of the lessons it wants you to learn are hazy (especially for a child). However, based on the dialogue and astoundingly intricate detail in the animation, this is definitely a movie that has its adult audience in mind. It’s absolutely stunning how detailed this animation is. It’s certified Oscar bait at its finest. I have high hopes for this production company if they continually deliver these Halloween delicacies. My mouth is watering at the possibilities…