A Madea Christmas

by Edward Dunn


A MADEA CHRISTMAS
PG-13
100 Minutes
Director: Tyler Perry
Writer: Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry, Chad Michael Murray, Tika Sumpter

Cast
Tyler Perry...Madea
Anna Maria Horsford...Eileen
Tika Sumpter...Lacey

GOTCHA!

ANCHORMAN II
PG-13
119 Minutes
Director: Adam McKay
Writers: Will Ferrell, Adam McKay
Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate

Cast
Will Ferrell...Ron Burgundy
Christina Applegate...Veronica Corningstone
David Koechner..Champ Kind
Steven Carell...Brick Tamland
Paul Rudd...Brian Fantana
James Marsden...Jack Lime

'She said it! Summer just showed up out of nowhere! It's like a visit from you, Cass - unannounced and uncomfortable.'-SNL, MORNING LATTE (S25E19)

I hope everyone enjoys my Christmas present. What is it? I'm not reviewing Tyler Perry's A MADEA CHRISTMAS. Is not getting something a gift. Yes, a lack of presence can be the greatest present you never received. It's like having a degenerate, alcoholic uncle, who ruins Christmas every year. But let's say, he doesn't show up this year: if that's not a present, then by golly, it's a full-on, Christmas miracle. So Merry Christmas everyone, I'm reviewing ANCHOR MAN II.

This ANCHORMAN was about as good as the first one. Both films follow a similar formula. But that's not really an issue here, because it's funny. About three-quarters the way in, this film dragged a bit. This is the only flaw. But the moment you became bored, things picked up a bit. Like a Judd Apatow comedy, ANCHORMAN II was just a little too long.

This movie finished strong. Will Smith always said he didn't do cameos, only starring roles...with his children co-starring. But I'm glad he made an exception here. In this movie, Will dressed like he did in that episode of FRESH PRINCE, where he pretended to be Ashley's father in a parent-teacher conference. I don't remember what character he'd played here. Maybe a golf caddy. All kidding aside, Smith's presence was most fresh indeed.

Jim Carrey, it's good to have you back. I mean that. I hope this means an end to that long stretch of bad movies you've been in for the past eight years.

The best character in this whole movie is played by John C Reilly, he doesn't say much. If I told you his part, it would just ruin it.

Steve Carell's character was even funnier this time around. He finds love with Kristen Whiig, an equally dumb character. The same way Michael Scott found love on THE OFFICE.

Generally, I've always believed that the more a movie is promoted, the worse it is. But it's not true with ANCHORMAN II. This film is good enough, where a word of mouth campaign would have sufficed. As opposed to the overwhelming marketing campaign going on. Those Dodge Durango commercials are a bit much.

Merry Christmas readers, stay classy.

Final Verdict: 80 out of 100



The Campaign

by Edward Dunn


I’m not sure how to answer that. Kevin Costner does have an irresistible smile, and the bluest eyes you’ve ever seen. But I can’t judge a movie solely on how charming the lead actor is, how ever tempting it may be. Since I can’t be objective, I’ll refrain from comparing these two movies.

Political movies in an election year are always good. In 2004, we had CHASING LIBERTY, and FIRST DAUGHTER. Coincidentally, both had the same plot. You would have to go back almost 20 years to find a decent political comedy. FIRST KID (1994), starring Sinbad and Zachery Ty Bryan. It didn’t win any fancy awards, but it did win the electoral college…of my heart.

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Everything Must Go (No, I am not reviewing the Steely Dan album)

by Edward Dunn


If we're gonna send him somewhere, it should be the more horrible, most miserable place on Earth…….. Scottsdale. -South Park, Ep. 1214 "The Ungroundable" Originally a minimalist, short story, only the barebones of film were in place. Most of this movie was written by a screenwriter. Nonetheless, the rest of the story was true to the author and his works. I see this as more of a dramatic piece, than a comedy. Yes, it’s funny in places, and it is definitely funnier than Bewitched. But a dramatic movie needs funny moments. Otherwise, it becomes a complete farce. The protagonist in this movie is comparable to Willy, in The Death of a Salesman. Except this movie does not end tragically: its ending is more bittersweet.
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