Title: 21 Jump Street (official website)
Release Date: 16 March 2012
Rating: R
Runtime: 109 min
Genres: Action, Comedy
Series or Standalone: Standalone - though left open for a sequel
Where Seen: Movie Theater
Production Company: Columbia Pictures & Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Release Date: 16 March 2012
Rating: R
Runtime: 109 min
Genres: Action, Comedy
Series or Standalone: Standalone - though left open for a sequel
Where Seen: Movie Theater
Production Company: Columbia Pictures & Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Directors: Phil Lord, Chris Miller
Writers: Michael Bacall (screenplay & story), Jonah Hill (story), Patrick Hasburgh (television series) & Stephen J. Cannell (television series)
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I really wasn't sure what to think when I heard that one of my favorite shows from my childhood was being turned into a movie. When I heard that it was going to be a comedy I cringed a little. But then I started to see some previews and while I wasn't convinced I was more curious about how the movie would be. Enough that when a friend suggested that we go see it I agreed.
While the movie version of 21 Jump Street doesn't have a lot to do with the original tv show there is enough nods to the past (including some cameos) that I think fans of the show will enjoy. But the things that make this movie are the ways that it makes fun of itself and recent trends & cliches in Hollywood. Sort of a step up from spoof like Epic Movie, et al. I found myself laughing throughout most of the movie and cringing during some other scenes. I really enjoyed the friendship between Schmidt (Hill) and Jenko (Tatum) and the exploration into role reversals and expectations vs. reality. While I don't think that 21 Jump Street will win any awards it does have a lot of commercial appeal. Its funny, it honors the past, and has some good eye candy (hello Channing Tatum). If it does well, and I suspect that it will, then I can see sequels appearing in the future, the ending of this film also allows for that possibility, and I for one will most likely be going to to see it as well.
While the movie version of 21 Jump Street doesn't have a lot to do with the original tv show there is enough nods to the past (including some cameos) that I think fans of the show will enjoy. But the things that make this movie are the ways that it makes fun of itself and recent trends & cliches in Hollywood. Sort of a step up from spoof like Epic Movie, et al. I found myself laughing throughout most of the movie and cringing during some other scenes. I really enjoyed the friendship between Schmidt (Hill) and Jenko (Tatum) and the exploration into role reversals and expectations vs. reality. While I don't think that 21 Jump Street will win any awards it does have a lot of commercial appeal. Its funny, it honors the past, and has some good eye candy (hello Channing Tatum). If it does well, and I suspect that it will, then I can see sequels appearing in the future, the ending of this film also allows for that possibility, and I for one will most likely be going to to see it as well.
Title: The Decoy Bride (official website)
Release Date: 09 March 2012 (USA)
Rating: NR
Runtime: 89 min
Genres: Drama, Comedy
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Where Seen: My couch via Comcast On Demand
Production Company: Ecosse Films
Release Date: 09 March 2012 (USA)
Rating: NR
Runtime: 89 min
Genres: Drama, Comedy
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Where Seen: My couch via Comcast On Demand
Production Company: Ecosse Films
Directors: Sheree Folkson
Writers: Sally Phillips & Neil Jaworski
Stars: Kelly Macdonald, David Tennant & Alice Eve
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I first saw a preview of The Decoy Bride while browsing through my ON DEMAND selections and while I thought it seemed promising what sold me on it was David Tennant (aka the Tenth Doctor). This is why when it became available for viewing I bought it and only blinked once or twice at the price. The movie was shorter than I was hoping it would be but it was a really cute film. As with his role on Doctor Who, Tennant plays this quirky lovable character and really makes all the scenes that he's in. Kelly Macdonald was also wonderful in her role as the decoy bride. Her character, Katie, has returned home to the remote Scottish island of Hegg to heal from a broken heart and is definitely not looking for love. But there is no denying the sparks between her and James (Tennant) from the moment they meet.
As with most romantic comedies there is a bit of formula to it and one can pretty much guess how things will end before they actually happen. But its not really about the ending with these sort of films...its about the journey. And with The Decoy Bride the viewer goes on a wonderful journey about self discovery and how the things you think you want may not be what is best for you. This was an entertaining movie and the time just flew by. I think this was worth every penny for the On Demand rental and this is a movie that I will probably own at some point. Its just a shame that its release here in the US has been extremely limited as I think that the humor in this film would appeal to many audiences. Definitely one that I'd recommend watching if you get the opportunity.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I first saw a preview of The Decoy Bride while browsing through my ON DEMAND selections and while I thought it seemed promising what sold me on it was David Tennant (aka the Tenth Doctor). This is why when it became available for viewing I bought it and only blinked once or twice at the price. The movie was shorter than I was hoping it would be but it was a really cute film. As with his role on Doctor Who, Tennant plays this quirky lovable character and really makes all the scenes that he's in. Kelly Macdonald was also wonderful in her role as the decoy bride. Her character, Katie, has returned home to the remote Scottish island of Hegg to heal from a broken heart and is definitely not looking for love. But there is no denying the sparks between her and James (Tennant) from the moment they meet.
As with most romantic comedies there is a bit of formula to it and one can pretty much guess how things will end before they actually happen. But its not really about the ending with these sort of films...its about the journey. And with The Decoy Bride the viewer goes on a wonderful journey about self discovery and how the things you think you want may not be what is best for you. This was an entertaining movie and the time just flew by. I think this was worth every penny for the On Demand rental and this is a movie that I will probably own at some point. Its just a shame that its release here in the US has been extremely limited as I think that the humor in this film would appeal to many audiences. Definitely one that I'd recommend watching if you get the opportunity.
Glad to here that 21 Jumpstreet didn't try to copy the show. I may just have to check it out now. Thanks for reviewing it!
ReplyDeleteFrankly I love movies with commercial appeal and it seems like 21 Jump Street is right up my alley. More of a renter for me but I know it's going to be funny once I see it!
ReplyDeleteWow, didn't know a 21 Jump Street movie was coming out. I loved the tv show so not sure about seeing a movie based on it but may watch it on dvd since you thought it was pretty good.
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