Megamind {2D}

Directed by: Tom McGrath
UK release: 03 Dec 2010
US release: 07 Nov 2010
Starring (voices): Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross



IMDB Page

She said:

Megamind was always set to be a big hit with stars like Brad Pitt and Will Ferrell but I have to admit I found it a little disappointing. Don't get me wrong, this is a very funny film and I laughed right till the end, but there was just something missing - it didn't have the same edge achieved by other CGI animated films like Shrek or Despicable Me.

This film did something that really annoys me; it put all of the funniest moment in the trailer thus leaving you inevitably disappointed at the funny-but-not-as-funny moments in the rest of the film. Of course commercially this works fantastically growing maximum expectation for the film which generates mega-sales (no matter what you think of it they already have your cash!). But taking of my cynical hat for a moment I think this is a great family film which all the family can enjoy.

The story is one that I am sure everyone can identify with of someone who seeks negative attention because it is better than no attention. A fish out of water if you like (which is funny because his sidekick is a fish on a robot body) simply trying to fit in... but with varying amounts of success.

If anyone here listens to our radio shows you will know I can't stand Jonah Hill. Luckily in this film they didn't seem to let him do too much ad-libbing (huzzah) but I think his character was a bit pointless. There were other parts of the story which I would have like to seen explored further - I won't say what because we don't do spoilers - so I felt that the Jonah Hill storyline stretched out the film a bit and was a bit wearing as it went on. However overall a good one to go see. I give this film {{{3 out of 5}}}

He said:
As Helen mentions above Megamind's biggest fault is that the best jokes of the film were included in the trailer and the remaining jokes were largely hit and miss. I often find myself in a difficult and unmotivated place when I have to write reviews for films that I don't have a strong opinion of either way, and Megamind is one of those films.

This is yet another film that lost absolutely nothing in 2D. Dreamworks studios has once again proven that they are at the very least on par with Pixar's animation studio. It does seem that both studios struggle to create believable human looking human characters though they seem to have no problem anthropomorphizing plants and animals.

With one exception I really felt that each character was independent of the actor portraying them. The exception being Titan (Jonah Hill) for some reason the animators decided to animate a remarkably close likeness of the actor instead of creating a new character.

Considering Jonah Hill's live action roles all seem to be "Jonah Hill in random situation" (with the exception of Get him to the Greek, by far Hill's best performance to date in my opinion.) It seems to me it would have been in his best interest to jump at the chance to slip into a different skin. Minor complaints aside this is a fun film and younger audiences will enjoy it. I give it {{{3.5 out of 5}}}

They said:
As per usual when given the opportunity we screened the 2D version and can safely say once again that we were not cheated by the experience. Save the extra cash for the concession stands. [[[We give it 6.5 out of 10]]]

QUESTION FOR THE COMMENTS: DREAMWORKS OR PIXAR?

Get Him to the Greek (Directed by Nicholas Stoller)

The first of James' solo reviews in America:



IMDB LINK

Starring:
Jonah Hill, Russell Brand, Rose Byrne, Sean(P. Diddy)Combs,


He said:

This movie is a spin-off from Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008). Jonah Hill is in both films, but as two different characters. Kristen Bell reprises her role as Sarah Marshall in a cameo. And Russell Brand reprises the roll that introduced him to American audiences.

This film has a lot of really funny moments and is a rare exception of getting the full mileage out of what could have been a one trick pony. Russell Brand is a hilarious British comedian and excells at portraying himself.

Much like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, this film has some cringe inducing moments. I will say that this is not a film you would play for your junior high youth groups, but as long as you are alright with awkward situational comedy you will enjoy this film. I give it {{{4.0 out of 5}}}

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (Directed by Nicholas Stoller)

Starring: Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand, Bill Hader, Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd

IMDB Link

He said:

This is one of those films that is so well written and timed that I really feel I can watch it over and over and still laugh at all the little jokes. In fact, I have watched this film twice in the last 9 days, and it was still amusing both times.

Jason Segel not only starred in this film he wrote it as well. This is a film that gives into temptation to go for the sight gag a little more often than I felt was absolutely necessary but the humor through out it well worth the price of admission.

One of the reason I enjoy this film as much as I do is it reminds me of the two weeks I spent in Hawaii alone a few years back. It was one of the best vacations I had ever had (before an extended vacation in England this year) but there is always the constant reminder that Hawaii should be shared with some one. I really feel that though it is subtle you feel that from the beginning.

I really enjoy this film, its definetly a film that will put a smile on your face, from start to finish I give this film 4 out of 5.

She said:

I was aphrehensive about watching this film because it not my type of comedy. I like political or black comedies or, if we go down the more slapstick route, I like British comedies. Hoever I gave it a go and to be honest I quite enjoyed it. Overall I think it was well written with a solid comedy plot line, however I did have a couple of reservations.

I felt some of the jokes weren't well timed and didn't have good follow through. For example when a joke is made about an awkward situation I feel this should sit for a minute. I find that with films in this particular genre of American comedy they have a quick succession of jokes or try to continue the humour. The characters are David Brent but without irony (don't know David Brent? Click here).

I also find with these comedies that they are written by a team of friends who deliberately write in a part for everyone. The waiter, played by Jonah Hill, should have either been cut or rewritten. His lines were not funny and the execution poor. However there was the potential for his character to be hilarious. I suspect what happened was the team realised they had yet to include a bit for him and thought "let's have a closeted homosexual waiter who fancies Russell Brand" without much more thought (Russell Brand of course playing himself).

But apart from this I did have fun watching it. Some of the funny parts - like the naked break up - I found funny but not in a laugh out loud way. So in conclusion it was fun to watch... but not my favourite comedy ever. I give this film 3.5 out of 5.


They said:
A fun film worth a viewing, it will give you a few chuckles if nothing else. We give this light-hearted comedy {{{7.5 out of10}}}

How to train your Dragon [3D] (Directed by Dean DeBlois & Chris Sanders)

IMDB PAGE

Starring:
Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

She said:

I love a good animated film and Dreamworks has not disappointed with their latest release. This film is fun, fresh and cute. The script was witty and chuckle-aloud funny although no quotes stand out in my memory. That isn't a criticism by the way... I'm just noting it!

We have both criticized and praised different films for using 3D in this blog. This particular film I think used it well. It was not gimmicky but it did add an extra dimension (duh) that I welcomed. I loved the animation overall especially the design of the dragons. They were each very individual with obvious personalities. There was a good balance of scary and adorable... mainly adorable.

Apart from that I know it is rare but I don't have much to say about this film. It is neither terrible nor the best thing I have seen. I very much enjoyed it and would gladly watch it again! I'm sure this will become a family favourite. I give it {{{4 out of 5}}}

He said:
I really enjoyed this film. Dreamworks is pushing out highly anticipated animated films this year like they are going out of style. How to train your Dragon is the first of three (The other two being Shrek Forever After (in July) and Despicable me (Holiday season.) And I am pleased to say that they have set the bar high!

The basic story is easily obtained from the above trailer, and is standard material for Dreamworks' films. Hiccup is the like-able unlikely hero with a slightly unusual pet/friend. (spoiler!!! it is a DRAGON!) This is a fun film that is written beautifully. The voice acting is fantastic, while all the names night not ring a bell with you now, this is a dominantly young up and coming team of actors that you will be seeing a lot of in the coming years.

One of my favorite aspects of the animation of this film is the movements of the dragons. Despite being reptile in look and well nature, the mood and behavior is very similar to domestic felines. There are moments in a couple of scenes that reminded me of my own cat.

This is a fun film that the entire family can enjoy together and I am sure it will soon be a lot of children's favorites. (A lot of families are likely to bringing home plush replicas of the dragon Toothless during the Easter weekend.) I really enjoyed this film and give it {{{4 out of 5}}}

They said:

If you enjoy previous Dreamworks creations like the Shrek franchise, Kung fu Panda and Flushed Away this film will not disappoint. We give it [[[8 out of 10]]]