Paul

It’s always a pleasure to see people taking life into their own hands; especially when it comes to the arts! 2011’s ‘Paul’ was written by long-time friends Simon Pegg and Nick Frost whom also starred in the movie. Both English Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are writers, actors and producers of their own vision and that’s a heap of inspiration for all those with ideas they wish to bring to fruition.  

This Adventure/Comedy/Sci-Fi exceeded my expectations. I was very skeptical in the beginning but the film was very well made and gave high delivery on the laughs! There was romance, comedy, action, adventure and sentimental moments too. Well-written, great acting and loads of ‘a-hah’ moments that not only kept the audience entertained but stimulated throughout! 

Pegg and Frost spent $40 million USD to hire some of today’s big honchos in the acting world and had the film directed by Greg Mottola. Bringing the laughs and adding their star power were  Blythe Danner, Sigourney Weaver, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Jesse Plemons, Jane Lynch, Bobby Lee, Jeffrey Tambor, and Canadian Seth Rogen as the voice of ‘Paul’.

The Interview

I finally got to see the highly anticipated and controversial film (according to North Korea) starring Seth Rogen and James Franco. Written by Dan Sterling and Seth Rogen and Directed by Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen, this action-packed 2014 comedy that was banned for a few months because of content with the assassination of Kim Jong-un (North Korea’s president); causing not only a threat from North Korea and the hacking into Sony Studios but also massive chaos by the masses to see what was so offensive in the first place!

Brilliant strategy if you ask me, as ‘the film they didn’t want you to see’ is all the buzz and doing incredibly well, all things considered. The budget was $44 million USD but because of the delay in theaters as well as the ban they only grossed $6 million USD. Despite that set-back it is a movie ‘everybody’ is obliged to see because of the real-life persons involved and the amount of attention it stirred.

Crammed-pack with hip-hop and modern pop music, pervasive language, sexual humor, nudity and graphic blood and drug use it is the typical Hollywood entertainment type script. Is it well executed technically-speaking? Most certainly. Does it deliver on laughs? Indeed it does. The actors turned friends (Rogen and Franco) deliver what the people want in excellent and comedic fashion. They work well together and had it not been for all the controversy before their opening, it would have paid big in the box-office. 

There’s no such thing as ‘bad-press’ and I’m pretty sure their next movie will have movie-goers lined up to see what provocative subject-matter they’ll tackle next!

Guilt Trip

This 2012 comedy written by Dan Fogelman and directed by Anne Fletcher starring Hollywood favourites "funny-man" Seth Rogen and singer/actress Barbra Streisand was for me, anything but a comedy. Sure there were funny moments; the moments between most parents and children that we all experience that are funnily awkward. However I felt that this film was more of a 'family-drama' showcasing how relationships within the family change in time and how special moments bring that bond back together.

With a budget of $40 million USD, they were close to making it all back at the box-office but didn't and instead garnered one nomination; not the most pleasurable - 'The Razzle Award' for worst actress. Despite those facts I felt that Rogen and Streisand had good chemistry on camera and indeed delivered wonderfully the emotions that mother and son shared. Viewers were also reminded about the important lesson of 'not giving up' as well as realizing despite your love for someone; no matter how much you love them, if it's not right, it never will be and that it only means you're still on your journey towards finding the puzzle piece that fits your puzzle.

High on the 'awe-factor' but good moments of laughter throughout. I'd recommend as a good family bonding experience.

This is the End

Rambunctious to the max, yet terribly entertaining! This 2013 comedy/fantasy about 'The End' or the 'Apocalypse' was cleverly and simply executed with real friends and actors filming what would really happen in their lives if this given scenario were to take place. And the results of such a simple idea? Success at the box-office!

Written and Directed by Canadian Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and based on a short film by Jason Stone, this film delivered laughs from James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Michael Cera, Emma Watson, Mindy Kaling, Channing Tatum, Paul Rudd and many many more.

The film was wild, provocative, silly, and unbelievably great commitment and comic timing. Rated R for crude sexual content, pervasive language, violence and some drug use, it isn't recommended for younger audiences. And with a budget of $32 million USD and returns of $101 million USD, not only were these friends successful at collaborating but it looks like they also had a great time playing together! 'This is the End' certainly brings the giggles!

Take this Waltz

Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Luke Kirby, Sarah Silverman; the audience got their good acting delivered. Written and Directed by Actress turned Director Canadian Sarah Polley, this film had a simple story with perhaps not the most wise message for the world, but one of the most beautifully shot films I've seen to date. Luc Montpellier in my opinion was the star of the film, as he captured beauty with the camera lens.

More drama than comedy, this 2011 film with a run-time of 116 minutes and an estimated budget of $137,000 and with star names to capture fans, it grossed an easy $1 million plus. Rated R for language, and strong sexual content and nudity, its a story of what happens when one listens to their attractions and longings instead of responsibility and commitment. Sure, there'll always be fascinating handsome artists, but why destroy a happy home?

Artfully shot, spectacularly framed, excellent direction and superb acting (stand-out Sarah Silverman - and it isn't comedy) this film will not only tickle your fantasy but also received 3 wins and 11 nominations.