wwm_mem Reviews

You Don't Mess with the Zohan (2008)

Not PG-13!!!!!!!!

[1/10 · 11 June 2008]

This movie had one or two funny parts but that's it. Most of the laughter was uncomfortable laughter. It was insulting to so many different groups of people that I can't believe it was even made. It is not acceptable for kids younger than 17. There are too many sexual jokes and innuendos and unacceptable sexual situations. It makes Isreali men look like they want to hump every woman they meet and disco every where they go. The first time in the movie it was a little funny but after it was in every scene, it became tedious.

Most kids wouldn't enjoy the movie or think it was funny anyway. They just wouldn't understand most of the jokes. For example the inept Palestinians keep calling the Hezbollah hot-line and get a recording with options such as "to order terrorist supplies press", etc. Most kids don't really understand or appreciate the humor in this. My friend brought her 13 and 10 year-old and had to leave the movie.

The only redeemable parts were when the Palestinians and Isrealis come together in the end but it wasn't enough to save the movie. My husband thought it inappropriate to be joking about terrorism at all. We demanded and got our money back.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

It was great!

[8/10 · 25 May 2008]

OK, the premise was a little hokey but it was a semi-plausible story line. There was adventure, mystery, romance, intrigue, everything else the other Indiana Jones movies had. There wasn't quite as much humor as the previous three movies but it didn't bother me. I was never a big fan of "The Temple of Doom" and I think "Crystal Skull" is a lot better. I was glad to see Marion return. I would have liked to have seen Sean Connery and John Rhys-Davies return as well but it was still great without them. True Indiana Jones fans will love this because it sticks with the genre and is as exciting as "Raiders" and "Last Crusade". All in all, a great continuation of the Indiana Jones saga with a wide-open door for more movies with Harrison Ford or with Shia LaBeouf. I will definitely see it again.

The Good German (2006)

Great book ruined in film

[2/10 · 14 March 2008]

I loved the film noir aspect of this film, I think the director captured the genre. However, I think the screenplay ruined the movie. The book was excellent but the screenplay changed the characters so much that the movie was ruined for me. Lena was NOT a prostitute or a Jew and she didn't turn in other Jews for the Nazi's. Tully didn't even know Jake. The German cop was the good German. Emil Brandt was not a secretary or a good guy. Why make Lena a horrible person and then turn around and make her husband who was a horrible person someone who wanted to come clean. If you've read the book, don't bother with the movie. You'll hate it.

Weeds (2005–2012)

Suburban life portrayed to the extremes in this hilarious but poignant comedy

[10/10 · 22 May 2006]

Mary Louise Parker plays a widowed suburban housewife forced to create new ways to generate enough income to support the lifestyle she and her family had become accustomed before her husband departed. Parker and Elizabeth Perkins are excellent representations of housewives dealing with serious problems in this unrealistic yet frighteningly realistic comedy about living in the suburbs. Unrealistic because it is doubtful that this scenario could actually take place but realistic because the actors portray real suburban characters that you might meet anywhere in the US. The PTA scenes are a scream to any mom that has attended these mundane meetings. Kevin Nealon is great as the always high accountant looking to score and Justin Kirk accurately plays Parkers outrageously screwed up brother-in-law that can't seem to stay out of trouble. Even though this is a comedy, it also examines important aspects of suburban life. Drug abuse, race relations, cancer, homosexuality, mortality and morality are all explored in a real life yet unreal setting. It kind of makes you think while you are laughing at the superb dialog.

The 'Burbs (1989)

Neighbors with their quirks and idiosyncrasies investigate the new family on the block that is just not quite right.

[10/10 · 11 May 2006]

Every line in this movie is a riot. The writers really knew what they were doing when they wrote the script. Each character is expertly cast and is portrayed superbly. I have met all the people in the movie at one time or another in my lifetime, except of course maybe the Klopeks. The neighborhood has all the quirkiness of real neighborhoods in America. The characters represent the extreme version of neighbors including the fake military guy, the loud teenager, the old fart, the trouble maker and the people you just don't know about and who act suspicious in every way. Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher are perfect as the "normal" couple trying to live a normal life in the suburbs amidst eccentric neighbors. Bruce Dern plays an excellent paramilitary man with a hot wife and Corey Feldman is a wonderful loud annoying teenager next door. Overall a great black comedy!