Cole Clay // Film Critic
THE INTERVIEW | 112 min | Rated R
Director: Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen
Cast: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Randall Park and Lizzy Caplan
Maybe I was one of the few people who championed the “bromantic” comedy THE INTERVIEW from Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen— don’t forget James Franco tagged along as well. It was all the controversies that loomed over the film’s quality like a hazy cloud of pineapple express smoke, but it turns out it’s a pretty damn funny movie. It rehashes the same irreverent formulaic beats of Rogen’s other writing efforts, but the duo provided yet another novel concept and a platform for ludicrous behavior.
Just in case you have been living in North Korea the past few months, here is the plot for THE INTERVIEW: entertainment reporter Dave Skylark (Franco) and his producer, Aaron Rapoport (Rogen), get an opportunity to interview Kim Jong-un (Randall Park). However, once the CIA finds out, they proposition the TV duo to assassinate the infamous dictator.
Park steals the show in an equally funny and sympathetic performance. The comedy takes some interesting turns here and there and is nothing more than good, (not-so) clean fun.
The Blu-ray Extras Include:
LIFE ITSELF | 120 min | Rated R
Director: Steve James
Cast: Roger Ebert, Gene Siskel, Martin Scorsese and Werner Herzog
People say that when you are among the best, it elevates your performance as well. That certainly was the case for the friends, colleagues and even enemies of Roger Ebert. Documentarian Steve James (HOOP DREAMS) crafted a human portrait about the myth that followed the dearly departed critic with the film LIFE ITSELF.
James doesn’t just give you a beat-by-beat approach to Ebert’s life. He shows the viewers the good times, the bad times, and most importantly the impact Ebert had among his peers. James paints a fond portrait, but he refuses to sugarcoat his legacy. This isn’t just a documentary for film geeks around the world, it’s a life affirming tale that is both gut-wrenching and inspiring.
With talking-head interviews from renowned personalities – such as Martin Scorsese, Werner Herzog, the widowed Chaz Ebert, and Ava DuVernay (director of SELMA) – LIFE ITSELF has many powerful elements, but none more powerful than Ebert’s impact on the cultural conversation.
The Blu-ray Extras Include:
ST. VINCENT | 102 min | Rated R
Director: Theodore Melfi
Cast: Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts and Jaeden Lieberher
ST. VINCENT has Bill Murray back in his comedic form. However, while the Theodore Melfi-directed comedy has loads of tickling moments, it relies all too heavily on sentimentality – a tactic that can be dangerous with a heart-on-sleeve type film.
Murray is Vincent, a misanthropic Vietnam vet who gambles, boozes and whores around his Brooklyn borough with the help of a local prostitute named Daka, played by a very pink and adorable Naomi Watts. This is until he becomes an unlikely caregiver for a single mother’s (Melissa McCarthy) son named Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher).
What comes next is obvious– Oliver and Vincent form an unlikely bond that will teach them a lesson they couldn’t have otherwise learned. ST. VINCENT commits to its convictions as a sappy story that strives to manipulate your emotions, but unlike other films from this cloth, Melfi does it with extra charm.
The Blu-ray Extras Include:
Nancy Savoca’s film deconstructs misogyny and vulnerability before a solider heads to fight in Vietnam.
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