The Cable Guy (1996)

In a sharp turn from his earlier roles, Jim Carrey embraces the darkness in this satirical black comedy about a lonely cable guy who becomes obsessed when one of his customers (Matthew Broderick) bribes him for free cable, and inserts himself into his life, upturning it in every way. Critically reviled at the time of its release, it's since attained a cult following and showcases Carrey's unique ability to turn on a dime. It's much better than I gave it credit for at the time.

3½ CABLE GUBLAHS out of 5

VACATION [2015]

The fifth installment of the long-running Vacation series has Ed Helms stepping in for Chevy Chase in the lead role as Clark Griswold's son, Rusty, now all grown up and with a suffering family of his own.
It basically follows the story of the first film, only now it's a whole new generation of Griswolds making their way to the infamous Walley World amusement park.
Overprotective fan-babies of the original series will scoff at the change in tone from the original films but it's not like they were cinematic gold to begin with.  The films were directionless silly humored and not particularly intelligent but they supplied laughs-a-plenty and that's where this film succeeds if you're ready and willing to lower your expectations to a not-so-classic but highly cherished comedy series of the '80's.

3 "mud" facials out of 5

MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN [2014]

I didn't think I'd want to see a CGI animated update of an old Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoon.
Mr. Peabody & Sherman proved me wrong with it's high energy, non-stop humor and all around time-travelling romp of a good time.
Directed by The Lion King's Rob Minkoff, the film is surprisingly fast-paced, jammed with witty historical jokes and enough heart to keep you smiling when the credits begin rolling.  It's nothing like it's source material but that really doesn't matter because, let's face it, the original cartoon was about as much fun as watching paint dry in a funeral home.
By no means will this become a classic but it's got enough flash and enthusiasm to enjoy multiple viewings and then some.  

3½ creepy boys out of 5

THE BLING RING [2013]

The true story of a pack of bratty Hollywood nobodies that burglarize celebrity's homes is the subject of Sofia Coppola's The Bling Ring.
While Coppola always manages to bring the fascinating visuals, great casting choices, wonderful soundtracks and a breezy pace to her films, she never seems to connect emotionally with her tales of the rich and snotty.  I realize we aren't supposed to like these kids but they truly are despicable examples of trashy pop culture of the modern world, which makes for a hollow watch that isn't the least bit interesting.  I caught myself wondering why I wasn't just watching an episode of The Hills instead, so I might at least get a withered laugh out of the constant facepalming.  

2 Hilton monkeys out of 5

THIS IS 40 [2012]

Billed as the "sort-of" sequel to 2007's Knocked Up, writer/director Judd Apatow's This Is 40 is a funny and touching comedy about hitting middle age while in a marriage with kids and an "insane" family.  

Gifted with a fantastic charismatic cast, contemplative observations and a heavy dose of funny, the film is unfortunately dragged down by a ridiculously long running time as it wastes it time on a few aimless plot points and minor characters.   In the end, I was left completely satisfied with just being able to laugh for 2 hours and thirteen minutes.  

3½ episodes of LOST out of 5

PARANORMAN [2012]

From Chris Butler & Sam Fell (some of the guys who worked on Coraline & Corpse Bride) comes ParaNorman another beautiful looking stop motion animated film made to appeal to little monster in all of us.

With a sick, yet safe, sense of humour, killer dialogue, entertaining voice-work, zany music and extravagantly designed sets, ParaNorman is must-see for the big screen.  It intelligently goes against what we expect from such a film and is surprisingly touching.

Its' been awhile since death has been this much fun.

4 bathroom ghosts out of 5

The Change-Up (2011)

A lecherous bachelor and a grounded married man are offered the opportunity to test drive each other's lives after a chance piss encounter in a fountain one night. Hasn't this idea been done to death by now? At any rate, it's better than I expected it to be and both actors do a fine job of channeling the other's energy. The comedy level is raunchy, but as expected, ultimately sweet and everything ends up for the best, unlike, say, life. Sure, it's a waste of two hours of my life, but it's not like I was going to do anything better with it anyway.

2 squirts of shit in the mouth out of 5

RIO [2011]

Another computer animated film with talking animals and all the wacky characters they meet on their adventure.

With the exception of some great voice work from Anne Hathaway, Leslie Mann and George Lopez, the rest of the voice performances are boring and awkward.

The story is pretty straight forward and the animation is, while colorful and clean, very uninspired.

2 Marmosets out of 5.