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Reviews
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017)
Fun and witty movie with great dark humor (great for kids and adults alike)
I guess all the negative reviews are people who can't understand a movie without a clear protagonist (even Greg is a bit of a brat), or who don't like their jokes a bit dark, or who were uncomfortable with the realism in the film, or, don't understand that actors are people, and they age just like everyone (hence a new cast). (Or, maybe they really do enjoy deep-fried butter sticks at county fairs?) Saw this with the family and it was a laugh out loud gem of a film, right from the very beginning with the screaming baby covered in food at Corny's and the chaos all parents know well at all-you-can-eat places like these. If you look closely, a mom threw a diaper onto her husband's plate right after the baby screaming. Very amusing. This is one of those great "everything goes wrong on the road trip" films, and this one does that very well, with an all too familiar minivan, trailer, GPS, boring Spanish language CDs, and the trials and tribulations of a long trip, and, the beleaguered Dad trying to work incognito while on "vacation" (a very funny scene with noise and chaos in the Sienna minivan ensues when he has to take a call from the office). What is a "meemaw" anyway? That was hilarious, perhaps it was the Mom's nickname for her grandma when she was young? Rodrick's rejections by several girls (see the deleted scenes) and his "loser" performance on the drum video game at the comic convention was great, and very true-to-life. Very creative film, and very well-done take on modern family life (screen time, social media, comic/cosplay conventions, and even "uber" is mentioned). It's hard to find a movie that both adults and kids can enjoy but this film does it. By the way, contrary to all the negative opinions, I thought Alicia Silverstone was stellar. She had that exasperated mom character going very well. Always have enjoyed her performances; this was a great one for her. "SMH" they say, this is a great film! Also, I don't read Wimpy Kid books, but it seems this film deviated from the book according to the comments? So what?! Lots of movies did that, and often the film is BETTER than the movie anyway (i.e. The Shining, Lolita, etc.)!
A Perfect Place (2008)
Darkly comedic short film that leaves you wanting more
Not sure why people are not liking this movie. It's better than a LOT of stuff out there, believe me. Aside from a few flaws, it was an enjoyable and funny short film that will appeal to Mike Patton fans and those that like dark, different films, like David Lynch films. The few flaws are: 1. Why is it in black and white? This would have been a bit more enjoyable in color, especially if the old lady's bow-tie collection was colorful. 2. When the man knocks on the old woman's door he says he is from "down the hall" when in fact it's obvious he lives next door. 3. The man wearing the hat gives a "scout's honor" by holding up two fingers in a "V" shape. Anyone who has been a Boy Scout would recognize that as the wrong scout salute. The correct salute is three fingers together and the pinky finger held down by your right thumb. But maybe this was done on purpose to make the guy's character seem cheesy and dishonest.
Those are minor problems. This film has a funny and original plot, not to mention some great music by none other than Mike Patton. Anyone who loves Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, Faith No More, etc. etc will like the music. Not to mention the movie company is named "Fantoma" which is one letter away from "Fantomas"! Coincidental? Loved the little Toyota Corolla hatchback, the guy's bass guitar, and the strange and surreal nature of this movie. I guess I felt a "part 2" or just some more length to this movie would have made it all the better.