WTWTW (9/13/13)

What To Watch This Weekend (9/13/13)

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)

★★★ ½ (Cole)

Director David Fincher (notorious for ingenious and masterful titles such as Zodiac and The Social Network) teamed up with author Stieg Larsson in 2011 to create a brutal, horrifying, and totally involving American masterpiece titled The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara star here in a mystery-thriller based upon a journalist and young computer hacker who team up to discover the hidden secrets behind a girl who went missing forty years ago. This film is stimulating in every sense, but the two big ones that stick out to me is intellectually and mystifyingly. Like Zodiac, this movie keeps thoughts pumping through your head from scene one until the day you forget that you ever saw it (which, based on the impression this makes, won’t be soon after your first viewing). The only thing that detains it from being a bona fide four star rating may be that it tries to sell itself to be a little too intricate at times, but the end product overrides the negative aspect almost entirely. Whether to experience electrifying intensity or undeniable curiosity, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo will not disappoint; with such two brilliant minds as Larsson’s and Fincher’s, investing your time is a wise decision.

MPAA Rating: R
Available on Netflix Instant Streaming

Percy Jackson & Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)

★★★ (Cole)

“Back again” at Redbox, I thought that I’d share what respect I do have for the first film in the “Percy Jackson” series. Clever, original, and totally appropriate, this can make family movie night a real treat for all members. Whatever you’re looking for is here; good effects, a satisfying script, and intellectual treatment to Greek Mythology. Just don’t rely on the acting, because while it’s good enough, it’s not quite stellar. Beware of the sequel, though. Yowsa!

MPAA Rating: PG
Cost: $1.20 (At Redbox)

Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

★★★ (Jesse)

Kurt Russell, doing his best John Wayne impersonation, plays the befuddled action hero Jack Burton in the 1986 cult favorite Big Trouble in Little China.  With director John Carpenter channeling his inner Raiders of the Lost Ark, this is a slam bang, shoot em' up, martial arts flick that deals with black magic in an over-the-top, yet effective way. Taking place in San Francisco's Chinatown (which comes off as dark, gloomy, and dangerous) and a plot that kicks in right from the get-go, "Trouble" involves the rescuing of a woman (Miao Yen played by Suzee Pai) with green eyes who has been captured by a sorcerer (the creepy Lo Pan played by James Hong). The evil sorcerer, in question, needs this woman to make him look young again by breaking a sacred, ancient curse (the dude looks 100 years old and then some). Initially a box office failure, Big Trouble in Little China became beloved and cherished by moviegoers with each passing year. If you’re an action junkie, this film is satisfactory on all levels. Some people might argue that "Trouble" doesn't give the actors time to breathe and whizzes them from one dark set piece to the next. I say this mid 80's classic gets away with it. Toward its climatic fight scenes between good and evil, Russell's character says, "may the wings of liberty never lose a feather." Translation: in years to come, may this flick never lose the power to entertain.

MPAA Rating: R
Available for $2.99 on Xfinity on Demand

Christine (1983)

★★★ (Jesse)

After churning out classics like Halloween, Escape From New York, and The Thing, director John Carpenter scored again with the effectively unsettling Christine. Based on a Stephen King novel of the same name, this is a flick about a car (1957 red Plymouth Fury) possessed by evil spirits and the dorky teenager whose life steadily changes after he purchases it. Keith Gordan (no longer an actor, now a director) plays the said character (Arnold Cunningham) extremely well. He does a 180, going from shy, self loathing high school geek to remorseless bad boy (basically he changes his persona as the car becomes more and more evil). Despite plot holes that come in small doses, an underutilized Harry Dean Stanton (he does great supporting work as detective Rudy Junkins), and a final 15 minutes that drag a bit, this is still incredibly solid direction from Carpenter. The soundtrack (which he also wrote) is eerie synthesizer magic and most of the players in the main cast have a hard, cynical edge to them. Based on the aforementioned attributes, this film, for me, is quintessential 80's horror fare. Look for the scene in which Christine repairs herself after being vandalized by nasty high school bullies. It gives new meaning to the term "show me".

MPAA Rating: R
Available at Your Local Video Store

-All Reviews Written by Cole Pollyea & Jesse Burleson

WTWTW (8/31/13)

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

★★★ ½ (Cole & Jesse)

In 2005, director Christopher Nolan took the reins from Joel Schumacher and rebooted, better yet reinvented, the Batman franchise. Where as Schumacher played it goofy, flashy, and trashy (his films looked a lot like actual cartoons) with Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997), Nolan creates a denser, deeper, and more intelligent series of films this time around. The pinnacle of all them belongs to the final film in his trilogy which is The Dark Knight Rises. With an epic dose of storytelling, a villain that is absolutely menacing (Tom Hardy as the gas masked wearing Bane), and a compelling, unexpected way of wrapping everything up, this Dark Knight, in my opinion (it's a bold statement but I'm going with it), ultimately surpasses the much beloved 2008 vehicle. This was on my list for the best films of 2012. And despite the fact that its almost three hours long, you'll probably never need to look at your watch.

Cost: $1.20 (per day) at Redbox

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Two for the Money (2005)

★★★ (Jesse)

Two for the Money is a 2005 release that dives head first into the volatile world of sports gambling. Our tour guides: Walter Abrams (played by Al Pacino, who chews a lot of scenery here) as an owner of a sports consulting operation and Brandon Lang (Matthew McConaughey), a former college football star turned sports handicapper, who acts as Walter's innocent protege. What starts off as a high energy romp turns dark and restless. Granted, this is not your ordinary sports flick. Its non-linear storytelling works because of the performances (Rene Russo is also effective in a supporting role as Pacino's character's wife). If you revel in the idea of Pacino playing himself, this is a must see. D. J. Caruso (The Salton Sea) directs. Dan Gilroy (Freejack) penned the script.

Available at your local video store
MPAA Rating: R

Natural Born Killers (1994)

★★★ (Cole) ~ ★★ ½ (Jesse)

With countless masterfully crafted, ingenious underlying messages and thought provoking satires, Natural Born Killers is a movie that is something to admire. No director other than Oliver Stone himself could’ve made this violent, pungent drama that remains to be one of the least subtle films of all time. Savagery (keep in mind, Quentin Tarantino scripted) and surrealistic editing takes control of the film in large part, which is why it can be relatively unenjoyable to watch at times, but when it comes down to it, this is a fine work of art. The performances, by Juliette Lewis and Woody Harrelson are really something else to marvel at. While some with true vision see the film as an intellectual masterpiece (I’m among them), others may see the movie as overkill and hogwash. The beauty of this picture is that it caters to no audience. It lets the viewers judge for themselves; my advice to you as the viewer is take in a viewing and formulate a thoughtful opinion knowing that the movie has no predispositions. You can never go wrong by entrusting director Stone with your precious moviegoing time.

Available on Netflix Instant Streaming
MPAA Rating: R

Scent of a Woman (1992)

★★★ ½ (Cole) ~ ★★★ (Jesse)

In a movie that clocks in at almost three hours of running time, Al Pacino may very well be the biggest, boldest highlight because of how powerful he plays his role of the old man who wants to see the city again. Scent of a Woman is a movie for the ages because of how tender the material is, and how delicate it is as a whole. It tells a touching story that is rarely thought about and, even more seldom than that, exercised. I can guarantee that you will leave this film with a good feeling.

Free on Xfinity On Demand
MPAA Rating: R

-All Reviews Written by Cole Pollyea & Jesse Burleson

WTWTW (8/16/13)

What To Watch This Weekend (8/16/13)

The River Wild (1994)

★★★ (Cole & Jesse)

Currently, on Free Movies on Xfinity On Demand, lies a hidden gem: a more subtle, exciting film about river rafting (more subtle in comparison to Deliverance, a movie of similar happenings). It boasts a cast of veteran actors (Kevin Bacon, Meryl Streep, and John C. Reilly (in his best role)), and each one gives an utterly convincing and frequently powerful performance. Yes, it’s a PG-13 thriller, so there are a few minor plot holes, but nothing that will stop you from savoring every second of this well crafted, involving, and unmistakably enjoyable motion picture that can and should be viewed by a family (with kids that are at least eight/nine) on a movie night that won’t disappoint.

Free on Xfinity On Demand 
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Bringing Out The Dead (1999)

★★★ (Jesse)

In the late 90's, Nicolas Cage made it his dream to emerge as a bona fide action star. When Martin Scorsese got on board to helm his latest flick, the former Oscar winner decided to take a short break. Bringing Out the Dead is a nightmarish drama about anxiety ridden Manhatten ambulance paramedics. If you've viewed most of Scorsese's work, you'll know that his best films are ones that don't have much of a plot. This claustrophobic caricature of a movie truly hammers that notion home. It has the blatant feel of Marty's most comfortable attributes. All the essential trademarks are evident (unique camerawork, stellar soundtrack, rapid editing) and Cage (as paramedic Frank Pierce) delivers a performance that suggests that he's tailor made for his role. This is definitely one of the top ten best films of 1999.

Available on Netflix Instant Streaming
MPAA Rating: R

The Bourne Legacy (2012)

★★★ (Jesse)

Jeremy Renner takes the reins from Matt Damon in this entertaining fourth Bourne entry that, in my mind, resembles the first film in the series (The Bourne Identity). He doesn't play the actual character of Jason Bourne. It's more like a subdued version. In fact, Renner plays CIA agent Aaron Cross. He's being hunted down based on the previous actions of  Bourne (in the previous 3 films of course). Bottom line: Renner steps into the lead role with no trouble at all. He easily handles the physical demands as well (the fights are very well choreographed and they're as good as anything in the previous outings). Ultimately, this is a satisfying entry and based on the popularity of these films, a 5th one may be on the way. I have one question though: because Renner is not Bourne, are the studio execs gonna keep tying that name to the series? 

Available at Redbox (Cost: $1.20 Per Day)
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Lethal Weapon (1987)

★★★★ (Jesse) ~ ★★★ (Cole)

With visceral, breathtaking action sequences and a shockingly good performance from Aussie bred Mel Gibson, Lethal Weapon stands as possibly the greatest buddy cop film ever made. After three star making performances in the Mad Max movies, Gibson (as suicidal cop Martin Riggs) built a whole new character niche for himself here. He is paired with the perfectly cast Danny Glover (L.A.P.D. Sergeant Roger Murtaugh) and the two of them become involved in taking down a ruthless drug dealer/murderer of the daughter of one of Murtaugh's closest friends. The very popular Lethal Weapon franchise went on to produce three more sequels. The fact that the first one stays away from the comedic element (this was overdone on the next 3 installments) makes it more atmospheric, more tension-filled, and vehemently more effective. Watch out for Gary Busey (a.k.a. Joshua) as a side villain who's pure, nasty fun. Richard Donner of The Goonies and Superman fame directs at a fast, workmanlike clip.

Available At Your Local Video Store

MPAA Rating: R

-All Reviews Written by Cole Pollyea & Jesse Burleson

WTWTW (8-9-13)

What To Watch This Weekend

(8-9-13)

Django Unchained (2012)

★★★ (Cole)

        If you love movies, especially Tarantino’s later works (as compared to his 90’s productions), Django Unchained is quite a bit to bathe in—though there may be too much. Homage, vibrancy, and lots of blood can be found here in this spaghetti western that managed to reel in an Academy Award and a few other nominations, including Best Picture. See the full review for a more in depth look at this film.

MPAA Rating: R
Available on Xfinity On Demand ($4.99) & Redbox ($1.20 Per Day)

Snitch (2013)

★★★ (Jesse & Cole)

Dwayne Johnson takes a break from being an action star to take on a more complex role in the Ric Roman Waugh directed Snitch. As a concerned dad trying to get his son out of jail for being set up in a drug deal, Johnson (character is John Matthews) gives a serious, and uniquely controlled performance. It's his best to date and it shows that he is trying his darndest to emote as an actor. The film is a little outlandish and it times, extremely far-fetched but it does a great job of ratcheting up tension throughout. Watch for the harrowing conclusion involving a nail-biting semi-truck chase (complete with elements of The Road Warrior and The Fast and the Furious). So far in 2013, I have to say that this is one of the best films to be released. Susan Sarandon and Barry Pepper add to the strong cast. See the full review for a more in depth look at the film.

MPAA Rating: PG-13
Available at Redbox ($1.20 Per Day) & Xfinity On Demand ($4.99)

Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

★★★ ½ (Jesse)

As a Detroit police officer gone rouge trying to avenge the death of his best friend (he does this by venturing out to Beverly Hills, CA), Beverly Hills Cop is, by far, the best film to utilize Eddie Murphy's skills as a gifted comedic actor. In a role once rumored to helm Sylvester Stallone in the lead, Murphy as wisecracking detective Axel Foley, gives his best performance in, what I consider, his best movie to date. Expertly plotted and directed with controlled craftsmanship by Martin Brest (director of Scent of a Woman), this was a monster box office hit and it spawned 2 more sequels ("Cop II” is pretty solid but "Cop III" is the one you should skip). Watch for the scene where Foley makes a sort of off-duty arrest in a strip club. This is one of the more memorable moments in 80's cinema.

Available on Netflix Instant Streaming
MPAA Rating: R

Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)

★★★ ½ (Cole)

        Every member of the cast is more than ideal and every moment is savored in Charlie Wilson’s War, a movie that makes geopolitics supremely entertaining, more so than any other film I’ve ever seen. Between the sharp script and the nice, swift pacing, it’s impossible not to fall victim to the enjoyability of this film. I only wish that it could’ve been longer. Before overlooking this movie (because it’s a political film), know this: it will fool you if you have an attitude like that, undoubtedly!

MPAA Rating: R
Available at Your Local Video Store

-All Reviews Written by Cole Pollyea & Jesse Burleson

WTWTW (8/2/13)

WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEKEND (8/2/13)

American Graffiti (1973)

★★★ (Cole) ~ ★★★★ (Jesse)

        Going down in history as one of the most resonating and iconic movies of all time, American Graffiti captures the teenage life of the 60's to an epic caliber. I was surprised to see that it was currently available for free on Xfinity on Demand, so I decided to include this in the weekly WTWTW. See the full review for a more in depth look at the film.

MPAA Rating: PG

FREE on XFINITY ON DEMAND

Scream (1996)

★★★ (Cole)

As cheesy as it is, Scream is a guilty pleasure of mine. I don’t know if I’d consider it a classic horror flick, but it’s still pretty serviceable, not to mention juicy. It’s dark; it’s intriguing; it’s scary; it's well plotted. It possesses most of the qualities that make a good horror movie... Despite its less-than-stellar acting. One of its major assets is how you put yourself in the place of the main characters, and experience their fear as the unknown masked killer stalks them down, and kills them. When you reach the end, and you’re shaking, and on the edge of you’re seat, you’ll know what I mean when I say that Scream is a real scary movie.

MPAA Rating: R
Available on NETFLIX INSTANT STREAMING (Click HERE To Add Scream to Your Queue)

Jack Reacher (2012)

★★★ (Jesse)

        Jack Reacher is a swift and slickly made thriller that features Tom Cruise (title role) as a former U.S. military officer who turns vigilant and takes matters into his own hands (he doesn't care about justice, he cares about what's right). The film is shot by the screenwriter of The Usual Suspects (Christopher McQuarrie) and it has effectively coarse action scenes in small doses. Watch for a restless, breathtaking car chase through the streets of Pittsburgh, a villain who will creep you out big time (interesting casting choice in director Werner Herzog), and an extended cameo by Oscar winner Robert Duvall (if you dug Days of Thunder, you might cherish the image of him and Cruise in the same scene). Overall, Jack Reacher is an entertaining yarn that might have been overlooked last Christmas. It's a solid rental with style to burn.

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Available at REDBOX ($1.20) & XFINITY ON DEMAND ($4.99)

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

★★★ (Jesse) ~ ★★ ½ (Cole)

       With a juicy script, strong performances, and harmless t.v. cop show overtones, The Lincoln Lawyer is an entertaining, fly by the seat of your pants ride. It also represents the best acting you'll ever see by Matthew McConaughey. He plays with confidence and aggression, a morally misguided defense attorney representing some shady (mostly guilty) clients. On the way to his court appointments or meetings with his defendants, he rides in a Lincoln Town Car (with his own personal driver I might add). Involving and absorbing yet containing a few plot holes (not to mention unsure character motives), this film nevertheless glides by on its slick, no nonsense approach. What The Lincoln Lawyer doesn't answer though, is whether or not to root for or feel any sympathy towards McConaughey's character (Mickey Haller). If you can get past that, basically you're left with a courtroom drama, a lightweight character study, and a hip hop music video all rolled up into one. I just wish that it didn't conclude without tying up a few loose ends first. However, The Lincoln Lawyer is, what I think to be a great "movie night" selection. Time to order the Pizza!

Available at YOUR LOCAL VIDEO STORE & XFINITY ON DEMAND ($2.99)
MPAA Rating: R


-All Reviews Written by Cole Pollyea & Jesse Burleson

WTWTW (7/26/13)

WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEKEND

7/26/13

Flight (2012)

★★★ ½ (Cole)  ~ ★★★ (Jesse)

        In what I consider one of the greatest films of the year 2012, Denzel Washington stars as an airline pilot—a talented, alcoholic airline pilot—who gets himself into a heap of trouble because the crash of his plane may lead back to his alcohol consumption. In addition to its numerous amount of potent scenes and the award-deserving cast, this movie doles out a serious life lesson in a very straightforward way. The director, Robert Zemeckis, illustrates to us the dangers of temptation and the destructive things that are in this world without dramatizing its occurrences in a way that is seldom seen done well: pragmatically. Flight is something that adult moviegoers must see because it is one among very few modern-day films that are utterly adult in its foundation; and it's unfortunate that there aren't more like it. 

MPAA Rating: R

Cost: $4.99 (On Xfinity On Demand)

Something’s Gotta Give (2003)

★★★ (Cole)

        While it isn’t as good as the film that came out six years before, As Good As It Gets, Something’s Gotta Give is an undeniably pleasurable movie-going experience that stars Jack Nicholson as the young woman-seeking Lothario who goes to his girlfriend’s beach house, only to end up falling in love with her mother, played by Diane Keaton. It’s long, maybe a little too long, but it is incredibly entertaining, and has several underlying messages about life. Look out for the great scenery, too.

Available on Netflix Instant Streaming

Broken City (2013)

★★★ (Jesse)

        Of the many Mark Wahlberg movies that are being released this year, Broken City might be the most overlooked and possibly the most underrated. Granted, it does have a recycled, cliched feeling to it, but it's entertaining, absorbing, and completely involving. Putting two big name stars together in Russell Crowe and Wahlberg makes sense. Their scenes no doubt crackle with high energy. If the movie does have faults, the chemistry between these two makes up for it. Playing like an episode of any number of cop shows (N.Y.P.D. Blue, Hill Street Blues, C.S.I., take your pick), Broken City is a well paced, tightly edited vehicle that details the mayor of New York City (Crowe as Mayor Nicholas Hostetler) hiring a private investigator (Wahlberg as Billy Taggart) to keep tabs on his wife. What's refreshing about this film is how it concludes. I mentioned earlier that it does have a familiarity problem. However, the ending is not happy and it's not what you'd expect. This flick showcases the final 20 minutes in an effective way and therefore doesn't cop out (get it?). Overall, if you want to view something that defines the word "rental" (I mean that in the best possible way), Broken City delivers the goods. I just wish the film had a better title (it seems generic and unsure of itself).

MPAA Rating: R

Available at Redbox (Cost: $1.20)

Escape From New York (1981)

★★★ ½ (Jesse)

         Unleashed into theaters in the summer of 1981, Escape From New Yorkis a true cult classic. It's a film of heightened originality and it is brought to you from the brilliant mind of director John Carpenter. Inspired by his reaction to the 1970's Watergate scandal (I'm not sure how this movie and Watergate are connected but it doesn't matter), this film depicts a dangerous criminal (Kurt Russell) racing against time to rescue the President of the United States (as well as retrieving a secret government cassette tape with messages on it). The worst part is that the President's plane goes down in Manhatten which, in the future, is the country's only maximum security prison. As antihero, former war soldier, and badly unshaven convict, Kurt Russell commands the screen as iconic screen legend, Snake "plissken". Doing a sort of younger Clint Eastwood impersonation, he still manages to make the character totally his own. He's helped out by an oddball cast consisting of Oscar winner Ernest Borgnine as a cab driver (huh?), music sensation Issac Hayes as the antagonistic "Duke of New York", and Halloween alum Donald Pleasence as well, the President (the flick doesn't give his name). "Escape" benefits from being quirky, action packed, and full of great one-liners courtesy of Russell. Yes, the film's special effects are easily outdated, but it's not about the effects per se. It's about Carpenter's terrific direction. He does an adequate job of filming with hardly any light (the shots of light he does use are soft and gleaming which look eerie as can be) and his synthesizer soundtrack (which he composed by the way) is tops all around (the opening title music is awesome, no joke). And as in most of his films (including the one I'm reviewing), he is methodical in character build up and setting up scenes for monster payoffs. Overall, this is a neat and satisfying futuristic sci-fi thriller. It will no doubt demand multiple viewings. Be on alert though for its inferior sequel Escape From L.A. Skip it unless you have nothing else to do.

MPAA Rating: R

Available at your local video store

-All Reviews Written by Cole Pollyea & Jesse Burleson

What To Watch This Weekend

What To Watch This Weekend (July 19th - July 21st)

Beetle Juice (1988)

★★★ (Cole) ~ ★★ ½ (Jesse)

Here’s the deal, Beetle Juice is a classical piece of work by Tim Burton. It’s probably one of the most inventive films of the 80’s, and it stars Michael Keaton as a renegade spirit of the afterlife that plays a role in the life of the newly deceased couple that have a hard time dealing with the afterlife, and that of the new family that bought the house they lived in. Wow, holy cow, this movie is a whole lot of fun. The spectacular makeup that won an Oscar and the visual effects (which are sort of laughable nowadays, so they can qualify as campy) make this movie an adventure. This is a picture that I cherished highly as a little kid. In fact, when Blockbuster was still around, I would have my parents rent that for me every weekend. It’s so easy to become lost in the wondrous story-telling here, and to make your time even better, fall prey to the eccentricity. Beetle Juice! Beetle Juice! Beetle Juice!

MPAA Rating: PG
Free on Xfinity On Demand

The Grey (2012)

★★★ ½ (Cole & Jesse)

Considering that it was my pick for third best film of the year 2012, The Grey is an expertly made film that stars no other than Liam Neeson as the brave leader of the pack of oil-riggers whose plane goes down in the middle of the Alaskan Wilderness. Now, before you roll your eyes, Neeson is excellent here. He may just be the best thing about it, actually. His performance is so haunting that it remains with you after the epic conclusion goes down. The tension is almost too much to handle, and the set design is spectacular. Not only does it do its job as a thriller, but you witness key scenes of a drama. Ultimately, the movie packs in so much that if you don’t like one aspect of it, you’ll like another. The Grey is a great way to spend an hour-and-a-half to two hours, because it’ll have you laughing, on the edge of your seat, and possibly even crying, not to mention marveling at the outstanding scenery. (Click HERE for the full review)

MPAA Rating: R
Available on Netflix Instant Streaming

Hitchcock (2012)

★★★ ½ (Jesse & Cole)

        Hitchcock is a well paced, finely tuned drama. It lightly explains what made the real Alfred Hitchcock tick during the making of his masterpiece Psycho in 1959. The film also filters in an important side plot about the complicated yet loving relationship between him and his wife (Alma Reville played to perfection by Hellen Mirren). Anthony Hopkins in the title role, gets all the mannerisms right. With some prothestics and a little make-up, he no doubt looks just like the "master of suspense." All and all, Hitchcock doesn't get too steeply dramatic. It's a very short film but it's so entertaining. I actually wanted it to be at least another half hour. Regardless, it's an involving, not too absorbing, way to kill an hour and a half. Watch for great, controlled supporting work from Scarlett Johansson (Janet Leigh) and James D'arcy (Anthony Perkins). Also, be prepared for a sort of abrupt ending. It's good, though, because there's plenty of Hollywood gold nestled in it. (Click HERE for the full review)

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Available at Redbox ($1.20 Per Day)

The Cable Guy (1996)

★★★ (Jesse & Cole)

        The Cable Guy is the type of dark comedy that may have been overlooked by many critics and a host of moviegoers. When it was released in the mid-90's, Jim Carrey's fans were expecting another Ace Ventura or Dumb and Dumber. When they were taken down a different road, they kind of stayed away (a rare weak box office take for the Gumby-like funnyman). I, however, embraced the darkness and relentless mischief that his character displayed. Make no doubt about it, he earned his paycheck ($20 million I believe). And yes, Jim sometimes goes over the top (the lisp thing got a little tiring), but he finds common ground with the addition of Matthew Broderick playing "straight man" to his lonely, desperate soul (Carrey's character has 3-4 names which I won't reveal). The film is not really about cable installment. It's about the need for friendship and the measures taken to achieve it. With each viewing (if you decide to view it more than once), you realize more and more that The Cable Guy is vastly underrated. Look for funny cameos from  young unknowns Owen Wilson, Lesile Mann, and star in the making Jack Black (pre High-Fidelity). Ben Stiller's direction is risky but it pays off showcasing a flick you can laugh at while feeling a tiny speck of empathy at the same time. Oh and watch for a side plot involving Stiller. Just think the 1993 murder trial of the Menendez brothers. Remember, it's a parody so there is no need to take it too seriously. 

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Available at your local video store and Xfinity On Demand

All Reviews Written by Cole Pollyea & Jesse Burleson