falconpunch Reviews

Superbad (2007)

To ANYONE who thought it was misogynistic (or PARENTS checking it out for their kids)

[10/10 · 19 August 2007]

I can't believe I'm explaining this, but there are some (only about 5%) who actually missed the point, so I thought I'd explain... (SPOILERS)

This movie (like all Rogen/Apatow films) brilliantly uses the stale old "American Pie" format to illustrate the confusion and awkwardness of male teenagers when it comes to sex. Through all the hilariously crass dialog at the beginning, it becomes obvious that guys are taught by society to treat women like objects. This much is true. BUT, the movie is totally about seeing through the hype and having a real relationship.

By the end, Evan's character has his conscience win out and decides that a drunken night with the girl he has liked for years will only make things worse in the long run. In Seth's case, he admits that his quest to get a hot girl drunk enough to "do" him is only a result of his crushing personal insecurity, and not what he ultimately wants to happen. Even "McLovin" is redeemed by not being angry when his moment is interrupted. Instead he learns that even the "super-cool cops" were awkward losers in high school and there will be time later on for sex.

When they walk off together as normal (and virgin) teenage couples, it should be obvious that they chose healthy relationships over their original horny fantasies.

A New Wave (2006)

uneven Guy Ritchie wannabe

[4/10 · 14 August 2007]

So I got this from the rental store where I work before it was released (release is 8/21), just watched it today, and now I'm speechless. They could have had a decent movie here, but they screwed it up in some painfully obvious ways.

First of all, the parts with John Krasinski were funny, and are the only reason I gave it above a 3, but they are broken up by bad acting and terrible "serious" reflections on life between the main character (Andrew Keegan) and his girlfriend (the annoying Lacy Chabert). It would have been much, much better as a straight comedy ala Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

I wanted to like it, because I think Krasinski is funny and want to see him do well. The story wasn't bad either, just not very original. But the directing (and a lot of the acting) was terrible. I swear they had trouble keeping peoples faces in the shot and just went with it anyway.

Their carelessness is showcased when the gun expert corrects another character and says that a "Dirty Harry" gun is not a .357 magnum but a .45 (it was, as everyone knows, a .44 magnum).

So see this if you 1- really like John Krasinski 2- like to watch low-budget (and poorly-directed) movies or 3- Have too much time on your hands (this is me!)