Tag Archives: Jonah Hill

21 Jump Street: A re-make you’ll thank God for

Posted on March 15, 2012 by The Filmsmith | Leave a comment

Whenever we as human beings are privy to something truly extraordinary, something that ignites an emotional power we usually only get glimmers of, we effusively try to convey the minutiae of that moment to others. 21 Jump Street is just such an occasion. With every new scene, every new cut, something hilariously brilliant and unexpected is lurking around the frame. Your throat’s going to go raw from cheering and your hands sore from clapping. This is what re-make dreams are made of.

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Moneyball eschews convention

Posted on October 17, 2011 by The Filmsmith | Leave a comment

You know that fall Oscar season is on the march when the “based on a true story” dramas start rolling out to your local cinema. Moneyball looks to be cashing in on this tired format, combining baseball with all-American star Brad Pitt as he tries to win the big game against all odds. Yet it refuses traditional trappings that are both pleasurable and middling. Continue reading →

Dreamworks’ “Megamind” still can’t compete with Pixar

Posted on November 6, 2010 by The Filmsmith | Leave a comment

Since late spring there has been continuous buzz about the latest from Dreamworks, Megamind. Starring Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt, and Jonah Hill, this animated superhero film about a supervillain switching sides sounds pretty enticing – which it is and is not.

There are some enjoyable aspects to Megamind, but it fails to reach the dramatic heights of a Pixar film. Instead it’s more of an “eh” movie experience. A Donkey Kong reference, allusions to Superman (comic book origins and the original film), and other general comedy bits had me laughing more than the kids in the audience; and when the usual setup between superhero and supervillain is subverted, I was actually impressed. However, this surprising moment occurs early and there aren’t any other intriguing plot elements to sustain the film for the rest of the run time.

Overall it’s an okay film, but nothing sublime. You probably don’t want to pay to see this in cinemas, but would be a decent rental.

*In the film, supervillain Megamind has posters made of himself much like the Barack Obama posters of 2008, except they say “No you can’t.” which provides an amusing, albeit, sad sting after the 2010 elections this week.