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21 Jump Street

Directors: Phil Lord and Chris Miller
Writers: Jonah Hill and Michael Bacall
Released: 2012
Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Brie Larson, Dave Franco, Ice Cube
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So it’s not the typical genre that I would watch at the cinema, so my expectations were somewhat low. However, I am happy to say that this film was certainly a good laugh! I did enjoy it.

I guess it was specifically marketed at the Gen-Y population – I couldn’t see my parents enjoying it.

It surprised me that it was the same directors as Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs – what a change in genre! Yet, very well done nonetheless. It reminded me of Hot Fuzz because it mocked the action genre, pointing out typical occurances that would happen in an action film such as when a car would blow up and what would happen etcetera…

My favourite part was when the failed policemen (Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill) were sent to high school undercover thinking that they would have it all under control since they were experienced high schoolers, until they realise that the classical sterotyped groups were all different this time around. So true – something only a recent graduate would truely get.

The scene about The Miranda Rights made me wet my pants it was so funny!
“Uh… You have the right to be an attorney…”
“Did you just say.. You have the right to be an attorney??”
“Well, you do have the right to be an attorney.. If you want to..”

Although some pretty crude humour and a whole load of swearing, which was definately to be expected, I enjoyed this film. And the only reason why I wouldn’t buy it on DVD would be because I don’t like this genre in general. But this is the best comedy I’ve seen in a while.

Jodie’s rating: 6/10

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Directors: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
Writers: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (screenplay), Judi and Ron Barrett (story)
Released: 2009
Starring: Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan, Andy Samberg, Bruce Campbell, Bobb’e J. Thompson, Mr. T, Benjamin Bratt, Neil Patrick Harris
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Animated films have been growing in popularity because of the flexibility and ability to create elaborate sets. Fantastic films have been made thanks to the advanced technology now available from Toy Story 3 to Megamind to this film; Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

Bill_Hader_in_CloudyI was skeptical at first as it seemed like a silly and random storyline. However, after watching it from start to finish I found that the humour was similar to that of Megamind (one of my favourite animations) and the fantasy element like the 2009 animation Coraline.

It was the crazy gestures and facial expressions which I thought was the funniest element. Particularly the main character’s father who simply had a monobrow, a nose and a mustache. The creativity was pretty awesome in regards to the natural disasters formed by food, as well as the colour and realistic food which made me want to eat a hamburger so badly (despite being a vegetarian, so that shows how far graphics have come these days!).cloudywithachanceofmeatballs-sequel

Typically there are mostly stereotyped characters, but that wasn’t really a surprise for a film which is targeting a younger audience. Having said that, these animations (with Toy Story 3 in mind) aren’t boring for the older viewers – cartoons are not just for kids any more.

cloudyIt was a simple storyline, however. Despite me trying to look deeper – perhaps it’s a stab at genetic modification or corporations wanting to rule the world or global warming – I found it lacked substance. Plus, the ‘absolute low’ in this film lasted as long as a blink. Not very much suspense at all. Perhaps it really was just a film with a tired moral of “not giving up on your dreams”… *sigh*

Cloudy-With-a-ChanceIt’s an easy-to watch film which is pretty funny (not as funny as Megamind) and fantastical (not as fantastical as Coraline) with a typical “they all lived happily ever after” ending.

Somewhat disappointing but perhaps my hopes were too high.

Jodie’s rating: 6.5/10