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Jul 31, 2009

TGITDNMAR (7/31/09)

It's that time again for TGITDNMAR, which (obviously) stands for Thank God It's The Day New Movies Are Released.

Since I can't think of anything wildly poignant or fitting for this space, here's my top five worst musical acts of the 80s (no one-hit wonders), since I've had various Hall & Oates songs stuck in my head at different points this week:

5. Asia
4. Journey
3. Air Supply
2. REO Speedwagon
1. Hall & Oates

Funny People
A couple questions:

Aren't you just asking for trouble by naming your movie that? Might as well call an Oscar bait film Good Actors. Set the expectations lower.

Why is Jason Schwartzman relegated to fifth-level (if that) co-starring roles? This is Max Fischer, for chrissakes! Give the man some starring roles.

I don't know anyone that's *excited* about seeing Funny People, despite Apatow's track record. This just has the scent of "funny one minute, sappy the next" all over it. Nonetheless, its competition is weak this week, so pencil me in for an eventual theatrical viewing.
Fletch's Chance of Viewing (in the theater): 77%

Aliens in the Attic
Have you seen the trailer for this? Even by kids' movie standards, it looks just "turrible." Like Gremlins crossed with Small Soldiers crossed with something crappy. To boot, the best actors involved (J.K. Simmons and Thomas Haden Church) are only voice actors - bad for us, but probably a wise choice by them. Andy Richter and two girls named Ashley are also on board.

You've been warned.
Fletch's Chance of Viewing: 1%

The Collector
No. C'mon, you should have seen this coming a mile away.
Fletch's Chance of Viewing: 0%


12 people have chosen wisely: on "TGITDNMAR (7/31/09)"

Nick said...

I know a few people who are super excited for Funny People. I'm not one of them, but I'll probably be seeing it, as it's Judd Apatow (and ACTUALLY Judd Apatow, not just him as producer or somebody using all his usual actors). To me, the movie doesn't look all that funny. At least from what the trailer has shown, it looks more depressing than anything... mixed with some dark humor. But I've also heard there are a lot of penis jokes, so... who knows?

Your "turrible" reminded me of a Frank Caliendo impression... that's funny.

I've heard "The Collector" getting some pretty decent reviews, which is rare for a horror movie these days. It's not showing here, though, so it'll probably be a while before I see it. At least the premise is interesting.

Reel Whore said...

I'm excited about Funny People, not terribly so, but as excited as Nick for an actual Apatow film. I remember never being floored by 40YOV or KU trailers and they surprised me, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Aliens in the Attic looks like double trouble crap on a stick.

I know little to nothing about the Collector, but I can get in to see it for $5 at the indie theater so I'm there.

Joe Baker said...

Ehh, of the ones listed, Journey is ok. I can remember listening to Steve Perry's "Oh Sherry" like 15 times in a row when I was 12 or thirteen. He does have a great rock voice. And thanks, Fletch. When I got up today, the last thing I thought I'd do was comment on freakin' Journey.

Reel Whore said...

BTW, I was just going to let that slight against Journey slide...

Fletch said...

Yes, my turrible was intended to be Charles Barkley - hence the quotes.

I think you and I (and most people) are on the same wavelength for Funny People. Yea, we'll see it, but mostly based on Apatow's reputation.

My top 5 list needs to have some sort of scale attached to it. The more awful songs a band had, the higher on the list they go. For example, Air Supply is probably (somehow) even worse than H & O, but they don't have nearly the catalog of crapocity.

Journey is the least bad of all the ones listed, as they (can't believe I'm saying this) actually made some decent music, but they had a lots of hits, most of which make me want to stab my ears. And the videos...oh the videos...

Nick said...

Yes! Charles Barkley. That's who Frank Caliendo was doing the impression of. I was gonna say "Some basketball player," but didn't want to get jumped or something.

Jason Soto said...

1. Funny People was funny. It doesn't get too super dramatic or anything. Maybe a few scenes with Adam Sandler looking a bit down but that's about it. He and Seth Rogan are great together.

2. JOURNEY IS FUCKING AWESOME!!!

That is all.
-Jason

Farzan said...

Funny People was great and one of the best films of the summer. It definitely feels longer than it should be, but its still hilarious. Going to see it again tomorrow. Should have a review go up Monday.

Nick said...

I'd like to challenge your "doesn't get too dramatic or anything," Jason. Or know your definition of dramatic :P .

(Just got back from seeing the way-too-serious Funny People).

Jason Soto said...

I think the funny stuff outweighed the serious stuff. The only dramatic stuff I remember is a montage of Adam Sandler swimming/in the shower after hearing the news and when he was talking to his friends, "friends", and family.

Otherwise all the stand up stuff, the interactions with all the characters, and just what they were doing was funny, which was like 80% of the movie.

I dunno, tomato, tomatoe.
-Jason

Fletch said...

Boy, response to Funny People sure seems to be all over the board. A co-worker told me today that seeing it was "a mistake." Of course, I don't think I would have expected her to like it, but still...

I'm sure we'll see it later this week, but yeah, I'm still not crazy interested in doing so. It's more out of a lack of competition. the Hurt Locker may win in the end, despite the theater it's at being further away.

Nick said...

Fletch: Whatever people say, don't go in expecting big laughs. The movie a drama with a sprinkle of humor (sorry, Jason). There are laughs in it, but more mild chuckles... no belly laughs or anything. At least for me, anyway. It was just way too serious for its own good.