Friday, December 23, 2016

Office Christmas Party Review

There's always good chemistry for comedy when you put Jennifer Anniston and Jason Bateman together in a comedy. However they were playing quite opposite each other this time.  While the story centers around a brother and sister's styles of management, it ultimately comes down to the importance of the party. T.J. Miller plays the childlike and very caring Clay Vanstone trying to be reminiscent of his father's leisurely, yet employee-friendly  style of management but his sister Caroll (Anniston) trying to take her brother down who had a more favorable relationship with their deceased father.  Meanwhile the real management is Bateman and Olivia Munn, making their division strong. Because of the sibling animosity, CEO Carol Vanstone threaten to close the division.  So the antics ensue.

In the background of this movie are strong comedic performances from Kate McKinnon, Randall Park, "Ballers" star. Rob Corddry, Randall Park, Sam Richardson and Karan Soni. Surprisingly Courtney Vance gives us a few laughs as well.

This one is not for the kids, politically correct or conservative, it does invoke a sense of dysfunctional work family.  There is a lot of sexual content and bad behavior, but the to me it is a few laughs but not enough for a second viewing.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Fences is AWESOME

What can be said of the combination of the genius of playwright August Wilson and Denzel Washington as actor and director?   The perfect blend for the-play -brought-to-screen FENCES. Viola Davis and Denzel Washington pair up for an Oscar formidable performance. The words of August Wilson are painted thoughtfully on the big screen. The original play's fluid wording create its own score. The city of Philadelphia's beauty shines against the cinematography.  Newcomer Jovan Adepo, stands his acting ground with the rest of the veteran actors. Along with Davis and Washington, Mykelti Williamson's portrayal of Troy Maxson's (Washington's character) brain injured brother Gabriel, is absolutely amazing, touching. 
Go, go, and go again to see this awesome movie.