Tag: Melissa McCarthy
Ghostbusters: Sci-fi comedy remake plays it safe
by Matt Ward
Nothing about the recent all-female remake of “Ghostbusters” could accurately be described as original. But luckily for moviegoers, that isn’t a death knell for the film’s enjoyment prospects or even something to lament. The fact that nothing about the film does a disservice to the Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis penned series from director Ivan Reitman is by all means a good thing. The … Read More Ghostbusters: Sci-fi comedy remake plays it safe
How to Be Single: Leading ladies make middling rom-com work
by Matt Ward
Dakota Johnson breaks up with a boyfriend to find herself. Rebel Wilson wants to teach her how single life – and sexual promiscuity – can be really fun. Leslie Mann puts her job as an OB-GYN over relationships and the possibility of motherhood. Alison Brie thinks she can manipulate the 10 online dating services she uses to find Mr. Right. It’s in this vapid, … Read More How to Be Single: Leading ladies make middling rom-com work
Spy: Melissa McCarthy makes comedic comeback
by Matt Ward
Sookie St. James is making a comeback. The warm, kind-hearted neighbor character played to perfection by comedienne Melissa McCarthy in TV’s “Gilmore Girls” has been largely missing from the rising star’s film credits, while McCarthy has made her name mucking it up in less than savory roles. Her latest adventure, the spoof film “Spy,” is by no means family-friendly entertainment, but continues a step … Read More Spy: Melissa McCarthy makes comedic comeback
Pitch Perfect 2: Avoid the pitfall of comedy sequels
by Matt Ward
While “Mad Max: Fury Road” does a masterful job of weaving a feminist message into an action film, “Pitch Perfect 2” smashes stereotypes straight out of a Spice Girls song over viewers’ heads like that annoying song you can’t get out of your head stuck on repeat for hours on end. That song, by the way, in “Pitch Perfect 2” is the Pitbull song … Read More Pitch Perfect 2: Avoid the pitfall of comedy sequels
St. Vincent: Indie dramedy a work of art for Bill Murray
by Matt Ward
“St. Vincent” doesn’t work without Bill Murray. The film, which centers around a crotchety old drunk gambler who takes care of his neighbor’s son to pay off gambling debts, could have been made with any number of other actors. However, it’s only “Saturday Night Live” vet Murray who can handle the humor required to make the majority of the film enjoyable enough to balance … Read More St. Vincent: Indie dramedy a work of art for Bill Murray
Cinematic Considerations 