Movie Review: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

When I first read about Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, it went on my must-see list, and then was promptly forgotten about. I fear this may have happened around the country, and I am here to tell you to run out right now and see it before it disappears.

The movie is a night in the life of boy-meets-girl. They have such a cute "meet cute", you're already starting to swoon. And if at first some of the characters seem more college age than the high school seniors they are, don't worry. Nick and Norah's charming awkwardness will soon remind you of yourself, maybe a bit too much.

The night unfolds with the search for a band, two ex's (one for each Nick and Norah), Nick's gay bandmates who play matchmakers, and the city of New York. And music, so much music. Unlike many films obstinately about music, in this film the music is like it is in real life. It's background, forefront, a passion, an aside, a way to connect, a reason not to. It's all those things and it works so well that it becomes organic to the story and not an overwhelming plug for a band or a music video for a song.

As for the central romance, I truly think this movie is right up there with the sacred cow, Say Anything. Micheal Cera is just as dork-adorable, and unlike Ione Skye, Kat Dennings is beautiful but relatable. She's a pitch perfect anygirl, going from average to soft to sharp to stunning.

The supporting characters are very well done, especially Ari Graynor as Norah's best friend. Her performance as a drunk girl is spot-on, if cringe worthy. Nick's two best friends and the guy they pick up are hilarious and lovely, and the movie is filled with great lines.

I'm so charmed by this movie, not only am I buying it the day it comes out, I'm also offering to take anyone in the tri-state area with me to see it. You must see it now. You will not regret.

Movie Review: The Incredible Hulk

I was very resist to see this movie for no real reason other than I just didn't feel like seeing the movie. Loki and I had come from a two movie weekend with one almost not living up to the hype and the other no bringing to fruition the creepiness of the director's previous movies.

I did not see Ang Lee's version of the Hulk. Nor did I really want to. Being a Marvel girl myself (as opposed to say a DC girl) I wasn't thrilled with them making the Hulk and I'm not sure why. Edward Norton? Really?

Well, yes. Edward Norton. Good choice. Tim Roth as the Abomination? Another excellent choice. Liv Tyler? So so. She didn't take away from it, but didn't add (at least for me) anything. I was leery of CGI effects that it would take to make the Hulk and the Abomination, but it worked.

Keep in mind, The Hulk does not have the playful nature that Iron Man does. It's a lot more serious...which isn't saying that it's not fun. Just keep it in mind. For fan boys (and girls) there are lots of in-jokes to chuckle at. Oh, and Stan Lee has a bigger cameo in it! At least ten seconds! I don't know why I keep using exclamation points!

I'm not as familiar with the mythology of the Hulk, so I don't know who the future villain (The Leader) is. Though Loki did fill me in after the movie. He also did mention that the Rouges Gallery isn't as impressive as say Spider-Man's or the X-Men's Rouges Gallery.

The story? Oh, yes. The story.

Bruce Banner (the Hulk when not in Hulk form) is trying to find a cure to the gamma radiation. General Ross is bent on finding him and bringing him back to the US. In the process he recruits Emil Blonsky, a Russian born, England raised soldier. He sees the Hulk and the power that he has and become obsessed with having that same power. Lots of action, lots of angst (Bruce versus himself, father versus daughter, Hulk versus the world), lots of potential to make a franchise.

I give a four out of five.

Movie Review: Iron Man

Who better to play an egotistical, alcoholic playboy than Robert Downey, Jr? Okay, maybe Charlie Sheen, but Downey excelled at playing Tony Stark, billionaire/inventor/playboy/genius, with both the arrogance and the vulnerability required to make this story really engrossing.

For non-Fanboys, Tony Stark owns a weapons company and he himself is a robotics expert who personally invents many of the devices. He drinks, he philanders, he gambles, he skips meetings and events, he tinkers with his high tech "toys" while leaving all the real work to his faithful assistant Pepper (Gwenyth Paltrow). On a trip to Afgahnistan (modified from the original comic's Vietnam), Stark is captured by cave-dwelling rebels led by an evil warlord. Seeing that they have managed to get his weapons, Stark creates his Iron Man suit and sets out to defend the world from the weapons which have fallen into the wrong hands.

Not just a movie for comic book guys, it's filled with action, comedy and very light romance (very, very light). I thought the foreshadowing of the "true" bad guy made it a little too obvious, so there is no big shock when his deeds are revealed. I missed one obvious clue, so had a bit of a "duh" moment, but that's just me. Overall, great casting, great effects, good story, good humor. And of course, a hilarious and brief cameo by Stan the Man, himself.

Five out of five stars and stick around through the credits, especially if you know Fury :D

Movie Review: Cloverfield

Paperback Writer here.

Loki and I went to see Cloverfield this weekend. It took me this long to try and put down a review...

And I think it might be difficult for me to write a proper review without giving away some of the details.

But I'll try.

First, don't go in with any expectations. You'll probably have a better time that way.

Second, if you get motion sickness this movie is not for you. Seriously.

Third, this isn't a Hollywood movie. Meaning?

Well...

(Don't say I didn't warn you)

It doesn't have an "ending" per se. Oh, it ends all right. Abruptly. And not prettily for anyone. The ending is not satisfying at all. And yes, there were a couple of boos from the audience (which was sold out, by the way), but there was still an even greater number that was blown away by it. Loki included. He said that he hasn't been that scared by a movie in a long time. In fact, after we got home, the both of us didn't get to bed until very early the next morning. Loki was just hopped up on adrenaline and I was up filling in all the details that weren't explained in the movie.

Now, keep in mind that despite the abrupt ending and the very shaky camera work (it's all filmed from the viewpoint of one camera...a hand held camera) that this isn't really a movie about monsters (though it is really terrifying when you see the monsters) it's more a movie about how people react in survival situations. Loki tells me that it is much like how Night of the Living Dead is about survival against zombies.

I can see what he means.

He tells me that there are a lot of mixed opinions regarding this movie: how it is an allegory about 9-11; that it plays on their fears about it; that it's not a movie for people over 30. I don't know. I guess it could be an allegory about 9-11. But I didn't see it that way. Would I go back and see it? No. But that doesn't mean that I didn't dislike the movie.

*sigh*

I guess I'm about as mixed up as all those other reviews floating around on Rotten Tomatoes.

:)

Anyway, things to remember when going in: hand held camera work, people that you don't know who star in a movie, very stressful and the most important thing to remember? Have no expectations. Keep an open mind.

And that's all I'm going to say about it.

Eight out of ten stars.

Movie Review: I am Legend

Paperback Writer here.

Today, Loki and I went to see I am Legend with Jami's favorite actor, Will Smith, based on the original book by Richard Matheson. I enjoyed the movie (even though I spent 2/3 of it watching it through my fingers) and it sticks to the basic plot of the original novel.

Now, now, now. If you read the book, you know that this isn't entirely true, okay? The book was written in the 50's, so naturally, the movie has been updated, okay?

A virus has been created that supposedly cures a tragic disease...but what happens is that these people who have been saved...begin to mutate. If you've seen the trailers then you know what these creatures resemble. If not, then...use your imagination.

Anyway, which is where we pick up with Robert Neville (Smith), a military medical doctor trying to find a cure. He spends most of the movie with his trusty dog, Sam. And of course, things start to go wrong. Very, very wrong. The cuts between the year 2009, the year where this miracle drug has been discovered to Neville's current year, 2012. The world is a wasteland with abandoned cars, crops growing in Central Park and lions roaming Times Square.

Last 1/3 of the movie though, is where it deviates from the book. I won't go into too much detail, it sort of feels...forced. It's a good movie, but I would've liked to see how people began their transformation.

I'll give it a three out of four stars.

PS - Animals die...and I didn't like it. It made me very sad. Just saying.

Movie Reviews: Santa Baby, the Santa Clause 3: the Escape Clause

It's that time of year again, when studios churn out the "feel good" Santa-themed schlock in the hopes of plucking your heart-strings to get to your cash. Sadly, I've noticed that they almost always have a theme of: Santa can't/won't do his job this year and someone inexperienced or with a "better" idea or whatever is taking over with (theoretically) hilarious results. Not that I'm cynical.

Santa Baby stars Jenny McCarthy as Mary, a workaholic marketing executive who is called back to her small-town home ("Polaris") when her father, Santa (George Wendt), suffers a non-fatal heart attack. Mary is certain that she can improve the whole Christmas process, automating the toy building and letter processing, etc. With her equally cold, workaholic boyfriend back in the big city, Mary rekindles her romance with a high school sweetheart who never left the small town. The elves provide most of the comedy, played as sort of well-meaning idiot-children who bumble through tasks. Cute and predictable, you can watch this with your kids, grandma, whoever. It's not so cutesy or over-sweet that you'll gag, not so boring that you'll turn it off. I don't think I'd buy it, even on sale, but if it's on TV, I might watch.

The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause is the third installment of Tim Allen's Santa Clause movies. To be honest, I thought the first one was cute and the second was obnoxious, so I didn't have high hopes for this one. In this movie, Santa grows overwhelmed with family responsibilities and preparing for Christmas, as Jack Frost (Martin Short) sabotages all his endeavours because Frost desires to be a more important mythical figure. In a "Wonderful Life" way, Santa/Scott sees how miserable everyone would be if he'd never become Santa. With appearances by Aisha Tyler, Spencer and Abigail Breslin, Michael Dorn, Alan Arkin, Ann-Margaret, Kevin Pollack and Peter Boyle, the movie is watchable and enjoyable, if predictable. Better than the last movie, but not an instant holiday classic.

Both movies, 2 stars out of 5. I'd say, rent the Muppets Christmas Carol instead.

The Heartbreak Kid

Here's my warning; if you hate Ben Stiller, you will hate this movie. Do not go. Do not even bother to read this review.

Still with me? Right, then.

Ben Stiller is a 40 year old bachelor who's never been able to pull the trigger on any of his romances, including a 5 year engagement. On his way home from his ex-fiance's wedding, he meets a beautiful younger woman. She later tracks him down at the store he owns and their romance blossoms, in a funny way. She's going to be moved to Rotterdam for work because she's single, and after debate he decides they should get married. So they do. And it all goes downhill from there.

Jerry Stiller, Ben's real-life dad, plays his father in the movie , and Rob Corddry plays his best friend. They are both hilarious. The movie is filled with laugh-out-loud scenes, and quieter scenes that also make you laugh uproariously. It's really very, very funny. And of course uncomfortable, because Stiller is known for his movies where the guy acts like a complete idiot, complicating a difficult situation even more so.

There is a love interest, of course, and in the beginning I was rooting for Stiller's boy-man Eddie. But by the end, I just wanted to smack him, although I doubt that would do any good, as he gets his share of beatings and they deter him none.

There was a bit of press about the rating of this movie, and the much-heralded return of the adult comedy. I have to say the film earned it's R rating, and it's most definitely a movie for grown-ups. I wouldn't take even an older teenager to this movie. And if you're looking for a moral, you won't find it here.

In short, a hilarious yet uncomfortable movie with no neat, tidy ending.

Movie Review: Shoot 'Em Up

Paperback Writer here.

Today, Loki and I saw Shoot 'Em Up. And let me tell you this movie was completely and utterly implausible. But that didn't stop us from enjoying the movie thoroughly. Remember to turn your brain off before the movie starts.

Anyway, this movie is about a man, Smith played by Clive Owen, (you never get to know his real name) who is protecting a newborn baby after his mother gets shot by the bad guys. Why? Don't worry about the why people. That's just tacked on! Enjoy the guns blazing, the innovative ways Smith gets out of a jam and the carrots.

Yes, I said the carrots.

It seems our man Smith loves to eat carrots. He even grows them. In his old, rundown place. The villain, played by Paul Giamatti calls him Bugs Bunny. And I don't blame him. The first scene sees Smith eating a full carrot...dipped in coffee. A pregnant woman comes by followed by a car filled with assassins. The first assassin passes Smith, gives him the once over and then keeps following the woman.

To which, Smith, responds with "Fuck...." and goes to dispatch the killer.

It's a scant one hour and 20 minutes. But it goes by quickly.

And no. This is so not for kids under 12.

Four out of five stars.

And yes, I think I've developed a deep crush on Clive Owen. ;)

Movie Review: Kickin' It Old Skool

1986 - Justin, a 10-year-old, takes a bad fall in a break-dancing contest and winds up in a coma.

2006 - Justin, now an atrophied 30-year-old played by Jamie Kennedy, wakes up in the hospital to the surprise of all involved.

As a child in an adult's body and an unfamiliar time, Justin does fairly well. He manages to round up his old group of friends, now all grown up and disillusioned. His grade school crush shows up, engaged to his old rival. To win her back and save his parents house, Justin and his "Funky Fresh Boys" must win a dance contest TV show.

Yes, it's about as good as it's sounds. There are a few laughs, and plenty of "weren't the 80s a funny time?" jokes. We didn't turn it off, but we didn't pause it when we needed to get a snack, either.

2 out of 5 stars

Movie Review: Blades of Glory

What can I say about a movie in which Will Ferrell and Jon Heder play former competitive figure skaters banned from Men's skating who team up to skate as a couple? You won't be surprised by any of the jokes, they are amusing in the standard Will Ferrell way. It's a funny movie, but not at the level of Ron Burgundy or even Kicking and Screaming.

Ferrell plays the "maverick" skater, a (supposedly) sexy, partying guy. Heder is the prissy "classical" skater, and they've been bitter rivals for years. After a fist fight breaks out at the Winter Games medal ceremony, both are banned from skating. Eventually, they end up finding out they are eligible to compete, just not singly. Craig T. Nelson plays the coach who brings them together. Real life spouses Will Arnett and Amy Poehler hilariously play a brother-sister pair skating team opposing them.

There are the out of shape jokes, the awkward "gay" things, the training montage. The outrageous costumes steal the show, almost another character unto themselves. The DVD has some fun extras, including a look at the stars learning to skate, and how some of the more complicated moves were pulled off. If you're a Will Ferrell fan, you'll enjoy this movie, but don't run out and get it RIGHT NOW. It's a good one for a night you don't feel like thinking too hard.

3 1/2 stars out of 5.

Movie Review: The Ultimate Gift

If I had to sum up this movie in one word, that word would be "predictable". Nothing that happens in this film is going to catch you by surprise if you're over age 10. It's not a bad movie, and there are a few chuckles in it, but if you want something new, this isn't it.

The Ultimate Gift has the feel of a made-for-the-Hallmark-Channel movie, but without Valerie Bertinelli. The premise: a rich guy dies and leaves his horrible, spoiled adult children nothing of value, but to his even-worse grandson, he promises the "Ultimate Gift" if he just follows a set of instructions. For each step he completes he'll get a gift, and if he makes it through them all, he gets the big one.

As you'd expect, the spoiled rich kid learns a series of lessons, and along the way meets a poor single mother with a sick child (Abigail Breslin, adorable in a sarcastic, too-wise-for-her-years way) who befriend and help him learn what's really important. It's a movie you might want to watch with your younger kids and talk about the important things the guy learned, but probably not for yourself.

The DVD also includes a pitch for the book that goes with the movie and a bunch of other "life-changing" materials, in an almost infomercial way. You know, in case you need some more schmaltz.

1.5 out of 5 stars

Movie Review: Perfect Stranger

I like a good mystery and I like suspense, not gore or violence, but the edge-of-your seat kind of tensions that makes you jump when the music swells, even if nothing actually happened. This is not that kind of movie, though that's what I was hoping for.

Halle Berry, of whom I've never been a huge fan, plays a newspaper reporter out to bring down the rich and powerful by uncovering their scandals. When her latest muck-raking effort is sabotaged, she quits the paper, but becomes drawn into what might be an even bigger cover-up. Her partner/friend from the paper (Giovanni Ribisi), continues to help her on the sly as she pursues the head of a large advertising agency (Bruce Willis) who may have killed her childhood friend.

Probably the best thing I can say for this is that I didn't (quite) figure out the ending. Berry's acting is so-so, Ribisi is good playing pretty much the same guy he usually does and Bruce Willis is Bruce Willis. There's no real suspense, not much action, and the story moves at a fairly slow pace. Not slow like nicely spaced out, but more like revelation, kill some time, hint-hint, kill some time, Isn't This Creepy?, kill some time.

I got bored enough in parts to play solitaire on my phone while I watched, but it wasn't bad enough to turn off. I'd say, watch it for free if you have a chance, but I don't think I'd even recommend renting it.

2 out of 5 stars

Movie Review: The Simpsons

Please understand, this review being written by me - Jami, comes from someone who had loved the Simpsons since they aired as shorts during the Tracey Ullman Show. I know Millhouse's parent's first names. I know what the dowry agreement for Manjula and Apu's betrothal was. I know the episode titles. I am a Simpsons Geek and have no shame.

I loved the movie. I went in both excited and a little apprehensive, since other eagerly anticipated movies have let me down (I'm talking to you, Phantom Menace).

THE GOOD:
The movie plays like a lengthened Simpsons episode, with slightly worse language and brief full-frontal male nudity. That is not a joke. The reason the Simpsons has remained one of the funniest shows on TV is the perfect mix of low-brow, slapstick silliness and the more obscure or literary humor, and the movie echos that well.

THE BAD:
Even though all the minor players are visible and may have a line or two, most don't say a think and none are really a big part of the story.

I don't want to give away anything, so my basic point is this - however you feel about the Simpsons on your TV, I'd bet that's how you'll feel about the movie.

Thank you, Come Again!

5 stars out of 5

Movie Review: Fracture

A murder mystery where you see the crime in the first few minutes of the movie? That's exactly what this movie is. Ted Crawford (Anthony Hopkins with a charming brogue) murders his philandering wife early in this picture. The intrigue begins after ADA Willy Beachum (Ryan Gosling) who can't wait to get out of prosecuting and into the world of corporate law catches the seemingly open-and-shut case. He confessed, the cops have his gun, the security cameras show that no one else came or went from the house - so why does Crawford plead not guilty?

Not a psychological thriller, not really a whodunit, definitely not a comedy or romance, I'm not sure what to call this movie, but it certainly drew me in and kept my attention. The major question bugged me throughout and I didn't figure it out before the reveal. All the actors perform at top level, and even though it felt a little tacked on, Beachum's romance added some interest and a tiny piece of insight into the character.

The best part of this movie is that it was different from pretty much anything else I've seen. I recommend it strongly.

4 out of 5 stars

Movie Review: Wild Hogs

Start this movie without great expectations and you'll be fine. The basic story is: four middle-aged guys (the suburban dad, the hen-pecked guy, the computer nerd and the newly-divorced one) who meet once a week to ride their motorcycles decide to take a cross-country trip. Hilarity ensues. Okay, well, not hilarity, but a few minor surprises and some funny moments.

Stealing the scenes he's in is the formidable John C. McGinley. You may recognize him if you are a fan of Scrubs, where he plays Dr. Cox. Though he's not in more than a total of about 10 minutes, I definitely laughed hardest when he was on-screen.

There's nothing all that exciting or new, but if you want a light comedy that won't challenge you - this is it.

2 1/2 stars out of 5.

Movie Review: I Think I Love My Wife

I saw this movie (out on DVD today) for three reasons: Chris Rock, Steve Buscemi and Gina Torres. Chris Rock is hilarious, and since he directed and co-wrote the movie, I had high hopes. Steve Buscemi has a talent for picking interesting stuff, plus something about him just makes me happy. Gina Torres is gorgeous and part of me hopes that if I continue to watch things with her in it I will spontaneous start to look like her. I didn't really have any expectations going in, though I recalled it didn't do well at the box office.

The movie boils down to this: Rock plays a married man, in the boring rut of his day-to-day existence and shut out from sex by his wife engages in what we'd probably have to call an "emotional affair" with an attractive woman he knew before. Some not-so-subtle racial content is mixed in, and honestly, felt to me like Rock felt he had to make some sort of comment about race more than it felt like a necessary part of the story. The story becomes how we live out the choices that we make, and that we are as much responsible for our happiness as anyone else is.

I loved the bizarre nature of Rock's character's affair, which teaches that different doesn't always mean better. I appreciated that the movie didn't make either spouse the "bad guy", instead exploring how complex marriages can be. I was totally weirded out by the ending, and that's all I'll say about that.

This isn't one I plan to buy, but I didn't feel that it wasted my time, either. I think it's a decent cautionary tale to married couples about getting caught up in "life" so much that you forget to live.

I'd have to give it 2 1/2 stars out of 5 - it would have been three without the odd ending.

Movie Review: Superbad

What can I say about this movie except it is so very, very wrong and you will laugh until you hurt?

Brought to you by the fine folks who created 40-Year-Old Virgin, Superbad is a sort of throw back to the 80's teen sex movies, but with less nudity, an actual plot and some serious heart. The language is as blue as you can imagine and much of the story involves nerdy high school seniors discussing sex in rather crass ways. The boys get a once-in-a-high-school career opportunity to be the heroes at a party full of cool kids by bringing the booze to the party of the class hottie.

Twists of fate set two of the boys on the run in a desperate attempt to find alcohol and get to the party while the third goes on an insane adventure with a couple of rogue cops.

We saw this will fellow reviewer PW, and I hope she'll add her two cents to this as well. I felt it made Apatow's previous films look like practice.

FIVE STARS out of five!

Movie Review: Transformers

Tonight was opening night of the new Transformers movie, and I was there. As I explained on my blog, I didn't have any background or expectations walking into the movie. I was a blank slate, fueled only by my love of the summer blockbuster. And, in honesty, my love for Josh Duhamel.

In case you, like me, were otherwise engaged in the 1980's, a brief background. The Transformers was a widely popular cartoon series about the struggle between two factions of an advanced alien race, one good, and one bad. The good ones protected humans and human life, and the bad ones killed everything and everyone. The good ones were lead by Optimus Prime and the bad ones by Megatron. And that's all I got, folks, so I hope I got it right.

I'm sure the movie differs from the cartoon series, but I can't comment on that. What I can tell you is how the movie works as a stand-alone vehicle, and the answer is, quite well.

The first action sequence is as good a military action sequence as I've seen in a long time. It doesn't have the visual impact of fellow new release Live Free and Die Hard, but it is engaging and exciting and both tense and fun to watch.

The storyline unfolds perfectly for the uninitiated, without too obvious a visit from everyone's friend, the Exposition Fairy. The main human character, played by Shia LeBeouf, is funny and modern and not too earnest as to be unbelievable. The other supporting characters play out well, stereotypes but likable enough that you root for them even as you know they will survive.

The typical positive message of every alien attack movie released near American Independence Day is solidly represented. The heroes of this movie are undoubtedly the good aliens and GM trucks and cars, but also, without a doubt, the United States Air Force. It's so upbeat a portrayal and the characters are so oozing courage and resilience that it could have been a paid recruitment spot. In fact, my cynical little heart is torn between believing this to be the case, or throwing my girlish screams behind what's sure to be the current hot military force. Forget the ARMY branded girlie tee's, I need to get some USAF shirts, pronto.

In all seriousness, the movie is a solid, fun summer blockbuster. Go with your geek buddies and bring along the clueless girl-friends, too. You'll all enjoy it, and the clueless, like me, will even get to laugh a bit at the silly earnestness of Optimus Prime and Megatron, as they vow to battle to the death. But remember, when you leave the theater, keep the ladies away from any airmen on leave.

I give this movie a solid 4 out of 5 stars, for one of this summer's fun blockbusters, and the cleanest action movie I've seen in years.

Happy Independence Day!

Movie Review: Snakes on a Plane

Whoo - did I have a great time with this one! The plot for this one - stay with me now - there is this plane and on the plane - there are snakes. Many, many really angry, venomous snakes. Still with me? Good. Oh sure, there's about 5 minutes of set up at the beginning (so you know WHY the snakes are on the plane) and an occasional cut to the people on the ground hearing about the snakes on the plane, but really, it's all about the snakes. It's the best example of a popcorn action movie I can find for you - it's got a few good "AHH!" moments, some very mild humor and every single action-danger movie cliche you could possibly want. It's not a good movie in the sense that there is a plot, any believablity or characters that are well-developed and you care about. The snakes' victims don't slide gently in to that good night, they foam, bloat, bleed and ooze in horrific fashion. There is nudity for absolutely no reason than to have some nudity.

If you want art, surprise-twist endings, touching moments, or outstanding performances, go elsewhere. If you want to sit down with a giant bowl of popcorn and giggle at the complete and utter silliness of people and plane parts being eating by snakes (sometimes even from the snake's point of view!!) then get this one.

For sheer ridiculous entertainment value - 4 out of 5 stars.

Movie Review: How to Eat Fried Worms

I read this book as a kid, and sort of vague remembered it. Basically I remembered liking it. Billy, a new kid with a weak stomach, stands up to the school bully, leading to a bet that he can eat 10 worms in one day. Halle Kate Eisenberg (the former "Pepsi Girl" is a too-tall misfit girl who befriends him. Of course, he has the obligatory obnoxious younger brother and the parents who just don't quite understand (though they mean well).

There is a definitely gross-out factor in this one, aimed at pre-adolescent boys, and if you've got a strong gag reflex, you might need to look away a few times. Subplots briefly touch on why the bully is mean and that adults face bullies, too. The message isn't deep and the jokes are cute and funny. I actually enjoyed the movie, and wouldn't mind if it's one of the ones Eddie will eventually want to do over and over. Many kids' movies seem aimed more at girls, what with all the princesses and cutesy-ness, but this is definitely one for boys.

It's not high theatre, but it'll give you a few giggles.

Three out of five stars