Zoolander 2 - Box Office Review

Here's the thing, sometimes you decide that fast food is ok for dinner. The final meal of the day doesn't always have to be gourmet, home made or delivery. The same philosophy can be applied to the movie-going experience. "Zoolander 2" was the Taco Bell or Del Taco version of quality when it comes to a cinematic experience. I walked out of the theater feeling satisfied to the point my expectations were met and additionally regretful that my hard earned dollars were spent on such poor quality entertainment.

If you enjoyed the first one, which I still do, then there's plenty of familiar comedy that will have you chuckling out loud. There's also the plethora of celebrity cameo's that were peppered throughout the film. My favorite cameo was probably the Susan Boyle appearance. That was so unexpected and timed so well I did laugh out loud. Outside of that the movie wasn't paced well, the edits were choppy and the dialogue felt like something from a teen fiction novel. I really can't recommend this film to people but if you loved the initial offering you'll appreciate moments in the sequel. 

There was one silver lining to this oddly made film. Will Ferrell. Now, I know that sounds obvious but stay with me. His character was twisted and mentally deranged. This wasn't comedic. His character was actually a demented psychopath who has been plotting his revenge the entire time between films. The story for his character was also something of a brilliant criminal mastermind who is comfortable killing people and asserting his dominance to get what he wants, both mental and physical. His performance, storyline and acting actually captured my attention. Everything about his character elevated my enjoyment of the film. As soon as he arrives on screen the entire film felt like one ended and a new one began. Similar to how Josh Trank's Fantastic Four felt like two films, so did this. 

"Zoolander 2" is in theaters now! I refuse to give this film any acknowledgement beyond my review. It's really not that good. It's borderline offensive to people who are overweight. The majority of the jokes don't land well. Its timing suffers. Its dialogue is cheap and to think it took over a decade to make and this was the best they could do was disappointing. At the very least, Penelope Cruz looked smoking hot in a black bathing suit towards the end of the film. Unfortunately, you had to endure the entire film for that moment. See it in theaters if you want, but I'd recommend you wait for it to be on basic cable at 2 in the morning when you're so out of your mind you won't even notice how bad this movie is. And now Penelope Cruz, because Penelope Cruz.

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Daddy's Home - Box Office Review

There are films that take you to new worlds, exciting landscapes and spark thoughts that challenge and stimulate the mind. “Daddy’s Home” is not one of those films. It would be a boring life if movies were all the same and thankfully certain films are produced just to make you laugh. This is a movie designed for laughter. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg return to the big screen to entertain and delight once more. 

The premise of the film is identifiable for some, which helps create an emotional connection, which is important for film. A stepfather is attempting to earn a place in the hearts of his step-children. Things are going well when the biological father returns and shakes up the family dynamic being established. That’s it. It’s humorous and it attempts, slightly, to deliver a positive message about family togetherness and acceptance. 

There are a few scenes where special effects were necessary for story telling and it was noticeable. I believe the decision was made to make even the special effects look humorous. If I believed anything else I’d be disappointed in how fake they looked. This movie doesn’t ask a lot from the audience except to laugh. I won’t ask a lot from this movie based on that impression. 

The onscreen chemistry between Will and Mark continues to delight. The combination of their personalities is one of the highlights of this comedy. Thankfully, when they share screen time it’s entertaining and comical. These two actors compliment each other so well in comedies. Will is the straight laced, tender hearted, smooth jazz listening stepfather. Mark is the motorcycle riding, marathon completing, manipulative, bad boy, biological father. They play off each other so well and you can’t help but laugh. 

“Daddy’s Home” is in theaters now! I give this film a piano ballad by Yanni with a jazz flute solo and a rock tune by AC/DC for good measure. If you need a break from life and thought this is a film for you. If you decide that you would enjoy shutting off your brain box for an hour or two and enjoy some laughs, again, this is your movie. If you score matinee prices you might enjoy it more but if it’s date night, purchase those tickets and share some laughs with that special person in your life. 

Comment below if you’ve already seen it and share your thoughts! Join in on the fun of movie watching and share this post with anyone who you feel would enjoy another one of my Box Office Reviews.

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