Throwback Thursday: The A-Team (2010)

Director: Joe Carnahan

Starring: Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Sharlo Copely, Quinton "Rampage" Morrison, Jessica Biel

Released: 2010

This week's Throwback Thursday review is actually a request from one of our most dedicated fans and it's a good one: The A-Team!

The A-Team is the perfect summer blockbuster - it's a funny, light-hearted, full-throttle action movie with such unbelievable stunts, twists, and turns that you'll always be wondering "how are they going to get out of this one?". Based on the tv show of the same name, the movie follows Hannibal (Neeson), Face (Cooper), Murdoch (Copely), and B. A. Baracus (Jackson) as they try to clear their name after they've been framed for a crime against the U.S. Military.

If you were a fan of the the tv show then you'll definitely enjoy the movie. It doesn't take itself too seriously and allows for all of the thrills of an action movie without the gore or extreme violence so many action movies fall back on because the actors are wooden and the story is weak. Neeson, Cooper, Copely, and Jackson have great chemistry together and walk the fine line of playing an established character while making it their own. Copely, in particular, is a breakout star (you might remember him from the recently-reviewed District 9) as the slightly mad Murdoch. He's got the comedic talent to make even the craziest scene feel believable and even plausible. Jackson's version of the now-iconic Mr. T role of B. A. Baracus is also very well done as he gives us just enough of Mr. T in the role to appease the fans while keeping the camp to a minimum for a modern audience.

The A-Team is a lot of fun and an extremely enjoyable movie. It's highly recommended by Don't Sit Next to Us and by reader John who requested this review. Not a must-see, but if you're looking for thrilling adventure with great action and more than a few laughs, check out The A-Team.

Available on Netflix (Canada).

Trailer Tuesday - The Bling Ring

This week's edition of Trailer Tuesday features the latest film by writer/director Sofia Coppola. Check out the trailer for The Bling Ring:

Looks like Emma Watson (aka Hermione Granger) is making a clear break from the more family-friendly character we watched her grow up as in the Harry Potter series. She is one younger female actress that I believe will be able to have a successful career post kid/teen franchise. We saw her tackle a serious, darker role in last year's The Perks of Being A Wallflower (read our review here), and I am looking forward to see what she does in this new film.

Inspired by actual events, The Bling Ring is based on a group of fame-obsessed teenagers who use the internet to track celebrities' whereabouts in order to rob their homes. Real-life victim Paris Hilton will be making a cameo which could be a good or bad thing. I am hoping for good. I doubt Coppola would include Hilton in the film if it wasn't going to be in good taste.

We only get a glimpse of what Coppola has created with her latest teen drama film in this teaser trailer, but from what is shown, it looks like we are in store for another game-changer ala Coppola's The Virgin Suicides. That film showed us the darker side of teenage life and it looks like this film will do the same, albeit in an updated format. Coppola also found a muse in Kirsten Dunst after working with the actress in The Virgin Suicides (the two worked together again in Coppola's 2006 film, Marie Antoinette). Perhaps she will find another one in Watson. 

The Bling Ring, which marks Coppola's first film since 2010's Somewhere, is set to be released on June 14, 2013.

For more information on the upcoming teen crime drama, check out the Wikipedia page here and be sure to check Don't Sit Next To Us for the latest updates on the film.

Throwback Thursday: Morning Glory

Morning Glory

Starring: Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton

Director: Roger Mitchell

Released: late 2010

Morning Glory is the story of TV producer Becky Fuller (McAdams) as she struggles to raise the profile of the last-place morning show "Daybreak". Forced to fire one of the hosts and lacking the budget to hire a new one, Becky decides to use a loophole in esteemed news anchor Mike Pomeroy's (Ford) contract to secure him for the show. Bubbly Colleen Peck (Keaton) struggles to share the spotlight with her new co-host because he refuses to report on anything that he deems un-newsworthy: entertainment, fashion, cooking, gossip, and light-hearted news stories. Meanwhile, Becky is trying to balance having a successful career, a successful morning show, and a successful relationship with her new man, Adam (Patrick Wilson). 

At it's heart Morning Glory is a middle-of-the-road romantic comedy at best but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. It's set in the somewhat novel world of a TV station and morning TV makes for great comedy with all the silly things the Daybreak personalities do to raise the show's ratings. Rachel McAdams is utterly charming as Becky, showing just the right amount of the frazzled, overworked, driven career woman that I think we can all relate to her. Diane Keaton plays the former Miss Arizona turned morning show host with gusto and gets some great lines that truly made me laugh. And, of course, Harrison Ford is completely believable as the man who thinks everyone and everything that works at Daybreak is beneath him and his journalistic talents. In fact it was the recent news that he's joined the cast of Anchorman 2 (read our post) that inspired this throwback review. I truly hope that Ford gets to reprise his surly broadcaster in Anchorman 2 because I think it'll be a great balance to the comedy. Back to Morning Glory...

You won't find any major plot twists or surprises in this movie. What you see is pretty much what you get and I'm sure you already know how it turns out. Romantic comedies don't often stray from the formula and this is no exception. However if you're looking for a fun, light-hearted, comedy with some great stars then you can't go wrong with Morning Glory. 

Available on Netflix (Canada).

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

Trailer Tuesday - Much Ado About Nothing

 Joss Whedon really can do it all. This week on Trailer Tuesday, we catch a glimpse of what's in store for Whedon fans this summer with his take on the Shakespeare classic, Much Ado About Nothing. Check out the trailer here:

Here's the amazing thing about Whedon: he goes from directing and writing the big blockbuster action film The Avengers last summer to creating something much more subdued with this summer's Much Ado About Nothing. It's what makes him so unique and also so appealing to the general public and critics alike.

Whedon takes on a journey through one of Shakespeare's most well-known plays in a unique way - the entire film was shot at his personal residence in California, in a matter of weeks. And in true Whedon fashion, the cast is made up of some of his regular collaborative partners including: Amy Acker (Angel, Dollhouse), Alexis Denisof (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel), Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and Fran Kanz (The Cabin in the Woods, Dollhouse). Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) was originally slated to be part of this ensemble cast, but was unable to commit so Clark Gregg (The Avengers) was cast.

I'm interested to see how this film turns out. The trailer is very intriguing as it is so different than anything else that is out there these days. Critics are already praising this film, as it was screened at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. It's being hailed as the best contemporary Shakespeare film since Baz Lurhman's Romeo and Juilet.

Perhaps the best one sentence review of the film comes from Christopher Schobert of IndieWire who wrote, "The result is an utter joy, Whedon's most emotionally resonant and fully realized feature film to date. And I say that as one who is not a devoted member of the Whedon army".

I am a devoted member of the Whedon army but that's not the only reason why I can't wait to see this film. It truly looks interesting and refreshing. A filmmaker's film, as Abed Nadir from Community would say.

For more information on the upcoming film, check out the Wikipedia page here.

Identity Thief AKA Everyday I'm Hustlin'

Identity Thief
Director: Seth Gordon
Starring: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy, and John Cho
New Release Review

I'm just going to flat out say it: I really enjoyed this film! I found it to be the perfect February comedy. February and March are tough months for films in general, with the Oscars and upcoming summer blockbusters taking most of the hype for movie news. A successful movie during these months doesn't need to be the best in it's genre; it just needs to be decent. Carry out your plot well, have a few memorable moments, and be somewhat plausible and you have a recipe for a perfect film during the "winter-blahs" months.

Identity Thief stars Jason Bateman as Sandy Patterson, who unknowingly (and quite idiotically) gives out his personal information (name, date of birth, and social security) over the phone to a woman who claims to work for one of his credit card companies. The woman, Diana (McCarthy), prints out credit cards and begins a spending spree maxing out several cards in Sandy's name.

Sandy finds out that his boss (Jon Favreau) has decided to make cuts on bonuses for his firm, but is still claiming a bonus for himself. Along with several other irate colleagues, Sandy and his co-worker Daniel (Cho), make plans to start their own firm. Sandy learns of his credit problems when his card is declined at a gas station. He is later arrested for missing a court date in Florida for assault and at the police station, he finds out that Diana (after seeing her mug shot) has stolen his identity. The police confirm that they are unable to do anything unless the identity thief is in their state, Sandy takes it upon himself to locate her and bring her back to the city to clear his name.

I am not sure why critics are judging this film so harshly. It was enjoyable. It had laughs, it had heart. I had a lot of fun watching it. Sure, the plotline isn't the most original, but Bateman and McCarthy make it so worthwhile. Their hard work in this film does not go unnoticed. The duo carries the film from start to finish with their remarkable chemistry and comedic teamwork. They balance each other with their polar opposite approaches to comedy: McCarthy is in-your-face while Bateman is relaxed and deadpan.
Yes, a lot of the laughs were showcased in the trailers, but there's definitely more laughs in this film than there were in 2012's Ted (check out our review of that film here). The music included in the film helps to make the experience that much more enjoyable, providing some good comedic moments like the scene with McCarthy and Bateman in the car going through the various radio stations where McCarthy's character sings along with every song that comes on, annoying Bateman's character.

I'm not sure why people are so quick to condemn this film. Remember movie fans: you can't judge all movies the same! You have to take them for what they are. Not every movie is going to be a blockbuster or Academy favourite. Films, for the most part, are meant to be an escape from reality; a chance to get lost in a fictional story for an hour or two. Think about your favourite movie and I guarantee the majority of you are thinking of a film that wasn't necessarily loved by all, but you still enjoy it.

Final Verdict: See it. It's worth it to see Bateman and McCarthy work so well together. It's also great to see McCarthy in one of her first starring roles in a film. Go in with an open mind and be ready to laugh at some silly scenes and you'll enjoy this film. And please don't compare it to Planes, Trains, and Autombiles (check out our review of that film here). Just because it has a road trip with unlikely partners element, doesn't mean it's a rip off of the John Hughes film. Even if it was, you can't compare anything to that 80s gem because nothing else will measure up (i.e. 2010's Due Date).

Rotten Tomatoes

Throwback Thursday - District 9

Thanks to Nik who suggested this week's Throwback Thursday!

District 9
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Starring: Sharlto Copley, David James, and Jason Cope
Released: 2009
Box Office Gross: $115,646,235 (USA)
Throwback Review

I remember seeing the trailer for this film in 2009 and wondering what the heck it was. It followed in the same path as the 2008 monster-thriller Cloverfield where little was released on what exactly the film would be, creating a sense of mystery around it. Not only did the mystery of the film draw me in, but the hand-held type filming and the alien aspect also intrigued me.

Adapted from Alive in Joburg, a 2005 short film directed by Blomkamp and produced by Copley, the title and premise of District 9 were inspired by events that took place during the apartheid era in District Six, Cape Town.

The film starts in 1982, when a large alien spacecraft takes residency above Johannesburg, South Africa. When an investigation team enters the ship, it's discovered that the alien population who were living there were sick. The aliens are confined to "District 9", a camp created by the government. The aliens, called "prawns" because of their visual similiarties to prawns, begin to suffer turmoil and unrest in their new home, along with the locals and South African government.

In 2010, Wilkus van de Merwe (Copley), an employee of Multinational United (MNU), is given the task of leading the camp relocation project, by serving the aliens with eviction notices.

We are then introduced to three aliens: Christopher (Cope), his son, and a friend. They search everyday for technology that provides a mysterious fluid they store in a small canister. Wikus raids the shake of Christopher's friend and discovers the canister, confiscating it. The fluid sprays onto his face causing a strange illness to take affect on the naive human. Wikus must learn to work with the aliens, mainly Christopher, in order to find a cure for his illness, and learns that the "prawns" are not so different from the humans.

District 9 was the directorial debut for Blomkamp, who also wrote the screenplay. He teamed up with the sci-fi and fantasy mastermind behind The Lord of the Rings series, Peter Jackson, who helped produce the film that is so much more than your average alien flick.

Blomkamp wanted the film to have a "harsh, 80s kind of vibe" and didn't want it to "feel glossy and slick". He definitely accomplished this with, what seemed like, low budget effects, but were really the look and feel he was going for.

The film encompasses so much in one story; not only is it a sci-fi film, it has several other themes running deeper beneath its many layers. We see Blomkamp tackle such tough themes as racism, segregation, humanity, and xenophobia. Most films of this genre that try to incorporate other, stronger themes, tend to fail, where District 9 succeeds. This film approaches these serious themes in an almost lighthearted way without ever insulting its audiences.

Aside from the film itself be an amazing feat in cinema, let's talk about the marketing campaign. Absolutely brilliant. Sony Pictures launched a "Humans Only" campaign to promote the film, using similar signs that are seen throughout the film. (A clever play on the "whites" and "coloureds" only signs that were utilized in during apartheid). Sony also created a website, D-9.com, that included: a local alert system for Johannesburg, news feeds, and recommendations, rules and regulations for behaviour. So though they provided these forms of information on the film's topic, they never revealed its plotline. These clever marketing ploys served to provide further mystique around the film.

Final Verdict: See it. This film is the perfect sci-fi film. It's imaginative, funny, clever, full of action, and just thoroughly well-done. It has mass appeal and is highly original. It was praised by critics and audiences alike, earning a Best Picture nomination at the 82 Annual Academy Awards.

One of the best movies of 2009 and definitely the most memorable. It's hard to describe just how well this film is put together so, watch it. You won't be disappointed.

Rotten Tomatoes

Harrison Ford Joins the Cast of Anchorman: The Legend Continues

Rumours have been circulating for quite some time that Harrison Ford would be joining the cast of Anchorman: The Legend Continues and early last week, photos of the veteran actor on set with Will Ferrell began to surface. I guess it's safe to say that Ford will be involved in the upcoming sequel to the 2004 hit comedy.

Looks like Ford is slated to play a veteran news anchor similar to Tom Brokaw in this 70s era film.

Little is being shared about the film, that is set to be released in December of this year. What we do know is as followings:

• the original cast including Ferrell, Steve Carrell, Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate, and David Koechner are all returning
• new cast members include: Kristen Wiig and Meagan Good
• the film will take place in New York instead of San Diego
• Wiig will be portraying Carrell's love interest
• Ferrell will once again create the script with McKay
• laughter is almost guaranteed

If Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy has taught us anything, it's that Adam McKay knows how to utilize cameo appearances by some great actors who can some times steal the show.

Remember this epic battle from the original film?

Check out the E! Online article here on Ford being spotted on set.

Check out the Wikipedia page here or the official page here for more information on the upcoming film.

Trailer Tuesday - The Hangover Part III

Last week, I saw this poster on the Warner Bros. Canada Facebook page and could not stop laughing.

This is why I love Warner Bros. What a clever way to promote this upcoming film by utilizing another successful Warner Bros. film's poster (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2). Check out that poster here.

Check out the latest trailer for The Hangover Part III: 

                                      

Even before the second film in the series was released, there were plans to create a third film. Director/writer Todd Phillips struck gold with The Hangover and in turn, the cast have become A-list comedic stars. 

The film is touted as "Alan's story" and will centre around the character's life crisis after suffering the loss of his father. Not much else has been mentioned on the film's plot but we will see the return of some actors from the first film including Heather Graham, Mike Epps, as well as Ken Jeong who's character's popularity has made him the "fifth" Wolfpack member (in terms of stardom in this film). New additions to the cast include Melissa McCarthy (though only in a small role) and John Goodman, who is slated to be an antagonist in the film ala Paul Giamatti's character in the second film. 

The trailer opens with Zach Galifianakis' character, Alan, beautifully singing Ava Maria. This is one of three clear scenes we are shown; the other two being Alan and Stu (Ed Helms) talking on the side of the rode and Alan driving with a Giraffe in his car. Other than those scenes, we are only shown quick glimpses into what we are in store for with this film. But we can say, without a doubt, we are in for quite the final ride with the Wolfpack!

Regardless of the credibility of the plot, the film will be a success. I am grateful that Phillips has created this film to be a finale of the series which means we should not see anymore Hangover films.

For more information on the upcoming comedy, check out the Wikipedia page here or the official page here.

Ted AKA Family Guy 2.0

Ted
Director: Seth MacFarlene
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, and Seth MacFarlene
Box Office Gross: $218,628,680 (USA)
DVD Review

This film was a strange one for me. I wasn't sure where it fit in my movie schedule. Originally released in June 2012, it wasn't quite appealing enough for me to add to the Summer Movie List. But after hearing that the film was really funny, I started to doubt my decision. I wanted to see it, but not badly enough to find a time to go to the theatre to see it. So I added it to the "rental" pile.

I finally managed to watch Ted a few weeks ago. I was not impressed. It was too long and not funny enough to keep me entertained for the 106 minute duration. I just don't get what all the fuss was about.

Mark Wahlberg, who has participated in some successful comedies including The Other Guys and Date Night, teamed up with Seth MacFarlene and veteran MacFarlene collaborator, Mila Kunis, for this raunchy rom-com/buddy flick. Wahlberg portrays John Bennett, a socially awkward child who wishes his newly received teddy bear could talk to him.John's wish comes true and he gains a new friend in his stuffed toy, Ted, who becomes famous for being a "talking stuffed teddy bear". Years pass and John has grown up into a unmotivated man and Ted has not left his side. The two continue to get involved in crazy antics, which hinder John's progression in his career and in his personal life with girlfriend, Lori (Kunis).

Here's the biggest problem with Ted: it's a live action version of Family Guy. MacFarlene has basically recycled the main plot points of his hit television show to create a feature length film. The story is way to drawn out to justify an almost two-hour long film and probably could have fared better as an 80 minute feature.

Both Kunis and Wahlberg are great in their roles and have a decent amount of chemistry. It's a shame they weren't given more to work with. What's even more unfortunate are the plans that are already in the works for a sequel to this bland comedy.

Final Verdict: Skip it. Unless you're a Family Guy fan and you like that type of humour, don't bother with this lackluster comedy. I understand the appeal behind a MacFarlene story, I just don't get the humour. Sure there were a few moments I indulged in a chuckle, but nothing that stuck out in my eyes. A.O. Scott from The New York Times said it best when he called Ted "boring, lazy and wildly unoriginal". Here's hoping the next MacFarlene venture brings something more original to the table.

Rotten Tomatoes

Throwback Thursday: Be Kind, Rewind

Be Kind Rewind

Director: Michel Gondry
Starring: Jack Black, Mos Def, Danny Glover, Melonie Diaz, and Mia Farrow
Released: 2008
IMDB
Rotten Tomatoes

This week's Throwback Thursday was inspired by the word that a Robocop remake is in the works. Be Kind, Rewind is about Mr. Fletcher (Danny Glover) and his video rental shop. Yes, in the age of DVDs Mr. Fletcher manages to keep VHS alive for the few residents of Passaic, New Jersey who still haven't seen Ghostbusters or Driving Miss Daisy. One week Fletcher leaves the shop in the care of his foster son Mike (Mos Def) who takes the responsibility very seriously. Mike's oddball friend Jerry (Jack Black) gets magnetized in a botched power station sabotage attempt and the next time he visits Be Kind Rewind he erases every single tape in the store. With the slightly dotty Miss Falewicz (Mia Farrow) on the watch (and wanting to rent movies) Mike and Jerry decide to cover up the accident by remaking all the movies themselves. And it works, until their "Sweded" movies become so popular they can't keep up with demand!

The first half of this movie is utterly fantastic. I couldn't remember the last time I'd laughed that much at a movie on the first viewing (except maybe Planes, Trains, and Automobiles) when I had - you guessed it - rented this from Blockbuster. I almost wished it was available on VHS just to keep with the theme. Mike and Jerry's remakes of Ghostbusters, Robocop, Driving Miss Daisy, Rush Hour and more are so hilariously amateur that they're more entertaining than the originals. Hence their success with renters! Jack Black shines as Jerry with his ability to make every line seem like a natural conversation and not a script and Mos Def is endearing as the earnest straight-man Mike in this buddy comedy about movies and movie culture.

The second half is not as comedic but writer and director Michel Gondry (The Science of Sleep, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) manages to progress from comedy to the feel-good "drama" at the heart of the film.  Be Kind Rewind is the heart of the community and by extension so too are the movies it shares with  the people. I won't spoil the ending but I will share with you some of the laughs of Robocop: Sweded.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower OR We Are Infinite

The Perks of Being A Wallflower
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller
Box Office: $17,738,570 (USA)
DVD Review

I wanted to see this film when it was released in theatres. But it had a short and limited release and we couldn't fit it into our movie schedule.

The Perks of Being A Wallflower is a novel written by Chbosky, who adapted and directed the film. A rarity for films adapted or based on novels and a risk that was well worth taking by Mr. Mudd Productions - a producing team that includes actor John Malkovich and who were behind the 2007 hit Juno.

The film stars Lerman as Charlie, a nervous and shy teenager who is about to begin his freshman year of high school. He finds it difficult to make friends, only making a connection with his English teacher, Mr. Anderson (Paul Rudd). He is introduced to an extroverted senior, Patrick (Miller), in his shop class, and later befriends both Patrick and his stepsister Sam (Watson). Charlie, along with his two new friends, become close and start to go through the highs and lows of growing up.

The film touches on several hard-hitting topics including: suicide, depression, homophobia, and drug abuse. And the story and topics are brought forth convincingly through strong performances from the film`s young cast. Thought the supporting cast, which includes: Rudd, Dylan McDermott, Kate Walsh, and Joan Cusack, provide a talented balance to the younger cast`s main storyline, it`s the three young stars who shine the brightest in their complex and troubled characters.

Lerman, who is best known for his role as the title character in Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Lightning Thief, portrays the character of Charlie with such poise and conviction, you forget at times that he is still only in his early twenties. He is likeable as the main character, but still able to provide depth and emotion to a character who has a certain amount of darkness in him.

Watson quickly sheds her "Hermione Granger" image with a character so uniquely different from the female leads in teen films today. She's fragile, yet strong. Full of angst, yet full of hope. It's great to see a young female actor tap into the emotion of a character that makes her so relatable and likeable to people of all ages, especially teen girls. (Unlike Kristen Stewart who can't seem to produce a genuine emotion, even if her life depended on it).

It was so refreshing to see a coming-of-age film that was different. We are inundated with cookie-cutter teen films and rarely get to see a movie that has profound messages and a sense of redemption and hope for teens and essentially, people in general.

Within the first 15 minutes of the movie, I felt like I was watching a John Hughes' film. Not in a way that Chbosky was trying to emulate Hughes; it was a more respectful, "your views on the teen genre were accurate and real", type of way. There hasn't been a film like this that speaks so fluently to its generation since The Breakfast Club. We can only hope that 20 years from now, teens are still being shown this film and realizing the importance of its message. 

Final Verdict: See it. Don't be turned off by the teen aspect of this film; it is a film that all audiences can enjoy. A great story, an honest approach to it's direction, a talented young cast and a stellar soundtrack create the perfect ingredients for a successful film. One of the best of 2012, it's heartfelt, funny and true and will have you believing that "we are infinite".

Rotten Tomatoes

100 Posts! Yippie ki yay!

Hi Everyone,

This post marks our 100th post here at Don't Sit Next to Us. That's a lot of movies!

We couldn't have done it without you, reader, so thank you for visiting, reading, and commenting. Arlaine and I really enjoy writing about movies and reading your comments.

We'll keep writing and we hope that you'll keep doing what you're doing right now - reading. Tell your friends about us, too. The Movie Geeks always have something new to say about the latest releases and throwbacks. Not to mention our newest occasional feature Fandom Fridays where we talk about something that isn't necessarily movie related (but probably will be).

Once again, thanks to our readers for making this blog a success. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, subscribe to the blog for updates, or enter your email address for alerts when there is a new post.

Sincerely,
Arlaine & Christine
The Movie Geeks

Trailer Tuesday - The Internship

Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson are back in this summer's comedy The Internship. The pair, who previously starred together in 2005's hit Wedding Crashers, are looking for another comedic hit after a string of lackluster comedy films recently added to each of their resumes.

This time, we see the hilarious duo as Billy (Vaughn) and Nick (Wilson) as two salesmen who have lost their jobs due to the success of technology. Having what looks like no knowledge of computers or technology in general, the pair talk their way into an internship at Google and find themselves competing for the coveted position against some brilliant college students.

This film looks like an extension of Old School. Instead of faking a fraternity, the main characters are faking their resumes. As long as they can create a decent story with this concept, I won't complain: comedic films are not suppose to be the most thought-provoking stories. They are meant to make you laugh, and if the creators behind The Internship can do that, I will be happy and the film will surely be successful.

It will be hard for Vaughn and Wilson to top the success of Wedding Crashers but I'm interested and excited to see them try.

The film, which was written by Vaughn and directed by Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum, Date Night), is set to be released on June 7, 2013 - and will be a great light addition to the Summer Movie List. 

For more information on the upcoming film, check out the Wikipedia page or the official movie page.

RoboCop Remake - Is Nothing Sacred Anymore?

Here we go again...

I stumbled upon this article the other day and I couldn't believe it. The sci-fi action classic RoboCop is being remade. Why, Columbia Pictures? WHY??

I did some further research on wikipedia and my nerves subsided - a little. Looks like the cast is pretty decent for this upcoming remake. Gary Oldman, Jackie Earle Haley, Michael Keaton, and Samuel L. Jackson will all be involved in the film, which is set to be released in 2014. This cast might just give this remake some serious ammunition. However, we still need to be a little skeptic because if the remake of Total Recall has told us anything, it's that a fantastic cast does not equal a fantastic film. (Check out a review of that crap-fest here).

The original film starred Peter Weller as Alex Murphy/RoboCop who was brutally murdered and then revived by mega-corporation OCP as a superhuman cyborg law enforcer (RoboCop). The film takes place in Detroit in the near future where the city is overrun with crime. The film, which is best categorized as sci-fi/action, received mostly positive reviews and was one of the best films of 1987. Two sequels, several television series, video games, numerous comic book adaptations, and merchandise have been created since the first film was released.


Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a "Certified Fresh" rating, with an overall consensus that: "while over the top and gory, RoboCop is also a surprisingly smart sci-fi flick that uses ultra-violence to disguise its satire of American Culture".

We can only hope that the remake will stay true to the original, with timely updates only (like 2011's Footloose did for the original 1984 film).

I don't know why production companies find it necessary to remake all of these films lately, but it's starting to get on my nerves. Like Neve Campbell's character Sidney Prescott said in the latest Scream film, "don't f**k with the original!"

For more information on the upcoming remake, check out the wikipedia page and be sure to stay tuned to Don't Sit Next To Us for updates. 

Fandom Friday - You're the Birthday, You're the Birthday, You're the Birthday, Boy or Girl

Welcome to Fandom Fridays! Occasionally, on a Friday, Don't Sit Next To Us will bring you a unique post on one of our favourite films or franchises or film topic. Since it's my birthday today, I decided the first Fandom Friday will feature my Top 25 80s Movies List. (I love that decade)

Please note: this is a listing of MY all time favourite films from the 80s. They are by no means the BEST films of that generation, simply just the films I have enjoyed since I was a kid. (In no particular order)

The Karate Kid (1, 2, and 3)

The Goonies

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

John Hughes Films (Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Some Kind of Wonderful, Uncle Buck, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Pretty In Pink, Weird Science)
Check out a review of Sixteen Candles here.
Check out a review of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles here.

Adventures in Babysitting

Musicals (Footloose, Dirty Dancing, Little Shop of Horrors, Babes in Toyland, The Blues Brothers)
Check out a review of Dirty Dancing here. 

The Princess Bride

Mannequin

National Lampoon Series (Vacation, European Vacation, Christmas Vacation)

Eddie Murphy Films (Coming to America, Beverly Hills Cop 1 and 2, 48 Hours, Trading Places)

Big

The 'burbs
Check out a review of The 'burbs here.

John Candy Films (Summer Rental - work with John Hughes - The Great Outdoors, Spaceballs, Armed and Dangerous)

The Wizard

Little Monsters

Tim Burton Films (Pee Wee's Big Adventure, Batman, Beetlejuice)
Check out a review of Batman here.

Back to the Future (1 and 2)

Ghostbusters (1 and 2)

Bill and Ted's Excellent Advenutre

The NeverEnding Story

Willow 

Revenge of the Nerds (1 and 2)

Stand By Me

Labyrinth

What are your favourite 80s films?