Superbad (2007)

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There is usually one comedy each year that stands out head and shoulders above the rest. 2003: Bad Santa. 2004: Napolean Dynamite. 2005: 40 Year Old Virgin. 2006: Borat. 2007: Superbad. The sick masterminds at Apatow Productions (Anchorman, Virgin, Talladega Nights) have one-upped themselves yet again. After releasing the hilarious Knocked Up earlier this year, they have delivered the comedy of the year; a laugh out loud, endlessly quotable comedy timepiece that is non-stop funny. Superbad, which takes place in one day, is about two high school buddies' quest to party and get lucky one last time (or first time) before graduation. Of course this has been done before (American Pie), but never as funny or honest in depicting normal, everyday kids. Seth Rogen, who starred in Knocked Up and began writing this movie at age 13 in 1995, has brilliantly captured what it felt like to come of age in the late 90s and early 21st century. Jonah Hill and Michael Cera are cast perfect as best friends and deliver vulgar and profane dialogue like the camera just happened to catch one of their real conversations. Rogen, alongside SNL veteran Bill Hader, play two of the most memorable cops in film comedy, but Christopher Mintz-Plasse is the breakthrough star of Superbad. Mintz-Plasse plays Fogell (who has more than one alias), the lovable nerd on a bad streak. These characters encounter some unlikely events that on second-thought aren't that implausible when booze and girls are in demand. Superbad is genius for showcasing average people. There is no Chris Klein, Tara Reid, or Lindsay Lohan, and none of the actors will be modeling between this and their next movie, not even the token hot girls. The dialogue is hysterical but real, and the plot is surprising but mostly feasible. This is a comedy with more wiener jokes than one could even think is possible, but also genuinely delves into insecurity, first time experiences, and the bond between best friends. Anyone can relate to either Evan or Seth, or maybe even Fogell, and most people have experienced some or all of the feelings they portray. The film runs a little long at nearly two hours and could have been ten or fifteen minutes shorter, but the dry spots are only slightly less hilarious than the side-splitting bouts of laughter. Whether you’re in your 20s and watch in rememberance of similar adolescent experiences or in your teens and watch to learn how to be cool yourself, Superbad is the definitive film of what it felt like to grow up in the early 21st century.

Good For: a date, the 16-30 year old demographic, the young at heart

Bad For: those who are easily offended by four letter words and genitalia

The Gallery
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300 (2007)

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For all its outrageous violence and gore, 300 is one of the most visually beautiful films ever. Yes, ever. It’s also safe to say that there may not be a more "kick-ass" movie premise than the tale of 300 blood thirsty warriors defending their honor, country, and pride against an army of thousands of savage men and man-beasts. Having said that, visually beauty and kick-ass premise aside, 300 is a fairly average film. Director Zack Snyder deserves all the credit in the world for taking Frank Miller's comic vision and somehow crafting it into a two hour picture. Snyder used a cast of little-known actors but got above average performances out of most all of them. Some acting is over-the-top, but almost everything in 300 is over the top. No actor stands out, but this agrees with the all-for-one mentality of the Spartan army anyway. The battle scenes are executed brilliantly but become a little repetitive. Emotions ride high throughout the film, but are limited to the testosterone fueled feelings of aggression, adrenaline, and power. There is very little beneath the surface of 300, but it was never intended to be an AFI Top 100 classic. Many films today use CGI, in fact, way too many, but there may not be one that has used it more attractively and effectively than 300. The out-of-this world experience of 300 will hit a grand slam with some audiences and strike-out with others. But make no doubt about it, 300 will definitely strike out swinging.

Good For: fans of war movies, men drinking beer, CGI fans

Bad For: squeamish viewers, art-movie types

The Gallery
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Easy Rider (1969)

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Easy Rider has all the ingredients needed for a classic; groundbreaking direction, genius editing, thoughtful acting, and a killer soundtrack. Nearly 40 years from its release, the definitive film of the counterculture movement of the 1960s still feels as beautiful and shocking as it did during the summer of Woodstock, Vietnam, and the Manson family killings. The brainchild of writers/co-stars Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, the film details two rebels cashing in on a big score, traveling from LA to New Orleans in the search for Mardi Gras and the American Dream. Hopper's direction is phenomenal, especially considering the work he followed Easy Rider with. It is difficult to think of a movie that more artistically presents the natural landscapes of America. Hopper's acid trip sequence is as memorable as it is horrifying and must surely represent the most genuine visual reproduction the sensation. The film is purposefully slow in pace giving the viewer the true feel of a road trip. The acid-flash feel of the editing is so unique that Easy Rider may have been the first and only film since to use it. Hopper and Fonda completely embody their characters, but Jack Nicholson steals the show in his first major performance as the lawyer George Hanson. Nicholson's character is one of the most memorable in film history as he delivers carefully crafted lines with authenticity and distinctiveness. The soundtrack becomes a character itself as Easy Rider was the one of the first movies to take advantage of using previously recorded popular music, rather than a composed score, to color the action. The tracks are not only classics but fit the imagery perfectly. But what makes Easy Rider truly legendary is the layers of artistry it presents. Many films today are nice of the surface or entertaining, but Easy Rider is in the select group of films that are deeply thought out bodies of work, in this case glorifying and critiquing a diverse America. Strong characterizations illustrate the polarized America of the forward thinking hippie movement from the conservative backlash that was provoked. The film is full of visual and verbal allegory, metaphors, and symbolism, and the stunning conclusion questions just how successful the counterculture uprising was in changing America. When Peter Fonda's character says, "You know Billy, we blew it," it is one of the most crushing, thought provoking lines in film. Simply put, Easy Rider is a masterpiece that was and is mandatory viewing.


Good For: everyone, fans of road trip movies, artists, those in an alternate state of mind

Bad For: narrow minded viewers

The Gallery
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Hot Fuzz (2007)

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Hot Fuzz is the 21st century British version of the Naked Gun, but not as good. One of the most critically acclaimed movies of 2007, Fuzz had a lot of hype but does not live up to the billing. This is not to say it is a failure, but an overall funny movie with too much fat on the sides. Simon Pegg, who could stand in front of the camera making faces and be hilarious, and Nick Frost, his sidekick, have proven to be a top comedy tag-team. After Shaun of the Dead, however, Hot Fuzz feels like a bit of a letdown. The story is nothing groundbreaking; an over-achieving cop is transferred to a small town and runs into more trouble than he expected, but the lack of originality in story line is cancelled out by the tremendous death scenes (think Final Destination). Whereas Shaun of the Dead was solidly amusing throughout, many, but not all, of the best jokes in Hot Fuzz will have already been seen in the previews. The direction is as good as any comedy this year and action scenes feel authentic, but are way, way too long. Hot Fuzz loses steam time and again to be rebounded by a good joke, and many of the British jokes will fly right over most viewers’ heads. Fuzz is a solid comedy, which is hard to come by, but nothing special.

Good For: fans of cop comedies, Brits, stoners

Bad For: people who get bored easily, tired people

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The Simpsons Movie (2007)

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Is the Simpsons Movie any different from the television series? Not really. Is that a bad thing? Not at all. The Simpsons is one of the greatest, most consistent television series of all time and fans have been waiting for the big screen version for years. It’s hard to believe how anyone could be disappointed with the feature film; it was worth the wait. The movie version is essentially a 90 minute episode which means a deeper plot and more laughs. Many notable characters from the series appear briefly, but the most important of all reminds us over and over again why we love him. Homer is a bonafide movie star and steals the show. His errors and triumphs as a father, husband, and man are what allow so many people to relate to the Simpsons. The remaining family members each have their time to shine as well, and provide both laughs and insight into the bizarre nature of the family unit. The story itself isn't shocking or groundbreaking, but the writers deserve high praise for delivering countless jokes full of irreverence, irrelevance, sarcasm, and wit all while keeping the story moving at a fast pace. There is absolutely no filler, and like any classic Simpsons episode, there are a handful of lines that are sure to be quoted time and again. The move from small to big screen and a PG-13 rating afforded the writers a little more creative freedom, but there is nothing any kid who watches the series shouldn't see. The fact that little or no profanity, obscenity, or vulgarity was used to make the funniest movie of 2007 shows the creative team’s brilliance. How else can a nearly 20 year-old franchise still feel so fresh? Those just discovering the Simpsons and die-hard fans who have been there from the beginning will love the Simpsons movie which is more than worthy to be on the big screen.

Good For: Simpsons fans, people who laugh at funny things

Bad For: people that suck

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