Tag: Jason Segel

Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Discovery

by MCDave

Non-traditional film studios have carved a niche in the movie industry as both Amazon Studios and Netflix earned Oscar wins this past year. One of Netflix’s most recent purchases includes the Sundance selection, The Discovery, which releases globally on the streaming platform this weekend. After a snubbed performance for his elite portrayal of American author, David Foster Wallace, in The End of the Tour, Jason Segel continues his dramatic push in Charlie McDowell’s fascinating examination of the afterlife.

Set in the near future Segel stars as Will, son of the famed Dr. Thomas Harbor (Robert Redford) who proves that our consciousness travels to a different plane of existence after we die. Once news spreads of a definitive afterlife, suicide skyrocket by individuals looking for “a fresh start”. And when Will disrupts a young woman’s (Rooney Mara) attempt at suicide, they travel together to Dr. Harbor’s research compound where they discover the truth behind where our consciousness goes.

Ambitious and artsy almost to a fault, The Discovery ponders bold ideas and stirs the imagination with a thought-provoking finale that explodes with possibility. However, Charlie McDowell decides to spend the wide majority of the film developing a slow-burning story of love and loss that merely uses this cerebral conclusion as an afterthought. Rooney Mara grips the audience with a nuanced performance. Her onscreen prowess is further complemented by Jesse Plemons’ energetic supporting work. Sadly, lead star Jason Segel, whom I have defended and supported in the past with all my might, provides a monotonous turn that constantly strikes the same chord over and over again. The Discovery isn’t the most entertaining or exciting watch, but once everything finally pieces together, there’s a satisfying bit of beauty to this somewhat muddled and arduous affair.

GRADE: 3/5

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: The End of the Tour

by MCDave

I’ve never been an avid reader, so it’s safe to assume that I haven’t wrapped my brain around David Foster Wallace’s groundbreaking 1,079 page 1996 novel, Infinite Jest. Having very little prior knowledge of this unusual author who’s known for always wearing his trademark bandanna, even though the idea of this personal choice representing some preconceived “fashion statement” would have ran maddening circles around his mind until it nearly exploded, I was intrigued to learn more about Wallace through a very impressive team of collaborators. Filmmaker James Ponsoldt’s early work is impressive all on its own, but he emerged onto the scene in a big way with his most recent success, The Spectacular Now. And once you add two narrow, yet immense, acting talents like Jesse Eisenberg and Jason Segel into the mix, The End of the Tour becomes an indie drama I wouldn’t think to miss.

Upon hearing news of David Foster Wallace’s (Segel) tragic suicide in 2008, David Lipsky (Eisenberg) fishes through his closet and listens to some old cassette tapes. These conversations transport Lipsky back to 1996 where the one time Rolling Stone reporter embarked on a five-day journey with the lonely, albeit it brilliant, critically acclaimed author. As these two free-thinkers travel around the final dates of Wallace’s book tour together, their interactions break down barriers and evolve into philosophical discussions surrounding society, fame and addiction. Conversations that Lipsky and the rest of the world will cherish long after the sad loss of this progressive writer.

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James Ponsoldt’s The End of the Tour is a captivating and highly personal examination of the human psyche. Brought to life through the transcending performances of its two leading stars, the film’s rich dialogue is both existential and enthralling. Jason Segel is an absolute revelation who embraces his portrayal of David Foster Wallace with an obvious sense of passion and respect. To experience The End of the Tour is to discover avenues of life and existence that often go ignored and become lost in the mundane patterns of every day behaviors. The film delivers an exuberance and awareness to one’s cognitive being that’s utterly refreshing. Ponsoldt places his audience into the unique perspective of Wallace’s forward-thinking mind and shows how terrifying and lonely it can be to find enlightenment.

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For all of the movie’s remarkable dialogue-heavy interactions and sharp mental expansion, The End of the Tour is an extremely unconventional piece of work. The film circumvents any real story or plot.. Instead, it serves an homage of sorts to David Foster Wallace and the artistic genius we lost far too young. And despite an occasional sluggish pace, The End of the Tour presses on with its convictions and shapes a delicate piece of liberating art. One that leaves a rare imprint and will stick with me forever.

Some films tell magnificent and grand stories that dazzle and excite. Others search for something deeper and more profound. It’s safe to say that The End of the Tour is the latter. David Foster Wallace believed that all different forms of entertainment can become mind-numbing and hypnotic to the point where people fail to exercise life’s greatest gift, the ability to think for yourself. That’s a valuable lesson and one that everyone deserves to hear. Thank you to James Ponsoldt, Jesse Eisenberg and Jason Segel for sharing it with me.

GRADE: 4/5

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: Muppets Most Wanted

by MCDave

After the inarguable success surrounding Jason Segel’s long-developed return of Jim Henson’s iconic Muppets in 2011, it became inevitable that there was no escaping a sequel. However, with Segel worn out from years of carefully honing each and every colorful joke enjoyed in The Muppets, he respectfully stepped away from the project. And although the highly anticipated follow-up, Muppets Most Wanted, is still a worthy addition to the storied franchise, the film never quite reaches the heights of its immediate predecessor.

Muppets Most Wanted picks up exactly where the last movie ended. Fresh off of their return, Kermit and the gang decide to plot a sequel that takes the lovable cast of characters on a world tour throughout Europe. After the naive hiring of an evil manager named Domonic Badguy (Ricky Gervais), Kermit becomes entangled in a mistaken-identity fiasco that lands him in a dangerous Russian prison with no way of escaping.

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As expected, Muppets Most Wanted carries out its usual calling-card of family-friendly humor and entertaining musical numbers. The sequel doesn’t quite stack up to the 2011 revival, yet the film manages to operate swiftly and provide a surplus of laughs. Another impressive aspect is the enormous amount of star-studded cameos scattered throughout the movie, ranging from P Diddy, to Usher, to Lady Gaga and a whole lot more. In fact, a huge part of the fun becomes pinpointing all of the celebrities as they quickly arrive and then disappear from the screen. Thankfully, Muppets Most Wanted stays true to its mold and concludes as another enjoyable effort that stands tall on its own.

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If there’s one major detractor to this 2014 follow-up feature, it’s a weak story that works better in theory than execution. The whole Constantine-Kermit identity switch-a-roo begins well but never really sustains as a central focus to the film. Instead, the audience must rely on typical Muppet humor that we’ve grown accustomed to over the years and a diverse collection of well-constructed songs from Oscar-Winning songwriter, Bret McKenzie. Despite the Constantine storyline never amounting to much, there are still plenty of other shining factors to Muppets Most Wanted that keep it enjoyable for the whole family.

With very little circulating through cinemas right now, you’d be well served by taking a chance on a worthwhile sequel such as Muppets Most Wanted. It may lack the charm and surgeon-like attention to detail of Jason Segel’s 2011 rebirth, but writer/director James Bobin and co-writer Nicholas Stoller stick to the usual Muppet-mantra. And as we all know, that’s a formula guaranteed to work!

Grade: 3.5/5

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Retroactive Thinking: ‘Can’t Hardly Wait’ is 15 Years Old

by Saintmort

Today is a huge day in the world of cinema.

You see, today Jurassic Park celebrates it’s 20th anniversary. The legendary film that broke records, captivated audiences with its groundbreaking special effects, and caused hundreds of kids around the world (myself included) to develop an extreme interest in dinosaurs (specifically the Raptor which pre-Jurassic Park most of us kids had never heard of). I really should be doing a Retroactive Thinking about it… but I’m not. I like Jurassic Park, it’s a great movie… but 5 years and one day after its release, a film came out that left a much larger impression on me. That movie is 1998’s Can’t Hardly Wait.

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I grew up in the mid-90’s. What I mean by this, is that since I was born in 1985, it was 1994-1995 when I really started caring about stuff. Once you hit the double digits, you start to listen to your own music, start going to the mall by yourself, and begin attending movies without your parents because now you’re a junior high student. The 90’s was full of forgettable teen flicks, and this was the one that started it all.

Can’t Hardly Wait (released June 12th 1998) was written and directed by Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan (who’s only other directing job was the criminally under-appreciated Josie and the Pussycats). The film not only reignited the teen flick after years of absence, but remains the best film of the resurgence (on par with American Pie). The simple plot follows a group of high school students at a giant graduation party. The biggest focus of the movie is on Preston Meyers, who has been in love with Amanda Beckett since freshmen year, but as long as he’s known her, she’s been dating Mike Dexter. Finally, on graduation day Mike and Amanda break up, and it’s Preston’s chance to tell her how he really feels.

We also follow the nerdy William Lichter as he attempts to get revenge on Mike Dexter, and Wigger Kenny Fisher (Seth Green) trying to lose his virginity. There are plenty of other small plot-lines mixed into the film (including a brilliant one about a high school band’s first show).

So why did this movie leave such a massive impact on me? It goes back to 1998. As shocking as it may be to you readers, but I was a bit of a geek in Jr. High. I remember this movie’s trailer and I remember not really having an opinion about it. Unlike when I saw something like The Phantom Menace trailer, I didn’t say ‘Man, I have to see that’. At the time I was hanging out with Adam, a kid who was my best friend throughout Junior High (and then we kinda went our separate ways in high school). I’ll always remember the day we finished 6th grade and felt like 2 grown ups (I, of course wouldn’t be an actual grown up until… well… I’m probably still not a genuine adult). I was invited by Adam to see this movie after our last day of school with a girl he was dating and her friend. As per usual, the girl’s friend had zero interest in me, so instead of getting my make-out on I just sat in a mostly empty theater watching Can’t Hardly Wait.

Can’t Hardly Wait was a rare type of movie. It was the only 90’s teen flick (again, except for maybe American Pie) that really had an 80’s feel to it. What I mean by that, is that the characters were relatable and very real. They represented the various cliche’s realistically without being stereotypes (much like Breakfast Club). It was the first time I felt like I was seeing my classmates accurately depicted on the big screen.

Six years after it’s release, I graduated high school, and while I didn’t attend a giant graduation party, I did attend a small party at my Salutatorian’s house. It was a typical gathering of high school outcasts. We decided to put on Can’t Hardly Wait, and we quickly realized that despite the film coming out when we were in 7th grade, we still graduated with those characters.

Every time I watch Can’t Hardly Wait, I desperately want to write my own teen flick. One day I will I’m sure, but no matter what I do or how hard I try, I’ll never create a teen movie as incredible and relatable as this film.

Simply put, I love the shit out of this movie. I’ve even attended at least three Halloween Parties dressed as Kenny Fisher (see below). Some people own every version of Star Wars ever released, and I’ve purchased every version of Can’t Hardly Wait made available. The VHS, the DVD, The 10 year reunion DVD, and on the day that Harry and Deborah release the uncut R version of the movie on Blu-Ray I will purchase it as well (and probably a Blu-Ray player so I can watch it).

You may be asking ‘an R rated version?’ In order to get a PG-13 there were various scenes that had to be cut from the movie. This also involved us losing one of the main characters in the original film, Crying Drunk Girl. Crying Drunk Girl (played by Jennifer Elise Cox) was the key character linking all the storylines together. The joke being that she hears Denise and Kenny get locked in a bathroom, she knows Preston, and offers to help Amanda find him. However, no one can understand her because she’s too drunk to produce genuine words. All of her dialogue would have appeared as subtitles letting audiences in on the joke. She eventually hooks up with the foreign exchange student.

Amber Benson and Jason Segel in Can't Hardly Wait
Amber Benson and Jason Segel in Can’t Hardly Wait

Two other characters, Stoned Girl (played by Amber Benson) and Watermelon Guy (Played by Jason Segel) saw a major cut to their screentime. Segel originally had a scene explained that for the last year he’s been soaking a Watermelon in Vodka, while Benson’s character only appears on screen for 2 seconds staring at a banana. Here’s hoping that somewhere an unrated version of the movie will see the light of day.

So, take some time and remember the 1998 film that launched enough careers that my friends and I like to play “Six Degrees to Can’t Hardly Wait”. Maybe Doug Benson will play that on Doug Loves Movies… in fact, I’m going to tweet that at him.

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Watch The First Clip From ‘This Is The End’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Following the hilarious red band trailer from last week, Columbia Pictures has released the first clip from their upcoming end-of-the-world comedy, This is the End.

This is the End opens June 12th, and stars Seth Rogen, James Franco, Craig Robinson, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, and Danny McBride. It also seems to have cameos from everybody else in Hollywood.

I haven’t seen the clip, as it’s region-locked and I’m in Canada, but check it out below, and… describe it to me? Please?

Source: MTV

Watch The Red Band Trailer For ‘This Is The End’

by Derek Kraneveldt

On December 21st of last year (remember, the day that the world was set to end?), a hilarious teaser trailer for This is the End released online to much fanfare. The teaser had Seth Rogen and James Franco in a bomb shelter, apparently after the apocalypse on December 21st.

Today, a red band theatrical trailer for the movie has been released. This preview gives us a much better idea of what (and who) to expect from the feature, which looks like an absolute blast.

This is the End opens June 12th, and stars Seth Rogen, James Franco, Craig Robinson, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, and Danny McBride. It also seems to have cameos from everybody.

Watch the new trailer below, and let us know what you think!

As the world unravels outside, dwindling supplies and cabin fever threaten to tear apart the friendships inside.  Eventually, they are forced to leave the house, facing their fate and the true meaning of friendship and redemption.

Watch The Hilarious Red Band Teaser For ‘This Is The End’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Just one day before the world is yet again set to end (yeah right), Sony Pictures has released a teaser for another movie about the apocalypse.

This is no Roland Emmerich disaster film however, This is the End looks absolutely hilarious. The film stars James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Michael Cera, Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari, and Craig Robinson, and Emma Watson. What a cast!

Watch the trailer below, and let us know what you think! This is the End hits theatres on June 14, 2013 (if we make it that far).

‘The Muppets 2’ Gets A Release Date! Starts Filming In January!

by Shawn Madden

After the success of last year’s The Muppets, it’s no surprise that Walt Disney Pictures greenlit a sequel very quickly. Just last week it was revealed that Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained) was set to play an Interpol agent in the film. The sequel is being described as a comedy caper set in Europe.

James Bobin is returning to direct and co-write the film with Nicholas Stoller. Sadly though Jason Segel, who both starred in and co-wrote the first movie, won’t be involved as far as the production but may appear as a cameo. Just today it was revealed that the film is set to hit theaters December 20th, 2013.

The Muppets 2 will be filmed at Pinewood Studio in London from late January until some time in April. The film will feature brand-new songs by Bret McKenzie and may feature a brand-new Muppets in the cast as well. Yes, that means more than just one. Expect more casting announcements for the film very soon.

Source: Collider

Five Things We Want to See in the Muppets Sequel

by Saintmort

Let’s face it, regardless of the weak ending and occasional plot holes, The Muppets was the most fun you probably had watching a movie last year. With an almost unheard of Rotten Tomatoes rating of 96%, it’s safe to say that more people enjoyed the movie than disliked it. For some people it was their first Muppet experience while others it was a breath of fresh air to hardcore Muppet fans who had to deal with 10 years of terrible made-for-TV movies. I loved the film so much I even wrote an open letter to Jason Segel thanking him.

That being said, the film is far from perfect. The DVD came out today and when you re-watch it you are going to see random things that don’t hold up well a second time. But I still love the Muppets, as has been evident multiple times on this site.

A few weeks ago it was announced that cowriter and star Jason Segel won’t be returning for this film. While it saddens me, it made me excited that a sequel was in the works. Hopefully Disney puts it in the right hands and I can only hope that those people read this article because here’s what we want to see in the next Muppet movie.

1. PAUL WILLIAMS AND BRET MACKENZIE

Paul Williams Still AliveBret McKenzie did a fantastic job writing songs for The Muppets, although a few of them (Me Party for example) sound more like a Flight of the Conchords than the Muppets. Regardless he’s one of the best muppet songwriters since Jeff Moss and Paul Williams. While Jeff Moss is deceased, Paul Williams is Still Alive. It would be a Muppet fans dream for Williams to write a new song for our favorite pieces of felt. Williams wrote all the songs for The Muppet Movie one of the greatest cinema soundtracks ever and Paul WIlliams was robbed an Oscar at the 52nd Academy Awards. Perhaps Bret McKenzie can use his magic to give him his well-deserved Muppet-Themed award.

2. NO STAR (BESIDES THE MUPPETS AND YOUR VILLAIN)

As much as I love Jason Segel, there was too much of him in the Muppets. I understand the importance of having big named stars like Jason Segel and Amy Adams in this movie was to bring people into the theater to make the Muppets stars again. Well mission accomplished. The Muppets are stars again. Let’s treat them as such. I’m a Muppets purist and I’m a firm believer that at the end of the day The Muppets are the star. The only other star needs to be the villain.

3. THE MUPPETS NEED TO BE ACTORS, NOT THEMSELVES

The Muppets was very similar to 1977’s The Muppet Movie. For starters they both have Rainbow Connection in them, but more so than that they both follow the Muppets rise. The Muppet Movie tells of how they all met and The Muppets tells how they all reunite. Well now it’s time for us to get a Great Muppet Caper or a Muppets Take Manhattan out of them. This film needs to be a Muppet movie, not a movie about the Muppets. Make Fozzie and Kermit twin brothers again that work for a newspaper company like in Great Muppet Caper. Perhaps have them fresh out of college like Muppets Take Manhattan. Whatever it is, don’t make another The Muppets.

4. GET BETTER USE OUT OF THE CAMEOS

While The Muppets brought us back the time honored tradition of Muppet films being filled with cameos, most of them left something to be desired. Most of the cameos in the film are quick and don’t use the actor/actress to it’s fullest level. As much as I love the movie, the cameos added as much comedy to the movie as ‘random flashbacks’ add plot line to an episode of Family Guy.

Let’s take a look at 1977’s The Muppet Movie. We have a brilliant sequence with Steven Martin

That’s Steve Martin playing a very Steve Martin type character and interacting with the Muppets. In the new film we see people like Neil Patrick Harris, Mickey Rooney, Sarah Silverman and Feist but not only are they in the film for microseconds… they don’t interact with the muppets or even say or do anything funny or memorable, they’re treated like famous extras more than celebrity cameos.

For this next film we need to see big names like John Hamm, Conan O’Brien and Adele playing parodies of themselves, weird characters and more importantly interacting with the Muppets (be it selling a car or serving them food).

5. MORE 80’S ROBOT

Nuff Said

 

When he’s not Talking Muppets, Matt Kelly is writing in his blog Pure Mattitude, Tweeting and hosting his podcast The Saint Mort Show.

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Jeff, Who Lives at Home

by MCDave

Slowly, but surely, the writing and directing duo known as the Duplass brothers have been making a unique impression on the movie world. Brothers Jay and Mark (who’s most known for his role as Pete on the FX television show The League) first broke through the barrier in 2008 with their successful throwback to the comedy-horror genre called Baghead. Then, their follow up feature in 2010 came in the form of the comedy Cyrus. Both films, slightly awkward but carrying a sense of earnest realism, helped to define their original style. Now, in 2012 the Duplass brothers offer up their third release called Jeff, Who Lives at Home. Staying true to their roots, Jeff, Who Lives at Home is yet another strange blend of real life emotion and unusual characters.

Jeff (played by Segel) is a pot smoking slacker still living in his mother’s basement. Searching for a sense of meaning to life ever since the passing of his father, Jeff can’t help but wonder about his destiny. When Jeff’s mom Sharon (played by Sarandon) asks him to do a simple task, Jeff sets out on a wild adventure around Baton Rouge following so-called “signs”. Along the way he runs into his brother Pat (played by Helms) who’s facing a marital meltdown. Believing that there’s a bigger picture behind all of this, Jeff attempts to help save his brother’s marriage and finally unlock his destiny.

With their most resonating and successful release to date, the Duplass brothers use Jeff, Who Lives at Home as a platform to conjure up a poignant and heartfelt experience. I’ve always enjoyed how Jay and Mark seem to have their films come full circle in a convincing fashion. Once again, the writers/directors leave no loose ends in what will surely be one of 2012’s most fulfilling features. At the center of this genuine little gem is its remarkably honest script. As many in Hollywood will tell you, it’s virtually impossible to turn a bad script into a good movie. A well written screenplay is at the heart of any masterpiece. With Jeff, Who Lives at Home, there’s an exceptionally penned heart-filled story wrapped up in an awkward and unconventional shell. For all of the brow-raising nuances you’ll see onscreen, the film’s brilliant and uplifting resolve makes them seem almost necessary. Within all of this lies the true beauty of the Duplass brothers and their groundbreaking efforts.

Along with the movie’s satisfying big picture script and excellent direction, Jeff, Who Lives at Home works as well as it does because of Jason Segel. Starring as the lovable slacker Jeff, Segel helps bring a well intended persona to life. Jeff is an easy character to connect with and he becomes the necessary light in order to attract the audience. He sees the world in such a simple and childlike way that, as a viewer, you can’t help but pour every ounce of your heart into his journey. Segel’s performance is unforgettable and perhaps his most notable to date.

Despite its abundance of glowing aspects, Jeff, Who Lives at Home is far from flawless. Much like their 2010 film Cyrus, Jeff, Who Lives at Home is falsely being pitched as a comedy. Outside of the occasional chuckle, there’s nothing overtly hilarious in this feature. Similar to Cyrus, any overblown comedic expectations will create a sense of awkwardness and misunderstanding. If you walk into the theatre expecting to see a well crafted drama with a peppering of jokes, you’re level of appreciation for the film will surely skyrocket.

With a somewhat dragging 83 minute runtime, Jeff, Who Lives at Home is an otherwise wonderful destiny-filled journey. You’ll get caught up in Jeff’s personal quest for a purpose and, when all is said and done, you’ll leave the theatre completely moved by the entire experience. The film packs an enormous amount of heart in only 83 minutes. If you’re a sucker for an uplifting tale, then don’t hesitate to see the latest effort from the Duplass brothers, Jeff, Who Lives at Home.

Stars: 2 and a half stars out of 4

Grade: B

Note: When MCDave isn’t meandering around Geekscape, he can be found at Movie Reviews By Dave

New Muppets Movie Moving Ahead… Without Jason Segel (For Now)

by Jonathan

In news that is sure to leave our already sad and confused staff member Matt Kelly even more sad and confused, Disney has reached with The Muppets director James Bobin and original co-writer Nicholas Stoller to write a sequel… but word is that Stoller’s original co-writer and star of the film, Jason Segel, won’t be returning to the writing duties.

Does this mean he won’t star in the film? Who knows. Obviously a lot depends on the script that Bobin and Stoller produce. As Vulture reports, with commitments to How I Met Your Mother, other feature writing work, plus promotion for the upcoming Five Year Engagement and This is Forty, it sounds like Segel needs to be more than both man and Muppet if he’s going to find the time to be involved.

We obviously hope he is, because The Muppets was an alternate ending shy of being a perfect movie experience and we’d love to see what Segel would do with a return. Plus, it is an Oscar-winning film franchise now!