Theater Review: Rio

I figured since I don't get out to the movie theater too often, I would mark the films I actually do get to see there with Theater Review. I know it doesn't really matter, but I figured I would do it anyway.

So, a few weekends ago my parents wanted to take my son to see Rio and I tagged along. I had heard it was actually a decent film, so off we went.

The film is about Blu (Jesse Eisbenberg) a very rare blue makaw that gets knocked off a truck and found by a little girl, Linda (Leslie Mann). As Linda grows up, Blu and her are inseparable and have created quite a life for themselves in Minnesota

One afternoon, Tulio (Rodrigo Santoro) visits Blu and Linda to inform them that he may be in fact the last male blue makaw on Earth. And tries to get them to come with him to Rio in order to mate with the last remaining female blue makaw, Jewel (Anne Hathaway).

Well, as they attempt to introduce the two 'love' birds, Tulio and Linda head out for a dinner and the aviary is broken into and the two birds are stolen. They are able to break free of their captives, but are chained together - and thanks to an issue Blu has the two of them have some huge things to overcome as she looks for her freedom and he tries to locate Linda.

The film is loaded with voice talent including, George Lopez, Jamie Foxx, Will I Am, Tracy Morgan and Jemaine Clement. A lot of excellent songs throughout the film as well that really fit with the environment.

As for the film, a pretty good story of overcoming obstacles to get what you want and finding something inside of you that you didn't know was there.

It was also very beautiful to look at with the many different colors and the scenery of Rio.

Grade:

Funny People

So, after my last list of movies I have watched in my Quick Shots, I realized I have been watching way too many romantic comedies. Now, I don't mind watching them, but I need to mix it up a little. So, I did my best over the three day holiday to steer clear of them.

But, I sort of unfortunately backed into one accidentally. It isn't a full blown romantic comedy, but the core of the film has a lot to do with relationships.

I tossed in Funny People not expecting too much. I had heard from numerous people that they went in expecting a top of the line comedy and came out majorly disappointed. So, I went in expecting nothing and hoped that would help me understand and enjoy the film much more.

George Simmons (Adam Sandler) is your typical stand-up comedian that hits the big time and then becomes way too big even for himself. He has grossed millions of dollars in big-budget comedy films, has the biggest house he could ever want, loads of free stuff and people that basically take care of his every need.

Simmons, over time, has sort of become too big for himself. However, he has just found out that he has a rare form of leukemia (I believe that was the disease, I am not 100% sure) and begins to realize that his life is empty.

Ira Wright (Seth Rogen) is a low on the totem pole comedian. He is just starting out and works in a cafe at a grocery store to make ends meet. He is also staying on his friends pull-out couch. He lives with two other friends, Mark Taylor Jackson (Jason Schwartzman), who has hit it somewhat big with his television show Hey Teach!, and Leo Koenig (Jonah Hill), who is also a stand up comedian, but is a little better at it than Ira.

One night while doing stand up, Simmons bumps Wright to do a short set, but manages to just tell depressing stories to the audience. Wright follows him and begins to make fun of Simmons' crying - "What does he have to be sad about?"

Despite being made fun of, Simmons feels Wright has a bit of writing talent and signs him to be his assistant and write jokes for him.

To me, the meat of this movie was about the relationship that forms between Simmons and Wright. There is also another relationship between Simmons and his ex-girlfriend Laura (Leslie Mann). In that relationship, Simmons feels that the reason he is not happy is because he cheated on Laura and lost her. Again, I feel that that storyline only really strengthened the relationship of Simmons and Wright.

I went in expecting nothing and I feel I did enjoy it a little more than I would have if I was expecting a full-fledge comedy. That being said, it still wasn't the greatest - it was sort of blah. A nice watch, but nothing spectacular.

I did laugh-out-loud a handful of times though. The movie did have some great jokes that kept it flowing, but it just wasn't enough for me.

Grade: