Date Movie (D or 1/4 stars)
'Date Movie' is a film designed to 'spoof' other romantic comedies. It is written & directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer. While I laugh a few times (the first 20 minutes), the overall effect of this film is abysmal. It's not 'funny' when a movie parodies 'comedies' that are actually funnier than what you're watching! Parodies tend to work when they focus on classics, horror flicks, or melodramas. The concept behind making this film is poorly thought-out. It helps that I knew most of, if not, all of the movies that are being spoofed. But even at that, the movie stinks. If the general audience hadn't seen most of the movies that are parodied here, it would have been a sad day for those viewers. Even with seeing all these aforementioned movies, I want my $6.75 back.
Julia (Alyson Hannigan) is heavy (in a fat suit) & depressed about not having a boyfriend {what an original concept}. A la My Big Fat Greek Wedding, her family is pressuring her to find a man, marry, have kids, & be a waitress at their restaurant for her whole life. She seeks help from 'Hitch' (a humorous Tony Cox). He spruces her up (at this point the film is still somewhat funny) & miraculously, she winds up looking like Hannigan. She is now able to woo & snatch up the man of her dreams, Grant (Adam Campbell). The rest of the plot involves Julia trying to impress her parents with her selection in Grant. And Grant tries to impress his parents with Julia (very Meet the Fockers) ... not funny, at all. Julia also tries to dismiss Grant's best man from attending the wedding & ruining their happiness (his best 'man' being his supermodel-hot ex-fiancee, Andy (Sophie Monk). Fred Willard & Jennifer Coolidge do their best to reincarnate the Fockers but they come up short in their comedic portrayals. The only character who infuses any true comedy in his part is Julia's dad (played by Eddie Griffin & his insanely white teeth).
Geez, I can't think of many individual moments that are 'purposely' funny. As mentioned, Hannigan & Cox shine in the first 20 min. of the 85 min. long film. Campbell is sickeningly humorous as he mimics Meg Ryan's restaurant orgasm from When Harry Met Sally. Umm, yeah, can't remember the rest because I was too busy squirming in my seat from uncomfortable humorlessness. The usually funny Hannigan strikes out in the leading role. Eddie Griffin brings some physical humor & funny nuance to his character. But he can't save the sinking ship. Most of the movies/commercials that are parodied were not the most popular to begin with. No originality is displayed & the movie choices may not have been the answer to solving this puzzle. Even the outtakes shown during the credits are bland.
What is the world of Cinema coming to!? Why can't January & February release quality films? Why can't Hollywood dig down deep and create some truly original movies rather than this played-out genre. Make it slapstick funny or don't make it at all. I'm looking forward to seeing Scary Movie 4 with much trepidation now; they tend to produce some decent parodies, but we'll see. I had a choice of seeing Eight Below, Freedomland or this catastrophe yesterday afternoon. I'm saddened that my money went to this ill-fated project, but hopefully, I can find solace in what the weekend of February 18th has to offer.
Julia (Alyson Hannigan) is heavy (in a fat suit) & depressed about not having a boyfriend {what an original concept}. A la My Big Fat Greek Wedding, her family is pressuring her to find a man, marry, have kids, & be a waitress at their restaurant for her whole life. She seeks help from 'Hitch' (a humorous Tony Cox). He spruces her up (at this point the film is still somewhat funny) & miraculously, she winds up looking like Hannigan. She is now able to woo & snatch up the man of her dreams, Grant (Adam Campbell). The rest of the plot involves Julia trying to impress her parents with her selection in Grant. And Grant tries to impress his parents with Julia (very Meet the Fockers) ... not funny, at all. Julia also tries to dismiss Grant's best man from attending the wedding & ruining their happiness (his best 'man' being his supermodel-hot ex-fiancee, Andy (Sophie Monk). Fred Willard & Jennifer Coolidge do their best to reincarnate the Fockers but they come up short in their comedic portrayals. The only character who infuses any true comedy in his part is Julia's dad (played by Eddie Griffin & his insanely white teeth).
Geez, I can't think of many individual moments that are 'purposely' funny. As mentioned, Hannigan & Cox shine in the first 20 min. of the 85 min. long film. Campbell is sickeningly humorous as he mimics Meg Ryan's restaurant orgasm from When Harry Met Sally. Umm, yeah, can't remember the rest because I was too busy squirming in my seat from uncomfortable humorlessness. The usually funny Hannigan strikes out in the leading role. Eddie Griffin brings some physical humor & funny nuance to his character. But he can't save the sinking ship. Most of the movies/commercials that are parodied were not the most popular to begin with. No originality is displayed & the movie choices may not have been the answer to solving this puzzle. Even the outtakes shown during the credits are bland.
What is the world of Cinema coming to!? Why can't January & February release quality films? Why can't Hollywood dig down deep and create some truly original movies rather than this played-out genre. Make it slapstick funny or don't make it at all. I'm looking forward to seeing Scary Movie 4 with much trepidation now; they tend to produce some decent parodies, but we'll see. I had a choice of seeing Eight Below, Freedomland or this catastrophe yesterday afternoon. I'm saddened that my money went to this ill-fated project, but hopefully, I can find solace in what the weekend of February 18th has to offer.