Shawn's Bucket List and 27 Dresses Reviews

So let's get things started here with 2 more reviews...

2008 Movie #11 - The Bucket List

So this is one of the few movies so far in this quest that I probably would have gone to see regardless. It's pretty much for the two actors because let's face it Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman are two of the greatest actors ever and can elevate even the shittiest movies in at least some way *cough* Evan Almighty *cough*. After having actually watched the movie I have to say that with any other two actors in the starring roles, this movie wouldn't have been very good. However these two take what is overall pretty standard, run of the mill material and take it to much higher levels than it should be capable of.

The plot is about two men who are told they have around a year to live. Therefore they create a bucket list, a list of things they want to do before they "kick the bucket". Along the way they learn about themselves and go through plenty of sometimes a little too sappy, sentimental moments.

As mentioned above, the acting is the best part of this movie with both Nicholson and Freeman turning in great (although certainly not their best) performances. Sean Hayes is also good as Nicholson's assistant.

There are some generally pretty effective moments in this movie in terms of both humour and emotion. A few parts are just a tad over the top and manipulative in terms of sentimentality but for the most part these moments work.

Wow, you know I thought I would have a bit more to say about this movie than that but I really don't. Decent story, good moments throughout and two great main performances that hold it all together. That's everything you really need to know right there.

***/5


2008 Movie #12 - 27 Dresses

I just typed up the entire review for this movie only to have it screw it up when being published and not actually go through. So now I have to retype the whole fucking and I'm really not as motivated this time, which is too bad because the original review was actually quite good I must say. Anyway, on to the second 27 Dresses review I've written in the last 15 minutes...

So let's face it, nobody goes to see romantic comedies in order to be surprised. They all pretty much take the exact same route with very few strays from the formula. 27 Dresses falls strictly into this category. It follows the route you would completely expect it to follow. There's never some moment where Katherine Heigl murders someone or James Marsden just starts smacking her around. However, since all romantic comedies are essentially the exact same movie its very important that they accomplish at least two things to make them enjoyable.

1. Likable leads
2. Good chemistry between these leads

Thankfully 27 Dresses accomplishes both of these quite well. I've been a fan of Katherine Heigl since back when she was in Bride of Chucky...that's right, how many of you can make that claim? I've always been pretty indifferent to James Marsden but he's actually quite good here. Overall this is very similar to the Bucket List in the fact that the two leads manage to take what is in the long run some very basic, predictable material and elevate it to levels that it probably doesn't even deserve.

As mentioned before, of course this movie is predictable, as are all romantic comedies. They are follow what is essentially the same overall checklist...

[] Two people meet. One person doesn't like the other one at first but gradually falls for them as the movie continues
[] There is always a best friend who encourages the lead to have tons of meaningless sex and always makes "jokes" about how they dont get the lead would rather have love instead
[] A usually over the top bonding scene (such as karoke, as is the case with this movie) that would never play out like that in real life (perfectly choreographed dance numbers anyone?)
[] Make sure to have a fight between the two leads around the 3/4 mark
[] Fight is reconciled and everyone winds up happy
[] Have someone learn something about themselves along the way that they tell the other person in a sentimental speech

27 Dresses does not stray at all from this checklist. Thankfully the path it follows as it goes from point to point is decently entertaining. There are a few funny lines here and there, the performances are quite good, the characters likable (except the sister, she needs a good smacking around) and a few scenes generally enjoyable. As far as romantic comedies go you could certainly do a lot worse than 27 Dresses and I'm sure I myself will do a lot worse with other ones in the coming weeks *stares directly at "Fool's Gold"*

***/5