Shawn's Penelope and Run Fatboy Run Reviews

I can't believe I'm still reviewing movies that came out in February. I also can't believe I still haven't even seen all of the movies that came out that month. I'm going to try and use this next week to really catch up so that when April comes I'm not fucking 8 movies behind or whatever I am right now.

2008 Movie #34 - Penelope

It feels like forever since I've watched a movie with Christina Ricci. I know I kind of watched Prozac Nation but let's face it, only one memory of that movie stayed with me and those who have seen the movie know exactly what it was....it was boobs. Other than that I really don't even know what the last movie of hers I watched was. Though I am pumped as hell shes going to be in Speed Racer this summer. Anyway that was a pretty longwinded intro to this review but it's mainly because I don't have much to say about the actual movie itself.

This really didn't turn out to be the movie that I thought it was going to be. I figured it was going to be a fairly low-key modern day fairly tale. You know all sweet and innocent and what not. But in fact what it actually is very loud, kind of slapsticky, very in your face and overall just kind of irritating. Within 5 minute of the start of the movie you have a bunch of scenes of guys seeing Penelope (who has a pig nose for those who aren't familiar with the plot) for the first time and jumping through windows and screaming. In fact there is a whole hell of a lot of screaming in this movie. It eventually just becomes a little unbearable. As I said before, the whole thing is just overly loud.

Sometimes there's nothing wrong with that, a movie can be loud and still be funny. This one however does not fall into that category. It's just loud and kind of irritating. Sure the movie has a good overall message, which is kind of rare these days, but it delivers it in a really unbearable way.

The actors really do fine, except maybe the mom who needed a good swift kick in the teeth most of the movie. Christina Ricci is always enjoyable and does well in the leading role here. As for everyone else, well they certainly did exist. (did I use that line in another review? whatever it will probably show up countless more times in the future as well).

Many people may not be bothered by the points I listed above. Hell many people may not even notice and wonder what the hell I'm even talking about. But I found the movie to be mostly grating and therefore not an enjoyable experience.

* 1/2 /5

2008 Movie # 35- Run Fatboy Run

These two reviews have now been sitting unfinished on my computer for at least a week now. I guess because unlike some movies I really don't have anything to say about these ones.

Simon Pegg is awesome and Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz are two of my favourite comedies/movies I would say ever. He was essentially the one and only reason I had even the slightest interest in watching this movie. In the end he does indeed turn out to be the best part of the movie, although the movie itself is actually better than I thought it would be.

It's the typical romantic comedy that you've seen 1000 times, just done slightly better. From the very beginning you know exactly what's going to happen and how it will play out. Although I have to admit that I wasn't exactly sure how the marathon in the end will go. Yes there's a marathon but if you remember, fuck plot summaries. Other than that though this movie offers up very little in the way of surprises.

However it does offer up some funny lines, enjoyable characters and an overall good time. That my friends, is my poster line...and since these reviews have gone unfinished for so long, im just gonna go ahead and hit submit right now.

***/5