Love crappy movies but are too ashamed to admit it? Are you a big Rob Schneider fan but you're tired of being burned? Not sure if you want to waste your money on the same old movie? That's why you have Joe.
Joe Loves Crappy Movies is by Joseph Dunn. Joe willingly goes to see the very worst that Hollywood has to offer. Whenever a crappy movie comes out Joe will be there to see it, make fun of it, and actually review it. Nothing is safe, and nothing is sacred. From the big budget action disasters to the low brow fart based comedies, to anything starring Martin Lawrence? Joe will tear it apart.
With each entry you'll get not only a comic poking fun at the movie, but also a detailed review. Joe's not educated in film or cinematography or acting, he's just a guy that draws comics and likes movies. So if you're looking for the everyman perspective and a little joke in comic form... you're in the right place.
Rumor Has it?
Released: 12/25/05
Viewed: 2:15pm 12/30/05
Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner, Shirley MacLaine, M ark Ruffalo
Directed by: Rob Reiner
Warner Brothers - Official Site of the movie
In a year that gave us a lot of remakes, updates, and sequels it's refreshing to see a movie that has found a new way to rip off old classics. I'm not even sure if I mean that to be sarcastic, but in some way it's legitimate. A movie like The Graduate has become such a part of our culture that it's like referencing the Beatles or Elvis, and there have certainly been many movies based on the impact they've made on society.
So, in case you're not aware, Rumor Has it? is supposedly based on the real life family that was involved in The Graduate. Sort of a fictional update of what happened to those characters, and they're children. It's actually done in an interesting way. What sort of long-term effects would come from unrequited love, settling down, and having a slutty mother that seduced your boyfriend?
The story centers on Jennifer Aniston's character who loves her family, but has always questioned her place among them. She returns home for her sister's wedding, with her own fianc? (Mark Ruffalo) in tow, and upon her return she learns the truth about The Graduate connection.
This sets up a series of problems. She realizes she's in the same position her mother was in at the time in her life The Graduate takes place. Does she settle for a safe secure marriage or follow her heart and run away with the man that makes her go head over heals? Not only that but after a quick bit of math, some paternity questions arise. With creepy results. Really creepy.
Everything unfolds with all the appropriate laughs and teary-eyed "You complete me" moments. Aniston's journey to discover what she really wants is something a lot of people go through. She asks a lot of questions that most people ask. But a large part of the movie serves as an overly complex reason to justify infidelity. I'm sorry, but that's just not cool. Even their attempts to "Make it ok" come off as forced.
The only thing that saved that situation for me was the speech given by Richard Jenkins (who plays Aniston's father) in the third act of the film. That seemed like such a throw away role that anyone could have filled, but Jenkins did such a great job with that scene, I'm really glad they brought him on board.
The acting all around is fine. I found Aniston a little whiney at parts, I think I prefer her as a stronger character, but she's certainly shown her versatility over the last couple of years, and proven that she can hold down a romantic comedy. She definitely has "American Sweetheart" status potential. She's developed into a true movie pro. And she's still a knockout. Even in a room full of 20 something bubbly blondes she stands out in the crowd.
The role of aging stud is perfect for Kevin Costner. I'm not a huge fan, but I always sort of hope for him to do well. I guess I feel sorry that Waterworld was the disaster it was, and I want to see him redeem himself in Hollywood. He seems to be getting attached to some good non-baseball related films now. Open Range was great, and The Upside of Anger was the right thing at the right time. Plus he's suited for the role. Older, successful, but still the type of guy you could see attracting all sorts of women. I wonder if they approached Hoffman with the role? Would that have been too much satire to handle?
The stand out's are Ruffalo, and Shirley MacLaine (who plays the Mrs. Robinson character as an aged grandmother). Every scene they're in they steal, and the scenes they're in together are hysterical. It's been a big year for MacLaine (Bewitched In Her Shoes). It's nice to see she's back to making entertaining characters instead of acting crazy all day.
Ruffalo, as the comic implies, I was not thrilled to see here. Look. I love the guy. He's got a very Cusakian likeability about him, and in his own way is a brilliant actor. That's why it's so frustrating to see him in this Romantic Comedy dungeon (13 Going on 30, Just Like Heaven, A View From the Top). Sure, he peppers it with roles in movies like Collateral, but seeing that is just more torturous because it reminds us what he could be doing. On one hand it's good, because he's great in the movie, and the exposure will get him better roles, but? this is just the wait for dessert.
The movie is cute and smart in its way. It's definitely an interesting twist on a pop culture reference, but I'm not sure I would recommend it. I laughed, I cringed, I nearly forgot about it completely as soon as I waked out of the theater. But it is what it is. Is it a good thing if I call it the least offensive romantic comedy in theaters now? Eh, whatever.
I'll give it a 6 out of 10 because it was good for what it is, and ultimately a nice night out with the girlfriend. I feel like I'm pushing it to the wrong crowd but it's really not that bad of a movie.
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DVD worthy?: No way. It was cute, and it had its moments, but the idea of me sitting around in my pajamas watching this with my cats on a Sunday afternoon is a frightening thought indeed.
If you liked this movie check out: The Graduate
Might as well go to the source material.
Trailer Hitch: Failure to Launch
Wow, I saw the poster for this movie and thought that Sarah Jessica Parker was just throwing away any chance at turning her great TV career into a great movie career. I mean, I love Matthew McConaughey but his track record with romantic comedies is not awesome.
I gotta say thought that the trailer looks kinda good, in a sappy way. I'm sure it'll have a lot of typical bad romantic movie regurgitated garbage, but I have a good feeling about this one.
Hey, thanks for reading guys, I love you long time. Today'svote incentive has Yeo and I talking about what movies are based on the lives of our family. And you'll get to see Yeo's new haircut. Awesome.
It was a good weekend for crappy movies, and I'm excited about getting them out to you. The first will be Hostel, which had a long line every time I was at the theater this weekend. People love the horror and the boobs.
But before that I'm unleashing the reviews to match the three comics I previewed on the new Ipod service where you can download comics for the Ipod. You guys came out like gangbusters, and really downloaded the hell out of them. I really appreciate the interest, and I promise to try and bring some fun new stuff the spotlight there.
Lastly, Coffee Achievers begins it's final chapter TODAY, so go check it out and buckle up for one hell of a closing.
Joe – The creator of the strip who has embraced giving crappy movies the chance they deserve. Like the majority of the cast he’s obsessed with boobs.
First Appearance - The Introduction
Yeo – Yeo is Joe’s wife and often the voice of reason in the strip. Having her act rational allows the rest of the cast to embrace being in a comic strip which primarily involves randomly punching people, interacting with fictional characters and talking about boobs. Yeo is smart, beautiful and way too good for Joe. Don’t tip her off.
First Appearance - Fever Pitch
Irv – Joe’s movie-going sidekick who’s always down for watching Jason Statham crescent moon kick some thug through a plate glass window and getting some drinks before after and during a Vin Diesel movie. Like the majority of the cast he’s obsessed with boobs.
First Appearance - Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior
Agent 337 George Jones – A government Agent that took over for Joe after he was bad-mouthing President Bush in the V for Vendetta strip. George ran the show for over a month bring a much needed sense of patriotism and justice to both the strips and reviews. He eventually got too attached to his work, empathizing with Joe’s plight to give crappy movies a fair shake. In a way he came to love crappy movies as well and was pushed out of the position. He spiraled out of control and ended up in prison. His adventures will be told in the limited series JLCM Presents: 337 Locked Up which is set to début Christmas of 09.
First Appearance - V for Vendetta
Other Notable Appearances: Stay Alive, Ice age 2, Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector, Slither, Here Comes Guest week, Let’s Go To Prison
Leonidas – The former king of Sparta who has traveled into the future and is having trouble coping with the modern times. Yelling loudly and kicking people into giant holes doesn’t really work the same way it did in the olden days. As time as gone by he’s adjusted but it’s a safe bet that he’s always one bad message away from throwing a spear through someone.
First Appearance - 300
Other Notable Appearances: Four Brothers, Strip# 300, The Golden Compass, Rambo, Untraceable, The Ladies of Max Paybe
Palpatine – Former Senator, Emperor of the Galactic Empire, Sith Lord... He shows up in the Joe Loves Crappy movies galaxy on occasion to let people know that they’re being stupid. No one’s really sure how he shows up in this universe but chances are it breaks all kinds of copywrite laws.
First Appearance - Episode III: The Dark Side
Other Notable Appearances: Four Brothers, Night Watch, Saw 3, Are We Done Yet
Slow Billy – Billy is a sweet kid but he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed. If you’re watching him for the day be prepared to explain to him the plot of the movie or how popcorn works or, not so much where babies come from, but what babies are. He’s a complete moron.
First Appearance - Four Brothers
Other Notable Appearances: The Chronicles of Narnia, The Da Vinci Code, Vantage Point, Journey to the Center of the Earth
Kyle the Movie Snob – Be careful what fun facts about movies you tell your friends at a friendly gathering or in line for the latest blockbuster, because if you’re even slightly wrong, Kyle will be more than happy to let you know. He usually gets what’s coming to him though. Poor guy has cracked three ribs since joining the JLCM cast.
First Appearance - Ultraviolet
Other Notable Appearances: 16 Blocks, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Transformers, Journey to the Center of the Earth
Jean-Luc Picard – Another lawsuit waiting to happen is Jean Luc Picard who, towards the end of the strip’s first year, became the go-to background character. If there was ever a seat to fill or a random person to place wandering around in the background, nine times out of ten it was Picard. While Picard has crossed paths with Irv he and Joe have never met. Perhaps they will some day but for now just can an eye on the background.
First Appearance - The Producers
Other Notable Appearances: I’m not telling you, that’s no fun. It’ like Where’s Waldo – go find him!
Ice Cream Sandwich – Delicious and… deadly? Usually when you see someone eating an Ice Cream sandwich, someone else is experiencing a substantial amount of pain. Still, how nice is an ice cream sandwich on a hot summer day?
First Appearance - Saw IV
Other Notable Appearances: Bee Movie, Run Fatboy Run, Saw V
