Rambo/The Grand

Rambo (aka: Rambo 4)
R
Running time: 91 minutes
USA

I don't know if it was heat stroke from playing golf or the fact that I had a 4 hole stretch that built up such a rage inside me that I had flashes of First Blood running through my head...but when I got home I felt like watching a mindless, violent, ridiculous movie, the likes of which only a man such as Sly could create.

I'll be brief with this one seeing as how you can imagine what I'm capable of writing about such drivel. In my opinion, the sole reason for making this movie was to allow Sly one last chance to look at himself on the big screen. Sad really. I was hoping for a few good one liners or some well choreographed fight scenes but was instead spoon fed some CGI exploding bodies and some of the worst writing I've ever been exposed to. I know, I know...I got what I paid for. Still...is it too much to ask for maybe a HINT of talent? I guess the answer to that rhetorical question depends on who I'm asking. In other words, remind me to never ask Sly anything again unless it's for a refund of my $1.06.


The Grand
R
Running Time: 104 minutes
USA

Fact: Christopher Guest and crew are the best "mockumentary" makers in the business. Waiting For Guffman is pure genius. There's no denying it...which is why I am always hesitant to watch similar movies by any other filmmaker. However, with a stacked cast and an entertaining premise, I figured I had little to lose. I love Woody Harrelson, David Cross, Chris Parnell, Denis Farina and Cheryl Hines. Plus, small cameos by people like Werner Herzog, Jason Alexander, Hank Azaria and Ray Romano were enticing enough to make me spend that Redbox dollar.

Basically, the movie revolves around 6 main characters who are all vying for the chance to win 10 million dollars in The Grand poker tournament at the Golden Nugget. In analogous fashion to Guest, Zak Penn gives enough back story on each character to make you care about whether they win or lose...in life and in the tournament. It's difficult to take a ridiculous persona and give it enough humanism to make the viewer feel empathy towards it. Surprisingly, Penn pulls it off extremely well which, to me, is the sign of a great director. The other tough part of a film such as this one is keeping the audience laughing. Let me just say...I haven't genuinely laughed this hard at a movie since The 40 Year Old Virgin (although that's one of my all time favorite comedies so I hesitate to compare them). The writing/improvisation is fantastic...reminded me of Guffman and This is Spinal Tap. If you are looking for a good, quick paced, dialog heavy comedy, pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.