2013 is fast proving to be extremely popular in the field of comedy where films are concerned and this week’s releases comprise of nothing else. We are graced with an animation sequel for all ages, an aging gangster story and a send up on the world of celebrity when faced with the end of the world we know it. Which will you settle for this week?
Despicable Me 2
Despicable Me 2 see’s the return of Gru, living the quite life and being a responsible father to Margo, Edith and Agnes. However, life can never be too quiet for this ex-villain. Just as he settles into his new family guy role a secret organization seek him out to enlist his help in finding out whom the evil genius is behind a most spectacular crime, After all it takes one (ex) villain to know another.
With a cast of voices from the likes of Steve Carell, Benjamin Bratt, Russell Brand and Steve Coogan, this animation family movie should tick all the comedic boxes for both adult and child audiences alike. Topping this off with a soundtrack by Heitor Pereira and the “very hot right now” Pharrell Williams of Blurred Lines fame (amongst many other grade A songs from the past) we are guaranteed a feel good, happy experience for both our ears and our minds.
See if you liked: Despicable Me, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
Stand Up Guys
As aging stick up man Val (Al Pacino) gets out of jail, he meets up with old partner Doc (Christopher Walken) in a bid to get the old crew back together for an all night reminiscing session. Unbeknownst to Val, the local mob boss, Claphands (Mark Margolis) wants him dead, the reason; he blames him for the death of his son. It’s now down to Val to carry out the execution of his one time friend and partner, if he doesn’t he’ll pay for his failure with his own life.
Stand up Guys is a comedy gangster film which brings together two legendary actors in this field of cinema. Christopher Walken always playing the slightly unhinged psychopath and Al Pacino, who is best known for his role as the ultimate gangster Tony Montana in Scarface, but like his character in this film, can he really pull off the aging gangster? Do comedy and gangster really gel together not so sure but Stand up Guys just might give it a fighting chance.
See if you liked: 88 Minutes, Righteous Kill.
This is the End.
Seth Rogan, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson and more are trapped inside James Franco’s house after he throws a big celebrity party as devastation hits Los Angeles. As the world outside those four walls falls apart, their true friendships are put to the test when cabin fever kicks in and supplies start to run out. Eventually having to leave the house to the impending apocalypse they find out exactly where they stand with each other in their bid to survive.
Co-directed by actor Seth Rogan, This is the End actually sounds extremely thin on a meaty storyline, basically it sends up the world of celebrity to be actually quite shallow and full of their own self importance. Another “spoof” take on the alien invasion of America type film. All actors “play” themselves and show they can actually make fun of the idealistic world they all live in. This could be a hidden comedic gem.
See if you liked: Pineapple Express, Tropic Thunder.
MY PICK OF THE WEEK: DESPICABLE ME 2