#AnnieMumolo

[film-book]

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Film Review: THE IDEA OF YOU (2024): An Anne Hathaway Romantic Dramedy with Sweet Moments and a Sense of Predictability https://film-book.com/film-review-the-idea-of-you-2024-an-anne-hathaway-romantic-dramedy-with-sweet-moments-and-a-sense-of-predictability/?feed_id=134066&_unique_id=665282b05e6fa

[adamwatchesmovies]

Bridesmaids (2011)

Bridesmaids is even funnier than I remembered. It features a nice blend of genuine heart and laugh-out-loud moments with just a touch of a romance thrown in. Don’t let the primarily female cast make you think this one's only for the ladies; it's got universal appeal.

Annie (Kristen Wiig) is unhappy. The bakery she opened went out of business, she is living with two idiots that pass off as roommates, she’s seeing a boy toy that cares nothing for her, she’s not excited about working at the jewelry store that earns her little money. She’s *this* close to moving back in with her mother. When her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) announces she's getting married, Annie is put in charge of the pre-wedding stuff. Her crappy life immediately begins leaking into the celebration.

It’s a movie that’s as much about a woman who has hit rock bottom as it is about a turning point in a friendship that has started to wane. At first, it’s very much your typical “good ol’ boys” comedy, but with girls instead. Lewd jokes, plenty of gross-out moments, and scenes that'll make you cringe from second-hand embarrassment. The first time I saw these, I thought it was a bit much. Now I see their merit. It’s the bait to lure you into the meat of the story: the friendship. While you’re witnessing catastrophic dinners, dress fittings that go so bad it’s legendary, and awkward drunken confessions, it builds up to a total meltdown that exposes the raw emotions inside the characters. It’s still plenty funny but at the end of the day, the heartfelt conversations are what make the movie, not the nasty jokes.

Many elements of the film are relatable, ovaries or not. Everyone's felt jealous of your best friend's new BFF. Everyone has felt like they've let a valuable friendship slip through the cracks. Do I still know the friends I grew up with well enough to throw them that final party before they change into full-grown adults? It could be heavy material but through the rivalry that develops between Annie and Helen (Rose Byrne), it's hilarious.

The side characters are memorable and provide the big, memorable scenes that'll have you in stitches. Rebel Wilson and Matt Lucas as the idiotic roommates, Melissa McCarthy as a forceful, don’t-take-no-guff-from-nobody future sister-in-law (she must've come up with a lot of her own lines) are going to be many people's favorites. My vote is for Rita (Wendi McLendon-Covey) and Becca (Ellie Kemper). They form a sisterly bond based on their mutual, awful sex lives but not for the reason you'd expect.

Bridesmaids doesn't end with everything wrapped up all nicely, but it leaves you feeling good. Looking back, even the parts that made me say "that’s just nasty!” force my face to crack into a smile. It’s gross, but not excessive and those jokes are well balanced with real emotions. The romantic subplot is sweet. There are plenty of memorable/quotable scenes. The chemistry is terrific. I suspect Bridesmaids will become a comedy classic. It's a bit groundbreaking in a way because so many comedies are male-centered you’d swear there were no funny women in the world. It's a great pick for a date, or something to watch with friends. If you were put off by it initially, take another look at Bridesmaids. It really is a funny and insightful picture. (Theatrical version on DVD, March 30, 2015)

[doomonfilm]

Thoughts : Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)

Here I am, just trying to do my due diligence in terms of covering the 2021 releases, and the inevitable occurred... I remember the promotional campaign for Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, and while being a fan of both Kristen Wiig and absurdist comedies, I did not feel the magnetic attraction to this film that one would have assumed would be present.  As people’s year end lists started to roll out, I begin to notice that more than a few outlets had this listed as one of the better films of the year, so I put aside my doubts and assumptions and figured I’d give it a view... and, after all that... I’m still not sure what to think...

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first : this film is not only overly silly, but it is built upon a Jenga-like stack of the most random character elements that force the viewer to do possibly more suspension of disbelief than a comedy of this level requires.  Granted, I know we’re not dealing with Citizen Kane here, and with this being a property connected to the Saturday Night Live and Adam McKay camps, to take it seriously would be a fool’s errand, but there are easily two different absurdist comedies of drastically varying levels attempting to operate simultaneously for Barb and Star.  At the heart of things is a touching film about two friends (the titular Barb and Star) who are extremely codependent to one another, but in the process of them trying to collectively step outside of their shared comfort zone, the two find their own sense of personal liberation via individual discovery-laden journeys.  With this premise being the heart, that would make the soul of the film a wholly ridiculous espionage romp, complete with two supervillains, a feet on the ground lackey who doubles as a romantic interest, and a potential threat that could wipe a city off the map, which in this case is presented as deadly biologically-altered mosquitos. 

All that being said, as disjointed and bonkers as this film is, there are definitely aspects that work at times.  Like some sort of non-existent SNL skit given license to expand on a simple premise (think It’s Pat, The Ladies Man, Coneheads, the Wayne’s World films or even MacGruber), the character work of Kristen Wiig (Star) and Annie Mumolo (Barb) becomes the foundation for a twisting and turning narrative full of possibilities and low on limits, and thankfully, the pair are able to take their grating Midwestern accents and mine them for all of the gold available.  Populating the world full of varying degrees of idiots is also a positive, as the intersectionality of communication that occurs between the different parties creates enough kinetic comedy to keep viewers on the hook.  While the comedy starts off innocent enough, by the second act we see some bold jabs at edgy humor, up to and including the extremely frank sexual talk throughout the film, the hidden curse words cobbled together by clever cutting, and quite frankly, the deep embracing of blue humor that comes on like a tidal wave as the film progresses.  In terms of technical merits, you can definitely see that there was money put behind this film, and while there are moments of high production value on all levels, the spirit of kitsch is embraced at any and all points possible.

Kristen Wiig gets her Tilda Swinton on, which is definitely one of the gold stars of the film (no pun intended)... as Star, Wiig falls right into the harmonic rhythm with Annie Mumolo that emulates a legion of classic comedy duos, while her performance as Sharon Fisherman is unique enough that even I didn’t recognize her for a large portion of the film due to the heavy makeup applied.  Annie Mumolo is not an actress I am very familiar with, so at the risk of disrespecting her accolades, she definitely holds her own in her shared moments with Wiig, and when alone, she manages to shine in her comedic time and infectious excitement.  Jamie Dornan provides a touch of Adam Scott energy in shades, but mostly commits himself to a hilariously pathetic and comedically rich devotion to Wiig’s Sharon Fisherman character, mining it for all that it is worth during that particular aspect’s arc.  Reyn Doi embraces being the cherry on top of the absurdist sundae, giving off a Nevel Papperman level child evil genius performance while still managing to exude levels of innocence that only a child can, particularly within the character’s physicality.  Damon Wayans Jr. makes the most of his moments, playing in and around the jokes with great zeal, but in all honesty, his character comes off as a bit of a satellite, or as the one ingredient too much in an already busy recipe.  Other standout supporting appearances include Kwame Patterson, Wendi McClendon-Covey, Vanessa Bayer, the always understated but hilarious Phyllis Smith, musical-comedy genius Richard Cheese, a super random Andy Garcia moment, a Reba McEntire cameo and a killer vocal performance from Josh Robert Thompson.

Barb and Star probably isn’t going to win any awards this year, and to be completely honest, I am surprised that it’s popping up on Best of the Year lists.  It’s not that it’s a bad movie... believe me, I’ve seen worse... but it’s also not the kind of movie that going to light a spark of interest in the general movie-going public.  As a Kristen Wiig devotee (in the best possible understanding of the definition), it took me a few separated sittings to finish this film, but when it was all said and done, I did find moments of enjoyment throughout.  Perhaps this will be another Anchorman or American Psycho situation, where my immediate reaction may differ from possible future embracing and enjoyment of the film.  If you’re looking for something completely silly to distract you from rough an hour and half of your day, then give it a watch for sure.  If you take your movie watching seriously or only have time for Kino cinema, I’d skip this one.

[bryanlenning]

@barbandstar is a true highlight of #2021 🙌 had to create a #posterdesign in loving tribute! @anniemumolo . . #barbandstargotovistadelmar #kristenwiig #anniemumolo #jamiedornan #damonwayansjr #comedy #2020 #covid_19 #movieposter #poster #soundtrack #design #graphicdesign #minimalism #art #artistsoninstagram #instart #fanart #photoshop #illustration #digitalart #florida https://www.instagram.com/p/CN5GCj2BT5T/?igshid=1wlhqik3g899t

[masdplus]

Kristen Wiig y Annie Mumolo se han unido a un proyecto live-action sobre Anastasia y Drizella✨ SIGUE @masdplus para estar al día con las últimas noticias. Comenta esta y más noticias cada VIERNES en nuestro canal de Twitch. 🇪🇸 19:00 🇦🇷🇺🇾 14:00 🇨🇱🇻🇪 13:00 🇲🇽🇵🇪🇨🇴🇪🇨 12:00 #KristenWiig #AnnieMumolo #Cenicienta #Cinderella #Hermanastras #Anastasia #Drizella #Tremaine #Bridesmaids https://www.instagram.com/p/CN2FgheCbuD/?igshid=zx9v7102yd76

[stopandimagineloveforever]

@gal_gadot We are in this together, we will get through it together.

Let’s imagine together.

Sing with us ❤

All love to you, from me and my dear friends. #WeAreOne ....... #KristenWiig #JamieDornan @labrinth @james_marsden @sarahkatesilverman @eddiebenjamin @jimmyfallon @natalieportman @zoeisabellakravitz @siamusic @reallyndacarter @amyadams @leslieodomjr @pascalispunk @chrisodowd @hotpatooties #WillFerrell @markruffalo @norahjones @ashleybenson @kaiagerber @caradelevingne @anniemumolo @princesstagramslam

March 18, 2020

[bjsbookblog]

Reposted from @gal_gadot We are in this together, we will get through it together. Let’s imagine together. Sing with us ❤ All love to you, from me and my dear friends. #WeAreOne ....... #KristenWiig #JamieDornan @labrinth @james_marsden @sarahkatesilverman @eddiebenjamin @jimmyfallon @natalieportman @zoeisabellakravitz @siamusic @reallyndacarter @amyadams @leslieodomjr @pascalispunk @chrisodowd @hotpatooties #WillFerrell @markruffalo @norahjones @ashleybenson @kaiagerber @caradelevingne @anniemumolo @princesstagramslam - #regrann https://www.instagram.com/p/B95oiZQilVm/?igshid=ukku71sgw40u

[film-book]

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Film Review: JOY RIDE (2023): An "R-Rated" Comedy That is Well-Cast and Gets its Thematic Tone Right https://film-book.com/film-review-joy-ride-2023-an-r-rated-comedy-that-is-well-cast-and-gets-its-thematic-tone-right/?feed_id=77514&_unique_id=64a61b994783b

[monica82movies]

#badmoms #milakunis #kirstenbell #kathrynhahn #anniemumolo #jadapinkettsmith #christinaapplegate

[lisa1337]

"We are in this together, we will get through it together. Let’s imagine together. Sing with us ❤ All love to you, from me and my dear friends." Reposted from @gal_gadot . . #WeAreOne #KristenWiig #JamieDornan @labrinth @james_marsden @sarahkatesilverman @eddiebenjamin @jimmyfallon @natalieportman @zoeisabellakravitz @siamusic @reallyndacarter @amyadams @leslieodomjr @pascalispunk @chrisodowd @hotpatooties #WillFerrell @markruffalo @norahjones @ashleybenson @kaiagerber @caradelevingne @anniemumolo @princesstagramslam #selfquarantine #wfh #love #BeAGoodHuman #covid19 #workingremotely https://www.instagram.com/p/B98HGYyAwTo/?igshid=zo0njyda1cnz

[xclochi]

#yomequedoencasa #coronavirus #cuarentena #quarantine #Repost @gal_gadot (with @report.for.insta) ... We are in this together, we will get through it together. Let’s imagine together. Sing with us ❤ All love to you, from me and my dear friends. #WeAreOne ....... #KristenWiig #JamieDornan @labrinth @james_marsden @sarahkatesilverman @eddiebenjamin @jimmyfallon @natalieportman @zoeisabellakravitz @siamusic @reallyndacarter @amyadams @leslieodomjr @pascalispunk @chrisodowd @hotpatooties #WillFerrell @markruffalo @norahjones @ashleybenson @kaiagerber @caradelevingne @anniemumolo @princesstagramslam (en Chorillos, Lima, Peru) https://www.instagram.com/p/B97IrXBFP2s/?igshid=h2ac39zpgeho

[iamgleem]

#Beautiful #Imagine #WeAreInThisTogether #Repost @gal_gadot (@get_repost) ・・・ We are in this together, we will get through it together. Let’s imagine together. Sing with us ❤ All love to you, from me and my dear friends. #WeAreOne ....... #KristenWiig #JamieDornan @labrinth @james_marsden @sarahkatesilverman @eddiebenjamin @jimmyfallon @natalieportman @zoeisabellakravitz @siamusic @reallyndacarter @amyadams @leslieodomjr @pascalispunk @chrisodowd @hotpatooties #WillFerrell @markruffalo @norahjones @ashleybenson @kaiagerber @caradelevingne @anniemumolo @princesstagramslam (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/B965GmrDvRT/?igshid=1guannuz3v88v

[wiigsten]

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thegroundlings Sunday Funday! #groundlings #kristenwiig #anniemumolo

[film-book]

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Film Review: MURDER MYSTERY 2 (2023): Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston Return for a Bigger and Better Suspenseful Sequel https://film-book.com/film-review-murder-mystery-2-2023-adam-sandler-and-jennifer-aniston-return-for-a-bigger-and-better-suspenseful-sequel/?feed_id=140543&_unique_id=64279be908d97

[screenfan1981]

#BarbAndStarGoToVistaDelMar *** (Out of 4) There are quite a few laughs to be had in this movie. It’s not one of the greatest comedies of all time but you could do a lot worse. . . . . #moviejunkie #cinephile #film #films #filmreviews #filmreview #movie #movies #moviereviews #review #reviews #moviereview #critic #movienight #moviedate #movie🎥 #movietime🎬 #movietime #moviegeek #moviebuff #moviecritic #movieaddict #2021 #kristenwiig #anniemumolo #jamiedornan #damonwayansjr #willferrell #adammckay (at Langford, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLxPnxAluqp/?utm_medium=tumblr