Stardust (2007)

Powell's Pick --
LOOKING FOR:

• Comedy/Adventure.
• The Princess Bride of our time.

MOM ALERT:

• Some sexual innuendo, including implied sexual encounters.
• Some implied nudity.
• Homosexual content/references.
• Pervasive theme of fratricide.

DO NOT EXPECT:

• The Swan Princess.
• Cinderella.

WHY WATCH IT?

• Old-school swashbuckling fantastic comedy.
• Robert DeNiro.

Not since The Princess Bride have fantasy, comedy, adventure, and romance joined forces to entertain, engage, and excite us. The writing is tight, the cast delivers a solid performance, and nobody takes themselves too seriously. While the film, like any good fantasy, deals with unavoidably dark content, the film is lighthearted. And for those cynics who pride themselves on predicting plots, the film delivers a sharp slap on the wrist, and tells them to sit back, shut up and just enjoy the magic. -- POWELL

IN SUM: It's good fun, and a must see. This is a movie to share with friends, but is worth watching on your own. Be sure to pay attention to catch all the dialogue.

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Mason Adds --
LOOKING FOR:

• Lighthearted fantasy
• A unique twist on an often overwrought genre.

MOM ALERT:

• Female characters in the tub (non-explicit).
• Some mildly rude humor.
• A humorous gay character
• Goofy violence.

DO NOT EXPECT:

• Lord of the Rings.
• The Never-Ending Story.

WHY WATCH IT?

• Unpredictable and sanguine, often hilarious.
• Claire Danes plays a star.

This film has been billed as the next “Princess Bride,” which is somewhat true. A similarly affectionate fairy tale romp, Stardust is a bit meatier and somewhat more epic (made possible in part by its budget and subsequent special effects breakthroughs). Don’t be fooled by the marketing or the critics—if you want a smart and outside-the-box fantasy with reasonably good special effects and some great talent—this is your film. -- MASON

IN SUM: Engaging to the last drop, this movie is great for when you’re in the mood for an old-fashioned yarn.

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Eidem Adds --
LOOKING FOR:

• Fantasy – In A British Comedy Sort of Way

WATCH OUT FOR:

• Mild Innuendo
• Witches Wanting To Eat Someone’s Heart

DO NOT EXPECT:

• Harry Potter

EXPECT:

• Hook

WHY WATCH IT?

• Vey Well Done Fantasy/Comedy
• Robert De Niro Playing A Gay Man

Many reviews for this movie stated it is The Princess Bride for our times. I do not like to say that. That phrase can only build up your expectation too much and leave you disappointed. Yes these two movies are in the same genre, but to lump them together as the same sort of movie does not do either movie justice. Both The Princess Bride and Stardust are stories that set you in a fantasy world that has swashbuckling action and clever humor throughout. But each movie has its own tone and story and if you try to compare one to the other, you will only be setting yourself up for disappointment. Stardust starts you on the premise from the get go and it takes you for the ride throughout. A star falls from the sky, played by Claire Danes, who has extraordinary powers. There are several forces at work that are vying for that power and they want to use it for their own ends. There are a few darker tones and several jokes you have to watch carefully to catch, but overall this is a movie that can be easily enjoyed. And I would not mind having children watch this. The innuendos can only be caught with a clever mind and there is enough low humor that the children will be thoroughly entertained.

IN SUM: If you are in the mood for a fantasy/comedy blend, this is one movie to watch. If you are in the mood only a comedy or only a fantasy, you may be disappointed in the mix. –EIDEM

Tropic Thunder (2008)

Powell's Pick --
LOOKING FOR:

• Undemandingly Accessible Comedy
  
• Awesome Explosions
  

MOM ALERT:

• Visibly Fake Organs/Gore
• Some Sexually Graphic Dialogue
  
• F-Carpet Bombing
• Drug Content (And Smoking!)
  
• Not for the faint of heart or tender of conscience (Somewhat unfeeling towards the mentally-challenged, animals, and studio execs)
  

DO NOT EXPECT:

• Touching War Epic
• Oscar Wilde
  
• Platoon 2

WHY WATCH IT?

• It's really funny.
• Robert Downey Jr.
  

I was expecting the humor to be considerably more crass, but, aside from some notable instances (such as Jack Black graphically offering fellatio to one of his team mates) it was surprisingly intelligent. Tropic Thunder offers some welcome criticism of the film industry, awesome explosions, the best take on the Wilhelm Scream I've come across yet, and some great acting. (Yes, Downey Jr. plays a black guy. And it's awesome.)

IN SUM: Watch with like-minded friends. Beer optional.

-- POWELL

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Eidem Adds --
LOOKING FOR:

• Spoof Comedy
  
• Robert Downey Jr. Playing A Black Man

WATCH OUT FOR:

• Sexual/Coarse Language Throughout
  
• Fake Gore/Violence

DO NOT EXPECT:

• Saving Private Ryan

EXPECT:

• Zoolander
• Airplane!

WHY WATCH IT?

• Robert Downey Jr.’s Portrayal

The main problem with Tropic Thunder for me was my expectations of it (which is why this blog was started). I expected more than the movie offered and I was looking for a little more substance to the comedy. With Ben Stiller and Jack Black headlining this movie, I do not know what I was thinking. I thought maybe Downey’s addition to the movie would bring a different element to the plot. But once the movie got going I realized how well Downey’s character spoofed himself and tied into the point this movie was making. Tropic Thunder did not take itself seriously at all. To the contrary, it was spoofing the whole movie industry (movie studios, actors, producers, agents, etc.) and used the serious tone as part of its gag. So do not make the same mistake as I did. As long as you know what you are getting yourself into (and can stand a little crude humor) you should be able to enjoy this movie.

IN SUM: Be ready for a spoof movie. Watch it with others who can appreciate this type of humor and are in the same mood and that should add to the enjoyment.

-- EIDEM