Movie #292 - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry

I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
2007 - Rated R - 1 hr 55 min
Director: Dennis Dugan
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Jessica Biel, Dan Aykroyd, Ving Rhames, Steve Buscemi, Allen Covert, Rachel Dratch, Richard Chamberlain

Okie dokie, folks.  The premise of this movie intrigued me. Not because I thought it would be good. Or even a revolutionary film for the gay community.  It's not that, although it has the good intentions to be.  It's really just an awkward comedy about two guys who do what they have to do for each other.  Although Adam Sandler resists as much as possible.

Still, watching these two overweight middle-aged guys embrace a same-sex "relationship" is inspiring while it's disturbing.  (Not disturbing because of the gay thing, just because it's Kevin James and Adam Sandler...) Friends got your back. And what they do - even if it is illegal - inspires those who are gay in the community to step forward and live openly.  Good things come from this trainwreck, so it's not all bad.

Movie #289 - I Hate Valentine's Day

I Hate Valentine's Day
2009 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 38 min
Director: Nia Vardalos
Starring: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Judah Friedlander, Rachel Dratch

This movie reunites the couple from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which is cute but might hurt the film overall.  The story's not as good - though it does have its moments - and you're immediately comparing the two films together.  There's also something not quite right about Nia Vardalos's performance here.  Her acting just isn't as good and can be a bit cheesy at times.  Like she's overdoing it.  Perhaps this results from her role directing herself.  Hmm.

Don't get me wrong. I like this movie and it's unusual approach to a classic rom-com scenario.  Girl doesn't want romance, goes out of her way to avoid it.  Guy thinks that's great.  But all of a sudden, it's not great.  It's fun, witty, and filled with missed connections - something I love to watch.  I mean, come on, if the love interests don't work for it... where's the fun? Where's the payoff?   This movie has good payoff, but it's certainly not Vardalos's best work.