Review of film: “DISASTER MOVIE” -- Calamities Up The Kazoo (& the Kitchen Sink Too)

Review of film:  “DISASTER MOVIE”  --  Calamities Up The Kazoo (& the Kitchen Sink Too) =   

                    [ RATING:  6.25 of 10 stars ] 

Date Rated: Aug 29, 2008 | Rel. Date: Aug 29, 2008 =

As a friend commented, this film has “a matrix of PLOT-lines”-- or, more precisely, almost NO real plot of its own... 


...  It’s a parody on a bunch of recent movies, bringing in disparate characters-- most of whom have little to do with actual “disasters”: 


...  From a generic “hero” played by MATT LANTER, who runs around through an earthquake with his pal Calvin (G. THANG), his recently-met friend the “Enchanted Princess” (well played by NICOLE PARKER, who also portrays look-alikes for Amy Winehouse and Jessica Simpson), her Prince (TAD HILGENBRINK), “Juno” knock-off Juney (enjoyably played by CRISTA FLANAGAN), etc....


...  There are references to “Cloverfield”, “Hancock”, J-T (Justin Timberlake), “High School Musical”, & others. If this sounds like the scatter-shot approach of throwing in the “kitchen sink”, you’re right: 


...  while you’ll find some FUNNY episodes & a smattering of scenes that at least HINT at cleverness, you’ll find very little really good writing here. It’s FUN in part, but highly padded and frequently WEAK.

Review of film: “PENELOPE”

Review of film:   “PENELOPE”  --  Pig In An (Emotional) Poke(y)  =   

 [ RATING:  6.25 of 10 stars ] 

Date Rated: Feb 23, 2008 | Rel. Date: Feb 29, 2008:

[Based on an advance screening:]  This was produced by Reese Witherspoon, who plays a small role in it as best friend to 'Penelope' (CHRISTINA RICCI). Filmed in 2006, it was held (for various possible reasons) and is being released now possibly because of the high visibility of co-star JAMES McAVOY (from 'Atonement') who plays a down-on-his-luck gambler trying to court Penelope in order to get money from a paparazzi reporter who wants photos…

…  Penelope needs a best friend because she has been cursed with cosmetically-unrepairable features such as a pig-like nose (due to improper class-conscious actions of her father's ancestor). Her mother (CATHERINE O'HARA) works hard to get her married off to a rich suitor, believing a kiss from such a person will restore Penelope's looks to normal.  But, when the efforts fail, Penelope runs away from home to try to build her own life. The film is a generally pleasant humorous fantasy, but somewhat weak in its writing and development.