Review - The Campaign, That's My Boy, Stolen

Starring Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianikis and Katherine La Nasa.
Directed by Jay Roach.

Funny men Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianikis come together in this political satire, which was surprisingly enjoyable. It is only fitting for director Jay Roach to make fun of the upcoming U.S elections and I think he did a decent job.
So basically in The Campaign, we see a political rivalry and battle between congressmen Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) and Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianikis), as they will do anything to win the election. The battle was hilarious however. Will and Zach's constant dueling and squabbles definitely carried this movie. Things you would never imagine politicians would do is shown in this film which I found rather amusing. The film is laced with raunchy humor and  I really enjoyed the characters. Will Ferrell's character was crude and almost Ron Burgundy-like and Zach pretty much played the soft/good guy. Surprise cameo's in this film as well and The Campaign's decent script will definitely provide you with a few laughs as it goes along. A predictable movie but you wont waste your time.
Rating: 7.5/10




That's My Boy (2012)
Starring Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg and Leighton Meester.
Directed by Sean Anders.

Adam Sandler's movies have never fared well with movie critics but at least back in the days, his films were less corny and enjoyable. Nowadays when you watch his films, you will only witness bad acting and forced humor and it was no different in this film. Anyways the movie That's My Boy features Adam Sandler as a father again, this time, he stars as a really bad one. Donny (Sandler) became a real popular teen icon when he was found out to be sleeping with his teacher and impregnated her. They bore a son, Han Solo/Todd (Andy Samberg) and Donny raised him until he was 18 years of age. However due to Donny's bad parenting, Todd moved out and cut all ties with his father. After squandering all his money and facing jail-time, Donny has to patch up things with his son in order to avoid imprisonment. What can I say, Adam picked up right where he left off in his previous horrible film Jack and Jill. Over the past few years, I have gotten accustomed to the usual poor writing of his films but he has definitely hit an all time low now. The acting and writing of this movie was absolutely dreadful. Adam's on-screen antics and gimmicks may have worked in the 90's but they have gotten old and played out now. Dialogue was an absolute fail and very annoying. Adam seems to enjoy dragging along Nick Swardson in his ridiculous movies and I am still not sure how Andy Semberg got mixed up with this. Rating: 1/10

Stolen (2012)
Starring Nicolas Cage, Josh Lucas and Malin Ackerman.
Directed by Simon West.

Nicolas Cage continues on his downward spiral in this wanna-be thriller Stolen. Will Montgomery (Nicolas Cage) is a notorious bankrobber completing a bank job but gets double-crossed by one of his associates who flees the scene without him and the money. Will serves eight years in prison and even after being released, he is thought to have hidden the money. The police carefully watch him and unfortunately for Will, his teenage daughter is kidnapped for ransom of the same money thought to be hidden. Therefore Will must do one last job in order to save his daughter's life. Blah blah blah. Stolen is no more than your typical cliched action flick with the plot stolen from various movies. Nothing original, just another lifeless Nicolas Cage flick in which he tries to save the day. Boring movie from start to finish, not even the action sequences are worth mentioning. I didn't like the characters nor did I like this movie. Rating: 3/10


Movies Also Watched:

Alive (1993)
Based on a true story of the Uruguayan Rugby team whose plane crashed in the Andes mountains. The survivors were stranded for two months facing tedious conditions and desperate measures to survive. Alive was a decent adaptation of the horrid event. Heartwarming film with good character chemistry and the will power to survive. - 7.5/10 

The Tortured (2010)
A couple's child is kidnapped and murdered leaving them distraught. However they kidnap the murderer and unleash severe torture upon him. A decently acted film with an interesting twist and premise but at the end, it felt pointless. - 5/10

Saints and Soldiers (2003) 
The movie involves a group of U.S soldiers as they make their way through dangerous Nazi territory in order to save lives. Saints and Soldiers boasts a decent plot with likable characters. A war film with a touch of survival theme and a riveting yet soothing climatic scene. - 7.5/10

The Virgin Suicides (1999)
A beautiful, yet mysterious film about a group of boys infatuation with the Lisbon family's five teenage girls. Dreamy, emotional and beautifully acted, The Virgin Suicides is a sure hit. - 9/10

Salo, or The 120 Days Of Sodom (1975)
This is the weirdest movie EVER. Disturbing, weird, sadistic and uncomfortable but somehow Salo had me engaged throughout the film. Interesting characters but this film isn't for the weak of heart. - 6.5/10

Pink Flamingos (1972)
Another weird and disturbing movie but I liked the acting. An intriguing battle between a couple and Divine about who wants to be the "filthiest person alive" - 7.5/10