With a movie and its sequel there will be a Jekyll and Hyde. I praised the first movie yesterday, but as for the 'Hyde' part I wasn't crazy about the second one. It repeated the formula, which was several plotlines and stories with characters. Some of the characters were still around, some with different roles from the first. Most noticeably, Ryan Reynolds (who had gone on to bigger roles) and Anna Faris were notably absent. I must say, though, there were some weird parts.
First, the real backbone plot was Shenaniganz' business was threatened with a chicken wings (Hooters-type) restaurant, Ta-Ta's. Sure, some of the customers chose that one over the other, as well as a couple employees (Raddiumus and Calvin) jumping ship. Calvin, who was the easygoing guy (who extremely lacked self-confidence) became a changed man overnight; Naomi (the crazy, crabby waitress) and Vanessa (the hot girl) still were employed there; the white 'gangsta' maintenance boys were still around even though one 'just wasn't feelin' it'; and of course, there's the boss who is still trying to fit in, as well as preventing to use the word 'Pud'. Calvin even tries to tell the secret of his newfound confidence by showing the boss a video of Adam Corolla's (who appears in a cameo) lecture. There are also cameos by Dean (Justin Long), whose depressed character in the first one never improved; in fact, just got worse. Then there's Bishop (Chi McBride), who on the other hand, is still preaching great gospel (even tipping).
To me, probably the worst, pathetic story was the cooks. Apparently one of the younger boys becomes the target of being picked on, bullied by someone bigger than him ('Sour Cream Sanchez' anyone?). For those who did like 'Waiting' you will probably end up liking its sequel as much as you did with the first one. I was that way for a while until I thought outside the box. This is direct-to-video (or DVD), arguably for the right reasons. I'm 'still waiting' what's the whole point...
My rating: 4 out of 10
Showing posts with label justin long. Show all posts
Showing posts with label justin long. Show all posts
Friday, March 14, 2014
Thursday, March 13, 2014
03/13: Waiting
One thing that seems to surprise me is there are not a lot of realistic workforce movies. Sure, there are, but not enough for basic minimum-wage jobs (or in some peoples views, not career-like) like working in a restaurant. We see a lot of it in TV shows, but not so much on the big screen. Maybe its because a lot of escapists don't want to see reality as a movie (laughs).
That's exactly what Waiting is all about. It's left up to the viewer what the characters are 'waiting' for, perhaps a promotion, better job or the lucky break that'll get them out of working at Shenaniganz. The movie has a great cast of characters, led by Anna Faris and Ryan Reynolds. You may also recognize Luis Guzman and Justin Long, as well as some who unfortunately weren't heard from again (remember the pretty hostess?). As in cast of characters, I mean you'll find every stereotype that you are likely to work with at a bar-and-grill type of place. I don't remember doing any type of penis game or any sexual activity, but I remember there was always the pretty hostess, the crazy weird girl, the tool of a boss, the gangsta lowlifes, list goes on and on.
There really isn't a main character, although the central part of it has Ryan Reynolds' character training a silent teen, who is pretty much...well, underestimated (in the nicest way possible). So what's the main story? Really, there isn't one...but just several different storylines that could just be divided into several episodes. Justin Long's character is worried about his future. The boss, whose trying at any measure to fit in with the people under him and be cool, wants an invitation to the crews party. And there's that classic scene about the bitchy lady who wants everything done HER way...or the highway. So the line cooks agree to damage her food after its being sent back. Of course, this would give any health enthusiast or germphobic a nightmare.
Bottom line: if you've ever worked in a sit-down restaurant, or I guess a fast-food place, you would totally relate to this movie. Yes, I have worked at a restaurant, and I did for several years. I may be the only person I know who would give this a great review. I like honest and personal movies, so that's the main reason. It's one of these that mirrors reality. I'm still not sure why a lot of so-called professional critics didn't give this one the go, but I'm assuming a lot of them have never worked in such a place. These characters are those who want more out of life, but for now, they surround themselves with people who are as miserable as they are. It's like a one, big unhappy family.
My rating: 9 out of 10
That's exactly what Waiting is all about. It's left up to the viewer what the characters are 'waiting' for, perhaps a promotion, better job or the lucky break that'll get them out of working at Shenaniganz. The movie has a great cast of characters, led by Anna Faris and Ryan Reynolds. You may also recognize Luis Guzman and Justin Long, as well as some who unfortunately weren't heard from again (remember the pretty hostess?). As in cast of characters, I mean you'll find every stereotype that you are likely to work with at a bar-and-grill type of place. I don't remember doing any type of penis game or any sexual activity, but I remember there was always the pretty hostess, the crazy weird girl, the tool of a boss, the gangsta lowlifes, list goes on and on.
There really isn't a main character, although the central part of it has Ryan Reynolds' character training a silent teen, who is pretty much...well, underestimated (in the nicest way possible). So what's the main story? Really, there isn't one...but just several different storylines that could just be divided into several episodes. Justin Long's character is worried about his future. The boss, whose trying at any measure to fit in with the people under him and be cool, wants an invitation to the crews party. And there's that classic scene about the bitchy lady who wants everything done HER way...or the highway. So the line cooks agree to damage her food after its being sent back. Of course, this would give any health enthusiast or germphobic a nightmare.
Bottom line: if you've ever worked in a sit-down restaurant, or I guess a fast-food place, you would totally relate to this movie. Yes, I have worked at a restaurant, and I did for several years. I may be the only person I know who would give this a great review. I like honest and personal movies, so that's the main reason. It's one of these that mirrors reality. I'm still not sure why a lot of so-called professional critics didn't give this one the go, but I'm assuming a lot of them have never worked in such a place. These characters are those who want more out of life, but for now, they surround themselves with people who are as miserable as they are. It's like a one, big unhappy family.
My rating: 9 out of 10
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