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
Showing posts with label ryan reynolds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ryan reynolds. Show all posts
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
02/27: Just Friends
Who can handle the truth? Apparently not Ryan Reynolds' character Chris who is told by his crush/best friend Jamie that she doesn't want to be more than his friend. He writes it in her yearbook. But even worse, it gets read aloud at a party in front of all his classmates....enough to humiliate him nearly for life!
Just look at the cast...you have Ryan Reynolds (who has seen his hits and mostly misses in his career, while I do respect him as an actor...the critics don't seem to like his films!), Anna Faris (same way I feel about Mr. Reynolds), Chris Klein and Amy Smart. This is kind-of like a teen comedy, yet it is set years after they part their ways in their late teens. They are now in their 30s, and geared up for a reunion. Only this time, Chris goes from a cheerleader/outcast/way overweight guy to a suave and rich ladies man who seems too good for anything. He even flies in a private jet only to accidentally get stranded in his hometown in New Jersey. Tagging along is the latest pop-star sensation (played by Anna Faris) who is also his ex-girlfriend back in Hollywood. For some people, success is the greatest 'bitch' and payback, or at least, the best way to gain respect for those who you thought didn't look at you highly. Chris goes to find his past love, who is now a waitress/bartender at a local bar.
By looking at the cast mentioned above, you really don't know whether to take this movie seriously or not. Maybe so. Or take it like a romantic comedy. Ryan Reynolds' fat-suit looks like fairly obvious fake, like cheap makeup was applied. Of course, I can't do better, but its safe to assume this was low budget. Reynolds was not yet a star, and Faris had only been successful with the 'Scary Movie' films. Come to think of it, that's all I remember her for. Oh, and for Movie 43. Both of them were in Waiting the year before.
So, what do I think? The movie is very predictable, but for some, that's a good thing. Most people like a romantic comedy as long its a decent story. I can't really speak for other people. Some may even view it as a great revenge fantasy, too, as referenced two paragraphs ago. But, I'm gonna have to deduct some numbers off this one for various reasons.
My rating: 4 out of 10
Just look at the cast...you have Ryan Reynolds (who has seen his hits and mostly misses in his career, while I do respect him as an actor...the critics don't seem to like his films!), Anna Faris (same way I feel about Mr. Reynolds), Chris Klein and Amy Smart. This is kind-of like a teen comedy, yet it is set years after they part their ways in their late teens. They are now in their 30s, and geared up for a reunion. Only this time, Chris goes from a cheerleader/outcast/way overweight guy to a suave and rich ladies man who seems too good for anything. He even flies in a private jet only to accidentally get stranded in his hometown in New Jersey. Tagging along is the latest pop-star sensation (played by Anna Faris) who is also his ex-girlfriend back in Hollywood. For some people, success is the greatest 'bitch' and payback, or at least, the best way to gain respect for those who you thought didn't look at you highly. Chris goes to find his past love, who is now a waitress/bartender at a local bar.
By looking at the cast mentioned above, you really don't know whether to take this movie seriously or not. Maybe so. Or take it like a romantic comedy. Ryan Reynolds' fat-suit looks like fairly obvious fake, like cheap makeup was applied. Of course, I can't do better, but its safe to assume this was low budget. Reynolds was not yet a star, and Faris had only been successful with the 'Scary Movie' films. Come to think of it, that's all I remember her for. Oh, and for Movie 43. Both of them were in Waiting the year before.
So, what do I think? The movie is very predictable, but for some, that's a good thing. Most people like a romantic comedy as long its a decent story. I can't really speak for other people. Some may even view it as a great revenge fantasy, too, as referenced two paragraphs ago. But, I'm gonna have to deduct some numbers off this one for various reasons.
My rating: 4 out of 10
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