Unfortunately I don't have the time, skill, or budget to replicate a single scene of "Mad
Max: Fury Road" the way I traditionally do for my intro sketches.
So instead, I did the whole thing in LEGO.
Enjoy.
Don't fear grease-painted lady!
Mad Max is here to save you!
Look out Max, I'm Immortan Joe, and I'm coming for you.
Oh, thank goodness you're here Tom Hardy!
I don't know what we would do without you!
I don't even know if this is a sequel or a reboot... is it both?
Is that even possible!?
I may be hog-tied to the front of this truck, but I'm still a better driver than a woman.
Wait... did I say that out loud?
I guess there's a little bit of Mel Gibson in this character!
Now this is pod-racing!
There's only three things I care about in this world: gasoline, water, and pregnant
woman.
So let's expend lots of the first two to save the third.
Oh my gosh, we're gonna wreck!
Help us, Max!
Maintain your speed so I can jump onto your truck... which looks suspiciously like an
air-boat.
Oh no, there's a big crash... oh shit... oh... explosions everywhere!
This is Movie Night!
Hello and welcome to Movie Night, in-depth reviews in less than five minutes.
I'm your host, Jonathan Paula.
Tonight we'll be taking a look at three brand new releases from May 2015 - beginning with
"Pitch Perfect 2".
After the original release became a sleeper hit in 2012, this $29-million dollar musical
comedy film from first-time director Elizabeth Banks reunites the beautiful Barden Bellas
for more singing, dancing, and fraternizing.
Within a week of its May 15, 2015 premiere, this sequel's $120 million dollar gross was
already higher than the entire total of its predecessor.
In fact, besides "The Spy Who Shagged Me", this is only the second time in history a
movie out-grossed the original so quickly.
Inventively opening with an A Cappella version of the Universal Logo, the 115-minute story
follows our feisty heroes who must get their groove back in time to win an international
singing competition after a humiliating performance in front of the President.
They prepare to face-off against a tough and well-organized German troupe, while juggling
issues in their personal lives.
The always adorable and cute Anna Kendrick once again leads the ensemble with a wonderful
and effortless charm... but I've had a huge crush on her for years now, so perhaps I'm
a bit bias.
The foul-mouthed Rebel Wilson delivers some of the movie's best laugh-out-loud moments;
but she can also became a bit grating with too much exposure... thankfully her loud behavior
is limited to small doses here.
The rest of the Bellas are reduced to one-joke stereotypes; from the Guatemalan who constantly
references her troubled third-world past, the obvious Lesbian constantly making passes
at her friends, and the suspiciously quiet one.
The talented Hailee Steinfeld joins the group as a freshman legacy, eager to make her place
in aca-history with her own original music.
Her naive curiosity parallels many of the beats from part one, however.
I was pleased that Kendrick's boyfriend, Skylar Astin makes a return appearance.
He isn't utilized much, but the story doesn't call for it, so rather than awkwardly writing
him out, or shoehorning him in - his inclusion feels really natural and appropriate.
And perhaps more importantly, it doesn't diminish the effectiveness of the first film's awesome
conclusion.
As with the last time, John Michael Higgins and Banks are absolutely hilarious as crude
color-commentators - making sexist jokes and explaining the stakes of the narrative.
There are a slew of great cameos from Jason Jones, Reggie Watts, Katey Sagal, Snoop Dogg,
and the Green Bay Packers, but the standout performer is Keegan-Michael Key (of Key & Peele
fame) who is great as a rude, fast-talking music producer.
Apologies if this entire review reads like an extended role-role of its cast; but that's
"Pitch Perfect 2"'s biggest strength: the characters.
These are fun, endearing, and realistic people you'll love to root for, and Banks does a
wonderful job managing them all in her directorial debut.
It's the story itself that unfortunately falls flat... feeling very repetitive and familiar.
A massive five-way underground A Cappella sing-off scene is undeniably entertaining,
but besides establishing the villains, it does little to advance the plot, and is virtually
identical to a better scene in the first film.
Rather than the beat-matching mash-ups and live signing, its the B-plot of Kendrick's
internship at a record label that is the film's most intriguing angle.
Although the PG-13 rated story doesn't explore this thread as much as I would have liked,
this sub-plot about figuring out your life after college, and how best to transition
into adulthood, was well-handled and interesting.
Lamenting to her singing-sisters about their uncertain future, Kendrick remarks, "It makes
me sad it won't ever be like this again."
Blending beautiful harmonies from talented singers, we're once again treated to an eclectic
range of pop music, sampling everything from Natalie Imbruglia to Six Mix Alot.
Despite an unimpressive finale, and re-treading familiar ground, this is a competent sequel
that continues the story in an respectable way.
If you enjoyed the original, you'll be right at home with "Pitch Perfect 2", an amusing
time with likable characters and music- I thought it was COOL.
Next up, the 500th review on Movie Night!
And it's for a good one... let's discuss "Mad Max: Fury Road".
The fourth installment of George Miller's Austalian, post-apocalyptic action series
was released in May of 2015 - a full thirty years after the last installment.
The R-rated movie is already well on its way to out-grossing its lofty $150 million dollar
budget, thanks to rave reviews and strong word of mouth.
The ruggedly handsome Tom Hardy replaces Mel Gibson in the title role - a resourceful survivor
in the post-nuclear wasteland of the Australian desert.
The actual focus of the graphic story though is Charlize Theron as a gritty truck driver
determined to rescue five concubines from an oppressive and greedy dictator by out-running
a hoard of aggressive pursuers.
This simplistic premise cuts both ways... it's easy to follow, but is perhaps a bit
undernourished.
And when our intrepid team gets stuck without an endgame, they literally just turn around
and go back where they started...
a realistic resolution given their harsh circumstances, but hardly an interesting one.
While the film is particularly light on dialogue, watching the uneasy alliance develop between
the muzzled-Hardy and grease-painted Theron is captivating and intriguing.
Lecturing his new driving companion, Tom coldly advises, "Hope is a mistake.
If you can't fix what's broken, you'll go insane."
At the moment of her darkest desperation we see Charlize collapsing to her knees while
shouting at the heavens, in a fantastic shot that frames her athletic silhouette against
the quick-moving sands of the Outback.
In the otherwise brainless adventure, it is wonderful to be treated to these artistic
images and themes - which are sprinkled throughout the proceedings rather frequently.
Speaking of cinematography, the bright orange hues during the day contrast wonderfully with
sharp blue shadows during the night.
An almost unrecognizable Nicholas Hoult is featured as a conflicted "War Boy", a sick
servant who switches sides to aid our heroes escape.
The bad guys are led by Hugh Keays-Byrne - who actually played the villain in the 1979 original
- a fierce brute whose skull-painted oxygen mask is downright menacing.
Never more than a few minutes behind the protagonists, this constant chase between good and evil
supplies the film with ever present consequences, making it difficult to ever catch your breath
or relax.
Dystopian universes have been done countless times before - but the rich and expansive
steampunk visualization here is both inspired and believable.
Rather than a shameless retread, it's obvious this fresh treatment of the car chase franchise
is one that ruminated in Miller's mind for decades.
From a 1950s Chevy that's been converted into a monster truck to a muscle car tank... even
the vehicles are oozing with personality.
The end result is nothing short of breathtaking... a non-stop extravaganza of stunts, gunfire,
and explosions as everyone speeds down the unforgiving "Fury Road" - filmed on-location
in Namibia.
Stripped down and laser-focused this may very well be the best pure action movie in years.
For a 70-year-old director who's last two pictures where "Happy Feet", and "Babe: Pig
In The City", this is a triumphant return to form for George Miller who has effectively
raised the bar for future blockbusters.
The two-hour movie literally cuts right to the chase, and the adrenaline fueled thrill
ride rarely slows down - blending flawless practical effects with death-defying stunt
work.
Cornered inside a steep canyon, a sequence where Theron effortlessly Parkour-slides under
a tanker truck while simultaneously kicking a rider off his bike - all shot in a single
fluid move - is just cool to witness.
Another shot, where Hardy swings across the moving battlefield on a long pole as a massive
explosion erupts behind him is astonishing.
Mixing deep violin chords with heavy drums that are synchronized to the action, the grungy-soundtrack
from Junkie XL is a perfect fit for the bloody action on screen.
There's honestly not much to dislike about a reboot that features a flame-throwing guitar.
If you're a fan of loud mayhem entangled with conflicted characters, "Mad Max: Fury Road"
is a stylized barrage of ridiculous carnage, beautifully choreographed.
Here are some your reviews.
Unanimous praise was given to the action and style, you thought this film was AMAZING.
Even though it fell short of my lofty expectations, I think it's just good enough to score a TEN
out of ten as well.
Before we continue, a quick plug for tonight's sponsor.
It may surprise you to learn this, but this beautiful mane of facial hair doesn't sculpt
itself - for the longest time I just used cheap disposable razors from the pharmacy.
Well, if you were like the old me - let me help you step up your shave game with the
Truman kit from Harry's.
The $15 box comes with three of the world's highest quality blades straight from their
German factory, a perfectly weighted handle in one of four colors, and your choice of
foaming gel or cream.
Harry’s offers an amazing shave at a fraction of the price.
And if you order with the code, "Jogwheel" that price is reduced to only $10!
Discover the convenience of their direct-shipping and low cost by grabbing a kit today.
And of course, just by listening to this quick pitch you help make "Movie Night" possible,
so thanks for your attention.
Back to the reviews, here are my thoughts on "Tomorrowland".
Inspired by the futuristic-themed area found at Disney parks of the same name, this big-budget
adventure from accomplished director Brad Bird was produced on a budget of $185 million.
Released worldwide on May 22, 2015 - the PG-rated story follows wide-eyed Britt Robertson who
embarks on a journey to discover the secrets of wonderful place that exists in another
dimension.
Alongside her is George Clooney as a former child inventor now disillusioned about the
depressing fate of mankind.
Keegan-Michael Key, Kathryn Hahn, Tim McGraw, and Hugh Laurie are effective in various supporting
roles, some incorporated better than others.
But the young Raffey Cassidy is a true standout... playing a mysterious girl who seemingly has
wisdom and charm beyond her years.
Where her character ventures in the final act is both surprising and touching.
Co-written by "Lost" creator Damon Lindelof, this 130-minute feature is rife with bright
ideas, intriguing concepts, and marvelous visuals - they don't always receive fulfilling
explanations or resolutions, but at least the ingredients are impressive.
Honestly, it's difficult to adequately explain this involved and twisty narrative without
major spoilers; so I'm simply say that it is - in true Disney fashion, a narrative about
discovery, curiosity, and hope.
The landmark sequence however is the cold open, told by Clooney in flashback, we see
the inaugural visit to the titular world by his younger self, played brilliantly with
plenty of excitement by Thomas Robison - who is eager to impress a girl with his new jet-pack
invention.
The visuals are bright and striking, painting a vivid and optimistic vision of our future
- a sight surely lacking from today's fiction of bleak and dystopian possibilities.
Paralleling his determined attitude decades later is Robertson - an inquisitive teen desperate
for answers on how to fix the problems of the world.
We're told she's the last, best hope to "fix" the world - but it's never really clear how
or why.
Defending her determination she says, "It's hard to have ideas, and easy to give up."
The enthusiasm they exhibit is quite infectious, making it easy to ignore the plot issues and
get swept up in the excitement.
After discovering a secret pin that momentarily transports her to Tomorrowland, she sneaks
out in the middle of the night to properly explore this futuristic utopia - forgetting
of course that her movements are duplicated in both realities, leading to a humorous sight
when she accidentally wanders into waist-deep water in a swamp back on Earth.
Later, some heavy themes are handled with brash honesty, as Laurie makes an impassioned
speech about humanity's unwillingness to save itself.
He likens mankind's fate to Titanic, deliberately steering into an iceberg, because, "You want
to sink."
Other dialogue however is handled with light-hearted jokes and brevity.
There are some great action sequences throughout the movie as well, like a grippingly edited
retreat through Clooney's booby-trapped house as enemy forces close in around them.
The lofty and patriotic themes from Michael Giacchino go excellently with the impeccably
rendered visual effects, bringing to life an inspiring world all audiences will be eager
to visit.
Although the pacing falters a bit towards the end, and not every thread has a satisfying
conclusion - this is a fun experience with plenty of layers and enjoyable characters.
"Tomorrowland", has a hopeful message presented with marvelous innovation - I thought it was
GREAT.
Finally tonight, let's take a look at your Tweet Critiques.
If you see a new movie in theaters, Tweet your review with the #JPMN hashtag.
Next week we'll once again be reviewing disaster movies.
The volcano-focused adventure "Dante's Peak", the asteroid-based "Deep Impact", and the
brand new "San Andreas" film, which centers around a massive earthquake.
If you've seen these films, share your opinions by voting in the polls below, or by leaving
a comment review - I read them all, and will include the best in the next episode.
If you'd like to watch more Movie Night videos, check out the "related reviews" on the right,
or SUBSCRIBE if you'd like to see more of this show in the future.
Also be sure to follow me on social media for updates and exclusive content between
episodes.
Once again, my name is Jonathan Paula, thank you for watching and listening.
Until next time, have a good Movie Night!