Happy Gilmore 2

Happy Gilmore 2; Light on laughs, relying on nostalgic moments & golfer cameos to elicit a reaction. It seems designed to provide the Sandler family w/acting experience (they’re actually not bad) and give his pals some funny moments. The return of Shooter is wildly over the top, as it should be; C-

Transformers One

Transformers One; Surprisingly fun with some great vocal performances. Animation looked great and if you look past the sheer lunacy of this being an origin story (do Transformers grow up?), the jokes land well and the core story comes across with emotional resonance. More than meets the eye; B

Beastie Boys Story

Beastie Boys Story; A fun way to hear a history of the group. A film of the stage show works but last 10 minutes makes a case for a straight up documentary as well. Like the Boys themselves, one genre/way of telling their story isn’t enough. Glad to have this one among others; A-
 

The Big Lebowski

The Big Lebowski; Cult films always seem to mean more to devout followers than the average film viewer. Coens’ insane cadre of characters make for a fun diversion but it’s not nearly as hilarious or profound as many proclaim. Some great laughs and inexplicable performances; B

The Boss Baby

The Boss Baby; Does some neat elements with animation and doesn’t ever drag despite a premise that’s equally bizarre and filled with contrived plot conveniences. Gags land more often than not; B

Hotel Transylvania 2

Hotel Transylvania 2; Mildly entertaining with next to no new elements. Family tale misses opportunities for humour and sweetness; C+

Monsters University

Monsters University; Sullies the original only slightly while having fun with school movie tropes. It works but feels like a let down; B+

Hotel Transylvania

Hotel Transylvania; Stock characters of horror past given funny treatment by Sandler's usual crew is better than expected. Big laughs. B

Fargo

Directed by:  Joel Coen
Starring:  Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi
Running Time:  1h 38min

A gritty little tale about a kidnapping gone wrong gives us characters and scenery that we aren't used to seeing in Hollywood productions.  The way the Coen brothers use the snow and the cold to add to the frustrations of the villains is pure enjoyment.  Funny lines and accents don't seem unreal, and give a flavour to this movie.  In fact, had there not been the "You betchas" and the sly little A Clockwork Orange reference this movie would just be like any other botched evil plot film.  The whole cast just brings the story to life, making it a distinct film that will certainly be remembered.  Though not best picture material this is a damn good movie, worth multiple viewings.

Grade: A-