2009
Directed by Todd Phillips
I am reasonably sure I can guess what all my frequent commentators think of this movie. I thought this would serve as a nice intellectual break after getting through all the Best Pictures on the List. Presenting: A dumbed down version of Sideways.
To celebrate his upcoming wedding, Doug travels to Las Vegas for his bachelor party with his friends Stu (the straight man with an abusive girlfriend) and Phil (Bradley Cooper, who we are supposed to believe would be a teacher and not a model/actor). They are forced to bring along Alan, Doug's soon-to-be brother-in-law who is the token weirdo of the bunch. They toast the night on the roof of Caesar's Palace and wake up the next morning with no memory of what took place the night before. Doug is missing, there's a tiger in the bathroom, and a baby in the closet.
So let's start with what I didn't like. First and foremost, the flaming trashcan Mike Tyson makes an appearance. We also have to deal with sexism (brainy successful brunette=cold bitch), racism (against both Asians and black people) and homophobia. Which I guess only leaves out white, straight men (the film's target audience. I am pissing myself off with these parentheses, so I will cut it out now (I promise).
Surprisingly, this is still one of the better dick flicks I have seen. I did laugh at parts and the movie managed to avoid a lot of the toilet humor I associate with comedies like this. Or, if it did, I have blocked it out and please don't remind me.
So I am ranking this in comparison to similar movies.
RATING: ***--
Interesting Facts:
Mike Tyson admitted to being high on cocaine when he filmed his scenes.
Ken Jeong improvised his nudity.
I found it hard to enjoy this film with rapist Mike Tyson in it. I kept thinking, but why did they have him in it? There were indeed funny parts. One time viewing was enough though, and any sequels...no.
ReplyDeleteI remember liking it and having great fun watching it. The sequels however have completely ruined it for me. Now it suck.
ReplyDeleteOh good grief, how I loath these sort of films
ReplyDeleteAmanda, in the same way you despise the worst type of 'Chick Flick' as being demeaning to women, (showing women - some women- as simpering shopaholics whose life revolves round catching a rich guy and raising babies, , Well I object to the representation of men as a bunch of thicko sprt / beer obsessed macho morons who just want to leer at large breasted blondes.
That said, as you point out, these is by far in the least offensive part of the spectrum, save the 'guest appearance' of supposed male role model Tyson. I still felt embarrassed to tick it on iCM (although not as much as some.. Porkies and road trip come to mind)
I don't get why Mike Tyson was in it either. Haven't seen the sequels but I can imagine! And Ray very good point. So I guess it is offensive to every group!
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