Despicable Me

Goolphipp Award: 2.8 (Wait for DVD)

Goolsby:

I was really excited for this movie, and granted, I did laugh excessively, looking back I want more. Mister Steve Carell has been very busy lately. I don't think parts of this movie were rushed, but it just didn't have that umph that I was looking for. Plot - bad turns out to be good. Nothing really shocked me. I got what I was expecting, but nothing above and beyond. One thing to note is that Jason Segel (well known for his role as Marshall on How I Met Your Mother) is an amazing voice for animation! I can't wait to see him give his voice in another animated film. I liked the yellow-blob minions, I wonder what's the difference between the ones with two eyes and the ones with one eye. We did not see this in 3-D, and it didn't really look like this movie would even warrant a 3-D option. Seems like they make anything 3-D anymore... On a random note, I loved Vector's lair with the shark swimming underneath the floor.

Goolsby overall: 3

Nuff said.

Phipps:

Despicable Me ain't a Pixar film. And it shows. There's the usual lack of pizazz present. However, it was entertaining at times. I don't need to see it again, but I did like the little minions and the theme of adoption. I loved the rocket beds on the wall...like machine-operated bunk beds. There was also attention to detail that was quite impressive. Each minion had his own name and was in some way different from the rest - different hair, one eye, etc. Steve Carell actually does a decent job as an animated voice, as does the rest of the cast - even Russell Brand. The X factor was missing. I don't know what that is...but Pixar sure does. There was a lot of physical comedy, so kids will laugh at that, but some of the dry humor was probably a little over their heads. It was a standard animated movie, but nothing to write home about.

Phipps overall: 2.75

Fun, but I'd just Netflix it.

I Love You, Man

Goolphipp Award: 3.75

Audience: High school freshman +
I Love You, Man isn’t unusually crass, so it is approved for high school kids. But in our opinion, this movie deals with situations that would be most appreciated by post-college-age adults.
Goolsby: Fans of Rush, you must see this movie for the concert scene. I’m sure you will appreciate.

Where's the Humor: Spectrum
There is something for everyone in this one. You want fart jokes – check. Physical comedy – check. Are you a fan of the cruder sexual humor? Check.

Phipps: I liked the humor of this movie, because it had a little bit of everything – kept it interesting (and shocking). I especially liked that all the jokes seemed necessary given characters and plot. No jokes for the sake of jokes here. I don’t think I’d be too embarrassed watching I Love You, Man with my parents either, which is usually a mark of a winner.

Goolsby: Our first movie review actually has peanuts! At one point during the movie, over a table of empty beer glasses, Peter and Sydney discuss Andre the Giant’s drinking capacity. Of course, in true fashion, The Princess Bride quote comes out – “Anybody want a peanut?” Classic. It was snazzy one-liners like this that kept my snorts flowing. Even the deliver of the main line, “I love you man,” was framed and delivered well. But by far the best comedic thread throughout the movie was the crazy verbal-diarrhea nicknames Peter kept giving Sydney.

Storyline: Male Bonding
This movie kept it simple. Guy proposes to girl, and discovers he has no guy friends to be groomsmen.

Phipps: I Love You, Man doesn’t try to be more than it is, so viewers can just go along with for the ride. It does get its message across: don’t put your boyfriend/girlfriend above your friends…you just might end up with no friends. It’s enjoyable, and a great pick-me-up movie. It’s worth the price of admission.

Delivery: No complaints

Phipps: Paul Rudd was perfect for the role. He can pull off the timid “girlfriend guy” that lets loose in the man cave. Jason Segel also delivers in his role as the potential best friend. I’d bet that everyone who sees this movie will be able to see shades of a Peter Klaven or Sydney Fife in their life…I know I did. The supporting cast also was stellar. I have no complaints. In fact, all I can say is, “all hail the return of Lou Ferrigno!”

Goolsby: You cant half-ass the air guitar, and Paul Rudd did not. He owned it, and well at that. He even owned the man scream under the pier. All the actors in this movie gave it their all, and the audience can tell. I seriously believe that Rudd, in real life, is incapable of using an accent without it coming out like a Leprechaun voice – and that makes me smile.

Phipps overall: 3.5
It’s a solid movie. Enjoyable, but I’m not sure that I want to watch it over and over.

Goolsby overall: 4
You know it’s a winner when you think about it days later, and still laugh.

Goolphipp rating: 3.75 (No Peanuts Chucked)

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