Adam Mckay

Adam Mckay

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Daddy's Home 2 Review

Good

Like the 2015 original, this comedy plays merrily with cliches to tell a silly story that's funny but never particularly clever. It's an enjoyable bit of escapist entertainment, mixing some sharp gags in between the more obvious jokes. But while the script makes a feeble attempt to poke fun at over-the-top machismo, it indulges in relentless gender stereotyping.

Now best buddies, co-dads Dusty and Brad (Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell) decide to combine their families to celebrate Christmas this year. Then Dusty's estranged tough-guy dad Kurt (Mel Gibson) turns up, as does Brad's more touchy-feely father Don (John Lithgow). This raises issues for both Dusty and Brad, who are clearly chips off the old blocks. They may be united in their love for their kids (Owen Vaccaro, Scarlett Estevez and Didi Costine), but old rivalries spark as they take the family to a huge mountain cabin with their wives (Alessandra Ambrosio and Linda Cardellini). What follows is a combination of wacky slapstick and various forms of sabotage as Dusty and Brad's bromance is put through the wringer.

None of this is remotely original, with elaborate set-pieces that feel like they've been lifted wholesale from other holiday comedies. And the plot is never remotely surprising either. But the actors have chemistry, and invest some sparkiness in their characters. Much of the antics centre on the clash between Gibson and Lithgow, who play up the aggression and sweetness, respectively. It's badly exaggerated, but the actors throw themselves into the roles, and the interaction between the three generations is nutty enough to keep the audience chuckling even through some rather stupid gags. The filmmakers seem to think that crazed conflict is hilarious, but actually the funniest moments are when Walhberg and Ferrell are working together to approach a problem.

Continue reading: Daddy's Home 2 Review

Adam McKay, Steve Carell , Ryan Gosling - Steve Carell Honored With Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame at On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame, Walk Of Fame - Hollywood, California, United States - Wednesday 6th January 2016

Adam Mckay, Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling

The Big Short Trailer


When Dr. Michael Burry discovered that the housing market in the US relied upon a series of bad loans in 2005, he knew there was profit to be had. He even went as far as moving on from his multi-million dollar Scion Capital LLC hedge fund in a bid to short the market and take advantage of the vulnerable housing deals. But he wasn't the only one with plans to accrue wealth off the back of financial disaster; Steve Eisman was a hedge fund manager who had a lot to say against the greedy banks, as did Cornwall Capital partner Ben Hockett and Deutsche Bank trader Greg Lippmann. These are financial outsiders that are about to show the banks a serious lesson when they use their economic skills to bring them down with a brave move in the credit default swap market.

Continue: The Big Short Trailer

Ant-Man Review

Excellent

The increasingly stale Marvel formula gets a blast of fresh air in this rollocking adventure movie, which combines a steady stream of character-based comedy with action sequences that are integrated seamlessly into the plot. Like last summer's Guardians of the Galaxy, the film departs from the usual tired structure to joyously tell a story that's more than pure escapism.

Released from prison after a stint for burglary, Scott (Paul Rudd) is struggling to restart his life when he has an unexpected encounter with Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), an inventor who needs his help. Hank's technology company is being steered away from his original vision to help mankind by his daughter Hope (Evangeline Lilly) and his protege Darren (Corey Stoll), who see a chance to make a lot of money by selling Hank's ideas to the highest bidder. Hank's biggest breakthrough is a suit that shrinks the wearer down to ant-size, allowing for all kinds of unexpected possibilities. Pushed into a corner, Scott starts learning how to master the suit. But his ex-wife (Judy Greer) is now engaged to a cop (Bobby Cannavale) who's keeping his eye on Scott.

One of director Peyton Reed's main challenges was to sell the whole idea of an insect-sized warrior, and he does that fairly effortlessly, revealing an increasingly cool series of possibilities in each action sequence. These set-pieces emerge organically from the story, combining comedy and exhilaratingly coherent action to push the narrative forward. One of the best moments is an encounter with one of the Avengers (Anthony Mackie's Falcon), which offers a strong hint about how Ant-Man can liven up the franchise as a whole. And the climactic sequence is an inspired collision of mind-bending effects and inventive humorous touches (Thomas the Tank Engine nearly steals the whole film). Plus two post-credit stings for the fanboys.

Continue reading: Ant-Man Review

Ryan Gosling In Talks For 'Blade Runner' Sequel


Blade Runner Harrison Ford Ryan Gosling Ridley Scott Denis Villeneuve Michael Green Russell Crowe Christian Bale Adam McKay Brad Pitt

Ryan Gosling is in talks to star in the sequel to Blade Runner. The 34-year-old actor will be joined by Harrison Ford, who played Rick Deckard in the original 1982 film. Ford will reprise his role but it is uncertain which part Gosling, if negotiations are successful, will play.

Ryan GoslingRyan Gosling is in talks to appear in Blade Runner 2.

Read More: Harrison Ford to Return for Blade Runner 2, Denis Villeneuve to Direct.

Continue reading: Ryan Gosling In Talks For 'Blade Runner' Sequel

Get Hard Review


Good

Audiences may be divided over whether this comedy crosses the line as it looks for laughs in racism and homophobia, but the cast and crew just manage to keep the movie's heart in the right place. At its core, this is another enjoyable bromance that uses cheap gags to keep the audience chuckling awkwardly. And even if the one joke requires a certain level of gay fear, the film has enough spark and personality to poke fun at what is clearly depicted as narrow-minded paranoia.

It opens in a ludicrously expansive Bel Air mansion, where naive investor James (Will Ferrell) lives with his shark-like fiancee Alissa (Alison Brie), daughter of his boss Martin (Craig T. Nelson). Then as he's performing a duet with John Mayer at his engagement party, the feds swoop in and arrest James for embezzlement. But his innocent plea is ignored, and the judge throws the book at him, sentencing him to 10 years at the notorious San Quentin Penitentiary. With 30 days before he has to report to jail, James hires his car valet Darnell (Kevin Hart) to toughen him up for life behind bars, assuming that because he's black Darnell must surely know something about prison life. Darnell needs the cash, so he plays along, turning to his gang-member cousin Russell (Tip "T.I." Harris) for some street cred.

The script adds some clever texture in Darnell's home life with his no-nonsense wife (Dickerson), who is bemused by the fact that her nice-guy husband is pretending to be a seasoned criminal. Like her, the audience is waiting for the sham to collapse hilariously around him, but the screenplay veers off in some unexpected directions that both increase the tension and push the humour closer to the edge. Even so, the movie's core issue is the gaping divide between obscene Westside wealth and the relative economic struggle in South Central. Although director Etan Cohen never takes any of this too seriously, milking every situation for maximum absurdity.

Continue reading: Get Hard Review

Tammy Review


Weak

Melissa McCarthy is clearly in a rut: the title character in this film isn't very far removed from her previous roles in The Heat and Identity Thief. Yes, Tammy is another chubby slob who is on the road to some sort of epiphany, and along the way she realises that simply running a comb through her ratty hair might make her look more human. At least the film has a seriously strong supporting cast who almost make it worth a look.

Tammy (McCarthy) is sacked from her job at a fast-food outlet on the same day she discovers that her husband (Faxon) is having a fling with a neighbour (Tony Collette). In a childish rage, she runs home to her parents (Allison Janney and Dan Aykroyd) and then decides to keep running, taking her grandmother Pearl (Sarandon) along for the ride. Pearl has a dream to see Niagara Falls before she dies, but she's just about as immature as Tammy is, so they immediately start getting into trouble. Their antics include a series of incidents involving a jet-ski, flirting and more with a father and son (Gary Cole and Mark Duplass), robbing a burger joint and attending a raucous 4th of July party at the home of Pearl's wealthy cousin (Kathy Bates).

Tammy is even less worldly wise than McCarthy's previous variations on the character: she has never even attempted to grow up, so reacts to everything like a toddler. Aside from not being remotely funny, this is deeply annoying from the start. And even the characters around her don't laugh - they roll their eyes in exasperation. Then after establishing her as a relentless loser who brings misfortune on herself, the script (written by McCarthy and her real-life husband Ben Falcone, who also directs and appears as Tammy's boss) contrives to make Tammy sympathetic by portraying her as some sort of a victim. Meanwhile, she of course slowly begins to look less cartoonish simply because she changes her shirt and takes a shower along the way.

Continue reading: Tammy Review

Will Marvel Ever Find The Right Man To Take Over ‘Ant-Man’?


Edgar Wright Adam McKay

So Adam McKay is not directing Ant-Man. The Anchorman and Step Brothers director was said to be in ‘advanced’ talks with Marvel over the weekend, but by Monday he had taken himself out of the running, tweeting that he had “other projects”, he was committed to and he was “not sure it can work.”  Sadly, we might have to echo McKay's words, since the departure of Wright we're not sure Ant-Man can work now either. Really, without Wright, is Ant-Man destined to be a doomed project?

Edgar WrightHas Edgar Wright left an unfillable void in Ant-Man?

The Ant-Man movie was undoubtedly Edgar Wright’s baby. The ‘Cornetto trilogy’ director first became attached to the project officially in 2006 but he had actually been developing the story since 2003. His departure from the film last week initially came as a shock, but in hindsight, it might have been an unfortunate inevitability.

Continue reading: Will Marvel Ever Find The Right Man To Take Over ‘Ant-Man’?

The 5 Directors That Could Rescue Marvel's 'Ant-Man'


Adam McKay Edgar Wright Joe Cornish Michel Gondry

Why doesn’t anyone want to direct 'Ant-Man'!? Well, I’m sure someone does, but for some reason, Marvel is having a bit of a difficult time trying to keep someone attached to the project. The superhero film had its first director, Edgar Wright, take over the reins all the way back in 2006, so it was definitely a blow when he decided to leave directing duties late last month. However, soon after, Marvel was in talks to enlist someone new already: 'Anchorman' director Adam McKay...but then he left too due to time restraints with his schedule.

Edgar Wright PremiereEdgar Wright left the film after being involved for nearly a decade

So, where does 'Ant-Man' go from here? Does Marvel spend time sifting through candidates hoping to find one that's willing, or do they just give up and decide to can the film entirely? Though it’s a drastic measure, it’s safe to say that 'Ant-Man' isn’t exactly the most desirable or profitable superhero around, and there’s no telling how the movie could perform at the box office. If Marvel did scrap it, perhaps they could focus their efforts on a new flick for one of their other characters: what about She-Hulk or a Ms. Marvel movie? Chances are it’s not going to be scrapped and a new director will be announced eventually, but who’s best fit for the position?

Continue reading: The 5 Directors That Could Rescue Marvel's 'Ant-Man'

Does Anybody Out There Want To Direct 'Ant-Man'?


Edgar Wright Adam McKay Paul Rudd

Following the departure of Edgar Wright, Anchorman director Adam McKay was being courted to direct Ant-Man for Disney and Marvel though has passed up the opportunity. It seemed a strange direction for the movie to be heading in, though the heavyweight studios are likely to have been attracted to McKay's long history with lead star Paul Rudd

Adam McKayAdam McKay Will Not Direct Ant-Man

Wright, who last directed The World's End, had been attached to the superhero movie since 2006 though resigned last week over creative differences. It left Disney scrambling around for a director late on Friday night and they would have confident in landing McKay before the comedy filmmaker rejected their advances. 

Continue reading: Does Anybody Out There Want To Direct 'Ant-Man'?

Is 'Anchorman' Director Adam McKay In Talks To Direct Marvel's 'Ant Man'?


Adam McKay Paul Rudd Evangeline Lilly Michael Douglas Edgar Wright

It's another is he-isn't he situations which will never truly be resolved unless Adam McKay chooses to take the position as Ant Man director, or it'll just remain another unconfirmed rumour. Ant Man has been in a state of development since 2003 and there still seems to be some troubles even with filming about to start this summer. With the film's initial director, Edgar Wright, walking out last week what will the future look like for the upcoming Marvel film?

Adam McKay
Adam McKay is rumoured to be in talks with Marvel.

Edgar Wright, who has been working on the movie's script since 2003, resigned last week over creative differences. Reports suggest Marvel changed Wright's script without his permission. Wright not only penned the screenplay but was also set to direct, leaving the Ant Man team in dire need of a director. As Variety reported, McKay was seemingly in talks with the film's producers and may be stepping in to take over from Wright. 

Continue reading: Is 'Anchorman' Director Adam McKay In Talks To Direct Marvel's 'Ant Man'?

Adam Mckay

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Adam McKay Movies

Daddy's Home 2 Movie Review

Daddy's Home 2 Movie Review

Like the 2015 original, this comedy plays merrily with cliches to tell a silly story...

The Boss Movie Review

The Boss Movie Review

Melissa McCarthy brings another of her improvisational alter-egos to the big screen with this energetic...

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The Big Short Movie Review

The Big Short Movie Review

Smart and snappy, this comedy is one of the scariest films of the year, using...

Daddy's Home Movie Review

Daddy's Home Movie Review

An odd mix of sentimental family warmth and gross-out antics, this comedy doesn't have the...

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The Big Short Trailer

The Big Short Trailer

When Dr. Michael Burry discovered that the housing market in the US relied upon a...

Ant-Man Movie Review

Ant-Man Movie Review

The increasingly stale Marvel formula gets a blast of fresh air in this rollocking adventure...

Get Hard Movie Review

Get Hard Movie Review

Audiences may be divided over whether this comedy crosses the line as it looks for...

Tammy Movie Review

Tammy Movie Review

Melissa McCarthy is clearly in a rut: the title character in this film isn't very...

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues Movie Review

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues Movie Review

It's been nearly 10 years since we first met Ron Burgundy, and this sequel is...

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues Trailer

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues Trailer

The legend of San Diego's Channel 4 news team may have long since dissolved over...

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues - International Trailer Trailer

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues - International Trailer Trailer

The news used to be a noble profession before the likes of Ron Burgundy with...

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