rogerebertsclone

The marketing for this movie made Jack look like the psychotic one ("I SAID OVER EASY!!!"), but his role is quite the opposite. Jack plays a subtle, calm, and collected doctor who slowly but surely pushes Sandler to reveal his anger (which is used to great potential in the Monk scene, but that's it). Had I known Jack's handle on the role before I walked into the movie, I may have liked it a little more. I was expecting Jack in a role crazier than his "Joker" (anyone remember 'Batman'???). Gripe aside, Jack is very amusing and nearly steals the screen from Sandler. Tuturro and Guzman aren't given a lot of time to expand their characters to nothing more than borderline offensive stereotypes. The supporting characters are more or less walk-on roles.

"Anger's" laughs roll out slow but it begins to pick up momentum when Buddy (Nicholson) moves in with Dave (Sandler). This didn't seem like a Sandler movie. There were cameos, yes. Some were really bad (Ted Knight can't be himself) and good ones (Woody Harrelson never looked so weird) There was no crazy, oddball humor like "Waterboy" or "Happy Gilmore". This is a movie that is more palatable to Nicholson fans. Is Sandler playing the same nice guy character with rage? Yes, but to extent. Sandler never really takes off with his anger. He just makes constipated faces and curses. Do Sandler and Nicholson have chemistry? Yes. The ending may leave you either angry or just plain boggled but it's nothing to whine over. This is a comedy, not "Vanilla Sky." The movie won't bring belly laughs. There were times when I laughed because couldn't believe Nicholson was saying or doing things that were in reference to his past.

For Sandler, this seems like "Punch Drunk Love" -- the goofy comedy. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but it's not as laugh out loud as it could have been.

Don't go in expecting Jack losing his cool because he doesn't. Don't go in expecting Sander beating up people "Happy Gilmore"-style (with the exception of the monk scene). I'm mixed on my verdict. This is Sandler's most 'mature' comedy since 'Billy Madison.' There's singing, there's some weird stuff (Jack's fried hair), but Sandler's unique touch of humor seemed to have been lost in the editing room. This is Sandler lite. If you want his brand of craziness, nothing tops "Little Nicky." Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad film at all. There are laughs to be found in "Anger". Probably the funniest film so far this year. In terms of Sandler, it seems like he's holding back. As for Jack? He's great in this, psychotic free. I'll have to watch this once again, now knowing what I know. That damn marketing department.

I'm not going to rant on about Eddie and Martin's bombs. This movie re-teams the two in a drama sprinkled with comedy. Yes, that's right. Don't let the previews or reviews fool you. This is a DRAMA and the comedy is subtle with a human touch, thanks to the direction of Ted Demme (RIP). Everyone involved with this film seemed to have done their homework on history, racism in the south, to the set designs and costumes. This was sorely overlooked by the Academy (who would nominate an Eddie Murphy film for costume design???), but let's get pass my ranting.

"Life" is a classic story of friendship. Two opposites are thrown together after being falsely accused of murdering a con artist down south. What surprised me most about this movie is the amount of comedic talent and how little they're allowed to actually be funny. It's like the plot is holding them back from going all out. And this is the first time Martin is actually playing the straight man, a role I believe he should play more often instead of his usual crazy schitck which most of the time doesn't stick.

Eddie's terrific in this movie, using his motormouth for a fully fleshed out character. When he's fast talking, he isn't doing it for the sake of it. The supporting cast including Anthony Anderson, Bernie Mac, Guy Torry, and (gasp) Rick James, all provide good roles. If you've lost faith in Eddie and Martin, this is the movie to watch. It's a good drama, and the humor comes from the heart.

Being a proud fan of lowbrow humor and a fan of Method Man and Redman, "How High" seemed like a no-brainer comedy, and I was right! This movie can only do harm to people who get offended easily at racial stereotypes, pot smoking and more pot smoking. The movie pokes fun at everyone; class and race. One glance at How High would make you think they're trying to make another "Animal House". Well, I think it's up there. It's got everything except the fraternities. From childish pranks to goofy humor, Meth and Red carry the movie to its predictable conclusion. Many people will write this off as another "Black comedy", but it really is a comedy for everyone. It just "happens" to star two charismatic rap artists. Director Jesse Dylan (yes, Bob's son) knows how to set up a joke and pull the punchline. This film is far funnier than the last two "Friday" films combined (Yes, let's just compare it to other pothead comedies). The supporting cast is terrific as well, including the clueless Fred Willard and uptight Obba Babatunde. The only downside is Mike Epps' pimp character, done much better by Eddie Griffin in "Deuce Bigalow."

The bottom line: Rent it, have a few beers and some good laughs without taking it too seriously.