Review: 17 Again

I saw 17 Again last week. See, Zac Efron, I kept my word! Now you keep your word as well and stay away from Footloose.

Anyhow, I liked the movie. I had incredibly low expectations so that helped, but I have to admit, Efron wasn't even that bad. He has the charisma to pull off a role like this, but I don't see him doing Magnolia. Or Schindler's List. Or even The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. He's too glossy. I would like to see him do a serious drama just to get an idea of what he's capable of.

The rest of the cast did fine. Leslie Mann's character reminded me of her character in Knocked Up, so that really wasn't all that challenging for her I think. Matthew Perry is underused. I get it's about him turning 17 again, but five more minutes of screentime would have been nice. I enjoyed Thomas Lennon as Efron/Perry's best friend. I had never seen him before, but I'm sure it won't be the last time. Michelle Trachtenberg was completely wasted here. She barely had anything to do and I was just cringing at the scene where she threw herself at Efron. I'm not criticizing Michelle, I just hated the scene. Sterling Knight, who played Michelle's brother, has potential to have a good career ahead of him.

Looking at the movie itself, well, yeah, it's not like we haven't seen or heard this story before. But it's well executed, fun and yes, funny at times. I could even see myself owning this on DVD at some point. A 3,5/5.

Zac Efron no longer Footloose

Obviously, Zac Efron reads my blog. Only a week ago, I wrote I wouldn't support 17 Again or any other Efron related project until he leaves Footloose alone. Et voila!

Said Paramount, in a statement to TheWrap: "Footloose is a project we've longed to see re-booted for a new generation. While Zac is no longer attached, we remain excited and committed to the collective brain trust of Kenny Ortega, Neil Meron and Craig Zaden, who will reinvigorate the franchise."

Okay, so apparently Zac said something about not wanting to be 'just a cute song-and-dance man', but we know the truth. So I will go watch 17 Again once it gets released here in The Netherlands. Yes, I'm taking one for the team. And you're welcome.

Trailer Park: Confessions of a Shopaholic

I don't watch a lot of trailers online, so this feature will mostly feature (hee!) trailers that were attached to movies I've recently seen. Keep in mind that I live in The Netherlands, and that the trailers attached wont necessarily be the same as the ones in your country. In this post I'll review the trailers that were attached to Confessions of a Shopaholic.

My guesses: He's Just Not That Into You, Bride Wars, 17 Again

Sunshine Cleaning
This was unexpected! I didn't think a little movie like Sunshine Cleaning would get a theatrical release here. I mean, the movie is doing well in the US, but in limited release. Isn't that usually code for direct-to-DVD here in The Netherlands? Guess they are wising up. Anyways, loved seeing the trailer on the big screen. Amy Adams is adorable. I want to see this movie now!
To be viewed: probably on DVD cause it will end up getting a limited release here as well and no one I know wants to see it.

17 Again
Except for the Zac Efron factor, this movie looks pretty entertaining. But the scene where Leslie Mann abuses Zac's face, made me cringe. He looks exactly like her husband, played by Matthew Perry? Yeah, right.
To be viewed: on DVD. I will not support Zac Efron projects until he leaves Footloose alone.

He's Just Not That Into You
I'm just not that into this movie anymore. The more I see this trailer, the more it bores me. How is that possible when the cast includes Bradley Cooper, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Connelly, Scarlett Johansson, Justin Long, and Kevin Connelly? Did I mention the Bradley Cooper factor?!
To be viewed: on DVD

The Proposal
Poor Sandra Bullock. Poor Ryan Reynolds. Okay, not poor Ryan Reynolds. He gets to be married to Scarlett Johansson. But they both deserve better than this. The Proposal doesn't look bad, it just looks awful. Nothing we haven't seen before. I'd rather see Bullock's other romcom, All About Steve. Not that that movie looks like a winner, but at least it has Bradley Cooper in it.
To be viewed: on TV