your highness looks funny and a nice follow up 2 black swan 4 natalie portman… she must have decided 2 have a laugh after all that intensity
Saw a preview screening of YOUR HIGHNESS last week, and was shocked to find it VERY FUNNY. The trailer does not give away the only good jokes and in fact CAN NOT give away hardly any of the actual jokes because they are so unbelievably raunchy that they could never be included in an all-ages preview (the standard “unrestricted” types prefaced with the green background). After a very boring prologue and poorly conceived title sequence, the movie hits an uninterrupted stride of constant profanity and inappropriateness till it’s closing frame, baiting blatantly and shamelessly for a sequel that, I’m stunned to say, I would consider going to see.
Justin Theroux is one of my favorite comic actors, between this and MULHOLLAND DRIVE, and he’s kind of the unsung hero of YOUR HIGHNESS…one of his lines got the biggest reaction from the filled audience I watched with.
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from variety about Arthur
Thirty years after “Arthur” became one of 1981’s biggest hits, the economy has taken a nosedive, alcoholism has long lost its comic novelty and Charlie Sheen has cornered the market on hooker-happy hedonism — all of which seems to have been nervously taken into account in this innocuous, blandly therapeutic remake of a comedy that wasn’t exactly edgy to begin with. Cast names and lack of mainstream-laffer competition should ensure a healthy commercial profile, but even the Brit-wit chemistry of Russell Brand and Helen Mirren can’t offset the self-conscious degree to which this tame, calculated effort sticks to its source.
from variety about Your Highness
That skunky smell emanating from “Your Highness” ain’t pot; it’s the stink of miscalculation that surrounds an inside joke gone awry. David Gordon Green and longtime film-school buddy Danny McBride burn through their biggest budget yet on a witless medieval stoner comedy, larding it up with the sort of juvenile titillation — boobies, double entendres and schoolyard homophobia — they no doubt found lacking in the ‘80s fantasy fare of their youth. Boasting good-sport support from before-they-were-Oscar-nominated James Franco and Natalie Portman, pic best serves potheads or underage guys far more likely to hit it on homevid. ….Those who discovered Green in the days of “George Washington” and “All the Real Girls” will find nothing of those films’ clear-eyed sensitivity here (though this Universal-backed effort, like “Girls,” does feature McBride and Deschanel). Rather, “Your Highness” feels like an unwieldy extension of “Pineapple Express’” genre-bending antics, with Green struggling under the weight of all the elaborate locations, sets and visual effects that a knight’s tale calls for.
I am most looking forward to Joe Wright’s Hanna. It looks like an entertaining thriller. Your Highness looks enjoyable too… hopefully on the same level as Paul, as far as humour goes.
Going to see those two on Wednesday. :)
Dennis Brian
The once great David Gordon Green reteams with Franco and McBride (Pineapple Express) for this comedy. If the trailer gives away the best jokes (they usually do) the film is in trouble.
I am begining to like Russell Brand, but this film seems off to me. The first Aurthur was a classic, right star, right material, this Aurthur seemed a black eye on the original, instead of a witty drunk, we have a weird man child and I doubt the romantic interest will have the charisma of Liza.
Joe Wright (Pride and Predujice, Atonement, Soloist)) brings his dramatic heft to what looks to be a well crafted actioner. Is Liam Neeson’s recent success in the genre leading to Cate Blachett being cast in an action flick?
I am most interested in Soul Surfer. I am partial to surfing and I have read Bethany’s book. The lead actress has the right look and Hunt and Quaid are interesting casting. Bethany and her family are very religious and insisted that a good deal of their faith is discussed in the film. I am curious how that will play to a wide audience.