Without a Paddle

So, I've got around to watching the film Without a Paddle this weekend - mostly, I admit, because of Seth Green. It isn't the kind of film I usually go in for, all over-the-top slapstick comedy. And yet I was pleasantly surprised. Overall it worked much better than I expected, and I really enjoyed it.

The negatives. Well, I suppose I'm still not a fan of over-the-top slapstick comedy that has to underline every joke to make sure you get it. Hollywood makes far too many of them, and few are actually funny. The comedy felt very forced at times, and the plot bordered on incoherent in places.

But...I don't know. Maybe going in with low expectations helped. Maybe the fact that it was Seth Green helped. I enjoyed it. It was light-hearted fluff, and I was in the mood for silliness. Seth did have a few cringe-worthy moments, but did really well with the material on the whole, playing most of it with his usual wonderful restraint, which always helped. The other actors also did well with the material. The three buddies all had well-defined characters, and all three characters grew and developed as a result of their ridiculous experiences during the film. What more could you ask for?

I even watched it with the actor's commentary, and enjoyed that, too. I hadn't seen a Seth commentary before. It is interesting, and amusing, how he can be such a zany geek and yet simultaneously take what he's doing so seriously. Great stuff. All the actors seemed to get along so wonderfully well, which must have helped. They had an absolute blast making the film.

So overall - thumbs up. I think this might be one to buy when the price goes down a bit.

Without a Paddle

So, I've got around to watching the film Without a Paddle this weekend - mostly, I admit, because of Seth Green. It isn't the kind of film I usually go in for, all over-the-top slapstick comedy. And yet I was pleasantly surprised. Overall it worked much better than I expected, and I really enjoyed it.

The negatives. Well, I suppose I'm still not a fan of over-the-top slapstick comedy that has to underline every joke to make sure you get it. Hollywood makes far too many of them, and few are actually funny. The comedy felt very forced at times, and the plot bordered on incoherent in places.

But...I don't know. Maybe going in with low expectations helped. Maybe the fact that it was Seth Green helped. I enjoyed it. It was light-hearted fluff, and I was in the mood for silliness. Seth did have a few cringe-worthy moments, but did really well with the material on the whole, playing most of it with his usual wonderful restraint, which always helped. The other actors also did well with the material. The three buddies all had well-defined characters, and all three characters grew and developed as a result of their ridiculous experiences during the film. What more could you ask for?

I even watched it with the actor's commentary, and enjoyed that, too. I hadn't seen a Seth commentary before. It is interesting, and amusing, how he can be such a zany geek and yet simultaneously take what he's doing so seriously. Great stuff. All the actors seemed to get along so wonderfully well, which must have helped. They had an absolute blast making the film.

So overall - thumbs up. I think this might be one to buy when the price goes down a bit.

World War Three

No, not a real one - the latest episode of the new Doctor Who.

Hilarious.

Fake Prime Minister: "Massive weapons of destruction, capable of being fired within 45 seconds."
Doctor: "He's lying. He's inventing it."

Political much?

I really liked Harriet Jones, MP, Flydale North - and future PM. She was great. I also really liked the nameless little flunky from last week, so was sad that he didn't survive the cliff hanger.

I'm trying hard to remember the introduction of past companions, and can't remember any having this much interaction with their friends and family, or getting to see the impact of their disappearance on same before. I like it. The Doctor actually reversed his opinion of Mickey enough to invite him to come along? Or perhaps he knew Mickey would say no. Either way, it makes for interesting viewing - I like a show that attempts a bit of depth.

but overall, hilarious.

World War Three

No, not a real one - the latest episode of the new Doctor Who.

Hilarious.

Fake Prime Minister: "Massive weapons of destruction, capable of being fired within 45 seconds."
Doctor: "He's lying. He's inventing it."

Political much?

I really liked Harriet Jones, MP, Flydale North - and future PM. She was great. I also really liked the nameless little flunky from last week, so was sad that he didn't survive the cliff hanger.

I'm trying hard to remember the introduction of past companions, and can't remember any having this much interaction with their friends and family, or getting to see the impact of their disappearance on same before. I like it. The Doctor actually reversed his opinion of Mickey enough to invite him to come along? Or perhaps he knew Mickey would say no. Either way, it makes for interesting viewing - I like a show that attempts a bit of depth.

but overall, hilarious.