Shallow Hal (2001)

Here is a neat movie which deals about perception. It shows how differently people are treated. I think most people would agree with this being a wonderful heartfelt film. A lot of the characters in this are identifiable to many and there easy to follow along with as the story unfolds. A film like this also appeals to many different age ranges. It was directed by the Farrelly brothers (Bobby and Peter). They also collaborated for the screenplay along with Sean Moynihan.

Jack Black stars as Hal who only sees women for their physical appearance only and not their personality so much. Things change for him as he meets up with Rosemary played by Gwyneth Paltrow. She is an overweight woman. Gwyneth wore a “fat suit” as she filmed this and many people didn’t even recognize her. Jason Alexander plays Mauricio who has his own self obsession and views about women as well. As you watch this film you will discover a secret about him. The late Joe Viterelli plays Steve Shanahan Rosemary’s father. He was often cast in mobster type roles or police men.

Hal discovers much more about life and relationships especially after being hypnotized by self help guru Tony Robbins played by Anthony Robbins. He in real life gives speeches and seminars to people in need of help and motivation in their lives, perhaps you have seen him on television at some point.

There are more interesting characters in this such as Walt played by Rene Kirby who in real life suffers from spina bifida which is a birth defect where the backbone and spinal canal don’t close before birth. He in real life leads a productive life despite his unfortunate circumstances and he has appeared in a few other film productions. Bruce McGill appears in this as Reverend Larson he has a pretty lengthy resume of film and television roles. Susan Ward plays Hal’s neighbor and once romantic interest named Jill. Zen Gesner plays Ralph, Brooke Burns is Katrina, Rob Moran is Second Tiffany, Joshua ‘Li’iBoy’ Shintani is Li’iBoy, Kyle Gass is Artie, Laura Kightlinger is Jen, and Nan Martin is Nurse Tanya Peeler.

The film was nominated for the Teen Choice Awards for Choice Actor, Choice Actress, and Choice Movie. Overall, I think you will surely enjoy this one; there are some touching moments in it. And it deals with things they linger in our society among one another. I highly recommend seeing this one, it no doubt will become a classic over time.

Shallow Hal

Post from: Chewypopcorn.com
Written by: Terry Larch

Shallow Hal (2001) Review

Mr. Woodcock (2007)

Don’t let the name fool you, this is a standout comedy. If you are in the mood for a campy comedy, then this is a good one to see. The leading actors did a nice job with their roles. There are a few remember able scenes done by director Craig Gillespie who is best known from his television directing specifically commercials. The screenplay was written by Michael Carnes and Josh Gilbert. This is a comedy which deals with sports as the underlining theme.

Billy Bob Thornton portrays Jasper Woodcock who is a PE (Physical Education) director at a junior high school. In the gym class he constantly belittles the students into deep psychological states of mind. Most if not all of the students can’t stand Mr. Woodcock. The later setup focuses on the lead character named John Farley who is played by Seann William Scott, he is best known as the character Stifler from the American Pie series of films. Susan Sarandon plays his mom Beverly Farley and grabs the romantic interest of Mr. Woodcock, which leads to all kinds of chaotic and overly outrageous scenes.

John Farley later in life writes a commercially successful self help book. Amy Poehler plays Maggie who is John’s literary agent and manager she constantly tries to get his attention for the book tour. There are a number of other characters in this such as Melissa Sagemiller playing Tracy, Ethan Suplee is Nedderman, Jacob Davich is Nedderman’s Brother, Kyley Baldridge is the Young Farley, Alec George is the younger Nedderman, M.C. Gainey is Hal the barber, Brent Briscoe is another barber, Dave Kuhr is Bookish Guy, Lisa K. Wyatt appears as a housewife, Kurt Fuller is Councilman Luke and Joseph Michael Sargent is the Younger Watson.

There are a number of scenes where Mr. Woodcock and John Farley get into aggressive competition and things turn comical. I think you will appreciate their antics to some degree at least. The story is pretty straightforward overall.

This film had a modest budget of $22 million, and it grossed $33,035,245 worldwide. I guess it is more of a cult film now, and for those who might appreciate slap stick type humor situations. I will recommend it, I thought it was pretty funny and certainly keeps you entertained throughout the picture.

Mr. Woodcock

Post from: Chewypopcorn.com
Written by: Terry Larch

Mr. Woodcock (2007) Review