It's essentially Chuck if the lead were a stoner instead of a geek, though it's also got its feet in Jason Bourne territory - and I'm glad to report it doesn't play like a dumb stoner comedy (because I hate those). At the heart of it is an actually very sweet romance, Kristen Stewart unusually effective in her role (did Twilight just taint the reputation of a bunch of actors who are actually good?). The action gags are fun, making good use of small town America locations. Topher Grace is a bit over the top as the villain, but you want to see him fail. I do think the comedy would have worked better if the violence had been turned down just a notch. I mean, it's a damn zombie movie by the end. Was Max Landis trying to channel Shaun of the Dead? A bit less graphic and we're laughing a lot more, I think. It definitely goes with the underground comix vibe introduced by the lead's artistic sensibilities, but still. Final verdict: Surprisingly endearing.
I really dug this. It's got some problems, but the script and the acting aren't among them. It's got a load of charm to spare, the violence is of the ultra variety and the film has a god dose of the sweet to make for this flawed by pretty great action comedy. It won me over in a big way. Kristen Stewart will never get the praise she so rightly deserves for time and again elevating material that's not always the stuff actor's dream of. She'll forever carry the stigma of sparkly vampires, but she is a great talent.
And Walton Goggins proves time and again that he's a wrecking ball of acting talent. At the very end he gets about 30 seconds of screen time to turn a paper thin villain into a sympathetic and beautifully realized human character. It's shocking just how good he is in that one moment. It's just a testament to the power of great acting ability, and it's exciting.
So, yeah, flawed, but a film I'll watch a bunch in the future wishing there were more interesting and original films being made.
To be fair I wasn't giving it my undivided attention so correct me if I'm wrong but
Mike was targeted because he was going against his programming and trying to leave town, but Phoebe was his handler and should have known he can't leave town. Why didn't she discourage him? Why wasn't she contacted by the CIA telling her to keep him in line? Why are there no Filipinos in Manila?
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Comments 1 - 12 of 12
lachyas
Wow they really went in an unexpected direction with the sequel of Adventureland.Maraku11
It was definitely pretty dumb, but the cute enjoyable kind. I'd recommend it if you're interested.Giacco
While I was watching it I couldn't stop thinking how much better it could have been. Still a decent flick, but with wasted potential.Siskoid
It's essentially Chuck if the lead were a stoner instead of a geek, though it's also got its feet in Jason Bourne territory - and I'm glad to report it doesn't play like a dumb stoner comedy (because I hate those). At the heart of it is an actually very sweet romance, Kristen Stewart unusually effective in her role (did Twilight just taint the reputation of a bunch of actors who are actually good?). The action gags are fun, making good use of small town America locations. Topher Grace is a bit over the top as the villain, but you want to see him fail. I do think the comedy would have worked better if the violence had been turned down just a notch. I mean, it's a damn zombie movie by the end. Was Max Landis trying to channel Shaun of the Dead? A bit less graphic and we're laughing a lot more, I think. It definitely goes with the underground comix vibe introduced by the lead's artistic sensibilities, but still. Final verdict: Surprisingly endearing.CSSCHNEIDER
I really dug this. It's got some problems, but the script and the acting aren't among them. It's got a load of charm to spare, the violence is of the ultra variety and the film has a god dose of the sweet to make for this flawed by pretty great action comedy. It won me over in a big way. Kristen Stewart will never get the praise she so rightly deserves for time and again elevating material that's not always the stuff actor's dream of. She'll forever carry the stigma of sparkly vampires, but she is a great talent.And Walton Goggins proves time and again that he's a wrecking ball of acting talent. At the very end he gets about 30 seconds of screen time to turn a paper thin villain into a sympathetic and beautifully realized human character. It's shocking just how good he is in that one moment. It's just a testament to the power of great acting ability, and it's exciting.
So, yeah, flawed, but a film I'll watch a bunch in the future wishing there were more interesting and original films being made.
fbillys
This year's best superhero movie and nobody even watching it.DaniloFreiles
Come The Bourne Identity, ma più fatto.Xondar
Not a very good movie.neocowboy
To be fair I wasn't giving it my undivided attention so correct me if I'm wrong butBigAwesomeBLT
Topher Grace needs to stop playing baddies. This film was great, really enjoyed it.Ipojucan Dias
Too dumb. No charisma. I couldn't care less.Facundo Reyes
Kingsman, Wanted, Agent Cody Banks, Spy Kids, American Ultra...People don't get tired of watch always the same G.I. Joe movie?