George Carlin: Back in Town (1996)

Genre: Comedy

Directed by: Rocco Urbisci

Cast: George Carlin

Time: 60 minutes

For his ninth HBO comedy special, George Carlin went back to his hometown, New York City. Taking the stage at the Beacon Theatre, Carlin launched into a very tight show where he discussed such topics as abortion, sanctity of life, the death penalty, prison farms and farts. There was also so free-floating hostility and some analysis of language.

At that point in his career, George Carlin was in top form on stage. He could be biting and acerbic, and he could also give you a bit of silliness on the side. He had found the right balance, as far as I am concerned. The show is tight, with a good pace. With Carlin, it’s not always about a punch line every so many seconds. Sometimes, it is more important to take you on a ride that will entertain and make you think.

Rating: «««««

A Star is Born (2018)

Genre: Musical / Drama

Directed by: Bradley Cooper

Cast: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga. Andrew Dice Clay, Sam Elliott

Time: 135 minutes

In this 2018 remake of the 1937 original, Jackson Maine is a rock singer whose career is doing quite well, in spite of his severe alcoholism. One night, while visiting bars after a show, Jackson meets Ally, who sings cover songs in a drag bar. Jackson brings Ally with him on tour, encouraging her to sing her own songs. Love will bloom as two careers meet each other going into opposite directions.

This was a great movie all around. Great directorial work by Bradley Cooper, and a solid acting job too. He melts himself into that character so well that you forget about the actor. You just care about the character. And Lady Gaga…what a surprise. She is awesome. I am a little mad at her right now. Knowing she had such talent, I wish she had not wasted all those years on the crappy music she has made.

Overall, while this film lasts more than 2 hours, it did not feel long. It was easy to get emotionally invested in the whole thing. Great movie.

Rating: «««««

Ice Guardians (2016)

Genre: Documentary

Directed by: Brett Harvey

Cast: Jay Baruchel, Jarome Iginla, Chris Chelios

Time: 108 minutes

This 2016 documentary looks at the role of fighters AKA enforcers in the sport of professional hockey. The presence of fighting in the sport has been questioned many times by many people, but, what do the players think?

This is a very compelling film about Canada’s national sport. We hear from people who have played the role of enforcer on the ice and from star players of the past who share their thoughts on the matter. We also hear some outside views. While it could have delved even deeper, this is a very good documentary.

Rating: ««««

1991 (2018)

Genre: Franco / Biographical / Comedy

Réalisateur: Ricardo Trogi

Distribution: Jean-Carl Boucher, Sandrine Bisson, Claudio Colangelo

Durée: 101 minutes

Dans cette troisième partie de la série autobiographique écrite et réalisée par Ricardo Trogi, notre personnage principal a maintenant 21 ans. Amoureux fou de Marie-Ève Bernard, il décide de la suivre en Italie pour une session universitaire estivale. Mais, comme d’habitude, avec Ricardo, rien n’est vraiment simple.

À mon humble avis, ce troisième épisode a ramené la série sur les rails. J’avais adoré 1981, mais 1987 m’avait grandement déçu. Dans ce cas-ci, le jeu des acteurs est encore solide, mais l’histoire est fort intéressante. Les dialogues sont bien ficelés et m’ont souvent faire rire. J’aime beaucoup le ton utilisé par le narrateur pour raconter son histoire. Au-delà de quelques petites longueurs, 1991 est un film très divertissant.

Note: ««««

George Carlin: Jammin' in New York (1992)

Genre: Comedy

Directed by: Rocco Urbisci

Cast: George Carlin

Time: 59 minutes

Recorded live from the Paramount Theatre, in New York City, George Carlin’s eighth HBO comedy special is said to have been his favorite. The comic was definitely at the top of his game as far as crafting bits that flowed into each other. Carlin had developed a true knack for playing with the English language, and this show is a clear indication of that.

In Jammin’ in New York, George Carlin talks about the Persian Gulf war, the little common things we share as humans, airline announcements, using golf courses for the homeless and the people who feel they need to save the planet. The material is biting, and it is strong. It really sticks out in the PC world of today, and I love it.

Rating: «««««

Californication (2007-2014)

Genre: TV / Comedy / Drama

Starring: David Duchovny, Natascha McElhone, Madeleine Martin

Number of seasons: 7

Hank Moody is an alcoholic novelist who tries really hard to be a responsible partner to his girlfriend Karen and father to their daughter Becca, but he often fails miserably. More often than not, he finds himself drunk and in the arms of various women. Also in Hank’s life is his manager and best friend, Charlie, who has many problems of his own, problems that usually involve sex.

I have never been a big fan of David Duchovny, but he is very good in the role of the hedonistic novelist Hank Moody. He brings the character to life and makes him charming in spite of his flaws. The supporting cast is also very good. An honorable mention to the young Madeleine Martin, who plays Becca, the daughter of Hank and Karen. In the early seasons, her character is often the most mature one, in spite of her young age. She did a great job in it.

The well started to run a little dry in season 7, but, overall, this was a very entertaining show filled with zany characters, compelling stories, funny dialogue and great music. While its tongue was dragging towards the end, the show still managed to finish strong enough to not be a letdown.

Rating: ««««

Man Up (2015)

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Directed by: Ben Palmer

Cast: Lake Bell, Simon Pegg, Sharon Horgan

Time: 88 minutes

Nancy is a 34 years old woman, who has been single for a few years. She is traveling by train to London, to attend her parent`s wedding anniversary. At the station, she is stopped by Jack, who mistakes her for his blind date. Nancy decides to go on with the charade, curious to see where it leads.

Going in, I was not quite sure what to expect with Man Up. What I got was a very charming romantic comedy, carried quite well by the two leads. I never envisioned Simon Pegg as a romantic lead in the movies, but he does a good job here. Sure, there are a few predictable twists and turns in the plot, but, overall, this was a very cute and entertaining film, that gains much in not taking itself too seriously.

Rating: ««««