If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining weekend, Max is the place to be! They offer a diverse selection of movies to suit every taste, from action-packed adventures like “The Flash” to animated wonders like “The Boy and the Heron”. This weekend, we’ve picked three movies that are sure to keep you entertained:
Role Models (2008):
Remember the “frat pack” era of comedies? This era, which spanned from 2005 to 2011, is a mix of nostalgic fun and cringe-worthy humor, depending on your perspective. But one thing is undeniable: it brought us classics like “Talladega Nights”, “Anchorman”, and “Wedding Crashers”. “Role Models” stands tall alongside these comedic giants, and perhaps even surpasses them. This hilarious film, directed by David Wain, boasts a stellar cast, including the always-funny Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott. The plot follows Danny, a man whose life is spiraling downwards, and his best friend, Wheeler. After landing themselves in a legal predicament, they are ordered to perform 150 hours of community service at Sturdy Wings, a charity organization. This comedic setup sets the stage for hilarious encounters as Danny and Wheeler befriend their “little brothers” and navigate the awkward world of teenage relationships, obsessive Kiss fans, and more. The film’s humor shines thanks to its talented cast, which also includes Elizabeth Banks, Ken Jeong, and the scene-stealing Jane Lynch. While “Role Models” might not offer profound life lessons, it will have you laughing till your sides hurt.
Ricochet (1991):
Netflix recently released a captivating crime thriller, “Rebel Ridge,” that surprised viewers with its intelligence and gritty storytelling. Its nuanced commentary on race and abuse of power reminded me strongly of another fantastic crime thriller from the 1990s, “Ricochet”. Despite a stellar cast featuring Denzel Washington and John Lithgow, this film unfortunately remains largely forgotten. Washington plays Nick Styles, a decorated officer-turned-district attorney whose past comes back to haunt him. Earl Talbot Blake, a ruthless hitman he helped put away, has escaped from prison and seeks revenge. Blake’s desire is not merely to kill Nick, but to inflict slow and excruciating torture. He drugs Nick, hires a prostitute to assault him, destroys his career, and even threatens his wife and daughter. Released in 1991, “Ricochet” shares a similar aesthetic with other crime thrillers of the era, like “The Last Boy Scout” and “Lethal Weapon 2”. This similarity doesn’t detract from the film’s quality. “Ricochet” deserves more recognition for its consistent tension and thrilling moments. Washington delivers a compelling performance as the hero, while Lithgow’s portrayal of Blake adds another villainous masterpiece to his impressive collection.
Get Smart (2008):
TV-to-movie adaptations aren’t exactly known for their success. For every “Mission: Impossible,” there are countless “Flintstones” disasters. When “Get Smart” was released in 2008 after a lengthy development process, it seemed destined to follow the latter trajectory. However, to everyone’s surprise, the movie proved to be surprisingly charming and genuinely funny. What a novel concept—a big-budget comedy actually delivering laughs! Steve Carrell steps into the shoes of Maxwell Smart, a CONTROL analyst who yearns to be a field agent. He gets his wish and is partnered with Agent 99 (played by the captivating Anne Hathaway). Together, they face off against Soviet assassins, engage in daredevil stunts, and attempt to prevent a nuclear bomb from wiping out the President of the United States. The plot, while silly, is expertly used for comedic effect. Carrell delivers his most outlandish performance yet, displaying incredible comedic timing. He and Hathaway share wonderful chemistry, adding to the movie’s lighthearted energy. They are further supported by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who demonstrates a comedic talent that has sadly been overshadowed by his recent foray into action movies and superhero roles. Johnson should make a comeback to comedy with a film like “Get Smart” – it’s a long overdue move.
