Tag Archives: Simon Pegg

REVIEW: “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE (2023) Paramount Pictures

Having watched one of the greatest car-chase in the history of cinema… and it still wasn’t even the best scene in the movie gives you just a small idea of how good “MISSON: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE” is.  From the pre-opening credits scene to the final act, if you’re like me, you will be on the edge of your seat for almost the entirety of the film – most especially during any of the truly defying fight scenes – and while there are a few moments that the tempo of the film slows down to enough to let you catch your breath and let the story advance, it is still always completely captivating.

The challenge in continuing the “Mission: Impossible” franchise is that fans expect each entry to be “bigger” and more awe-inspiring than the last. With the seventh film in the series, and the third straight he has directed, writer-director Christopher McQuarrie and actor/stuntman (honestly credit here for where it’s due), Tom Cruise have managed to accomplish what seemed unlikely … they have delivered another fantastic Ethan Hunt mission. Prepare to be awed.

But he doesn’t do it alone as his supporting cast here is once again, incredible, and charismatic to boot.

You should also be aware that this is just “Part One” and yes, it runs a lengthy 163 minutes, which is a full hour longer than most movies and that’s saying a lot considering movies are getting longer and longer – and exponentially more expensive to produce. But as good as this one is – time passes without you even realizing it has been that long. And think about it, all this during an age when ultra-high-budget blockbusters are being rumored to be fading from public interest. Of course, we are only one year removed from Cruise’s TOP GUN: MAVERICK being hailed as ‘saving cinema’ – so this just might be coming at the perfect moment and bring people back to the box office. As well, with all of us supporting the WGA/SAG/AFTRA strike, production has stopped on Part Two and while we all hope it will be rectified soon – if it’s one person that can bring cinema back – it is Tom Cruise standing in solidarity with his fellow actors. In the meantime, with McQuarrie co-writing the script with Erik Jendresen, they remain faithful to the characters and storylines established by the TV series creator, Bruce Geller.

And with that, it must be said, there may never have been an actor more suited to this role than Tom Cruise is as Ethan Hunt. He truly embodies this character, and makes it his all his own. The story itself is fairly straightforward even though you might be questioning of how a ‘simple’ spy-thriller can be effective is understandable. Yet it’s completely fascinating to watch as Ethan Hunt’s mission in life as an agent is evaluated, as is the cost he’s paid as a man. Providing a more modern theme here, the obscure object of desire is an all-powerful key which comes in two parts and is based on controlling an all-encompassing Artificial Intelligence (AI), that of course, if it falls into the wrong hands… well we know how that would go.  Once the movie begins, you are strapped in with these characters, and it’s impossible not to be invested in the mission. The action set pieces swiftly move from one to the other, and it is non-stop action. Rather than explaining a lot of what’s happening with the AI, it’s clever and subtle in its execution so the audience can form the story. The beauty of this franchise is that the audience is always in with Hunt and his team, and there is no way of being confused with the mission. Visual storytelling is the driving force here because AI challenges each character. The computer becomes the enemy, which affects the communication between Benji, Luther, and Ethan. It’s heartbreaking to see moments of helplessness between them because it is a much darker storyline than others. You feel the love and respect they have for each other in this film which grounds the madness of the AI. 


In a twist on a familiar theme (and a certain classic Thanksgiving comedy film), we have Airports, Trains, and EVs, the latter being one of the funnier sides of the film featuring tiny Fiat with handcuffs. Still, the car chase is everything we might hope, while the high-tech facial tech search in the airport sequence delivers the thrills for viewers and sadly also gives us a peek into how dangerous AI can truly be. The train sequence of sparring all happens inside as well as on top of an actual moving train. And lest you be worried, there are enough Cruise sprint scenes here that it feels like he might just be giving Carl Lewis a run for his money.

Shea Whigham and Greg Tarzan Davis in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.

The now familiar faces include Ethan Hunt’s team of Luther (Ving Rhames), Benji (Simon Pegg), and Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson). It’s nice to again see Henry Czerny as Kittridge, and Vanessa Kirby back as European arms dealer Alanna Mitsopolis aka The White Widow. Esai Morales steps in as Gabriel, the shadowy villain in search of the same key as Hunt’s team is. New faces include Grace (Hayley Atwell), a master pickpocket, whose soul may or may not be beyond salvation; Denlinger (Cary Elwes), the agency director; Briggs (Shea Whigham), and Degas (Greg Tarzan Davis), are fellow agents who just can’t seem to get their hands on the slippery Hunt and last but not least, Paris (Pom Klementieff), who is a silent but deadly, hired assassin.

The stunt work here is outstanding, and of course, Tom Cruise is renowned for personally handling many of the most breathtaking acts himself, which just make them all the more mind-blowing. As I’ve noted before, who needs CGI when you have Tom Cruise – and that statement could not be more true here. Probably the piece-de-resistance is the motorbike off the cliff into a base jump is something else. The fact Cruise did it for real, multiple times, is crazy and inspiring but I will not spoil this majestic scene for you completely as it must be seen. And yes, the stunt is so truly mind-blowing that it has a ‘making of’ video that has been available for a while. As movie goers, we’ve never seen anything like it.

Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.

As well, Part One was originally scheduled for release in 2021 (thanks a lot, COVID), and now Part Two is set for 2024. It’s also wild to think it has been 27 years since the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE (1996), and that Cruise was mere 34 years old in that one, and yet here he is and it seems like time just hasn’t passed for him. Lucky! But this mission is clearly the biggest yet, and it’s a mission that will be closed out in Part Two, and possibly simultaneously bring an end to Cruise’s amazing run as Ethan Hunt.

Putting forth a story line that is oh-so-very good. The film was very cleverly written in a way that it is a very complex plot device they’ve chosen to use, however they found a way to keep it extremely simple and easy for the audience to follow with the two keys concept. After the fantastic underwater opening, and introduction of what the next Impossible Mission will be – the rest of the film is essentially just four huge action set-pieces. Except these set-pieces are like nothing you have ever experienced on screen before. The pacing is quite unique – it almost feel like four short thrilling films, while still working as a whole narrative. And more to come in Part Two leaves us all waiting with baited breaths even as we now know Production has shut down for the time being.

Esai Morales and Pom Klementieff in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.

And yes, we do have to talk about the performances. Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, and Simon Pegg were like a family already and i’m pretty sure they did not need any rehearsal as their chemistry was already there since the fifth one. Rebecca Ferguson and Vanessa Kirby returning performances were shorter here, but as always, wonderful, Shea Whigham and Greg Tarzan Davis get more than expected and their buddy cop antics are a lot of fun. Pom Klementieff gave a very interesting performance as a character and she was amazing in terms of action sequences – there is an alleyway fight that is nothing short of a masterpiece of work between her and Cruise. Esai Morales was a good intense villain, and last but not least Hayley Atwell at possibly her best performance she’s ever in and I think she might get to the top of a lot of lists a favorite Ethan Hunt’s sidekicks besides his own team. She was incredible and her presence was lovely every single second of her performance. Her character and dynamic with Cruise were fresh in comparison to everyone who has come before and their chemistry is magnetic.

Hayley Atwell and Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.

Lorne Balfe does the music once again and yet again it’s a highlight of the film, he knows how to elevate everything so well and really hammers home the emotional beats.

If I were looking for faults, and they are so nominal to be frank, but the second act drags a little to the extent that it felt like they were repeating themselves. Although even then they are stylishly filmed – the Dutch-angles never got old. The single, solitary, disappointment comes as the credits roll, and you remember you’re going to have to wait until next year to see how it all end.

‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part I is another strong entry in the action/spy series, with Cruise looking slightly older, but not less determined to save the world. Will the sequel to this film will be his last outing – who knows but I do know we will all be there for Part Two..and after that…well we’ll see.

And lastly, it is truly a cinematic experience that needs to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

Grade: A

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“MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE” FROM PARAMOUNT PICTURES IS OUT IN THEATERS FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2023

Review Screening: Tueday, June 27, 2023 ~ Courtesy of Paramount Picture

REVIEW: “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT” (2018) Paramount Pictures

Its almost impossible to make a good summer blockbuster right now – However, Chris McQuarrie accepted that mission and has fully succeeded. “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE-FALLOUT” is a visual spectacle that shouldn’t be missed by anyone who loves a good, smart action film with beautifully done wide shots and a great storyline. But don’t blink as you watch, because the story comes at you fast, with flash modes and ulterior motives at every turn.

‘Fallout’ picks up two years after ‘Rogue Nation’ and we get a better insight into Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) as a character and his motivations. We learn that although Ethan stopped the Syndicate, the Syndicate agents left alive now call themselves “The Apostles”. Due to a tough decision Ethan makes early on, the Apostles now have three balls of grade A plutonium, enough to make three nuclear bombs with strategic destinations plotted for each of them. And so begins our heroes globe trotting heroics to stop these nuclear disasters as it’s up to Hunt and his gang of IMF agents to find them before it’s too late. Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and Alan Hunley (Alec Baldwin), all return and they’re joined by Henry Cavill’s no-nonsense CIA operative August Walker, Erica Sloan (Angela Bassett) as his handler, and Rebecca Ferguson’s MI6 spy, Ilsa Faust is also back along for the ride.

And what a ride it is. A rather elaborate plot full of double / triple / quadruple crosses, treachery and assumed identities, take the team around the world in a whistle-stop tour of some famous cities. A frenetic car chase through the streets of Paris, a rooftop run through London and a helicopter ride from hell in Kashmir – all impress as do the cast, of particular fun is Vanessa Kirby’s mysterious White Widow.

And Tom …oh Tom, Tom, Tommy, damn, you have this action star thing down pat and do the genre huge justice here. Cruise is as reliable as ever and at 56 – yes I said 56 – he shows no signs of slowing down even if it might take him a little longer to recover from a battering these days. Sorry to call it out, but Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson needs to take page or two from Cruise’s handbook on how to be an actual action film star and make a good action movie. As for Cruise, whether it’s leaping from buildings, jumping from airplanes during a lightning storm or riding a motorbike the wrong way around the Champs-Élysées – he’s coolness personified and is the catalyst for another adrenaline fueled thriller that takes cinematic stunts to a new level. And for the most part, they are actually done by him – without a lot of CGI blah-ness thrown in. This is the real deal people. I applaud him and the crew for raising the bar. The man is a legend and honestly shows that CG is a long way off being as good or as exciting as live action scenes.

The bond of the team (Cruise, Ferguson, Cavill, Pegg and Rhames) is what makes this work and the chemistry of the cast is amazing. I loved Michelle Monaghan back as Julia in this film for the few scenes she has. The chemistry with Cruise is emotional and I love their story together and where it has gone. Henry Cavill too, is a welcome addition to the series and honestly steals some the film best moments. The bathroom fight scene is easily one of the best fight scenes I’ve ever seen. It was great to see him get his teeth into a different type of role. He doesn’t disappoint here.

I also loved that that for the first time they referenced the other sequels which was brilliant but for anyone who hasn’t seen the previous movies it will not go over their heads or is there the need to have seen them.

This film easily takes the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise to another level and proves that with a great cast, crew, director and writers, that sequels and series can progress the story and get even better. Hands down, “Mission: Impossible-Fallout” is easily the must see action film of the summer, possibly the whole of 2018.

Grade: A-
@pegsatthemovies

Media Review Screening: Monday, July 22, 2018 ~ Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
“MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT” WILL BE OUT IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2018 // WORLDWIDE RELEASE FOLLOWS IN AUG 2018

REVIEW: “STAR TREK: BEYOND” (2016) Paramount Pictures

The storyline… well let’s face it.. you know the story line. We all do as it is after all, a Star Trek movie. In case you don’t, bascially a Space ship is roaming the galaxy, runs into problems, has battles, etc etc.. BUT it is how well done these same plots can be that can make all the difference in the world.

While starting off on a bit slower pace, it picks right up with our usual crew: Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto), Bones McCoy (Karl Urban), Lt. Urhua (Zoe Saldana), Scotty (Simon Pegg), Sulu (John Cho), & Chekov (Anton Yelchin).
Add in a minor villian in Kalara (Lydia Wilson) who then of course, leads them to a major villian, Krall (Idris Elba). Throw in the requisie new character ‘star fleet member’ Jaylah (Sofia Boutella) and you have rounded out the cast all of whom work well enough together. As I’ve stated before, an important part of these films are the villians and for me, you are only as good as your villian. While neither one excels here, it’s mainly because I think it’s hard to really come off as a villian you love to hate with such dramatic costuming & make-up, so taking that into note, I will say both Elba & Wilson did well.

Ostar trek 1n a technical level, the film is stunning visually with brilliant CG and I didn’t mind the 3D as much as I usually do, though I will say, there are a lot of shaky-cam moments, which I was not expecting and which is not very appealing to me motion-wise. One of my favourite personal highlights is the Enterprise fighting scene with Beastie Boys – Sabotage underlaid. An amazing score once again composed by the brilliant Michael Giacchino does bring some brilliant moments back.
star trek 2
Two things to finish this up as first: I simply loved the fact they went ‘old school here and brought it all back around to what we all remember was just a simpler time in space!! hahahaha
Second: My guest hadn’t seen any previous Star Trek films, though knows the jist of it and whom the characters are. He did like it and noted that he felt that wasn’t necessary for someone to watch or enjoy the film. Good thing! though he did question the doubles of each character when they went ‘old school. Ahh..well..you can’t explain it all to them. 😀

Grade: B-
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This review is dedicated to Anton Yelchin..one of our best and brightest young actors..one of my personal favourites, who passed all too soon. Rest in Peace Anton.

Review Screening: Wednesday, July 20, 2016 ~ Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Release Date: Completely worldwide ~ Friday, July 22, 2016

REVIEW: “STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS” (2015) Disney Pictures

star wars
32 years after the original Star Wars exploded on our movie screens, the saga is set to continue here in The Force Awakens. Take note that this review is strictly a point of view and won’t contain to much storyline as you should see it for yourself, and definitely no spoilers. One thing before I continue on..Chewie..YOU ARE MY HERO!!!
As the opening log comes on the screen, we are immmediately taken back in time which has to be one of the happiest moments of the film. With that I will just spit it out that first and foremost, this is a good movie, though far far from a great one (It’s no Mad Max) And yes, I just said that.. So all the Star Wars fan-boys can step up now and sue me.. 😀

I’m as big a Star Wars fan as any though after Return of the Jedi, The Phantom Menace couldn’t even come close to comparing. Attack of the Clones was forgettable..Revenge of the Sith – didn’t even bother to see it at a theatre and actually waited for it to be on cable. And I won’t lie..I have a few issues with this film, though not all of them are bad.
star wars 1
The opening 30 minutes are less than satisfying and to be completely honest was quite ‘lulz’. Here we are introduced to some new main characters Finn (John Boyega) and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac – who is terribly underused here). Finn is actually a stormtrooper, but get this..a stormtrooper with feelings?? no ..stormtroopers are not allowed those. But hey they are taking a risk here by doing that right – which is okay by me. Then Poe, who is head of the resistance pilots, gets captured and Finn helps him escape for which when Poe asks why, gets the answer of “Because it’s the right thing to do” what?? that’s just weak.. sorry but it is. It doesn’t fit in a Star Wars film. So as predicted they crash and it seems only Finn survives. But you also know that there is no way Poe is dead & gone, but this goes unexplained for some time, until he magically shows up later with barely a plausable explantion.

While she is no Furiosa, Rey (Daisy Ridley) has somewhat the same inplausability factor when we meet as her as she & Finn are all about saving each other within minutes of meeting. But then again, I like the risk-taking factor of appointing a strong female lead.
star wars 3
Along with that part of the main cast, we are introduced to the mostly all Britsh/Irish (I guess a galaxy ‘far far away’ is now the U.K. ha!) cast of the Dark Side, notably General Hux (Domhnall Gleason), Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) and Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie – also terribly underused) to name just a few.

As expected, the robots especially BB8 (Bill Hader/Ben Schwartz – voice consultants), along with Chewbaca (Peter Mayhew) & Hans Solo (Harrison Ford) steal and deliver the best comedic one takes. While the new characters try, they fail quite miserably at trying to deliver cutesy one-liners that aren’t funny.
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While I loved the flashbacks to the Star Wars of old, including the graveyard of old spaceships, Hans Solo getting back onboard with his old ship is nothing less than classic. And who doesn’t want to see Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Solo reunite after years of separation?!! All these scenes and storylines are simply wonderful.

Another big risk and a sad heartbreaking one at that, is saying good-bye to one of the most iconic characters ever concieved in this galaxy or any other for that matter. Did it have to be done? Maybe so because it seems J.J. Abrams had to basically make us try to forget those three intermediate bad storylines and get us back on track to what is important. Though I found Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) to be one of my least favourite characters (and actors) as it just seems to simple to say Skywalker was good out of Vader’s bad, but yet Ren is bad out of Solo & Leia’s good.
star wars 4
Last note: I’m not the biggest 3D fan, but this film is so enhanced by it, it’s worth it. The final scene of the movie is by far what makes it all worth-while to see this film – as it gives us something to look forward to in Episode VIII and it tells us it will be so much better.

Grade: B-
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MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION (2015) Paramount Pictures

Mission-Impossible-Rogue-Nation-IMAX-Poster
Yes.. yes.. yes.. The Missions are back on!! To say the continuing saga of Ethan Hunt carries on with a bang – would be putting it lightly.

A few things to note right off in this latest boot-up of the Mission Impossible franchise – 1. We are going rogue.. 2. Tom Cruise at 53 is the new 33 – I’m telling you – watching him doing these stunts is truly eye popping and 3. Rebecca Ferguson is a fantastic femme fatale bad ass – Hands down – no questions asked – she knocks it out of the park here.

I’m not going to go into full detail here as with all action films, as not only do you need to see it for yourself, but they don’t go for a big emotional point to the storyline..they go for the action and action you shall receive. In abundance.
mission 1
Rogue Nation opens on “Ethan Hunt” (Tom Cruise) hanging off the side of a plane, which has been notably played up as the holy-shite-Tom-Cruise-actually-did-that-himself stunt moment. And play up they should as once you hear the familiar theme music – whooosh…you fall right in step with the action.
mission 4
This time round the IMF team is on the track of ‘The Syndicate’ an evil group of agents whom are all listed as supposedly dead or MIA along with the fact that no one seems to believe they exist, leads us to understand quickly enough who the bad guys are and who the good guys are..or in the case of one character..it might beg the question..do we?

Simon Pegg back again as “Benji Dunn” adds the expected comic relief at the right intervals and is a fun watch here. Alec Baldwin as CIA naysayer “Alan Hunley” who believes The Syndicate might just be a figment of Ethan’s imagination, and who begs the question if the IMF is really relevant any longer as he feels they’ve more or less just been ‘lucky’ so far. Jeremy Renner “William Brandt” & Ving Rhames “Luther Sitckell” are both back and here to stay. Rebecca Ferguson as “Ilsa Faust” is truly the one who takes it all here. She is a breath of fresh air for the franchise, the right blend of strong and sexy – not knowing if she is friend or foe makes her all the more mysterious and carries in the movie well. My motto of ‘you’re only as good as your villain’ also comes across well with a notably beardless Sean Harris as baddie “Solomon Lane”.
mission 2
While Rogue Nation is most definitely an adrenaline ride fueled by high octane action sequences, it’s also wittier than past M.I. films with Cruise facial reactions to some of what’s going on let’s you in on the secret that yes..he knows how impractical it all seems.. but yet makes you feel as it’s not. There are great moments of comic relief mixed with suspense and a wonderful cast that has great chemistry with one another.

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Cruise might have been underappreciated in Edge of Tomorrow but it’s clearer than ever that Ethan Hunt is one of Cruise’s better signature roles and to that extent, just might be back. And to answer Baldwin’s character’s meta-question: Can Mission Impossible stay relevant in this new era of bigger and better-let’s outdo the next guy film? The answer is decidedly maybe. Ok..Definitely maybe. 😉

Grade: B-
@pegsatthemovies

Screening: Monday, July 27, 2015 courtesy of Paramount Pictures
In wide release: Friday, July 31, 2015

REVIEW: “HECTOR AND THE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS” (2014) ~ Relativity Media

hector 1
Fun little Pegg on a Stick given to us at theatre screening.. aka it’s a fan!

Was it just last year we were treated to “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” in which we saw Ben Stiller undertake a romp around the world voyage to understand the meaning of life? Yes it was..it seems every year we get at least one of these movies..some better than others.. This time out it’s Simon Pegg’s turn to try getting in touch with his happy-self side in “Hector and the Search for Happiness”

hector clara
Based on French psychiatrist François Lelord’s best-selling novel of the same name, Pegg plays “Hector” our dissatisfied protagonist of the movie, who is a seemly stuck in the rut of a never and I mean NEVER, changing everyday life with his live~in girlfriend “Clara” (Rosamund Pike) who literally does everything for him. He seems to like it this way and really doesn’t want it to change so he says. You hear stories about people like this, a wounded bird of sorts who can’t do anything for themselves. Hector though, is a psychiatrist who realizes his methods are not helping his quirky patients in the least, and so embarks on a trip around the world in a bid to discover the secret of happiness to be able to help his patients also find this hidden gem of life.

hector                    Among the destinations Hector jaunts too are Shanghai, where he meets “Ying Li” (Ming Zhao) with whom he almost cheats on Clara with, but as he spent the only night he had with her sleeping, it didn’t happen and he finds out her time isn’t exactly free. Onward to the Himalayas & meeting up with monks, then onto Africa to meet up with an old friend “Michael” (Barry Atsma) and in a so not even semi-plausible sequence, meets up with a big time dealer “Diego Baresco” (Jean Reno) who also saves his life when he is captured by the rebels..yes you read that correctly..captured by rebels I mean..ZZZZzzzzzzz.. it is possibly one of the most ridiculous, completely unbelievable sequence of events I’ve ever seen in a movie this year.

Director Peter Chelsom does well to capture the essence & energy of the various locales ~ noting here that the filming of some of these places is really beautiful and if nothing else the aesthetics in movie are mostly impressive, all the more so when you consider the films tight budget. As for the film’s relatable messages, well I guess the bulk of them could pretend to hit home, though the heavy-handed manner in which they are  executed leaves much to be desired. Sadly, it’s not the only problem in the unfocused  screenplay. This is exemplified in the final act; Hector’s (TADA!!) ~ ultimate realization is extremely sudden and feels like it comes out of nowhere. To paraphrase Clara, Hector’s girlfriend, “you have to build to it”.Pike makes good use of her screen time but she is severely underused throughout the film and you wonder why she is sticking around waiting while never really getting anything. from it.

hector stellan

Pegg is known more for his comedy chops than his dramatic acting, but here the focus is on the latter. Though the actor proves up to the task in the emotional moments and does his best to give Hector some likability, as written our protagonist is too immature and self-indulgent to inspire much empathy. A supporting cast that includes Stellan SkarsgMǻrd as “Edward” the suave & sophisticated business man who takes Hector out for the whirlwind evening in Shanghai, the wonderful Christopher Plummer as “Professor Coreman”  and Toni Collette once again playing an American role as Hector’s long unrequited love from days gone past, “Agnes” are always going to class up a mediocre film and they are enjoyable enough in their roles, but there is really little cohesiveness on what their characters musings on happiness really are.

hector-and-the-search-for-happiness-movie-photo-5

The screenplay really isn’t as profound as it thinks it is or tries to be and disappoints more than impresses but in an odd way it’s got a sweetness about it that I normally don’t fall for in a movie but maybe it’s because I think I liked a bit of the message it does tell or the fact that I’m a big believer in traveling as much as your life allows you too and experiencing life through other peoples eyes and cultures.  I didn’t hate this movie completely, though none of it is as particularly funny as I thought or hoped it would be, or even touching for that matter in it’s message. Those pursuing true happiness need not apply, but those content with mild entertainment will probably be satisfied.

Grade: D+  (below average- not really worth time or money)

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