Catching up with... Good Boys

Good Boys was one of the many movies I intended to catch this past summer, but never got the chance to. Partly because movies are so damn expensive these days... which is a topic for another column.

This is a review, dammit, so the focus should be on whether or not this movie about kids, but not for kids, is worth your dollar. To make a long story short; yes.

Director Gene Stupinsky's sweet 'n raunchy tween comedy is basically about the lessons boys have to learn in life. Parents can talk to them about sex, girls, fitting in, maintaining friendships but, in the end, each has to figure this crap out on his own.

We essentially get a series of loosely strung together vignettes that form a story, but it's all just an excuse for some truly hilarious gags. Sure, some are better than others, but the jokes hit more than they miss. My favourite sequence is a foot and bicycle chase involving our three heroes, a couple of older neighbourhood teenagers, and some drugs.

If that doesn't give you insight into what this film is about, then I don't know what will...

What I like most about Good Boys is the boys are good people. Despite all the R-rated comedy and hijinks, these characters try to do the right thing, and remain loyal friends throughout, even as life slowly pulls them apart. It's a nice reminder of what growing up was like, and what it will be like for my son.

I laughed and smiled a lot through Good Boys, which I can't say for most comedies. It's a Good, and worth seeking out if you haven't already.

Comments

#CocktailHour: Slushtail

Summer approaches, inspiring thoughts of sunshine, backyard parties, and having a tip and sip with friends. With that in mind, I bring you this week sunny beverage. To make a slushtail, mix a can of frozen orange juice, a can of frozen lemonade (or limeade), a can of pineapple juice, a couple cups of black tea (or English Breakfast), and two cups of bourbon- such as Southern Comfort, in a pitcher. When it's all nicely mixed, put it in the freezer until it's a nice slushy consistency. Scoop the slush into a cocktail glass, and pour in some Sprite or 7-Up. Add a little umbrella for some frivolous fun, and a straw. Voila! Ready to enjoy. This is a very refreshing drink. The fruit juices, Sprite, and bourbon- when chilled makes for a great punch-like drink. The bourbon doesn't overwhelm juices. In fact, they are all nicely balanced in terms of flavors. The sourness of the citrus fruits contrasts well with the slightly sweeter Southern Comfort. It was refreshing enou

Unlock your fate with The Puzzle

When my dad wasn't working, building stuff or being my dad, he was making puzzles. It was a guaranteed way for him to unwind. So it was with great interest that I sat down to watch Italian filmmaker Davide Melini's award-winning short The Puzzle. You see, the mother in the five-minute film likes to relax with puzzles just like my dad. Unfortunately, her good-for-nothing son keeps harassing her for money. Losing herself in her favourite passtime, the mother soon discovers that completing this puzzle might unlock a nightmare. The Puzzle has been an official selection at more European film festivals than you can shake a stick at, and was voted Third Best Italian Film at the Rome International Film Festival in 2008. Having watched it, I'm not surprised. It's a tight little film that hits you hard in the final few seconds. You can tell Melini cut his teeth as an assistant director for legendary Italian filmmaker Dario Argento. But enough chit chat on my part. See if yo

The Animated Addict: "The Adventures of Tintin" (2011)

If you're a 40 + white dude, like myself, you may remember a comic series called " The Adventures of Tintin ". I know I remember them. This series, dating back to 1929, got turned into a animated feature film by Steven Spielberg in 2011. After buying a model of ship called The Unicorn, teenaged journalist Tintin finds himself on adventure that will take him from the high seas, to the low deserts, and from the distant past to the present. With his trusty dog, Snowy, by his side, Tintin uncovers a story connecting two men across the centuries.. . The story is really quite good. It's well crafted, and high paced- with just enough slow moments to build and develop the world and the characters. This is the sort of adventure story you'd find in the old serials of the 1930's and '40's. In fact, it felt like it was the sort of tale that you'd find Indiana Jones undertaking. I found myself swept up, and swept along as our hero swung from one e

Search This Blog