Sausage Party.

Review #830: Sausage Party.

Cast
Seth Rogen (Frank), Kristen Wiig (Brenda Bunson), Jonah Hill (Carl), Bill Hader (Firewater), Michael Cera (Barry), James Franco (the Druggie), Danny McBride (Honey Mustard), Craig Robinson (Mr. Grits), Paul Rudd (Darren), Nick Kroll (Douche), David Krumholtz (Kareem Abdul Lavash), Edward Norton (Sammy Bagel Jr), and Salma Hayek (Teresa del Taco) Directed by Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon (#162 - Shrek 2 and #651 - Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted)

Review
Not to understate this too much, but this isn't a movie for everyone (hence the R rating, a first for a CGI animated film - by the MPAA, anyway), especially not for kids, obviously. It's definitely a different kind of animated movie, and I'm sure there's even plans (or new inspiration) to do more of these kind of films. As ridiculous as this movie was, it at least was an adequate in terms of quality and length (88 minutes). There is a semblance of plot in this movie, with regards to the food and a "Great Beyond" outside the store, amidst a bunch of easy jokes that are either funny for some, or just stupid. For me, it was a bit of both, but it works on such an absurd level of ridiculousness that fit fine enough. The opening minutes feature a song, no less, with about as much absurdities as one would expect (let's not forget about the song by a meat loaf). Here's how I would put this movie: I laughed numerous times, with barely an ounce of shame to that laugh.

The ending to the movie is certainly a strange one, and to explain it would sound downright weird. But it works on an absurd level of lunacy for me, even if it's not really exceptional at animation, but it certainly works better that if it had been in live action. Rogen is a well enough lead, and anybody who's seen him in a film before will know what they think about the movie. Wiig is also decent, and the supporting cast is pretty quirky enough, with Krumholtz and Norton having some interesting chemistry with each other, and Kroll being a fair enough villain. Hader is also a fine highlight. Animated movies are somewhat thought of as a kid's market, so the idea of one for adults isn't too terrible, considering the amount of ones made for the lowest common denominator. They both pander, but this one has some sort of goal in its potty mouth. It has its moments of entertainment, It's exactly what you expect, so take it for what it's worth. It also might be better with a friend or two, so you can comprehend the weird crudeness for yourself. I can't recommend it for everyone, but anybody looking for a quick time of something a bit different might like it. They might also look at their food a bit differently afterwards, however.
Okay, if you scroll over this text, here's the climax: The food murder people in the store and have sex.
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted.

Review #651: Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted.

Cast
Ben Stiller (Alex), Chris Rock (Marty), David Schwimmer (Melman), Jada Pinkett Smith (Gloria), Jessica Chastain (Gia), Bryan Cranston (Vitaly), Tom McGrath (Skipper and First Policeman), Chris Miller (Kowalski), Frances McDormand (Captain Chantel DuBois), Sacha Baron Cohen (King Julien XIII), Martin Short (Stefano), John DiMaggio (Rico), and Christopher Knights (Private) Directed by Eric Darnell (#154 - Madagascar 2, #165 - Madagascar, and #254 - Antz), Conrad Vernon (#162 - Shrek 2) and Tom McGrath (#154- Madagascar 2, #165 - Madagascar, and #195 - Megamind).

Review
The first two Madagascar films were alright, not too shabby. 7/10 star ratings, but again, decent enough and entertaining enough for at least children or teens. But hey, what do I know, right? Anyway, the third movie is more wild, more ambitious and also more entertaining. The animation this time is really good, I especially like the circus show with the use of black lights and trapeze work. It's so colorful to watch, and the use of "Firework" oddly enough goes really well with the scene, which is about as wild as you expect. The characters (old and new) are entertaining, especially Bryan Cranston, though admittedly that maybe just my preference for the rugged but entertaining to watch actor. Or maybe I just have Malcolm in the Middle (go watch it if you haven't already) on the mind, but whatever. The comedy is more fun to watch, and most of that comes from how awesomely insane the villain is, I especially like the scene where McDormand sings "Non Je Ne Regrette Rien". It comes out of nowhere, and the character reactions to the song are just priceless. Is the plot anything special? Probably not, but it makes up for it by having enough enjoyment and just having fun. Is it great? Not really, but it is better than the first two films, which I guess matters the most.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Shrek.

Review #214: Shrek.

Cast
Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona), John Lithgow (Lord Farquaad), Vincent Cassel ("Monsieur" Robin Hood), Conrad Vernon (Gingerbread Man), Chris Miller (Geppetto / Magic Mirror), Cody Cameron (Pinocchio / The Three Little Pigs), Simon J. Smith (Three Blind Mice), Christopher Knights (Three Blind Mice and Thelonius), Aron Warner (Big Bad Wolf) Directed by Andrew Adamson (#162 - Shrek 2) and Vicky Jenson (#164 - Shark Tale)

Review
In a way, I'm kinda glad that I'm done reviewing Dreamworks related films for a while (If there were more, I'd have to rename myself "Animation Movie Night", and that would get...Well...) Anyway, the film had a bit of a weird process of being made, with Chris Farley originally being cast as Shrek until his death in 1997, afterwards being replaced by Mike Myers. Did I mention this was based off a book? (by William Steig) But despite all that, this film is good. Aside from the charming animation, the acting is good, with enough jokes to keep interest for everyone to the very end. This was Dreamworks' first big success (bigger then Prince of Egypt, Antz), which would cement them as an animation powerhouse (who may or may not be as good as Pixar. Some say the latter). Either way, this film would be the basis for a very successful film series.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Shrek 2.

Review #162: Shrek 2.

Cast
Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots), Jennifer Saunders (Fairy Godmother), John Cleese (King Harold), Julie Andrews (Queen Lillian), and Rupert Everett (Prince Charming) Directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, and Conrad Vernon.

Review
This film is possibly better then the first (which I could not review due to not having the disk, though I have watched the film in the past), with more character introductions and more fun. the voices are good, especially from Banderas, who reminds me of Zorro (which he also has done in the past). The film is darker in tone, with people being forced in love, ogre-killers, and other things. My only question is a small possibly non relevant question: Near the end at the prison, how do Shrek's friends (Gingerbread Man, Wolf, the pigs) get to the prison that quickly? We see earlier that Far Far Away is indeed far away from the swamp. Perhaps the prison is not exactly in Far Far Away, but it's not a big flaw. This film sets the tone for the third film, which could be a good thing or a bad thing...This ends Part III of Dreamworks Animation Week. Stay tuned for Part IV...

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.