MMcFly-2 Reviews

Never Been Kissed (1999)

Reality Check!

[2 January 2001]

I was unable to enjoy this movie because it is totally unbelievable.

Drew Barrymore's character of Josie is a copy editor at the Chicago Sun-Times. As a member of the print media, there is no way possible that a copy editor has her own office and even her own secretary!! Copy editors at my place of employment don't even have their own desks! (they are shared between 2-3 people!) If newspapers gave every copy editor an office and a secretary, they would all go broke in a week. Most newspapers are struggling to stay afloat as it is!

Secondly, to have a journalist go undercover as a student breaks just about every rule of ethics in our profession. There is absolutely no way whatsoever that a reporter would be permitted to go undercover as a student. No newspaper would allow it, nor would any school administration!

I wish the filmmakers would have done more research about the newspaper profession before bringing this totally implausible story to the screen.

American Pie (1999)

Raunchy, uproarious "Pie"

[8/10 · 12 July 1999]

I had a feeling that "American Pie" would be funny, but I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did.

Yes, this story about four high school seniors attempting to lose their virginity is hilarious, crass, and raunchy, with jokes about flatulence, self-love, and various bodily fluids, but still manages to have believable characters and a smartly written script.

The members of the ensemble cast all give fine performances, particularly "Election's" Chris Klein as a jock who tries to find his sensitive side, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer's" Alyson Hannigan as a talkative bando, and "SCTV" veteran Eugene Levy as a father trying to teach his son the ways of the birds and the bees. The cast members are believable as high school students, and even brought back some memories of my days in high school.

Be warned that this film has a high gross-out factor and uses little restraint with sexual humor. However, unlike last year's overrated gross-out hit "There's Something About Mary," the laughs are virtually nonstop, and you do not see all of the funniest gags in the trailer.

The script is very clever, and actually is a tad sentimental amid all of the offensive goings-on. The film is peppered with pop-culture references, and even pays homage to films like "The Graduate" and even "WarGames." The film even delivers a good message. The four guys learn during their quest for the dirty deed that having strong feelings for someone you truly care about is equally as gratifying.

I really couldn't find anything wrong with this film. I thoroughly enjoyed its nonstop humor, likeable characters and clever script. Just keep in mind that this raunchy "Pie" is not for all tastes.

Analyze This (1999)

Not perfect, but still worth analyzing

[7/10 · 8 March 1999]

Although "Analyze This" is far from perfect, it is still well worth your time. The performances of Billy Crystal and Robert DeNiro and the fact that it delivers on the laughs make this worthwhile.

Billy Crystal, as usual, has impeccable comic timing. However, DeNiro is the standout performance as a Mafia don who is battling his inner demons along with the usual mobsters. He, like Marlon Brando in "The Freshman", gets a chance to poke fun at the heavies he has played in several other films, and does a great job with it.

Director Harold Ramis keeps the pace lively and the laughs frequent, but "Analyze This" does not approach the depth and originality of his best comedy, "Groundhog Day".

The characters are basically unrealistic stereotypes with no real defining traits, and the situation is not at all believable. Unfortunately, the talents of Lisa Kudrow are wasted in an insignificant role as Crystal's wife-to-be. However, the film delivers on the laughs, and as far as I am concerned, that is the most important factor in a comedy, and that is why "Analyze This" is worth recommending.