Dog Max’s family gains a child; elsewhere, there’s a zoo tiger to rescue. Episodic and somewhat contrived sequel that delivers in some scenes, but which doesn’t hang together as a movie. Some sharper jokes this time out though, and both a lovely chase climax and a lesson learned for our protagonist.
Tag: kevin hart
The Secret Life of Pets (2016, dir. Chris Renaud & Yarrow Cheney)
A New Yorker’s pet dog has to cope with a new arrival, and then getting lost in the city. Okay animation that dispenses with its potentially-subversive title in the first few minutes for something more linear and straightforward. Bright, though, with some good gags. Fun while it’s on. A sequel soon followed.
Jumanji: The Next Level (2019, dir. Jake Kasdan)
Spencer and friends – and others – return to Jumanji. Okay threequel (part 4 if you count Zathura) that focuses on action-comedy and on bodyswap gags rather than plot. Oldsters De Vito and Glover add some kvetchy class, and series newcomer Awkwafina is a standout. CG is variable, but interesting design elements and some affection for the characters helps things along.
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Galaxy Quest (1999, dir. Dean Parisot)
The former stars of a Star Trek-like TV show are mistaken for genuine space heroes by an alien race searching for saviours. Three Amigos! / A Bug’s Life redux, perhaps, but with excellent casting, a sense of fun, and affection for genre and conventions (of both kinds) throughout.
Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2017, dir. Jake Kasdan)
Four teens are transported into an old video game. Contrived but fun sequel to the 1996 movie, which gets a lot of comedy out of its avatar/body-swap shtick, though the actual story is as linear as the games it spoofs. eXistenZ for kids, almost.
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017, dir. David Soren)
Comics-loving best friends hypnotise their headteacher into becoming a superhero. Splendid animation – based on the Dav Pilkey books – that delivers a barrage of bottom jokes and a touching portrayal of childhood friendship. Recommended.
Central Intelligence (2016, dir. Rawson Marshall Thurber)
A mild-mannered accountant teams up with a spy on the eve of their school reunion. Patchy action comedy, veering between sentimentality, shoot-em-up scenes, and improvised moments.
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