Friday, June 20, 2008

Old People: The Movie

Authors: Ethan
Location: Chicago

"Old People: The Movie”

Directed by: Mike White
Written by: Mike White and Jack Black
Produced by: Mike White

Principal Cast:

Jack Black as Harley White
Will Ferrell as Peter Mundle
John Stewart as Agent Kevin Polon
Mel Brooks as David Feldmansteinskibaum
Maggie Smith as Claire Terson
Michael Madsen as Pal

Tagline: "Don't you just wish they would die?"

Synopsis: Ever since Harley White was a boy, his great great great grandma has barely stayed alive, and unable to pass down her million dollar fortune to her great great great grandson. One day, as an adult, Harley accidentally gives her two pills instead of one, killing her. Harley learns that her fortune had been donated to charity, so with his best friend Peter Mundle, he decides to open a business called "A Quicker Way To Heaven", where he and his friend help old people die faster. They do this by releasing dogs on old people, or dropping heavy objects on old people. All is going well, and business is great, until Peter falls in love with one of his targets, Claire Terson, a sweet old lady who still is not finished living. Harley must decide between what is right and wrong, the money or life.

What the press would say:

Offensive? Check. Clevar? Check. Funny? Double Check. Heartfelt? Suprisingly check. While this movie stars two primarily stupid teen stars, this movie reaches so many people on so many levels. Never since Groundhog Day has a comedy meant so much.

Mike White, writer and director of School of Rock , scores again with this funny and hip movie. Some directors have no idea what comedy is, and Mike White should teach them, because his script is rich with intelligent jokes, as well as the extremely sophmoric jokes as well. His ability to bring out performances out of people is extraordinary. Along with Jack Black as his co-writer, this is easily the funniest and romantic script of the year.

Jack Black, playing a typical Jack Black character Harley White, turns out a very funny and focused performance. In the beginning of the movie, we see nothing new from Black, but once his buddy thinks about quitting the business, we see true emotion of right or wrong. This is a side of Jack Black we have never seen, and rarely see in comedy movie, and for that matter, dramatic movies as well. Excellent job Mr. Black.

John Stewart, in a return to acting, plays an FBI agent trying to bring down this business. Michael Madsen plays the weapons designer for the two guys, playing his typical creepy character. The duel between these two characters involving helicopters and viagra really sticks out as one of the funniest scenes in recent memory.

Mel Brooks, who plays a character with the most Jewish last name in cinematic history, plays a man who just wont die. Being hunted by Harley White, this character somehow squirms his way out of every death contraption. Although this is more of a cameo role, Mel really steals the scenes he is in.

When you think of great movie couples, you think of Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund, Rhett Butler and Scarlet O'Hara, and Alvy Singer and Annie Hall. Suprisingly, moviegoers will now also think of Peter Mundle and Claire Terson. Both Will Ferrell and Maggie Smith turn out extremely impressive performances, and very romantic performances. Yes, Ferrell plays the goofball he is, but when he meets his true love, he is truely convincing as a romantic. Maggie Smith, always excellent, really put all of herself into this role, because as an audience member, one will truely believe this couple is in love. One may laugh every time these two star-crossed lovers are together, but this can be taken at a deeper level. For example, true love does always prevail, no matter the circumstances.

This show will put people in the seats. This movie will also put critics in the seats. Usually, these kind of comedies have their 15 minutes and are forgotten even before December, but I suspect this movie will last all the way until February. See this movie before you become old!

Golden Globe Nominations:

Best Picture (Musical or Comedy)
Best Director- Mike White (Musical or Comedy)
Best Screenplay- Mike White and Jack Black
Best Actor- Jack Black (Musical or Comedy)
Best Supporting Actor- Will Ferrell
Best Supporting Actress- Maggie Smith

Oscar Nominations:

Best Picture
Best Director- Mike White
Best Original Screenplay- Mike White and Jack Black
Best Actor- Jack Black
Best Supporting Actress- Maggie Smith

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