Zoolander 2

I absolutely adored the first "Zoolander" film and I had high hopes for this sequel, but it received such a clubbing by fans and critics I waited until now to see it. The critics were right - this was pretty painful to watch. The whole spirit of the first film was lost, and the plot was needlessly complicated and muddy. When I saw how many writers worked on this I was kind of stunned. This really didn't work for me. 2/5

Zoolander 2 on Netflix

The Martian

What can I say? This is a brilliant movie from start to finish. Damon is wonderful, the script flows evenly, and it doesn't feel two hours and twenty minutes long at all. There's no question this is indeed an Oscar film - it's bold and brilliantly executed from start to finish. Here's to hoping I see more films like this. 5/5

The Martian on Netflix

The Skeleton Twins

This is a wonderful, poignant, darkly funny & perfectly acted dramedy - Wiig & Hader are beautiful. Love. 4.5/5

The Skeleton Twins on Netflix

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

I hated this with a fiery passion. It was awful & trite & had none of the original's magic. 1.5/5

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues on Netflix

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Stiller knocked this out of the park with gorgeous direction & a heartfelt story. Lovely. Bonus treat - I don't think Stiller's ever looked this good, not even in "Zoolander". 4/5

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty on Netflix

Girl Most Likely

This movie was far more charming & endearing than I had expected with solid acting throughout. Nice job. 3.5/5

Girl Most Likely on Netflix

Despicable Me

I really enjoyed this & loved the voice work but I felt it was missing that extra something that hits the heart. 4/5

Despicable Me on Netflix

Friends with Kids

I am utterly shocked at how good this was - realistic, dramatic, witty, & really well written. This is up there with "The Freebie" as one on the biggest surprise winners on the year for me. Did not expect. Dayum! 4.5/5

Friends with Kids on Netflix

Extract

Wow, Mike Judge has lost his edge with movies! This was barely watchable with a ridiculous plot - very disappointing. 1.5/5

Extract on Netflix

Bridesmaids

This was way, way funnier than I expected it to be - very witty, smart, edgy & honestly LOL worthy. Really great. 4/5


Bridesmaids on Netflix

Paul

Time for another special FTRQ review for another Potentially Bad Movie Night with Emilie Staat (@emofalltrades on Twitter)! This week we have "Paul", a Simon Pegg/ Nick Frost film about two nerds on the run... with an alien? So how was it? Let's find out!


DONNA:
Since I wasn't a huge "Shawn of the Dead" fan I always fear I'm not going to like a Simon Pegg film. I'm usually wrong, just as I was with "Paul". This comedy was smartly written, perfectly acted and really well paced. It was a truly clever film that rose above the trappings of the absurd quite easily and I really, really enjoyed it. Well done! 4/5

EMILIE:
Paul was really, really funny. Since it is a modern comedy of the "stupid" or "obscene" variety, I was very pleased to see that it has heart as well. Pleased, but I was expecting it, too because I've liked the movies that Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have made together. And this movie, unlike some I could name (ahem, Your Highness), actually capitalized upon the very talented, very funny women in the cast. And there are many: Kristen Wiig, Jane Lynch, Blythe Danner and Sigourney Weaver. And the guys weren't half bad themselves. 5/5

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DONNA'S RATING: 4/5
EMILIE'S RATING: 5/5

Wow - we both really liked this one, and I'm glad of it. Jeez... it seems even when trying to pick potentially bad movies we keep finding gems. Maybe we'll find something truly horrid for our next #PotentiallyBadMovieNight - stay tuned!

Paul on Netflix