For our first time I’ll be gentle.  Over the years i have watched millions of movies (and no that doesn’t include the ones i hide under the special file name “homework”) and one of the best is Grandma’s Boy.

This movie combines video games, herbal remedies, the most awkward foursome in history, and jokes about The Matrix.  Alex Covert plays the protagonist and essentially is the only 35 year old nerd doing what he loves for a living, playing video games.

Alex plays surprisingly enough, a guy named Alex.  He initially lives with one of his friends but once the rent gets passed 6-months over due, the land lord (Rob Schneider) makes a house call.  After finding out that his roommate had been spending their rent on Filipino hookers, Alex tries to find shelter elsewhere.  A short stay with colleague Jeff (Nick Swardson) came to a conclusion (literally!) abruptly and  Alex ventures to live with lovable Grandma (Doris Roberts).

The cast includes Adam Sandler’s regulars (Covert, Peter Dante, Schneider, and Jonathan Loughran), classics (Shirley Jones, Shirley Knight, Doris Roberts, Kevin Nealon), and many up-and-coming cinematic smart-asses (Jonah Hill, Nick Swardson, and Joel Moore).

Now in summary, for those of you in the dark the last few years, Grandma’s Boy combines a trio of great things (illegal substances, video games, and 70+ year old women getting lit!) and is a comical must see.  Until next time, enjoy the cinema!

Downey Jr (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Iron Man, Back to School) continues to entertain us with his lashful tongue and brash nature.  His faithful side-kick Dr. Watson (played by Jude Law) is at his side sternly with his trusty revolver.   As with Downey’s actual life, there was turmoil stemming from drugs and women.  His evil temptress Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) played the reoccurring mystery-migraine inflicting trouble maker that enticed Holmes to pursue dangerous leads.

The Demonic perp played by one of Director Guy Ritchie’s  often used actors Mark Strong (RocknRolla, Revolver) as Lord Blackwood.  Seemingly-Satanic Blackwood attempts to over take The Parliament along with the world!  As with certain political strategies today driven by fear tactics, it too failed miserably.

There’s drama, action, woman, and  British banter… Is there really anything else you need to have a good time? Well maybe a Lazy Boy instead of the movie theater deluxe-cushion ( a combination of old popcorn and stale saltines stacked together) and a nice imported pint but hey, I’m not picky!

For those cinematic enthusiasts (junkies) like myself, I found it refreshing to see Hoffman in a comedic role that was similar to his mastering of Lester Bangs in “Almost Famous”. Combine an American smart-ass with British dry-humor and the result is a fantastic flipping movie! The ensemble cast includes some British royalties: Bill Nighy (Underworld Trilogy, Hot Fuzz), Rhys Ifans (The Replacements, Notting Hill), Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead), and Rhys Darby (Flight of The Conchords, 7 Days). Rhys Darby isn’t exactly British but he is from New Zealand so who the hell knows the difference?!

This movie combines factual occurrences with minor blips of imagination to illustrate the power that the British Government used to implement to ATTEMPT control over the sound waves. Fortunately for those teenagers and young souls living in the UK, there was a group of rebels willing to put it all on the line to stick it to the man! Go for the music and stay for the anarchy!!!!

Now for the bad news: Jamie Foxx is in the movie as well.  The man is a great dramatic actor (Ray, Collateral) but his acting in this film was predictable as a children’s book.  A smug lawyer just trying to protect his “stats” does what all self-centered, egotistical public figures would do: slither out a “victory” (if the common conception of “victory” involves robbing a man of moral justice, then sure do the victory dance).  What he does not know is that Butler is going to kick the dog snot out of him on the screen and in the box office.

Now Jamie Foxx aside, this movie was intense.  Butler does a sensational job of portraying an inspired methodical genius.  For anyone who enjoyed Gamer, this movie is a must see.