When I saw the trailer for this film I thought it was going to attempt to be a riotously hilarious road trip, buddy comedy. Then I saw the film and realized it was something much more than that. 

This is one of the more pleasantly surprising films I've had the pleasure of seeing in quite some time. It's filled with happiness, joy, innocence, and humor. The main character's love of life and people is highly infectious. If you are like me, you will find yourself with a big, silly grin on your face every time she is on screen. 

THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND

Rated: R

Release Date: June 12, 2020 (VOD)

Director: Judd Apatow

Stars: Pete Davidson, Marisa Tomei, Bel Powley, Bill Burr

Plot: A mid-20's man, still directionless and living with his mom, is shaken by several events that force him to confront his past and plan for the future

Trailer

Clint Says: Worth a watch, but make sure the kids are in bed first

For fans of SNL you already know what a fantastic talent Pete Davidson is. For everyone else, you are about to find out. Davidson plays the going-nowhere son of a hero firefighter killed in the line of duty. This had to be somewhat of a cathartic role for him since his real father was a firefighter killed on 9/11. 

Considering the subject matter and this being Davidson's first starring role in a feature film, this could have easily fallen off the rails and become a 2-hour slog. Instead, it has a special magic to it that you rarely see in comedies. 

The film does take a while to get going, but after about 30 minutes it hits its stride and becomes a great movie. Marisa Tomei adds so much to the film that I would say this is her best role since she played Mona Lisa Vito in MY COUSIN VINNY.

The rest of the cast fill out the story  well. There are several entertaining characters that spice everything up. Bel Powley and Steve Buscemi are standouts that steal several scenes. 

For those of you wanting a polished comedy from an SNL veteran, like the films from Will Ferrel, Adam Sandler, and Chris Farley, you'll want to adjust your settings before watching this one. This feels much more like a low-budget indie film. It is amazing and hilarious, but it isn't your typical comedy style. Fans of indie cinema are going to love this.

If you are looking for some good laughs in a story that feels like it shouldn't have a bunch of laughs this is your movie. Put the kids to bed early, (this film is 2 hours 16 minutes), and snuggle up on the couch for a fun night with a great movie. 

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG

Rated: PG

Release Date: February 14, 2020

Director: Jeff Fowler

Stars: James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Tika Sumpter

Plot: A hedgehog with superpowers is on the run from people that want to use him for his powers

Trailer

Clint Says: Save some money and see a matinee

If you are a child of the 80's and 90's then Sonic The Hedgehog is a major character in your upbringing. That said, there were a lot of feelings about this movie long before its release date. Especially when the first trailer came out and the entire world revolted at the look of Sonic, forcing the director to make a public statement saying Sonic would be changed to look more like the original Sonic before the theatrical release. They did, and he does. 

As for the film, it is fun. It's not some great, comedic masterpiece, but it has several good laughs, a decently compelling plot, and it moves along at a quick and steady pace. I was in a theater full of kids and very few lost interest along the way. 

As with just about every film he's been in, Jim Carrey overacts every single line of his performance. It's funny, but it does get a bit old and tired by the end. Thankfully, the rest of the cast keeps the film on track. 

If you are looking for a fun outing with the family, this movie will satisfy. Kids and adults will be entertained. For the adults, it won't give you the nostalgia that you might be hoping for, but it's still entertaining enough.

LIKE A BOSS

Rated: R

Release Date: January 10, 2020

Director: Miguel Arteta

Stars: Tiffany Haddish, Rose Byrne, Salma Hayek

Plot: Two friends with a small beauty company have to fight for their rights when a major player tries to swindle them

Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the digital release

If you are looking for a few good laughs, then who am I to try to stop you from seeing this movie? It will absolutely tickle your funny bone several times. There is no doubt that this is a comedy.

Now, if you are wanting to go see a GOOD comedy, well, this is the wrong place to look.

Yes, Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne have great chemistry, great comedic timing, and deliver a bunch of laughs, unfortunately, the script they had to use is just plain bad. I like to call these "find and replace" comedies. It's the exact same formula that we've all seen a thousand times, only the writer just does a find and replace with location, character names, and the money-making method.

Before you head to the theater, you should also know that this movie is extremely raunchy. It is filled with dirty jokes and innuendo. If that kind of thing is not your thing then you should go do another thing and avoid this thing completely.

While I wouldn't suggest spending money to see this in theaters, this is the kind of film that would be a fun night at home with your girl friends. It's not a great movie, but it is funny enough to give you an entertaining evening at home.

PLAYING WITH FIRE

Rated: PG

Release Date: November 8, 2019

Director: Andy Fickman

Stars: John Cena, Keegan-Michael Key, Brianna Hildebrand

Plot: A no-nonsense fire chief finds himself having to figure out how to handle three precocious children

Trailer

Clint Says: Save some money and see a matinee

John Cena has quickly become one of Hollywood's top choices for comedies. And rightfully so. He is outstanding as the straight guy that finds himself in ridiculous situations. What is surprising is how well he pulls off the heartwarming and lovable acting requirements. He made this movie much better than it would have been with someone less talented.

The film isn't great, but it is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and it is entertaining for the whole family. My seven year old laughed hard several times and one time she laughed for three minutes straight. I thought she was going to pass out from lack of air.

The story is simple, the editing is terrible, but that all can be forgiven since it is so funny and keeps the kids entertained all the way through the movie.

This isn't the kind of film that kids will want to see again and again, but it is one that they will be happy they saw.

If you are looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend, this movie would probably be a fun choice.

JOJO RABBIT

Rated: R

Release Date: November 1, 2019

Director: Taika Waititi

Stars: Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson, Taika Waititi, Sam Rockwell

Plot: A young boy in the Hitler Youth program discovers his mom is hiding a Jew in their house

Trailer

Clint Says: Drop everything and see this in theaters now

While I'm sure we all have something in us that says it will always be too soon for a comedy with Adolf Hitler, there is the reality that this is a spectacular film in every way, and may end up being my favorite movie of the year. Be warned now, that if you run into me on the streets and we start talking movies, I will tell you that you absolutely HAVE to see this film.

This movie is one of the funniest I have seen in a long time, but it is also heartwarming, heartbreaking, and thoroughly compelling. I wanted to see it again as soon as the credits finished.

Not only is the writing near-perfect, but the acting is easily some of the best of the year. In particular, the three young actors Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, and Archie Yates are amazing. They should win all sorts of young actor awards this year. Scarlett Johansson, Taika Waititi, and Sam Rockwell round out the cast with incredible talent and laugh-out-loud comedic ability.

Everything about this film is outstanding. The pacing is spot on, the plot is compelling, the moods and emotions change many times, but it never feels off, and the story will take you on a journey like you've never experienced before.

This may not be a highly publicized movie, but it is one that is worth seeing in theaters. It is unique, inventive, irreverent, and beautiful. It is very difficult to say that about anything coming out of Hollywood these days. Take the time to see this film. You won't be disappointed.

ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP

Rated: R

Release Date: October 18, 2019

Director: Reuben Fleischer

Stars: Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Jesse Eisenberg, Abigail Breslin

Plot: Nine years after the zombie apocalypse began these four survivors continue to look for other humans while facing off against evolving zombies

Trailer

Clint Says: Drop everything and see this in theaters now

ZOMBIELAND is one of those flicks that, if I see it on TV while I'm searching for something to watch, I will stop and watch every single time. It is a cult classic bordering on legendary status. It has all of the markers of a long-living film: Compelling, funny, suspenseful, great dialogue, fantastic acting, and long-running gags. It is near-perfect and one-of-a-kind.

And then they made another one.

There were so many ways that this new venture could have gone wrong. They could have slapped it together knowing that most of us would pay to see it no matter what. They could have changed out the cast. They could have royally messed it up.

Thankfully, they didn't. This movie is awesome!

From the opening credits to the final after-credit scene, (stick around), this movie pulls you in and puts you in a Tallahassee choke hold. It is hilarious with dozens of laugh-out-loud moments, it is suspenseful with several moments where you are sure it's all over for the crew, and it has its own long-running gag that has nothing to do with Twinkies.

One of the things that made the first film so special was the cast. Arguably, one could say that ZOMBIELAND was the breakout role for 3/4 of the cast. They all had such amazing chemistry and everything worked together so well.

This new film adds several new characters to the bunch all of which bring their own style and fun to the movie. I was nervous that the story might lose something with the addition of new characters, but it actually helped make a better movie. Zoey Deutch is so funny and lovable, and Luke Wilson and Thomas Middleditch are pain-in-the-jaw-from-laughing-so-hard funny as the mirror images of Tallahassee and Columbus.

This is a must-see movie for anyone that likes zombie movies, comedies, great acting, or fun in general. It is too good to pass up.

JEXI

Rated: R

Release Date: October 11, 2019

Director: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore

Stars: Adam Devine, Rose Byrne, Alexandra Shipp

Plot: A lonely man has his life overtaken by the voice in his smart phone

Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the digital release and make someone else rent it

If you saw the trailer for this movie and said to yourself that it didn't look like this had much of a plot, go ahead and give yourself a thumbs up for being right. Here is how thin this movie is. The total running time (including end credits) is only 84 minutes, and there are no less than three musical montages, (read "filler"), in the film. 

It is truly disappointing that the likes of Adam Devine and Alexandra Shipp had to waste their incredible talents on a screenplay as terrible as this one. They did their best to make this movie fun and likable, but despite their efforts it just comes across as cliche and obnoxious. 

I am happy to say there are a couple of good laughs, but a couple doesn't cut it in a raunchy comedy. The good ones make you leave with your face hurting from laughing so much. This film isn't even close to that standard. 

This is a completely forgettable and feeble attempt at comedy. There are so many better movies out now. Don't waste your money on this one. 

BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON

Rated: R

Release Date: September 13, 2019

Director: Paul Downs Colaizzo

Stars: Jillian Bell, Alice Lee, Jennifer Dundas

Plot: A woman decides to get her life together by making a goal to run in the NYC marathon

Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the digital release

I love a good inspirational film. A film that has the ability to motivate you, touch your soul, and give you all of the warm, tingly feelings. 

This is not one of those films. 

It wants to be, but it isn't. 

This is based on a true story, and the real story is quite inspirational. I'm not really sure how the people in charge of this movie managed to swing and miss when it came down to it, but they did. The whole time I was watching the part of the movie that should have been moving me emotionally, I found myself just sitting there, waiting for the next event to happen. 

Jillian Bell does a good job in the lead role when she stays on script. There are a few moments where you can tell that they let her do her own thing and most of it isn't funny at all. The supporting characters are the ones that make the film much better.

If you are a runner, or a health enthusiast, this is a movie you'll probably want to see and will most likely enjoy. If you are just a movie fan looking for a decent comedy, this may not be your best bet for laughs. 

GOOD BOYS

Rated: R

Release Date: August 16, 2019

Director: Gene Stupnitsky

Stars: Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams, Brady Noon

Plot: Three tweens find themselves in the middle of a very grown-up adventure

Trailer

Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters

It isn't very often that you can see a movie that is sweet, heart-warming, and adorable, and at the same time it is, insanely raunchy, foul-mouthed, drug-filled, and ridiculously hilarious. It's even less often that those opposite elements can be combined to make a great movie.

In this case, they work.

Jacob Tremblay (ROOM, WONDER) is fantastic in his first coming-of-age role. He's been a great actor for years already, but this film proves that he also has comedic timing. His co-stars are wonderful in their own ways. Keith Williams steals a ton of scenes. He is a fantastically funny straight man. And Brady Noon plays a perfect version of a 6th grader who wants to be tough, but has no clue how to make that happen.

What makes this movie work so well is that the kids are wanting to do adult things, but they are too innocent to figure it all out. If it had just been a movie about three potty-mouthed tweens that are wise to the ways of the world it wouldn't have worked.

This movie is very rated R all the way through. If you can handle 90 minutes of nastiness, then you will have a blast watching this movie. Just make sure you don't take the kids or you will have a TON of explaining to do.

BLINDED BY THE LIGHT

Rated: PG-13

Release Date: August 16, 2019

Director: Gurinder Chadha

Stars: Viveik Kalra, Aaron Phagura, Nell Williams

Plot: A teen, growing up in 1980's England, finds his inspiration through the music and lyrics of Bruce Springsteen

Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the digital release

I don't really like to compare movies to other films, but in this case I almost have to do it. This is a British comedy focused on music. It would be shelved right beside films like YESTERDAY and SING STREET. Unfortunately, both of those films are far superior to this one.

This movie feels like a low-budget, second-year-film-student project. It has pacing issues, the acting, aside from a couple of secondary characters is bad, the dialogue is stilted, and for a movie about a teen's love for all things Bruce Springsteen, it feels like there aren't a lot of songs from The Boss. (In reality there are 12, but most are barely used at all, and two are used extensively, so it makes it feel like they couldn't afford all of the songs they wanted so they licensed a couple a used them every chance they could get).

The story is interesting, but it doesn't offer us anything we haven't seen before in movies about teens chasing their dreams and breaking away from their parents. In fact, this movie doesn't even do that very well. Most of the character development happens in the last 15 minutes of the film. Essentially, everybody stubbornly stays the same for the first 95 minutes, then finally, everyone has an life-changing moment all at the same time.

Even if you are a huge Springsteen fan, I think you are going to have a hard time enjoying this film. If you aren't a fan of The Boss, take this one off of your list now. There is nothing for you to see or experience in this movie.

STUBER

Rated: R

Release Date: July 12, 2019

Director: Michael Dowse

Stars: Dave Bautista, Kumail Nanjiani, Natalie Morales

Plot: And undercover cop and a timid Uber driver team up to take down the bad guys

Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the digital release

Dave Bautista is quickly becoming a perfect straight guy in comedies. He proved it in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY and he keeps it going in STUBER. Along with the continuous, hilarious one-liners from Kumail Nanjiani, these two have seriously funny on-screen chemistry.

The two characters are polar opposites, so we get the entertainment of their constant clashing and total misunderstanding of each other. It makes for several good moments, and allows the characters to grow throughout the story.

The film takes a good 30 minutes to really get going. Before that it is pretty slow and boring. But once it kicks in it is a funny ride to the end. Unfortunately, the jokes are just about all this movie has to offer. The story is mediocre, the mystery is too simple, and it feels too long even though it is only 90 minutes.

If you are just wanting a few good laughs, this film will hit the spot. If you are hoping for something funny and smart, you'll need to look elsewhere.