Cop a load of that...

Cop Out – Kevin Smith

I’m gonna be honest here and say something that some people will think is controversial or think is a load of bollocks and such, but i like Kevin Smith. I like his films, i like his books, i especially like his podcasts, and I just rather like everything he’s done, like the Reaper pilot, cameos in Fanboys and many others flicks too. I just enjoy his work and he makes me laugh on a very basic level. I can read his books, listen to him on the podcasts and i can watch his films and everything makes me laugh. It’s very hard to find a person who can do that on so many levels. And I’ve seen him live twice and he is easily better than most comedians I’ve seen. And now onto his latest directorial piece, named Cop Out, formally called A Couple of Dicks. Starring the awesome Bruce Willis and the talented and underused Tracy Morgan, and the on-off Seann William Scott, in a tale about cops who go in search of a baseball card and end up in a whole heap of trouble.

It’s got a basic premise; Morgan and Willis play partners in the police department who after foiling an undercover drugs bust get suspended. A baseball card that Willis had is stolen, and its worth a lot of money, that money was going to be used to pay for his daughter’s wedding. They go on a chase to try to find the card, along the way become friends with the thief, Scott, a gang of Mexicans, who in the end are the bad guys. It’s very funny and the pacing is wonderful for a comedy action film. Don’t expect mass amounts of action, but it’s very Die Hard and 80’s cop pieces. It takes those films and adds next twists, updating the genre. The genre here is new for Smith, something he has never done before and kudos to him for doing a decent job. It’s not amazing, but it’s funny. Moments are laugh out loud and are worth a second or third viewing, but some parts lack.

Overall, a good film with some strong comedy acting from Willis and stand out performance from Morgan (and if you haven’t seen 30 Rock, go kill yourself!). Smith shows he can direct a studio flick instead of his indie type pictures he’s made in his career, so i look forward to the next one he creates. The look is very different to the past, and with more money underneath him, he can show that he isn’t just a one track pony, with dick and fart jokes. Which by the way, i think are funny. A decent dick and fart joke is probably better than any Scary Movie and all those parody films combined over the last ten years. They suck balls.

7/10

Simon Childs

I salute you Bill Hicks

American: The Bill Hicks Story – Matt Harlock and Paul Thomas

An unknown release, only showing in certain “indie” cinemas, only for two days. It’s a shamble. Sure it’s a documentary about an American comedian who died many years ago made by his family and showing his birth to his death, but the mans a comedy legend. Without him, many comedians today wouldn’t exist. If you haven’t seen Bill Hicks stand up, please, close this down now, go onto YouTube or whatever video site you use and please watch all of them. It will blow your mind. The guy just pours out hatred but what comes with it, is truth. He’s the most truthful, hard hitting comedian you’ll meet. And he died at the age of 32. It’s a pity. If he was still around today, he’d be world renowned. And what’s marks this release of the film, is that Hicks was more successful in the UK than the US. Why isn’t the release bigger and showing in more places? I saw it on a Wednesday night, in a small cinema, sitting about 30 people. And the screening was fully booked. Surely it shows the audience that has always loved his work and would love to hear more about him?

The documentary follows the life and death of Hicks, using photos from all ages and animating them in scenes the family and friends of Hicks describes. Inserted video footage of Hicks performing live also appears and gives great breaks from learning about him and showing what Hicks was born to do: entertain. From the ups and downs, when he first took drugs to when his slot on David Letterman wasn’t aired, compared to most comedians, Hick’s life isn’t as bad as you think. It’s mostly full of funny moments, showing that Hicks loved to perform, from an early age he had the bug for it. And up to his death, he just wanted to express his opinions and be counted. His early death at the age of 32 is horrifying to think that people won’t be able to see Hicks live, and i myself am truly gutted never to have seen him. He’s always named as one of the best stand up comedians in lists made throughout the world, including ones where comedians name people in the industry who they love, Hicks has always been top or near about.

So check this documentary out somewhere, maybe not in the cinema, but on DVD, because you’ll realise that you’ve missed out on one of the greatest comedians of all time, and the film expresses the true Hicks, in an eye-opening way. Not once was i bored or not interested, it’s a beautifully crafted piece with real heart and passion.

8/10

Simon Childs

Trailer Watch XIII

30th May - 7th June

Hey avid readers, another update of the latest and greatest trailers released over the last couple of weeks. hope you enjoy!

1. Buried



2. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse



3. Survival of The Dead



4. Happiness Runs



5. The Disappearance of Alice Creed



6. The Last Airbender



7. Malice In Wonderland