This week at the movies: a buddy cop movie with Sofia Vergara and Reese Witherspoon, and a sweet movie about Big Bird. It’s not even a contest.
Hot Pursuit
The buddy cop movie has merged with the chick flick in Hot Pursuit. Sofia Vergara, sexpot, funny lady, is paired with Reese Witherspoon who plays the straight (wo)man in this slapsticky comedy. Reese is the straight-laced cop trying to protect kooky Vergara who is in Witness Protection from a drug overlord, as they wind their way through Texas. Along the way they meet people who think they are hot, who want to kidnap Vergara, and the law. It’s similar in conceit to 2013’s Melissa McCarthy/Sandra Bullock pairing The Heat (McCarthy being the kooky one, of course), and you can imagine that Hollywood was looking for a repeat to that success.
Perfect For: Fans of the two actresses, hokey comedies, and buddy movies.
What the Critics Say: The duo have on-screen chemistry but that’s about it. The plot is thin and the jokes are even thinner. Writes Variety: “Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara can't save this lazy, unfunny action-comedy.” And says the A.V. Club: “Witherspoon and Vergara are both experienced comedic actors with charisma to spare, and watching them pal around is a perfectly pleasant way to pass some time. But with material this uninspired, 87 minutes of riding shotgun is long enough.”
Our Take: Nope. Shoulda been straight to video.
Watch the Trailer:
I Am Big Bird
Warning! After watching the trailer for Big Bird, wet stuff will come from your eyes! The sweet documentary tells the story of Caroll Spinney, the last of the Jim Henson puppeteers, who plays both Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.
Perfect For: Is there anyone in the world who doesn’t love Big Bird?
What the Critics Say: Thumbs up, as Roger Ebert would say. Writes Entertainment Weekly: “[A] loving documentary about a puppeteer who's brightened the lives of countless children weaned on Sesame Street.” And says the Hollywood Reporter: “If there was ever a man lucky enough to have found his true calling in life, it's the subject of Dave LaMattina and Chad N. Walker's affecting documentary.”
Our Take: Bring a box of tissues!
