Despicable Me 2: Adding In Kristen Wiig And A Fair Few Cultural Stereotypes

Written by Luke Barnes

Despicable Me 2is an animated family film directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud. The plot follows the adventures of Gru (Steve Carell), as he now tries to fight for the otherside becoming a member of the Anti-Villain League. There is also a subplot about Gru searching for love.

The antisemitism of the character designs is still present here, but now only in Gru himself, however this film also adds in a number of hurtful cultural stereotypes which further puts me off the film.

I think in many ways, from story to execution, this film was weaker than the first. Really, it is just more of the same, the slight difference being now Gru makes Jam for half the film and there is a serum that turns the Minions evil. Neither of these plotlines are particularly interesting and that same can be said for the film as a whole.

I thought the introduction of Kristen Wiig’s Lucy Wilde helped the film somewhat. Wiig is not as cringey as she normally is here, though she is still to a degree, and her character pairs with Gru quite nicely. Do I buy their romance? No. Do I buy their snap immediate wedding? Again no, but I thought it was suitably sweet and easy to turn off your mind to.

My feelings towards the Minions themselves remain quite unchanged in many respects, my complaints from the previous film’s review still stand, however, I did find them slightly more entertaining this time around.

Overall, more of the same in both a good and bad sense, Wiig’s addition marginally improves the film, but it still lags behind its predecessor.

Pros.

Very watchable

Any scenes between Gru and his daughters

A strong emotional core

Cons.

Wiig’s character only marginally improves the film, and really the film did not need the subplot

The casual racism and continued antisemitism

3/5

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Despicable Me: Troublesome Character Design

Written by Luke Barnes

Despicable Me is an animated family film directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud. The plot follows the adventures of Gru (Steve Carell), a supervillain who is trying to prove he still has what it takes.

Before I get into it I just want to point something out. Personally, I thought it was a little suspect that all the characters in this film who are supposed to be supervillains, including Gru, have stereotypically over the top Jewish features in their designs. Now, I don’t know if this was done deliberately and I have asked others what they think and not everyone seems to notice it, but to me it reeks of cheap and fairly blatant antisemitism; if interested I advise you to look into the racism of the Despicable Me series as there is a fair bit written about it.

Setting that to one side for a minute, the film can actually be quite charming when it wants to be: the scenes between Gru and his adoptive daughters, particularly the scenes when he is reading to them with the cat finger print book are adorable and heart-warming.

The minions themselves seem to be love them or hate them, at least in terms of the online discussion. I found myself mixed. I did not like the fact they talk in gibberish, it reminded me of something like Shaun The Sheep which I also didn’t like for a similar reason- I prefer characters that talk. They do have some moments that allow you to warm toward them, but I was still indifferent to them by the end of the film.

Overall, there is some promise here, sadly the rather overt antisemitism spoils it.

Pros.

Some warm scenes between Gru and his daughters

The Minions have a few strong comedic moments

It is easy enough to watch

Cons.

The clear anti-Semitism

The Minions

3/5

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Interview With Jamie Insalaco: Writer/ Director For Will Reading

Written by Luke Barnes

Hey Everyone! I recently had the chance to interview Jamie Insalaco about his film Will Reading. The plot of the film revolves around a group of friends who meet up to help their friends widow find some money their friend has hidden from the IRS. Within the interview we talk, about the meaning of friendship, do it yourself filmmaking and the Coen Brother classic No Country For Old Men

Q: How would you describe this film in a word?

JI: Everything!

Q: Who is your filmmaking inspiration?

JL: So many! The song drops in where old The Simpsons episodes would drop a musical number (“Marge vs the Monorail”), and the referential comedy of that writers room is certainly an inspiration. I appreciate Kevin Smith’s indie can-do “Why not?” spirit – and YouTubers showing how much they could do with so little really got me going. Will Reading is full of homages to other movies.

Q: What was your catalyst for making this film?

JI: I knew I wanted to make a movie and I also knew I’d have to do it myself – so the situation dictated which story treatment I would develop into a script and that eventually became Will Reading. The runner up was just too ambitious: it revolved around a wedding. Too many locations, too many costumes, too many extras… but it was kinda similar in the respect that it would have a long dinner scene and a fight as the climax. I don’t think I’d ever make a movie like this again in terms of no crew, extreme limitations on the script and so forth.

Q: What was the message behind this film?

JL: I think the viewer can take a few different ideas from the movie… and I guess I prefer to let them pick! One message that comes from the character journeys is “Know thyself.” At least for Steve and Tom. For Dave and Wendy, it’s more of a “Give Trust a Chance” situation. The movie takes place after the Great Recession economic downturn, so that certainly influences the messaging and colors a lot of what’s going on, how people are reacting to their situations and what the movie is saying about life at this time in the twenty first century in this little pocket of the United States

Q: Friendship is a key theme of the narrative in Will Reading, how would you say your film tackles this theme, what are its intentions?

JL: Relationships are always tricky. As opposed to family, when it comes to relationships we choose – romantic or platonic – maybe we expect or at least want them to work perfectly. And when they don’t, we end up with these “I thought I knew you” ideas floating around in our heads. What does it say about me that I chose this? Particularly here in Will Reading, Steve wants his relationship to go back to the way it was with Wendy when they were teenagers. That’s a big ask. Wendy needs to get back to a place where she can trust Dave – the nature of these relationships have to change so they can move forward – that’s the thing we’re really trying to show here.

Q: What would you do if you found a large amount of lost or hidden money?

JL: I’d probably leave it where I found it! I’ve seen NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN too many times. The line, “At what point would you quit bothering to look for your 2 million dollars” is burned into my brain! A large amount of money will always be missed, there are ALWAYS consequences to any action – the bigger the action, the bigger the consequence. My answer is NO COUNTRY! Everybody go watch NO COUNTRY. Leave the money where you found it!

Q: Sequels or future filmmaking plans?

JL: A sequel is highly unlikely but not completely off the table. It’d be more of a spinoff rather than a Will Reading 2: On the Move direct sequel. I have a short in the works and as far as features go, a horror movie and a “one last job” movie – one of which will probably be my next indie feature, unless something drastically changes!

Q: If you could go back in time to when you were first starting out as a filmmaker what advice would you give yourself?

JL: Be bolder. Drink more coffee and keep going. There were shots I wanted in Will Reading but they were too technically difficult to pull off by myself. Now, I have the experience and understanding to execute them – think it through. “There’s probably a way to cheat that in post if I plan it out right on set.”

Q: Any funny on set stories?

JL: Sometimes we’d get giggling and couldn’t stop. I would hand out bottles of water as a mini break, to try and alter the mood. From then on, if anything went wrong, the cast would suggest I hand out water – like, if the battery on the camera died: “Water will fix this.” Someone couldn’t get through a long bit of dialogue, “Have some water.”

Q: If you won an award for this film who would you thank in your acceptance speech?

JL: Of course the cast, who really brought Will Reading to life, and then a long speech about my wife and my mom, who were constantly behind me even though they are not particularly interested in filmmaking – they were just there for me.

If you would like to watch Will Reading you can find it on Amazon Prime right now, with a wider release planned for the near future and as always I have a review of the film up on my site right now!

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Will Reading: Helping Your Dead Friends Wife Cheat The IRS

Written by Luke Barnes

Will Reading is a comedy film directed by Jamie Insalaco. The plot sees a group of friends gather together after the death of one of their number, to help the deceased widow find money that her husband had hidden from the IRS.

I think there is something so earnest and pure about this film. It captures friendship in such a realistic and warm way, the friendships within this film feel genuine, it reminds you off those you are closest to and it feels like a warm security blanket.

I found the laughter from a sad origin idea to be quite ingenious, and I thought seeing this group come together to help out after the death of their friend only really added to the wholesome appeal of the film.

Though this film is not a laugh a minute, there are a good amount of laughs scattered throughout and many more moments to smile to.

Overall, a delightfully funny comedy with a winning personality and a wholesome appeal.

Pros

The wholesome appeal

The focus on friendship

A few good laughs

A lively pace

Cons.

Somewhat predictable

3.5/5

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Falcon And The Winter Soldier: Power Broker

Written by Luke Barnes

Falcon and The Winter Soldier episode 3 Power Broker is the third episode in the Marvel Disney + series. The plot sees Sam (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky (Sebastian Stan), break Baron Zemo (Daniel Bruhl), out of prison so that he can help them find out more information about the super soldier program and the Flag Smashers.

I thought this episode was on the whole good, not as good as the previous episode however, for reasons we will get to later. I thought it moved the story along and introduced some interesting new elements and locations to the MCU that I hope to see again in other films and Disney + series.

It was nice to see Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp) return. Though she did not do a lot, really she was just there to spout exposition and to remind the audience she was alive. However, she did manage to make an impression due to one very graphic, for the MCU, and well-choreographed fight scene.

My issues with this episode are twofold. Firstly, I think the two separate storylines, the boys hunting down answers about the super soldier serum, and the stuff with the fake Captain America (Wyatt Russell) are starting to clash. Personally I think the stuff with the fake Captain America is going in a very obvious direction and I would rather they just get it over with so we can focus on the more interesting matters at hand.

Secondly, and this is linked to the previous point, the idea of Bucky and Sam going rogue and the Government coming for them for freeing Zemo feels very phase 3, very Civil War era and I get that it is a stylistic inspiration for the show, but personally I think the MCU is past it and I don’t really want to see it go back.

Overall, still a strong episode, but some of the tonal and plot issues are starting to show.

Pros.
Zemo

Bringing back Sharon

The ending

Cons.

They do use Sharon for anything interesting

The storylines are starting to clash

A bit too Civil War like for my taste

3/5

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Interview With Phil Stubbs: Writer/ Director Of Last Chancers

Written by Luke Barnes

I recently had the chance to interview Phil Stubbs writer and director of Last Chancers, a film about two friends who run afoul of a local gangster and must find a way out of their situation. We chat about

Q: How would you describe the film, in a word?

PS: Friendship

Q: Who is your filmmaking inspiration?

PS: Peter Jackson

Q: What was your catalyst for making this film?

PS: I just had to try making a feature film, despite having no experience.

Q: Any funny on-set stories?

PS: An unpleasant cafe owner was having an argument with Brian Croucher then recognised him from EastEnders.

Q: Gloucestershire plays a large role in the film, why was this setting so important to you and the film?

PS: I’ve always lived in Gloucestershire and always thought it would look good on film and be a different setting for this kind of story

Q: What is your favourite British crime film, other than your own?

PS: The Long Good Friday

Q: How would you describe your experiences making this film?

PS: Very stressful. Learning how to get the work done while battling many onset problems

Q: How did you manage the comedy to crime ratio, and how important was the buddy dynamic between Flynn and Aiden?

PS: Keeping the tone consistent was important so I was very careful when writing the script. The friendship between Flynn and Aiden anchors the whole story so had to be believable and compelling for audiences to enjoy the film.

Q: If you could go back in time to when you were first starting out as a filmmaker what advice would you give yourself?

PS: Don’t get so stressed, take more time to get the shots how you want them.

Q: If you won an award for this film who would you thank?

The amazing cast, the crew, the editor Lucy, and my girlfriend Ali for putting up with me pursuing the crazy idea of being a filmmaker.

If you enjoyed this interview you can find Last Chancers on Amazon and as always I have an review of the film on site now.

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Last Chancers: Even The Countryside Is Rife With Gangsters

Written by Luke Barnes

Last Chancers is a British crime comedy film directed by Phil Stubbs. The plot sees two friend Flynn (Ellis J. Wells) and Aiden (Harry Dyer) become indebted to an old school nasty after a hapless mistake, together they must come up with a way out of their situation.

There is something of an early Guy Ritchie with this film, though obviously with more of a comedic leaning, it is a stylistic decision that greatly helps this film and allows it to feel snappy and sharp and more importantly slick.

Though the premise was nothing new, I though it was done well, and it served to be quite entertaining. The film wasn’t a laugh out loud, laugh a minute kind of film but it did have more than enough moments that made me chuckle or at least smile.

I think the film mainly gets its tone right, managing to mix dramatic tension with levity. The tone does skew to one extreme a few times at the expense of the other, which hurts the film, but does not happen often.

My main issue with this film is that I think it needs to be tighter. This is a good film, by and large however, it really suffers from bloat and quite a few scenes could do with being chopped down to better add to the flow.

Overall, despite a few structural problems there is a lot of promise to this film, and I would be excited to see what the filmmaker does next.

Pros.

The comedy, for the most part works

The premise is well executed

Moments of early Guy Ritchie

Cons.

Slight tonal issues

Pacing problems

4/5

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Interview With Tom Heard: Actor/ Filmmaker Getting It

Written by Luke Barnes

I recently had the chance to talk to actor/ filmmaker Tom Heard about his romantic film Getting It, which follows a selfish man as he opens himself up and finds love. We talk about, representation, love and Call Me By Your Name.

Q: How would you describe the film in a word?

TH: Hope. (That people can change).

Q: Who are your filmmaking inspirations?

TH: Well, Mike Nichols has always been my hero. And now Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name) is right up there.

Q: What was your catalyst for making this film

TH: I wanted to make a love story about two gay men where being gay isn’t the story. Just two

people who fall in love who happen to be gay.

Q: Any funny on set stories?

TH: The campfire scene was shot on pastureland owned by a friend of mine where it had just poured rain and we had to dodge puddles and cow patties all night long!

Q: How would you describe the process of trying to get an LGBTQ+ romance film made?

TH: I met no resistance at all. Only support. Everyone thought it was a great idea and loved the story!

Q: How do you feel about the current state of the romance genre?

TH: Well, because of films such as the aforementioned, “Call Me By Your Name,” as well as others like, “God’s Own Country,” I think we’re in a great place at present!

Q: Would you say Hollywood is more progressive now than it has been in the past few years?

TH: I think Hollywood has jumped light years recently and has really embraced alternative storytelling.

Q: What was the message of your film? What did you want to say?

TH: That the most selfish thing anyone can do for themselves…is to be unselfish. In other words, the more you give of yourself, the more you will receive in return.

Q: If you were to go back in time to when you were a younger filmmaker first starting out what advice would you give yourself?

TH: The same thing I’d say to anyone. Believe in yourself. What have you got to lose?

Q: If you film ever won any awards who would you thank in your acceptance speech?

TH: My best friend, Michael. His constant encouragement gave me the confidence to embark on this journey.

Q: Future filmmaking plans?

TH: I am currently writing, “Comeback” about two actors who give each other’s careers and lives new life!

If you enjoyed Getting It you can find it on all good streaming platforms and on DVD, and as always you can head over to my site to find my review of the film.

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Getting It: Modern Love

Written by Luke Barnes

Getting It is a romance film directed by Tom Heard. The plot sees a previously selfish man, who only ever cared about himself, opening his heart to others and finding love in the process.

I think there is something so needed about this film, I won’t go on at length about it as I have already covered the point I am about to make in other reviews, but there just aren’t enough romance films that feature solid LGBTQ+ representation. It is shocking to think that in 2021, in the society we live in, where all kinds of romances are common place, that the romantic genre is so heavily dominated by heterosexual romance.

Moreover, the romance in this film felt very real and personal. By that I mean, it doesn’t feel like you are watching a film it feels like you are just observing life around you and seeing people fall in love. Again, that speaks to the charisma and the believability of the leads who sell the romance entirely, and palpable their on screen chemistry.

This film really does run the emotional gambit, having moments to laugh with, moments to cheer to, and moments that will make you cry, it excels at all 3 which is a real testament to the power of the writing.

Overall, a sorely needed and well executed romance film.

Pros.

The chemistry

The believability of the story and the romance

The emotional resonance

The ending

Cons.

The side characters

A few pacing issues.

3/5

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Happily: That Couples That Annoys You With How Perfect They Are, Aren’t So Perfect

Written by Luke Barnes

Happily is a dark comedy thriller film directed by BenDavid Grabinski. The film follows a perfect couple (Kerry Bishe and Joel McHale), who never argue, always agree and never cease to irritate those around them. However, one day a stranger (Stephen Root) arrives at their door to tell them that they are genetic abnormalities, and that he won’t leave until they take a syringe of fluid that will make them just like everyone else. Naturally they kill this man and then go on a staycation with their friends.

This was a bizarre film, and you only begin to understand and appreciate a lot of its subtler details if you watch it a few times as there is a lot going on. I think this is a bold stylistic piece with all kinds of visual influences on display, and a plot that defies genre categorisation; I gave it a try, but it is so much more.

That is not to say this film is perfect, as it isn’t, the ending didn’t ring true to me and felt like an anti-climax; especially after the emotionally charged scenes that lead up to it. Furthermore, the tone frequently clashes as the film struggles to find how to approach its narrative. There will be scenes with levity in them that really don’t need it, and then scenes that do need a line to lighten the mood go without; it is an odd mishmash a lot of the time. Tonally this film is a quagmire.
I thought the wider world of this film and its concepts were riveting and I would love to see a follow up film, or other films set within this same universe, to explore these ideas in further detail. The idea of this agent, or god like character, who can’t die and who works for a higher authority is very tantalising and is begging for further exploration.

Overall, a hell of a concept and an idea, sadly the execution is lacking. However, a follow up in this universe could fix a lot of this films ills.

Pros.

The concept

The world

The characters

Cons.

The inconsistent tone

The ending

3/5

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