Casting Re-Call: The To Do List

Last month, I wrote a post where I completely re-cast The Fault in Our Stars to better fit who I thought should have played each character in the film version of John Green's fantastic novel (in a perfect world). You can check out that post, here. Not only did that post get a good number of hits, but I really had a blast writing it. So, although it hasn't been very long since I wrote that Casting Re-Call, I decided to do another during the slow movie-month of July.

Although it flew well under the radar of most moviegoers, The To Do List was one of my favorite comedies of 2013. In fact, the film ended up taking third place in the Best Comedy category of my 2013 Above Average Awards, which is my list of the best in film from each year. If you have yet to see The To Do List, I would definitely encourage you to check it out! However, there is a good amount of perverse humor, so just be aware...

If you want, you can check out my review of The To Do List, here. Now, let's move on.

I'm sure you are asking yourself "Why would he want to re-cast one of his favorite films of 2013?" which is quite a valid question. The answer lies in the fact that not every good film is a perfect film, and, certainly, not every good film is perfectly cast. And, when it came down to it, many critics disliked The To Do List for just one reason... the casting! So, in an effort to appease the naysayers and also improve my own assessment of the film, I went back and watched The To Do List, picking the cast apart and coming up with a new cast that would have made a good movie even better...

First, let's take a look at the decisions that the filmmakers got right:

Character: Cameron
Actor Chosen: Johnny Simmons
Why?: Johnny Simmons was the only actor from The To Do List to make my Above Average list last year, and he was certainly deserving of my praise, even after watching the film a second time. Not only was Simmons hilarious, but he did a great job of hitting the goofy, emotional moments as well. Hopefully, Simmons will stick to comedy, because he could certainly have a promising future!

Character: Judge Klark
Actor Chosen: Clark Gregg
Why?: Today, Clark Gregg is known solely for his role as Agent Coulson from Disney's Marvel Universe, but people should really check out his other work, because this dude can bring on the laughter. This innocent father character was absolutely perfect for Gregg in The To Do List. Watch it! You'll love him!






Now, for the not so positive casting decisions:

Character: Brandy Klark
Actor Chosen: Aubrey Plaza
Ideal Actor: Analeigh Tipton
Why?: Personally, I think Aubrey Plaza is hilarious, and, because I find her funny, I quite enjoyed her performance in The To Do List. However, there is no denying that the casting decision was not perfect. In my opinion, Analeigh Tipton would be able to pull of the awkward, cocky-nerd school-girl a little bit better than Plaza. Tipton's comedic range is much larger than that of Plaza, who is good at dry and rude and not much else. As the focal point of the film, Brandy Klark shifts her attitude and personality a bit throughout the film, which is something that Plaza struggled with a bit. I'd be interested in hearing other candidates, but I think Tipton is quite funny and would be a great option, in my opinion.

Character: Mrs. Klark
Actor Chosen: Connie Britton
Ideal Actor: Michaela Watkins
Why?: Connie Britton is great! Connie Britton is NOT funny! On the other hand, Michaela Watkins might be the funniest person to ever walk the face of this earth. The free-spirit that Mrs. Klark turns out to be would be perfectly represented by Watkins, even if she did have to tone her usual stupidity a bit. If you've never seen Michaela Watkins, check out Wanderlust and, of course, Trophy Wife, which was recently axed by ABC (stupid ABC!).

Character: Rusty Waters
Actor Chosen: Scott Porter
Ideal Actor: Any guy who has taken steroids and isn't supposed to be the paralyzed former quarterback of the Dillon Panthers
Why?: Jason Street is a likable guy, and, although I've not yet finished all of Friday Night Lights, I can't look at Scott Porter without thinking that he is supposed to be QB1. Unfortunately, the character of Rusty Waters is a jock/jerk, which was just a bit awkward for me. Really, anyone with a big, buff body could have played Rusty, and Scott Porter wasn't a poor decision. To me, however, he is supposed to be a good guy, and it just didn't quite fit.

Character: Willy
Actor Chosen: Bill Hader
Ideal Actor: Jake Johnson
Why?: I don't know if there is another person who can make me laugh as easily as Bill Hader. In fact, I cannot remember a time when I watched Bill Hader do something without making me laugh! Unfortunately, the role of Willy (the pool manager) just didn't allow Hader to be his normal, funny self, and I believe that Jake Johnson is better suited to play a laid-back pool manager. The options were plentiful, as I considered Sam Rockwell and Dax Shepard, but I settled on Jake Johnson, because he's just a fun guy!

Character: Van
Actor Chosen: Andy Samberg
Ideal Actor: James Franco
Why?: Andy Samberg is a funny guy... at times. But, his short cameo in The To Do List was not one of those times. Also, if you're going to have someone do a cameo, go all out! In my opinion, James Franco would have fit the role and the opportunity much better. I'm sure they would have had a hard time getting Franco to show up (it's not his group of guys), but one can dream...




There you go, folks! That's my ideal cast of The To Do List. Feel free to chime in with your comments, and, also, I would love suggestions for other movies to re-cast. These posts are a lot of fun!

Happy Summer!

 

The Above Average Awards: 2013 Comedy

This year, for the first time, I have decided to divide the Above Average Awards into two separate posts--one for comedic films and one for dramatic films. In the past, when I've crammed them all into one post, I found it to be a bit overwhelming. The dramatic list will be out in the next couple of weeks, so be sure to check back and see who topped that list for 2013. I know I am pretty much the last movie blogger to release his best list, but I wanted to give myself time to see a majority of the films that never made it to Hattiesburg, for accuracy's sake. Anyway, for now, here's to the guys (and gals) who made us laugh hysterically in 2013...

 

I am of the opinion that comedic actors and films are undervalued in the world of film criticism. As the Oscar predictions role in, comedy usually gets lost in the mix, and I really hate it. I know, true comedic films aren't really made to win awards. However, I believe there should be Oscar categories to further recognize comedic films, much like the Emmys. Sure, the Golden Globes have a comedy category, but the films in that category are pretty much limited to really, really dramatic films that may have contained a joke or two. Anyways, I will stop whining, but I just wanted to make it known why I take the time to really recognize the best work in comedic films. So, without further delay, here are my favorites in comedic films and comedic performances from 2013:

 

 

Best Actor

Honorable Mention: Kevin Kline (Last Vegas), Simon Pegg (The World's End)

 

#8 - Danny McBride

(This is the End)

Honestly, I am shocked that Danny McBride was able to make it on to any positive list of mine, but, each time I watch This is the End, he makes me laugh more and more. Typically, I'm not a fan of McBride's failed attempts at Will Ferrell humor, but his interactions with James Franco were so freaking funny in this film. Although I hope that McBride continues to impress me in the future... I'm not counting on it...

 

 



#7 - Johnny Simmons

(The To Do List)

Last year, The Perks of Being a Wallflower took home the top honor from The Above Average Awards, and Johnny Simmons' performance was probably my least favorite of the entire film. However, after watching The To Do List, I'm encouraged that Johnny might find himself a nice career in comedy. He was absolutely hilarious, and I hope to see him pop up in many more future comedies.

 

 



#6 - The Minions

(Despicable Me 2)

Need I say more than "Bottom"?

 

I will say that I am assuming that the Minions are mostly male, categorizing them in the actor category, but who really knows!?!

  

#5 - Will Poulter

(We're the Millers)

Although I am still amazed at the box office success of We're the Millers, there is no denying Will Poulter's amazing performance. In fact, I dare say that he is the most memorable comedic character of 2013. Regardless, Poulter is sure to have a bright future, and we will look back at We're the Millers, wondering how it possibly banked $150 million.

 

 

#4 - Moises Arias

(The Kings of Summer)

As someone who absolutely loves a good coming-of-age tale, The Kings of Summer was, as a whole, underwhelming. However, the hilarious presence of Moises Arias, throughout the entire film, kept a smile on my face. His character was so randomly funny, and that random humor ends to crack me up. Many of you probably remember Arias from his role on Hannah Montana, but let's hope that he continues to go for these goofy roles.

 

 

#3 - Steve Carell

(Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues)

Steve Carell has long been one of my go-to funny guys, ever since I first fell in love with his humor on The Office. And now, finally, I have an opportunity to praise him in my best list! In fact, Brick is one of the funniest characters that I have ever had the pleasure of watching, and I loved his inflated role in the Anchorman sequel. Of course, Steve Carell was dead on, and I think most everyone would agree that his was an amazingly hilarious character.

 

#2 - Michael Cera

(This is the End)

Of all the actors in This is the End, Michael Cera was obviously the least genuine in the portrayal of himself, and I must say that it was absolutely genius. Kudos to Seth Rogen and crew for coming up with the idea to turn Cera into a crack-induced pervert, and kudos to Cera for pulling off one of the funniest performances of 2013 (in less than 10 minutes of screen time).

 

 

#1 - Jonah Hill

(This is the End)

For the second straight year, Hill easily takes home my top spot for comedic performances in 2013, and, this time, he doesn't have to share it with Channing Tatum. While the entire cast of This is the End was absolutely brilliant, Hill just kept the laughs coming, and, like Michael Cera, he actually acted, compared to some of the other stars who played versions of themselves that were exactly like their true selves. Hill has quickly become one of my favorite actors, as evident by the fact that he is the only actor to make the Above Average list each of the three years that I have been blogging. His work in comedy and drama is amazing, and he is greatly deserving of craploads of recognition!

 

 



 

Best Actress

 

Honorable Mention: Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), Annette Bening (Girl Most Likely), Leslie Mann (The Bling Ring), Megan Mullaly (The Kings of Summer)

 



#5 - Glenne Headly
(Don Jon)

With the help of the great Tony Danza, Glenne Headly provided many great laughs throughout a mediocre film. Hilarious motherly figures tend to crack me up... so she had that going for her. Nevertheless, her performance is what made the character so great.

 

 

#4 - Sylvia Kauders

(Inside Llewyn Davis)

Of the great performances recognized on both my dramatic and comedic lists, no role was smaller than that of Sylvia Kauders, who played a secretary in Inside Llewyn Davis. Her screen time was probably less than three minutes, if I had to guess, but she certainly made good use of her time. In fact, I couldn't even find a picture of her in the movie. Regardless, I was rolling with every word that came out of her mouth, so kudos to this lovely lady!

 



 

#3 - Melissa McCarthy
(The Heat)

Melissa McCarthy is quickly becoming the queen of comedy, and she was able to provide a number of great laughs in The Heat. Unfortunately, Sandra Bullock's lack of humor brought the film down, as a whole, but McCarthy is worthy of much praise. This recognition marks her second time on my Above Average list, of which I am sure she is immeasurably grateful!

 

 

#2 - Greta Gerwig

(Frances Ha)

 

Ever since I first saw Greta Gerwig in Russell Brand's Arthur, I have been attracted to her free spirit and charm, but her performance in Frances Ha proved that she has a bright future ahead of her. Personally, I had a hard time deciding whether to put her in the dramatic or comedic list. Nonetheless, I decided to put her here, because she did a great job of making me laugh, although her film did a great job of making me think.

 

 

#1 - Allison Janney
(The Way Way Back)

I know I have talked about my affinity for The West Wing on multiple occasions, but I have never taken time out to give praise to the great Allison Janney. Luckily, her amazingly hilarious performance in The Way Way Back gave me a great excuse to give her some praise. In a movie that I was a bit disappointed in, Janney was consistently providing laughs and keeping me interested. She may have had only a minor role, but she certainly gave it her all! That's why I'm choosing her as my favorite comedic actress of 2013.

 

 

 

Best Film

Honorable Mention: The Heat, The World's End

#4 - A.C.O.D.



With an amazing cast and a hilarious topic, A.C.O.D. (Adult Children of Divorce) was able to sneak up on me and provide some great laughs. I would encourage everyone to check this one out at the Redbox. While I can't attest to its accuracy of portrayal (my parents are still married), I can attest to its hilarity, which is really what you want from a comedy.

 



#3 - The To Do List

I don't know how many awkward sex jokes you can fit into a single film, but The To Do List certainly tried to find out! Although it could have been waaay better, the film still managed to provide a ton of laughs, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I guess this means that I enjoy a mass amount of awkward sex jokes, but it is what it is.

 

 

#2 - Last Vegas

Of all 2013 movies, both dramatic and comedic, there was no film that was as surprisingly good as Last Vegas. What was sold to older moviegoers as "a dorky version of The Hangover" turned out to be one of the most hilarious films of the year. I have been waiting months to show this film to my parents, and I finally had the opportunity, the other day. If you missed out on Last Vegas, I promise it is worth your time.

 

#1 - This is the End

 

Contrary to what the Golden Globes may believe, I am of the opinion that a comedy's sole intention is to make you laugh. I know, I already ranted about this topic, but, as an "average" guy, I would never associate the comedy of American Hustle with the comedy of the aforementioned films! Never! So, don't worry... Those films will show up in my drama list. In 2013, the comedy field was not the strongest, but it was much better than 2012. However, there was one film that shone so brightly that I would easily dub it the best film of any kind in 2013, and that film is This is the End. Honestly, if I combined my comedy and drama best lists, This is the End would be number one, by a landslide! If you've yet to see this hilariously outrageous end-of-the-world comedy, you are truly missing out. My opinion may not be a popular one, but there was no 2013 dramatic or comedic film that I enjoyed anywhere close to as much as I enjoyed This is the End! If you want me to say that one more time, I can! The great performances, which have already been mentioned, mixed with the anything-goes attitude of the storyline, makes for one heck of a film that is sure to keep you laughing throughout.

 

 

So, there it is, folks! This is the End joins the likes of 21 Jump Street and Horrible Bosses, at the top of the Above Average. Let me know what you think, in the comment section, and be sure to check back soon for the release of my dramatic list...

The To Do List

 

Expectations:

Quirky, coming-of-age movies are undoubtedly my favorite of all of the many types of movies that exist in this world. Last year, The Perks of Being a Wallflower was my favorite film of the year, furthering my love for coming-of-age tales. Maybe it's because of my place in life? Maybe it's because of the brand of humor? Maybe it's because the movies are just so great? Who knows?!? Luckily for me, there are many coming-of-age films coming out in 2013, from The Kings of Summer to The Way, Way Back to The To Do List, and I can't wait to watch each of them. Of those three films, The To Do List was the one that I was least excited about, probably due to the fact that it is a female tale. Nevertheless, I was still quite excited, and, while the other two have yet to make it to my neck of the woods, The To Do List became the first coming-of-age tale for me to knock off of my watchlist in 2013. The biggest concern I had with the film was my own accepting of Aubrey Plaza as an 18 year old (she's really 29). However, I loved Plaza in 2012's Safety Not Guaranteed, so I was willing to attempt to overlook her age difference...

 

Plot:

While I knew that The To Do List was an R-rated comedy, I didn't realize that there would be SO MUCH comedy or SO MUCH R-ratedness, but there is no doubt that this was a true blue R-rated comedy. There were a few things that were a bit too much for Plaza's character, Brandy Klark, but the laughs kept me from being too analytical of the inconsistencies that came with Brandy's conversion from goody-goody to goody-whoremonger. Although I went for the story, I left pleased mostly with the humor. Because the film was totally comedic, it did not quite deliver on the high expectations that I had for a coming-of-age tale. Fortunately, the hilarity was well worth my misinterpretation of what the film would actually be. Just to warn you, The To Do List is quite a raunchy tale, so know what you're getting into!

 

Characters:

With a star-studded cast, I was scared that some of the stars might fall by the wayside and lose their significance. Thankfully, with Plaza's Brandy at the center of the entire film, it was ok for the others to lack much significance. The only problem I had with Brandy was her aforementioned inconsistencies that at times did not fit her awkward, nerdy, Sheldon Cooper-like personality. Sure, she was trying to explore her sexuality, but she didn't have to be so straightforward with it. It would have been funnier if she would have had more issues with her list. I'm trying to keep this post close to PG, so I apologize for the ambiguity.

 

Negatives:

The film was cast very well, so the negatives were few and far between, but they were there. Andy Samberg, who I usually love, was totally unnecessary and random as rock band member, Van. This character was the one place where the cameos went a tad overboard. Also, I did not care for Connie Britton as Mrs. Klark, Brandy's mom. I'm so used to seeing Britton play a responsible motherly figure in Friday Night Lights and American Horror Story, and I couldn't get over that, as her character was a bit of whoremonger herself...

 

Positives:

Johnny Simmons' Cameron provided the most laughs, by far, throughout the entire film. After seeing him play a more serious character in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, I wasn't sure how funny he would actually be, but he blew me away. Another actor that blew me away with unexpected hilarity was Clark Gregg, who played Brandy's dad, Judge Clark. That's right, folks! Agent Coulson can be funny! I promise that, if you watch this film, you will laugh at Agent Coulson.

 

Conclusion:

Although The To Do List was nothing like I expected, it was second only to This is The End as far as 2013 comedies are concerned. Kudos to The hilarious Aubrey Plaza and crew for making me laugh so hard at such a raunchy and uncomfortable film. Plaza's career is just getting going (ten years after her character's), and I can't wait to see what she does next. While I hope that The Kings of Summer and The Way, Way Back have a lot more drama, I'm glad that The To Do List surprised me. There is nothing like being pleasantly surprised by a film. It's actually better than really liking a movie that you expected to really like. If you have a chance and are willing to sacrifice your innocence for a couple of hours, go watch The To Do List. You will not be disappointed. I give The To Do List 4.16 out of 5 stars.

Great Expectations: July 2013

After the busy months of May and June, July will undoubtedly be the slowest movie-month of the summer. In keeping with the slow theme, Gary the snail will now show you how I feel about not having many movies to watch this month:

As I'm sure you know, Turbo, an animated film about a NOSed up snail,will be one of the biggest films to come out in July. Here is Turbo to show you how excited I am about his movie:

 

 

In fact, the only two films coming out in July that I am particularly excited about are both rather low key films. I expect that each of them will utilize that quirky comedic vibe that I absolutely love, so I can't wait to watch. Check the trailers out below, and please watch them (even if you have to wait until they come out on DVD)...

 

 

The Way, Way Back

(July 5)



The To Do List

(July 26)