I took a chance on another new comedy, this time choosing Take Me Home Tonight, starring Topher Grace (That 70s Show). The plot revolves around Matt, who has graduated from MIT, but hasn't done anything so far except work at a video store (sounds like my life! :) ). His parents, especially his father, want him to do something more with his life, and stop being so scared about what to do and the potential for failure. In addition to his indecisiveness about his life decisions, there's one other thing that has him hung up: he still has a crush on a girl from high school. They by chance run into each other the night of a big party, so he has a shot at finally getting the one he let pass him by. Matt's sister Wendy (Anna Faris) is having a college-related struggle of her own, as she keeps putting off opening her letter from Cambridge to be with her popular jock boyfriend and worrying that leaving LA will ruin their plans for a life together.

This was an enjoyable comedy set in the '80s, with common themes such as post-college crisis, overcoming fears, and taking control of your own life. Matt's best friend Barry (Dan Fogler) is great comic relief and his scenes really made the movie funny. It's a ridiculous comedy that goes over the top and strays from reality, but so did the '80s. Just as they say in the movie, it's not a night for thinking, but doing- or, in our case, watching. I'd say this is a movie aimed at folks in their late teens and early 20s, and will make for some good entertainment. For younger children, keep in mind there is drug use, language, and a small amount of nudity. An overall fun movie with some knee-slapping scenes. Check it out!

If you like this I recommend: Hot Tub Time Machine, Dazed and Confused

Super is an interesting little indie superhero flick, right between Blankman (hilarious) and Defendor (depressing). It also has a fairly high violence quotient, which is to be expected from James Gunn (Tromeo & Juliet, Slither). Be prepared for a wacky ride with this film.

The film follows Frank (Rainn Wilson) as he loses his wife (Liv Tyler) to her drug dealer (Kevin Bacon) and, after a weird series of events, decides to fight his way back to her by destroying all the criminals in his city. He picks up a delightfully maniacal sidekick along the way, which pretty much makes up for all of the unnecessary gay jokes. It does not, however, make up for the creepy, rapey sex scene between two of the main characters, and viewers should be ready for some Cohen Brothers/Robert Rodriguez-esque deaths. I personally would've edited out one particular scene, but the rest was pretty gripping. There is a lot of comedy in the film as well though, and it balances pretty nicely. The ending pretty much ties up all the loose ends, so it seems realistic but doesn't leave you with a hokey, “and they all lived happily ever after” sort of feeling. Super is also immensely quotable, giving you lines like, “All it takes to be a superhero is a choice to fight evil,” and the wonderful, “Shut up, crime!” If, however, any viewer sees this film and decides, “Hey, I could totally fight evil,” go watch Kick-Ass and remind yourself that you'll probably get your ass kicked and then get shot in the face. But, maybe every neighborhood would be a little safer at night if everybody followed this rather touching sentiment:

“You don't butt in line! You don't steal! You don't molest little children! You don't deal drugs! The rules haven't changed!”

Tonight I decided to check out the new Farrelly Brothers comedy Hall Pass, starring Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis. Wilson and Sudeikis play typical married men struggling to grow up and be mature husbands. Their wives, who are just as good of friends as the guys are, are on to their antics of gawking at other women and having sexual fantasies that don't include their significant others regularly. Their wives, played by Jenna Fischer and Christina Applegate, hear about this thing called a "hall pass" from their psychiatrist friend, played by Joy Behar, who claims it did wonders for her marriage. Rick and Fred's wives are not happy with the guys, and after a few embarrassing (hilarious) displays, decide to grant them each a hall pass to essentially let them have the freedom they had when single. So they try their hand at picking up women, and while they're having their hall pass week, their wives also decide to have some fun.

The movie explores the themes of "be careful what you wish for" and "you don't know what you have until it's gone" as the two experience the freedom they thought they wanted, and the wives have fun as pretending they're back in college. As with a lot of these marriage/buddy comedies, the writers paint a depressing picture of marriage in its dullness, the lameness of middle aged dudes, and the extreme lack of intimacy with the wife. The movie has funny parts for sure and has a good message and ending, but it's definitely not the Farrelly Brothers best work (i.e. Dumb and Dumber, There's Something About Mary, etc.). It's a decent comedy worth watching on a slow night for some easy entertainment. Owens and Sudeikis are always good for some laughs.

Recommended if you like this one: Cedar Rapids, You Me and Dupree, and Swingers