Adaptation (2002)

Directed by Spike Jonze
Written by Charlie Kaufman and Donald Kaufman (Fictionally), based on the book "The Orchid Thief" (sort of, kind of, not really) by Susan Orlean
Starring Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper and Brian Cox

A lovelorn screenwriter becomes desperate as he tries and fails to adapt "The Orchid Thief" by Susan Orlean for the screen.

A satire of just how wrong film adaptations of beloved novels can be, Charlie Kaufman took his real-life struggles of adapting Susan Orlean's book and did what any good screenwriter would do when writing an adaptation and made it nothing like it's printed counterpart. Making himself the main character, Kaufman took a story that wasn't even in his own genre and put his imaginative twist on it.

The genius and ingenuity of his writing made for a fun film in which we got to see into his psyche. Or probably not. There really is no telling after this script. Regardless, the journey he takes us on is one that all film lovers will appreciate.

Backed by great writing, the A-list cast gave remarkable performances that earned Chris Cooper an Academy Award (although, I believe it to be a "sorry for snubbing you for 'American Beauty' award). It even earned Nicolas Cage and Meryl Streep Academy Award nominations for their roles.

A film that I can't imagine anyone other than Spike Jonze to direct. The quirkiness and ingenuity of Kaufman's writing is complimented by Jonze's style and proves to be a perfect followup to "Being John Malkovich".

I really haven't seen another film like this. It is so different and extraordinarily wild that I really can't compare it to any other work. It's just one of those movies that can't be defined other than by a few meaningless words that don't delve into what it really is. You just have to see it.

My Rating: 8/10

Get Hard (2015)

Directed by Etan Cohen
Written by Jay Martel, Ian Roberts,  Etan Cohen and Adam McKay
Starring Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Alison Brie and Craig T. Nelson

When millionaire James King is nailed for fraud and bound for San Quentin, he turns to Darnell Lewis to prep him to go behind bars. What is to follow is a chaotic, hard fought battle to learn how not to get raped while in a maximum security prison.

With the controversy that claims racial themes following this movie, I was curious to see what all the fuss was about. But what I found did not surprised me. Of course it's racist! It's supposed to be. It's a satire for how disillusioned and prejudice some rich white people are. Come one, guys! This isn't first grade!

This entire film is meant to show how ignorant and presumptuous Will Ferrell's character is when it comes to the working class of Hispanics and black people. It spells it out from the get-go, but apparently this country has become too politically correct to understand that satire is used for good, not evil!

Pictured: A cut scene from the acclaimed mini-series "Roots"

With many modern comedies, there is an epidemic of movie trailers showing all of the funny parts and leaving nothing for the movie. This has the opposite problem. For myself, at least, I saw advertisements for this movie so often, that the parts in the trailers became overplayed and unfunny. However, it is filled with several other humorous moments, but due to the over marketing, I left feeling the same way I would if the only funny parts were in the trailer… I realize, writing this out, that that may sound crazy, but I know what I'm trying to say… So, shut up!

How I probably sound to you.

Regardless of this fact, the comedic chemistry between Ferrell and Hart is wonderful and provides many hilarious scenes. The juxtaposition of the two clashing cultures creates an unlikely duo that learn to focus on their similarities rather than their differences. Despite what critics may say, it has a pretty good message if you choose to look at it like that. Or you can look at it like it's an attack on the culture of impoverished people and be angry. It's your choice.

My Rating: 6/10