2029: Wanderlust

I wanted to see this when it first came out and never got around to it.  It tells the story of a couple who gets beaten up by life a bit and tries to make a go of it on a commune - hilarity ensues.  I like that the film doesn't just take a crap on hippies and make super obvious jokes despite the fact that it's a big comedy - can you make fun of this stuff - sure - but these are people too, and their way of life is a worthy way to live if that's your thing.  Aniston and Rudd do their usual thing and are super enjoyable as always.  Lauren Ambrose steals the film in a birthing scene near the end for me.  This isn't a film that blew me away, but it's enjoyable enough if you like the cast and want something light and fun for your viewing pleasure.

1934 - The Switch

Part of the switch for me with this film was based on the trailer I think I remember assuming that it was just all about her pregnancy and whether he would tell her the truth about him having swapped her sperm samples - but in truth the bulk of the film takes place years later when the kid is grown up somewhat.  The film has a pretty predictable romantic storyline as you can well imagine it might, but what's really surprising and enjoyable is the relationship that Jason Bateman has with the kid in the film - and that's what I really was drawn to and responded with.  It's a really strong relationship in the film, and the real highlight for me.  That's the relationship you want to work out in the end.  Sure you like Aniston and you want them to hook up, but for me it's all about the father/son relationship - and likely because I'm a tad biased in that regard.
It's a decent little flick and worth checking it out if you like Bateman, Aniston, or rom-coms in general.

1718 - Friends With Money

Another rematch for visual style inside of a talky film.  This one is shot pretty conventionally and simply, but works nicely because of it.  Nicole Holofcener isn't aiming to wow us with the visuals as much as she is with the story.  It's a cast filled of actresses that I love and they're all playing vastly unlikeable people, but their chemistry and commitment to the characters make it work somehow.  If you haven't seen it, the film is about a woman, Aniston, who is surrounded by friends far more well off than she is.  In a way the film is an argument against being wealthy as a way to solve all of your problems.  Most of the characters here are wealthy and still messed up regardless.  Their view on the world is skewed and somewhat terrible.  They believe they're instilled to whatever they want because they want it, and so why shouldn't they have it.  Sadly I think only Catherine Keener's character comes around in the end, whereas our "hero" Aniston appears to have found a way to get into the rich person's club, and we question if she's at all sincere about the way she's gotten in…
This is by no means a film for everyone.  The characters are not the kind of people you want to hang out with, and you might spend a great deal of the film wanting to bitch-slap them.  I believe that's the intent, and so I think for that this film is a success - even if it means that a lot of people would rather spend time watching a movie with characters they don't want to slap around.

1711 - The Break-Up

Not the best visual reference film for me for Sex After Kids.  Mostly just because this is a studio film that has money to throw at it.  That being said, I still enjoyed revisiting it.  Vaughn is such an amazing asshole the entire film, but you still feel for him when he turns it around at the end.  And just when you're starting to hate Aniston for putting up with his shit, you gain this new respect for her at the end. 
I don't think Jennifer gets enough credit for this film.  Especially the last scene.  She does so much with just a look and a feeling.  You know exactly where her head is at and where this is going to end up.  It's a pretty impressive scene in that regard.
Visually it's pretty standard stuff, no one is re-inventing the wheel here, and I imagine that Vince likes to shoot with two cameras to allow for improv. 
If you've never seen this it really is a great contemporary relationship film that goes for honesty above all else, and doesn't pander.

1619 - She's the One

What I'm about to say is going to sound horribly vain, but it takes a fifteen year old film to remind you just how smoking hot both Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz were when they burst out into the screen.  That's not to say that they aren't still attractive, but there was a noticeable difference.  Here they are sex on a stick, now they are really beautiful women.  If that makes any sense at all.
I haven't seen as many Ed Burns films as I should, his catalogue is pretty impressive in terms of the cast and tiny budget - and what he does now is even moreso.  Any young filmmakers out there, you'll find time well spent searching out articles with Burns talking about getting films made and out there in the world.  He's one of those "just fucking do it" guys that I greatly admire.
This film is about the nature of love as explored through various relationships intertwined with two brothers and some unlikely partners.  Can you know someone a short period of time and know that they are the perfect match for you?  Or do you painstakingly look for the perfect somebody knowing that it could very well end in heart break?  These are the kinds of question that the film isn't afraid to ask it's characters. 
With some great performances, writing, and directing all around I think it's pretty easy to recommend this film for those who like rom-coms in the guise of an indie film.  Check it out if you can find it.

1612 - Horrible Bosses

This is the kind of film where you've got the combination of great cast + great premise = I want to see it.  So what's it about, if you haven't heard - Three friends have three terrible human beings for bosses, and after finally having enough they realize that their lives would be much easier without them.  And so cue the Strangers on a Train/Throw Momma, etc... examples.
This is the kind of film where if you turn off the logic filter on your brain and you just sit back and relax - it's easy to do just that.  And you'll laugh - a lot.  It's by no means a perfect film, and it's one that I'll probably never fee the need to see again, but it was a solid and entertaining ride.  They play off the scenarios extremely well - sometimes missing a few comic opportunities, but cashing in on other that you might not consider.  If you want to see something just for the sake of laughing, this one is an easy recommend - but if you want a good solid comedy I'd have to say that play it by your personal interest.