I finally sold my guitar on Craigslist the same day I finally saw “School of Rock” (2003). I don’t know if that’s ironic or just a coincidence. I also don’t know if “School of Rock” is good because of, or in spite of, Jack Black. His spazzy histrionics are a tiring distraction. However, his background as an actual musician provided authenticity in a way that a Chris Farley couldn’t have been able to 10 years earlier or a Zach Galifianakis wouldn’t be able to 10 years later. It’s the starring role Black was born to play. Probably the only one.
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There’s a very witty and well-acted scene at the family dining room table early in “Snatched” (2017). I remember it well because it rang so true – and also because it’s one of the few truly funny moments in this disposable Amy Schumer vehicle that got lost somewhere in the Amazon jungle. Bickering mom and daughter go on vacation. Boring formula comedy hijinks ensue. Nonsensical plot twists. Wasted supporting players (Wanda Sykes, Joan Cusack) and forced shock humor. Stunt casting – Goldie Hawn as the mom (I’m going to Hell for saying this, but Hawn’s awful, face-related preservative technology was a distraction).
Before we start talking about the movie, let’s face facts. Jessica Lange is batshit crazy. So her great “acting” playing all those mentally ill characters may not be acting after all. That being said, “Men Don’t Leave” (1990) is a quirky look at how the death of a spouse turns a normal American family upside-down. Since Lange is playing herself as the depressed, crazy mom, the supporting players (Arliss Howard, Chris O’Donnell) are far more interesting. Best of all is Joan Cusack as a cougariffic x-ray technician with a heart of gold. Joan Cusack, I would carry you two miles.
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