R.I.P.D. - 降魔戰警

R.I.P.D. (降魔戰警) is an 2013 film. The movie stars Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds. The supporting cast include Kevin Bacon, Mary-Louise Parker, and Stephanie Szostak. James Hong and Marisa Miller are the shells (see below for more info). The movie was not that successful at the box office and showed up on many list for flops of the 2013 summer movie season.



Ryan Reynolds plays Nick Walker, a married police officer of the Boston Police Department. A sting to bring down a known drug dealer, he falls from 4 stories high to his death. On his way to the after life, he's given a chance to join the Rest In Peace Department (R.I.P.D.). Nick is partnered with a R.I.P.D. from the Civil War era, Roycephus "Roy" Pulsipher, played by Jeff Bridges. Together, they are to bring back the souls that slipped through the cracks back in onto Earth. However, when they are on Earth, they are no longer the people they use to be, they are given new shells. Nick is a old Chinese fellow while Roy is a hot blonde.

This movie had its faults, but it was entertaining. I had to pause it multiple times, but whenever free time became available, I finished it over a 2.5 day period via HBO VOD. You have this absurd concept of the afterlife and that the R.I.P.D. is set up like a police television serial. I didn't give away the plot behind Nick's back story being a major part of the story.

No sequels for this one. I think trying to build the next M.I.B. isn't going to happen.

But again, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. If it comes on while I am washing my dishes, I wouldn't change it.

Crazy, Stupid, Love. - 熟男型不型

Crazy, Stupid, Love. (熟男型不型) is an 2011 summer film. The movie stars Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, and Emma Stone. The supporting cast includes Kevin Bacon, Marisa Tomei, Analeigh Tipton, and Liza Lapira.

The movie starts with Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) and his wife Emily (Julianne Moore) are having a hard time picking a dinner at a restaurant. A very uncomfortable looking Emily declares that she wants a divorce and reveals that she has cheated on him. From this point on, Cal puts in motion the process of divorce by moving out. Cal makes his way to a bar the night Emily wants a divorce and meets Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). Jacob is presented as an successful playa that gets all the pretty girls. However, the first time we meet Jacob, he unsuccessfully beds Hannah (Emma Stone) at the bar. Jacob takes pity on Cal and teaches him the tricks of the womanizing trade. Eventually, through osmosis, Cal becomes a player. However, Cal is still in love with Emily and goes back to the house and secretly maintains the lawn and garden. Will he win back the love of his life?

The Zhong Wen translation for this movie is quite weird, 熟男型不型. 熟男 means mature male. 型不型 in this context means capable. Put together, it does not equal Crazy, Stupid, Love. I can see how they have a judgmental angle on the character of Love, but its not what the movie is about. Again, very weird name for the movie. In general, its hit and miss with the translations. In this case, it totally missed the mark and contains nothing from the orignal English name.

The movie was quite trying for me. I am not a particular fan of both Steve Carell and Julianne Moore. However, the trailer looked so good and it had Ryan Gosling. The movie presented a unique story. I am married with children, so getting movies with that life stage is a plus. Unfortunately , in order for Hollywood to spice things up, it usually comes with infidelity and divorce. Unique story and perspective with lots of things. The Jacob and Hannah story had a unique twist and you ended up cheering for them. There were a couple of side plots that I didn't care much for, but was needed for things to move along.

Ryan Gosling is my current favorite Hollywood actor. Dood chooses good films. He's entering the prime of his careers and hopefully it'll last. As for Steve Carell, he didn't play that comedic type guy that we see on Office or Bruce Almighty. Steve played the role straight as a hurt man who's wife cheated on him and wanted a divorce. Not a imbecile that I want to run away from.