also i've never hated the man himself, he seems like a decent enough guy who at worst kind of obnoxious.
Agreed. Seems like a great guy to hang out with. However: Shitty, shitty filmmaker. Perhaps the newest film will be an exception to the rule. But I tend to doubt it.
I went to see Zack & Miri today (what? Smith employs friends of mine, I gotta do my part for their job security). It was just as filthy as you'd expect, but I tell ya, I could watch Elizabeth Banks read an encyclopedia for 2 hours and still feel like I got my money's worth. She must eat a heaping helping of gorgeous at breakfast every day. ... AND she's not even my type.*
But I had to see what happened when View Askew and Team Apatow (Yes, I'm aware that Judd Apatow himself had nothing to do with this movie. But appearances by Rogen, Banks, Craig Robinson, Gerry Bednob and Justin Long? You see what I mean.) went off for a lascivious airport-bathroom dalliance.
Positives about the movie, in no particular order:
1. Based in Pittsburgh, PA. Just about as close as Hollywood will ever get to Harrisburg ... Unless you count Mannequin, 8mm, Major League 2, Girl Interrupted, Lucky Numbers, and all M. Night Shyamalan movies ... which I don't.
2. Elizabeth Banks.
3. As a tall, foul-mouthed, chubby guy, who is indecisive about his facial hair, I love Seth Rogen. Platonically of course.
4. Seeing capable actors tackle Smith's too-cool-for-school dialogue added to the general watchability.
5. The Dutch Rutter scene.
6. The Steelers Fan scene.
Stand-out Negatives:
1. Babies, toddlers, and elementary school kids IN THE THEATER WITH THEIR "PARENTS"!!! (Not Smith's fault, I know)
2. Probably the sickest thing I've ever seen in my life involving Randal from Clerks being poorly positioned while taping a porn scene.
3. Smith's too-cool-for-school dialogue and made-up slang. Filth for filth's sake.
Still, three stars.
*
See Jennifer Love Hewitt, Patricia Heaton, and Parminder Nagra. You don't judge me, I judge you.