# Movies you've seen recently (Part 1) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** movies\ **Created:** [September 29, 2014, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906 "2014-09-29T21:53:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 406
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8120 "2023-12-20T22:01:31Z")
On Peacock, we streamed [Mr Monk’s Last Case.](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27145269/) OMG, it was awful. So bad, so very, very bad. And this is from someone who loved the series. Neither me or my wife could finish it. but then we streamed [Air](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16419074/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_q_air). Not perfect, but very enjoyable. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8121 "2023-12-20T22:08:00Z")
We watched _Barbie_ last night, and I wish I’d seen it sooner so fewer of the jokes would have been spoilered for me. However, I had forgotten I knew what the last line of the movie was, and I LOL’d. Very enjoyable. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8122 "2023-12-21T00:25:32Z")
Watched **Violent Night** this afternoon on Prime. It was fine. I enjoyed it, but I doubt it’s going to make the annual holiday rotation. It was somehow too over the top, while simultaneously being not quite over the top _enough_. It was a good attempt though, even if it didn’t quite hit the mark. 🤷 ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8123 "2023-12-21T13:02:55Z")
_Elf_ 2003 I’m usually not a Will Ferrell fan. I started by watching several How It’s Made features on YouTube. The interesting production with Forced Perspective to create the shots of the Elves including (Papa Elf, Bob Newhart) caught my attention. The clincher was this 5 min video of Ferrell shooting on NY streets. If he’s brave enough to do that in yellow tights and pointy shoes with a small film crew; then I needed to buckle up & go along for the ride. Link [https://youtu.be/rYPJYxEoPCg?si=naS4xPOXEbIlyrMU](https://youtu.be/rYPJYxEoPCg?si=naS4xPOXEbIlyrMU) Overall it is a good movie. I would have liked a few less cringe moments when Buddy the Elf is such a fish out of water dufus. But it’s intended for kids and they love that material. The casting is so off the wall. Ed Asner as Santa? What?? That grouchy guy? It worked. He’s believable. Peter Dinklage. OMG I knew instantly how that scene would play. Hilarious Highly recommend. Park your adult cynicism and give this movie a try. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8124 "2023-12-21T13:11:43Z")
Family Plan, a Mark Wahlberg joint in which he’s a retired assassin on the run with his family while trying to hide what’s happening from them. Inevitably stupid, but some good actors and decent wisecracking made it a solid 6/10. Not recommended, but not recommended against either. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8125 "2023-12-21T14:36:22Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > _Elf_ 2003 > > I’m usually not a Will Ferrell fan. I started by watching several How It’s Made features on YouTube. The interesting production with Forced Perspective to create the shots of the Elves including (Papa Elf, Bob Newhart) caught my attention. > > The clincher was this 5 min video of Ferrell shooting on NY streets. If he’s brave enough to do that in yellow tights and pointy shoes with a small film crew; then I needed to buckle up & go along for the ride. > Link [https://youtu.be/rYPJYxEoPCg?si=naS4xPOXEbIlyrMU](https://youtu.be/rYPJYxEoPCg?si=naS4xPOXEbIlyrMU) > > Overall it is a good movie. I would have liked a few less cringe moments when Buddy the Elf is such a fish out of water dufus. But it’s intended for kids and they love that material. > > The casting is so off the wall. Ed Asner as Santa? What?? That grouchy guy? It worked. He’s believable. > > Peter Dinklage. OMG I knew instantly how that scene would play. Hilarious > > Highly recommend. Park your adult cynicism and give this movie a try. Yep to you’re entire review. I’m not a Will Ferrell fan, but this one movie of his is perfect. It’s on our family watchlist each Christmastime. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.winston_oboogie/32/2945_2.png) [@Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Winston_OBoogie)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8126 "2023-12-21T14:46:25Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > Yep to you’re entire review. I’m not a Will Ferrell fan, but this one movie of his is perfect. It’s on our family watchlist each Christmastime. Disagree. I can’t stand his overacting. I suffer through this every year because my family loves it. The only Will Ferrell movie I like is [Stranger Than Fiction](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0420223/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_stranger%2520than%2520), where he plays it straight. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8127 "2023-12-21T14:48:42Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > Yep to you’re entire review. I’m not a Will Ferrell fan, but this one movie of his is perfect. It’s on our family watchlist each Christmastime. I am also not a fan and find this movie amusing. I think it might be a bit overrated and I am in the thin minority who didn’t like the Peter Dinklage scene. I know Dinklage agreed to be mistaken for an elf, but I wish that scene was not in the movie. Anyway, it’s a cute movie. Edit: If you would like to see my hypocricy, but I didn’t mind the little person jokes in Bad Santa. It felt like the type of movie that insults everyone. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8128 "2023-12-21T14:53:25Z")
I wanted to confirm Elf wasn’t some quickie comedy made to fatten Will’s wallet. A forgettable film that was busted out in a few weeks. The director and producers put a lot of thought into getting it right. The casting was unusually good with Bob Newhart, James Cann, Mary Steenburgen, and Ed Ashner. These are veteran actors that choose their projects carefully. I’m surprised Peter Dinklage took the angry Elf role. I guess he appreciated the humor and getting to kick Will’s butt. Will comments that he was initially unsure about the role. That the costume could get him mocked by critics for years. It’s a rare time when schmaltz and schtick works. He mentions in a interview that he shaved several times a day to achieve the baby-fresh Elf face. Link [https://youtu.be/irZdkh37\_J8?si=YhCcO2cbr85Qb90u](https://youtu.be/irZdkh37_J8?si=YhCcO2cbr85Qb90u) ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8129 "2023-12-21T14:56:04Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Will comments that he was initially unsure about the role. That the costume could get him mocked by critics for years. I will also give him credit that they offered him a lot of money for a sequel and he chose not to since it would never be as good and would drag it down. > **[Will Ferrell Turned Down $29 Million to Star in 'Elf' Sequel](https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/will-ferrell-elf-sequel-turned-down-1249976/)** > > Will Ferrell explained why he decided to turn down $29 million to star in a sequel to his holiday hit, 'Elf.' ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8130 "2023-12-21T15:05:55Z")
> [@Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](#): > > > [@Pleonast](#): > > > > Yep to you’re entire review. I’m not a Will Ferrell fan, but this one movie of his is perfect. It’s on our family watchlist each Christmastime. > > Disagree. I can’t stand his overacting. I suffer through this every year because my family loves it. The only Will Ferrell movie I like is [Stranger Than Fiction](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0420223/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_stranger%2520than%2520), where he plays it straight. I agree completely, and the affect of _this_ guy acting _this_ way is accentuated by his body of work. He plays it so straight the crazy around him is accentuated because he is not his typical self but that is the role the audience expects. Robin Williams in **One Hour Photo** and **Insomnia** was so much more creepy because it’s the same dude that stared in **Toys** and **Hook**. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8131 "2023-12-21T15:14:16Z")
I wish Will Ferrell did more non-comedy movies. He couldn’t do Elf 2, but is in a lot of movies I would not be proud of. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8132 "2023-12-21T16:34:41Z")
> [@Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](#): > > The only Will Ferrell movie I like is [Stranger Than Fiction](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0420223/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_stranger%2520than%2520), where he plays it straight. I loved this movie. And I like **Elf.** And I like Will Ferrell. Re: **Stranger Than Fiction** , I love when good comedians in serious roles just slay it. Like Steve Carrell in **Dan in Real Life** and **The Big Short.** And Robin Williams in **World’s Greatest Dad.** ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8133 "2023-12-21T17:15:04Z")
I like Will Ferrell - I’ll watch _Anchorman_ or _RIcky Bobby_ or any of those farces anytime, but I have no interest in watching _Elf_. I get the feeling I already know all the high points just from trailers and context and I just can’t take any earnest Christmas movie like I’m supposed to be filled with a bunch of warm cockles just because it’s late December. Give me _Bad Santa_ or _Violent Night_ for seasons greetings. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8134 "2023-12-21T17:30:01Z")
I’m looking forward to our annual _Scrooged_ viewing soon, which is earnest but well-earned, IMO. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8135 "2023-12-21T18:30:53Z")
> [@Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](#): > > Disagree. I can’t stand his overacting. I suffer through this every year because my family loves it. The only Will Ferrell movie I like is [Stranger Than Fiction](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0420223/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_stranger%2520than%2520), where he plays it straight. I agree with your disagree. He was the worst thing in the Barbie movie, and, man, does he overact. Any potential funny is pulverized and left for dead. I also like _Stranger than Fiction._ > [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > I love when good comedians in serious roles just slay it. Like Steve Carrell in **Dan in Real Life** and **The Big Short** My favorite Carrell straight role is in _Little Miss Sunshine._ ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8136 "2023-12-21T18:37:34Z")
I almost mentioned that one too, but **Dan in Real Life** is a romance story, and I’m a sucker for those. It’s rarely done as well as it was in that film. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8137 "2023-12-21T18:44:05Z")
I know it’s one of those films that didn’t do well but a lot of people like. I’ll have to look for it. I don’t hate romance movies, but the overwhelming majority are either so glurgy or so twee that I sprain my eyeballs rolling them. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8138 "2023-12-21T18:59:10Z")
If you’ll forgive a little spoiler of the premise, it’s about a deeply depressed widower who falls in love with his brother’s fiance and it isn’t played for laughs. There are definitely funny parts, but it’s very poignant as well. I understand why it may not be popular. It doesn’t have a standard romcom tone. I love romance, but movies don’t usually do it for me, and I’m hard on books too. One I enjoyed that was neither glurgy nor twee was [Sleeping With Other People](https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tbP1TcwNDTJiS9LMWD0kirOSU0tyMxLVyjPLMlQyC_JSC1SKEjNL8hJBQAO2g37&q=sleeping+with+other+people&oq=sleeping+with+other&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgBEC4YgAQyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQLhiABDIHCAIQABiABDIHCAMQABiABDIHCAQQABiABDIHCAUQABiABDIHCAYQABiABDIHCAcQABiABDIHCAgQABiABDIHCAkQABiABDINCAoQABiGAxiABBiKBTINCAsQABiGAxiABBiKBTINCAwQABiGAxiABBiKBTINCA0QABiGAxiABBiKBTIHCA4QABiPAtIBCDQyMTdqMGo5qAIAsAIA&client=ms-android-google&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=vclbx). ETA: Holy crap, I had no idea that was Jason Sudeikis. ---
**Author:** ![Yookeroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yookeroo/32/323_2.png) [@Yookeroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yookeroo)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8139 "2023-12-21T23:17:48Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I’m surprised Peter Dinklage took the angry Elf role. He played a respected author of children’s books who was mistaken for an angry Elf. I think that’s a somewhat significant distinction. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906.md?page=405) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906.md?page=407)