ezrahugereview

(2012-04-28 05:35:23)

Ezra's Huge Reviews-Your Highness Early Review

First off, this film has a lot of aspects as far as creatures and magicthat I've never seen before in a film. I can't really go into detailabout it, but an example would be the 5 headed snake in the trailer.Sure we've seen snakes with many heads in plenty of films, but how thiscreature is created and what happens when it gets injured is incredibleand completely unheard of. Also the main plot of what the antagonist,Leezar, is trying to accomplish is incredibly creative. I can't go intodetail about his plot because it would be a massive spoiler since it'snot in any of the trailers, but it is the most creative diabolical planthat I've heard of in quite some time. There are plenty of others thatI'd love to talk about, but I don't wanna spoil it for anyone.Secondly, there is a vast variety of different kinds of visual effectsin this movie. Granted, most of it is CGI, but there is a Minotaurthat's shown in the trailer that's basically a guy in a suit, and evena puppet! I was amazed that we finally get a film in a time whenEVERYTHING is CGI that we actually get practical effects, puppetry, andcostumes. I would be shocked if this film doesn't get remembered by atleast regular movie going audiences for some of the best visual effectsof 2011. So far, it definitely has the best by a long shot.Third, this movie is absolutely hilarious! In all honesty, this is thefunniest film that I've personally seen since Ben Stiller's amazingHollywood parody, Tropic Thunder. The thing is that I would not comparethis film to Tropic Thunder because it is not a parody. If anything,I'd compare this to Zombieland. It's a hilarious film that is not aparody of a specific genre. Your Highness is not a parody of the epicquest film. Instead, it is an epic quest film with a lot of humorthrown into the mix. In fact, the best thing about this film is howexcellent it is as an epic quest film instead of how hilarious it is.Nonetheless, the comedy in this film is genius and the film is gutbusting hilarity. Sadly, some of the funniest lines were given away insome of the trailers, but the funniest scenes in the film weren't givenaway at all. In particular there's one with a Minotaur that had me institches.The chemistry between these main characters is definitely intact. DannyMcBride and James Franco are completely believable as brothers in thefilm despite the obvious fact that they don't look alike at all.Natalie Portman and Danny McBride also have very good chemistry as thetwo lovebirds of the film. James Franco and Zooey Deschanel's chemistryseems very forced but thankfully the film makes it clear that it'ssupposed to feel that way, so that's not a problem.Danny McBride does a great job in leading this film. He never comesacross as annoying like he does in some of his other films. He does areally excellent job in the lead and he also supports the film withsome really big laughs.James Franco is also great in the movie. Sure, he doesn't go over thetop hilarious like he did in David Gordon Green's previous film,Pineapple Express, but he doesn't need to be. Everyone else supportsthe film with the hilarity that it needs, so even though he could'vebeen funnier, he didn't need to be much funnier than he already was.Natalie Portman is very funny in the movie surprisingly. I sort ofexpected her to just be the eye candy of the film. In some moments, shedefinitely is that, but she also has quite a lot of funny lines. Also,there is one action scene with her that kind of gives Hit Girl a runfor her money. She can be pretty epic during the action sequences.Justin Theroux is a hilarious antagonist for the film. He supplies thismovie with some very funny lines and some of the most memorable scenesin the movie. I just knew that not a lot of people were gonna talkabout him when the film comes out, so I wanna stress this. He's comedygold in this film. This is sort of expected since he also wrote thescreenplay for Tropic Thunder.Zooey Deschanel is very funny in the few scenes that she's in. Somepeople may say that she was underused in the film, but she has just theright amount of screen time for me. She does exactly what you want outof her character and she does it extremely well.David Gordon Green does an excellent job behind the camera for thisfilm. It's very well shot, directed, and paced. He knows exactly whathe's doing especially for an incredibly gory film like this. In allhonesty, this is one of the goriest films that I've seen in quite sometime. The director also shoves the gore in your face. In fact, onedeath in the movie actually felt 3D by how the gore just flew righttoward the camera. It's kind of shocking that this had more 3D than TheLast Airbender when this wasn't even IN 3D.And lastly, the end of this film is very satisfying. It's very funny,it's well shot, it's an ending that left a smile on my face, and it'sthe perfect conclusion for this epic film. Sure I may have wanted moreafter the film ended, but that's a sign that the movie was so good thatyou wanted more. Thankfully, the film sets up for a sequel and I'm morethan happy if they decide to make one.I give Your Highness a 10/10

(2012-04-27 16:08:30)

Porn Language!

Why need to use porn language to be fun? Answer: Lack of creation. The story I like its just showing a penis of an animal..... that's not fun to me.

zavryonish

(2012-04-25 10:25:31)

I had a great time!

I tend to look through the movies quickly before I watch them, and whenI did it with this one the moview seemed boring and predictable.Well I gave it a chance, when I has nothing else to do, and I lovedit:- ). To be honest one of the reasons I did not want to watch it wasbecause of Portman. It is not that I do not like her, I just thoughtthat I know her style too well. Also I did not really want to watchanother Princess Bride.Anyway, the acting was great and exciting from all the cast members.The fight scenes were directed the way that made you actually take themseriously. I think this was a great adventure action comedy revolvingaround very dark and serious issues, which made this movie so great.And this movie also had heart- imagine that:-) Anyway, the movie isdefinitely rated R for adult humor and some quite graphic scenes (I wasactually so involved in plot, that I did not immediately realized thatsome scenes were graphic). Laughed a lot and had a great time.

(2012-04-24 21:05:08)

Words don't come to mind

this movie was just so ridiculous the jokes was just disgusting i watched the whole thing thinking it will get better but just got more disgusting by the minute i really wasted my time looking at this movie. How the hell James Franco and Natalie Portman agree to do this crappy movie, well that is just my opinion. Worst movie i saw in a very long time.

TheLittleSongbird

(2012-04-23 01:15:51)

Not for everybody but I liked it

Okay, I can understand why people mayn't like this film, the storywhile simple and often charming is also predictable and daft and thegags are on the puerile and lowbrow side. The script however whilegoing overboard perhaps with the expletives is very funny and perhapsquotable. It is a well made movie, with good cinematography, clean andcolourful sets and costumes that look more than fancy dress. Thecharacters are engaging and charming particularly Deschannel'scharacter. The cast are terrific, Danny McBride looks clearlycomfortable and Zooey Deschannel is also in an ideal role. NataliePortman is both sexy and feisty, Justin Thereaux nearly steals the showand Charles Dance and Toby Jones are a delight to watch. Overall, notfor everybody but while not the best of the year I can think of muchworse ways to spend your time. 7/10 Bethany Cox

tlooknbill

(2012-04-22 11:31:52)

Have to give a spoiler just to tell you how funny and unique this movie is.

Combine Errol Flynn technicolor swashbuckling cinematography with MontyPython's Holy Grail and add in a heavy dose of raunchy smart aleckslacker humor from "Knocked Up", "Super Bad" and "The Hangover" and yougot "Your Highness".This movie is clearly made by folks who decided to flesh out and makefun of scanky teenage sexual innuendo from pedophilia to homophobiaread into every "Knights of the Round Table" movie ever made. Itdefinitely is a unique movie with over the top realistic specialeffects. One moment you're enamored with the beautiful photography andinnocence, charm and natural acting of the characters whimsicallyspeaking with British accents, then you're laughing your butt off byMcBride's smart aleck teenage reactions to relatable situations and thenext you're amazed and blown away by realistic mythological creaturescoming to life (like in "Pan's Labyrinth") and doing strange,unexpected and funny things to the characters.Here's my spoiler to give an indication of what I'm talking about...A squire of McBride's character is being raped by a VERY realistic,scary looking Minotaur (half man/half bull) creature. McBride'scharacter slays the creature with a sword in gory old styletechnicolor. He decides to cut off the horns with his sword as a trophysouvenir to put on his mantle. As he's sawing back and forth as ifdoing an episode of "This Old House" and getting no where, he gives upout of frustration only to instead cut off the Minotaur's rather largeprivate part to hang around his neck which he does throughout the restof the movie insuring more funny situations with other charactersreacting to this.I do believe if Monty Python were still around they'ld be taking notes.This movie is smart, silly funny and good entertainment.

(2012-04-21 06:36:28)

Disappointing on First Watch

This review is from: Your Highness [Blu-ray + Digital Copy] (Blu-ray) I had this movie on my list of ones to check out this summer along with Super 8, Captain America, and all the other films with blockbuster buzz because many of the same ingredients that made Pineapple Express were there. It had Danny McBride, James Franco, and it was a stoner action film. I thought Pineapple Express was hilarious, but I have to admit that wasn't my initial assessment. At first, I disliked Pineapple Express because it seemed like it couldn't decide how serious it wanted to take itself, but it just got better upon repeat viewings; the action started to seem more appropriate for the story and the dialogue only got funnier the more I thought about how it was delivered.Sadly, acquiring the taste to enjoy Pineapple Express didn't allow me to be satisfied by Your Highness on the first viewing, and I'm glad I didn't see it in theaters or purchase this one. There's more action in this one and it's passable, but it leaves less time for the comedy, or perhaps it simply didn't blend as well. There was more than one action scene in Pineapple Express where Seth Rogan puts his terrible fighting skills to use, so there was a comedic slant to the action, but there's less of that here. Also, essentially all of the best parts were in the red band trailer, which is always sad.Basically, this movie gets one star for the decent action and effects and another star for Natalie Portman's bare backside.

(2012-04-20 20:35:24)

Not even worth watching for free

This movie is terrible and digusting beyond any hope of being entertaining or funny.Let's see; Minotaur graphically butt-rapes a slave boy? Check Child molestation by drug addled puppet/wizard? Check Genitalia-less troll running around nude? Check Does it get worse from there? CheckAnd let's not forget the horrible British accents, bodily function jokes, pratfalls, and other items that may sound like they were going to be funny in a Monty Python kind of way but won't even make you laugh in discomfort. When a movie like this comes out it is obviously meant, in at least a small way, to be a parody. The "Fantasy" genre is ripe with clichГѓВ©s that just ache to be lampooned and, when done well, you can get an amazing comedy with wit and attention to detail. What this movie did was take the mind of a drunken and lonely middle-school pervert and marry it to swords and sorcerers. When this concept was pitched I bet the studio executives had no idea that this was what the writer really had in mind. When fans heard Natalie Portman and James Franco they figured there was a chance of funny if only to laugh at how bad they were for the parts. They certainly did not expect stories of children jerking off a wizard and Zooey Deschanel trying to devour a severed Minotaur penis. I mean, I didn't expect to be rolling on the floor laughing, but I at least thought we would see a competent attempt at comedy.Crude comedy is one thing, but this movie should never have been made. This was a cheap excuse to put bad ideas in a bad movie and collect a big paycheck. In a film like this the characters need to play it straight and avoid over acting and "nudging" the audience to see if they get it. This was more like being smacked in the face with a dead fish and then having the fish smell described to you...for 90 minutes.

(2012-04-20 12:41:00)

Good natured fun adventure

This review is from: Your Highness (Amazon Instant Video) Sure, there are plenty of penis jokes and sexually based plots/discussions, the humor is crude and crass, etc....Let me ask this...knowing what you know about the genre, why would you watch this movie if you didnt expect that. I cant claim to understand the negative reviews that disparage the movie because of that.To me, it was exactly what it was supposed to be: an irreverent romp through a medieval setting mixing today's lingo with a tale of yesteryear. Personally, i thought it was hilarious. McBride was himself of course...kind of a dick, but also a lovable scamp. James Franco is charming as always, and has a way of portraying good willed innocent wide eyed charm like no other actor out there. Then, you also get Zoe Deschanel and Natalie Portman, two goddesses as far as I'm concerned. You get some surprisingly cool looking wizardry and fights, some funny dialogue, and a sexually charged theme, not to mention some awkward bad guys, and even a minotaur's penis. Exactly what the doctor ordered. I cant in all good conscience give it five stars, because it is incredibly silly, but it definitely deserves four. I had fun watching it.

(2012-04-19 16:42:30)

could have been worse, but not by much

This review is from: Your Highness (DVD) This movie was an incredible waste of an hour and a half of my life. The only thing worth watching was the 15-20 seconds of seeing Natalie Portman in a skimpy outfit. The only way this movie could have been worse is if Uwe Boll directed it and Will Ferrell starred in it (although as bad as it was I had to check and make sure Uwe Boll didn't direct it). Do yourself a favor and pass this one by. Save your money.

(2012-04-19 03:55:33)

A Vibrant & Raunchy Fantasy Flick

This review is from: Your Highness [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray) Your Highness is a movie that seemed like a surefire hit. It was from the same filmmaking team that brought us Pineapple Express, a stoner comedy that grossed over $100 million on a $25 million budget. Your Highness also has a great cast of actors who have proven to be quite funny, and the story is R-rated and raunchy, the exact kind of comedy that has been extremely successful in recent years (Wedding Crashers, Superbad and The Hangover just to name a few). However, EVERYONE seems to hate this film and write it off before ever giving it a chance. Why?The main problem is that it was marketed totally wrong. All the trailers (red-band or otherwise) advertised it as a stoner comedy with some fantasy elements, while plastering Natalie Portman all over the posters and TV spots because of her recent award-winning performance in Black Swan. Naturally, most people (myself included) were expecting something completely different than what they got.In reality, Your Highness is a brilliantly self-aware fantasy-action flick that plays like a big budget sword & sorcery epic, just with some R-rated humor thrown in. And guess what? It totally works! Not only does it work, it actually makes the film feel fresh and original because of it. It sends up the genre's clichГѓВ©s with such style and glee that you can't help but enjoy it. I keep seeing reviews criticizing parts of the film that are supposed to be deliberately cheesy, and I just don't get it (James Franco's "beautiful" singing voice had me in stitches). The film goes for broke, fully aware of its ridiculousness, and I think this tongue-in-cheek nature makes it even more appealing.As a fantasy epic, it can hold its own. The gorgeous scenery matches the beauty and lushness of the Lord of the Rings movies, while the elaborate costumes and intricate props further enhance the mythical world and convey a sense of realism. The film's action scenes and stunts are equally impressive, which is hard to do these days in the age of overused CGI. There's a carriage chase in the middle of the film that is a spectacular showcase of kinetic, exciting action and wild stuntwork, all done with practical effects; it looks amazing. Special effects-wise, there is some CGI but it's used sparingly, save for one brutally awesome monster fight, and it still looks good. I was also pleasantly shocked by the amount of bloody violence in the film. It gets pretty gory at times, and I commend this. Most fantasy films skimp on the blood and gore, usually because of their ratings or target audience, so to see a fantasy film that takes advantage of its R rating is quite refreshing.The entire cast does a damn fine job. Danny McBride's biting sarcasm coupled with James Franco's pompous yet charming personality make for a hilarious combination, while Justin Theroux delightfully hams it up as an evil (and highly quotable) sorcerer. Natalie Portman plays her role with intensity and delivers most of her silly dialogue seriously, making it all the funnier. The supporting cast is stellar, with humorous straight-faced turns from Damian Lewis, Toby Jones and the always reliable Charles Dance. Zooey Deschanel isn't given much to do as the damsel in distress but she tries admirably and the relatively unknown Rasmus Hardiker steals a few scenes as McBride's manservant.Special mention must go to Steve Jablonsky's outstanding score: it's big, it's loud and it's awesome. Jablonsky perfectly captures the unique sounds of the fantasy film scores of the 80's, while injecting his trademark orchestral stylings. For me, it's this score that really elevates the film from great to excellent. Even better, the score is a great listen by itself. I've been listening to the soundtrack CD a lot recently and it delivers an invigorating experience.This film is not perfect, with most of its faults stemming from its humor. Some of the jokes fall flat at times, but this is common in most, if not all comedies (except Ghostbusters. If you don't like that movie, something's wrong with you). The film also overuses a few of its gags, but it's nothing too annoying. The film is still very funny though, and the good far outweighs the bad. I really can't think of anything else to complain about that isn't nitpicking.So all in all, Your Highness functions as both a raunchy comedy and an energetic fantasy adventure that isn't for everyone, but worth look if you like R-rated comedies and/or fantasy flicks.

(2012-04-19 01:47:23)

Stupid, but very entertaining!

This review is from: Your Highness (Amazon Instant Video) If you are the type of person that likes a movie which makes you think; "your highness" is not for you.The movie is pretty stupid, but I honestly had a lot of entertainment. I recommend if you want to get some laughs.

(2012-04-16 05:00:13)

Appallingly terrible

Despite all its potential, efforts of lavish special effects, slew of highly talented actors and even seemingly promising trailers, `Your Highness' fails miserably on absolutely every level imaginable, competing with even the Transformers sequels and Jason Friedberg/Aaron Seltzer parody movies (truly ghastly comparisons) for worst movie ever. Hopefully the Razzies are taking notes.Although I shouldn't have to explain the plot (because no one should ever, by any means, see this movie if given the choice), I will anyway for clarity's sake. Set in medieval times, Thadeous (Danny McBride) and his brother Fabious (James Franco) are both the sons of King Tallious and warriors expected to defend their kingdom from evil. While Fabious is beloved by the kingdom and excels in combat, however, Thadeous is lazy, arrogant and more known for his lust for women than slaying any villains. One day Fabious saves the virgin Belladonna (Zooey Deschanel) from a tower, where she was held captive by the evil wizard Leezar (Justin Theroux). Upon bringing her home to marry her, however, Leezar appears and kidnaps her again, attempting to fulfill a prophecy of a warlock impregnating a maiden with a fearsome dragon to attack the kingdom. Random chaos ensues, but trust me when I say there's no need for any explanation beyond that.The film is bogged down by nauseating toilet humor, atrocious writing and juvenile, unfunny gags (unless you're under the age of 15 or a heavily inebriated frat boy, you absolutely won't be laughing once). It also really can't seem to decide what it wants to be; given the blatant tone of the trailers (and opening scenes), you'd expect that the entirety of the film would be a comedy/medieval parody (or at least an attempt at one) along the lines of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. This is only halfway the case, as the movie makes random pleas to be taken seriously, or maybe just desperately hopes to systematically distract viewers from the fact that the `comedy' is gag-inspiringly godawful. These embarrassing attempts at grounded plot are the most laughable moments in the movie.In a particularly foul scene, the grotesque, pedophilic `Great Wise Wizard' (a bizarre Yoda-looking creature) insists that Fabious and Thadeous give him kisses and then a handjob (viewers are subjected to both). Thadeous also spends several minutes toward the end of the film sporting a minotaur's severed penis as a necklace (as if viewer's palettes aren't in need of enough cleansing by that point). How on earth the likes of James Franco and Natalie Portman of all people didn't have anything better to do is beyond me.It's such an utter waste, really and truly, especially considering the genuinely impressive CGI effects in the final scenes. Given the trite material they have to work with, it shouldn't come as a huge surprise that even the handful of supremely talented cast members can't save this atrocity. It's not funny, it's not entertaining, it is absolutely not worth a single person on this earth's time. Buzz Killington should clearly stick to Family Guy cameos, because buzzkill "comedy" leaves such a nasty aftertaste.

(2012-04-15 13:58:29)

Still watching this movie

This review is from: Your Highness (DVD) I pre-ordered this movie after I saw it in the theaters and loved it. I've had the movie for two weeks and still watch it every night. If you are a fan of Danny McBride, or EastBound and Down, you will love this movie. I've never shown it to anyone without them wanting to steal it. Not for the faint of heart.

(2012-04-12 19:38:18)

movie

This review is from: Your Highness (DVD) i think this is one of the MOST FUNNY movies i have seen in a long time at its heart is a good "dungeon and dragon"( sword and sorcory) romp--magic monsters swords and demonsit is also a perverted (hysterical) take on those very convensions.be aware it is VERY ADULT HUMOR no nudity) ENJOY

masondixonkid

(2012-04-11 23:46:56)

Critics are idiots

This movie was made to make you laugh and that is exactly what it does.No real depth or signifigant underlying message to speak of, just a lotof raunchy humor to split your sides. I laughed the whole way throughthe movie and you will too if you have at least one funny bone in yourbody. There is so much filthy humor in this movie that is in no waysuitable for children, but hey we adults need some idiocracy of our ownevery now and then and that is exactly what this movie brings to thetable. Purely brilliant idiocracy. The best kind there is. It has agreat cast and Danny McBride is hilarious as usual. Definitely worthwatching. Be forewarned, it is DIRTY!!!

Dragon73

(2012-04-10 11:03:12)

Warning: This is NOT Medieval Times!

Warning: This is not Medieval Times! But, if you are a fan of the works of Judd Apatow- or you've spent more than a few hours hunkered down over a table rolling critical hits against those orcs- this is the perfect ADULT gaming film. A liberal dash of pot humour, some homo-erotic humour, elements of high- and low-fantasy, and quests quests quests. Oh, and someone tells me there's nudity. Lots of nudity. But, as a long-time gamer with over twenty years at the table, I would never notice such things. Wink wink. The actors take their work seriously, though, with no meta moments or asides to the audience. The raunch never lets up, even in a deadly swordfight in an arena. The Oscar-nominated James Franco affects an accent throughout, as do Natalie Portman and Danny McBride. It works, oddly enough. Supporting actors fill their cookie-cutter roles, but the best moments come from the mythical characters, such as the Wise Wizard who gets "favors" from Franco's Prince Fabious in exchange for "wisdom". Or the Minotaur in his labyrinth that corners McBride's minion...And yes, slobbering fan-boys, Portman reveals some flesh, in a flattering two-piece that puts Princess Leia's slavegirl outfit to shame. But that's really not important to the story.The special effects were surprisingly good, and the story does seem to drag a little towards the middle, as McBride's Prince Thadeous wrestles with his role as second banana. Zooey Deschanel gives a game performance as Franco's intended bride, but lags a little as straight man to other's comic lines. However, she does have an enchanting musical number at her wedding ceremony, reciting her vows in verse. Enough! Is it in her contract that she sings in EVERY movie she's in? Her singing doesn't help when she gets kidnapped! Overall, excellent film, with a quick pace and some genuinely tender moments - ruined by the villain du jour, of course. Good fun, and you can almost feel the pizza, cheetos, and Mountain Dew oozing off the script as it sits next to a pile of dice and a Monster Manual.

DarkVulcan29

(2012-04-09 21:10:19)

Tries to hard, and it shows.

Someone thought lets combine a little Pineapple Express(2008), and mixin some medieval times, and what do you get, a mostly funny flick thatonly three main characters seem to keep this mostly interesting.What I liked was Danny Mcbride and James Franco, they where like acomedy team, where Franco was the straight man, and Mcbride was thestooge. And Natalie Portman was enjoyable has a tough take no prisonersfemale warrior. And I liked the way she plays it straight over Mcbridesgoofiness.What I didn't like was the raunchy humor, they throw out F bombs andgross out gags at pretty much every corner, to where it leaves you notime to breath, I oftently like raunchy humor, but Your Highness reallypushed way too far. And the rest of the cast are not the least bitinteresting, Zoey Deschanel has one funny scene through out the wholemovie, but other than that she is a boring character. The effects arealright at times. But this movie is a total waste.

Gordon-11

(2012-04-07 16:26:23)

A forgettable, mediocre comedy

This film is about a valiant prince and his gutless brother, who embarkon a dangerous quest to save the princess-to-be."Your Highness" is full of crude humour and silly jokes. Some of thesejokes work, and some fail desperately. Danny McBride plays a veryannoying and courage-less character successfully, while Natalie Portmanis very good as a determined warrior. However, just with good cast,great special effects and a seemingly limitless budget, it stillrequires a good script to make a comedy work. "Your Highness" may workbetter as a parody of science fiction and medieval adventure films, butdoes not quite have the magical spark in its current form. I think thisproject has gone to waste though, given the good cast that it hasmanaged to assemble.

haterofcrap

(2012-04-07 00:58:12)

Bad movie

Very bad movie, with lots of dumb and unfunny humor.The main problem of this movie is that it tries to be a parody of thecommon archetypes from several fantasy flicks (Such as Star Wars, Clashof the Titans and the Lord of the Rings") but instead of being a goodparody of those archetypes (like The Princess Bride or Stardust) it isa dumb comedy filled with many tasteless jokes that aren't fun at all.Actually, it feels more like a frat comedy (Such as the terrible film"The Hangover") disguised as a fantasy film. That's why this moviedoesn't work at all. The bad jokes from frat comedies aren't funny atall and are very stupid.If you want to see a goo fantasy film with lots of comedy, then seemovies such as "The Princess Bride" and "Stardust" and avoid this one.