Walk of Shame (2014)

In case you have not been paying attention, most "comedies" today are either (a) a vehicle for ex-SNL alumni to strut their stuff (b) a showcase for an internet eccentric to strut his stuff (c) a riff off the most recent successful mainstream films; (d) someone took Jim Carrey out of mothballs or (e) an attempt by the current Lampoon franchise owners to recapture their glory days (as in for example Eurotrip).

Did I miss anything? Against this backdrop it is fun to see Banks drop out of nowhere, literally, and attempt to recapture the spirit of the Screwball comedies of the 30s and 40s.

The hallmark of these films is a single character, usually female, who gets into trouble, and then gets into trouble while trying to get out of trouble.

And lots of grimaces, double-takes, and mugging to the camera.

Not bad. Actually laughed at some of the scenes (the "creepy kid" comes to mind) and the idea of leaving Banks in the same yellow dress for the whole feature is entirely consistent with the screwball theme.

Not bad at all.

Fmovies: This film starts out strong with funny news clips and goes downhill after the first 30 minutes. I really like Elizabeth Banks and find her to be a very talented actress. This proves once again that talented actors alone do not a good film make. So much depends on the writing and script and in this case the poor writing and overdone script ideas sink this way before the end.

Since Ms. Banks does not have much to work with she's without a paddle here. The film becomes tedious about halfway through.

I saw people mention the similarity to "After Hours", but that film had a creative energy and didn't follow a normal "plot". This film lacks anything creative and is a by the numbers comedy.

The real shame is that this was made!

If you know what you're getting into, and you're in a good mood, this is a fun & funny movie. Just don't expect Casablanca or The Godfather from Elizabeth Banks in a tight yellow dress. It felt a little sitcom-like at times, going from one hijinx into the next hijinx, but Elizabeth Banks is gorgeous and seeing her run around in a little yellow dress alone was worth the price of admission. The best part? Her interactions with the "crack house" fellas. Hilarious! And the commercial jingle thrown in? Had me gut-laughing out loud.

I recommend this .... provided you know that it is a stupid comedy and not some Art House hoity-toity film noir.

Walk of Shame fmovies. Elizabeth Banks plays a local reporter who has a chance to move up to the big time but that's largely dependent on her making it to an interview. The problem is while she was having a one-night stand with bartender James Marsden, her car was towed, and now she's stranded in downtown LA with no car, no money, and no phone.

I really looked forward to this. I like Elizabeth Banks and it looked promising. The early parts aren't that funny but once the plot kicks in and she has to find her way out of "the hood," it picks up. It reminded me somewhat of After Hours or maybe even Adventures of Babysitting. Banks is very good, as well as being particularly hot in this. The supporting cast is really what makes it work. Kevin Nealon is fun as a weirdo helicopter reporter. Bill Burr and Ethan Suplee are great as a couple of clueless cops. But the highlight for me was the trio of Pookie (Alphonso McAuley), Hulk (Da'Vone McDonald), and Scrilla (Bob from Walking Dead). I don't want to spoil too much about their scenes but all three are terrific, especially McAuley who talks like a Fat Albert character come to life.

This is a funny comedy with a generally pleasant tone that I liked. Yeah it's somewhat predictable and formulaic but no one's trying to reinvent the wheel here. It's a good way to spend an hour and a half. One little thing I wanted to mention because when it happened in the movie, I had to roll my eyes a bit. James Marsden's bartender character is revealed to not just be a bartender but also a writer. Why is it that movies always do that? Someone can't be JUST a bartender or a waitress or a mechanic -- they always have to be something more "respectable" on the side or they are aspiring to be something like that. Just once I would like one of these movies to feature a working-class character who is happy with their life and does not want to go to law school or own the company or become a big movie star. Because ultimately what they are saying is that Marsden is not good enough for Banks if he is just a bartender, which is shallow and sad.

Before watching this movie I didn't really know what to expect, I only decided to watch it because of Elizabeth Banks; however I'm so glad that I did!

It is amazingly funny and entertaining. It's such an enjoyable watch and sweet movie, full of LOL moments.

People who criticize it for being what it is kind of confuse me, it's obvious what it is from the advertisements, so why watch it if it's just a 'silly and stupid' film?It is a lot more than that, it is clever and witty with some excellent lines and references throughout. Even the opening is hilarious.

Ultimately, this is a hilarious film, which is a lot cleverer and funnier than people seem to say. It does not receive the credit that it deserves.

It's definitely worth a watch. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm pretty sure you will too, if you accept it for what it is, an extremely clever, witty and funny film with a great lead actress.

Be well ;)

Forget every negative review you may have read. This is a delightful film from start to finish. It's hilarious, first of all, and second of all, it's about people you actually care about. What a refreshing change!

With echoes of "The Out of Towners" and "After Hours," the movie works mainly because of Elizabeth Banks's character. She's funny, she's likable, she's sexy... what more could you want out of a screen heroine?!

The writing, for the most part, is realistic and smart. A well-structured story full of unpredictable events and offbeat characters. Full of surprises. Full of tiny details (like the plastic center in a pizza delivery box... how many times have we dealt with that... yet when has it ever been in a movie??)

But perhaps most importantly, the movie has heart. And taste. It goes so far above and beyond what passes for comedy these days, it's ridiculous. Farrelly Brothers, Apatow and especially Adam McKay -- watch and learn.

So if you want to see a well-written, well-directed, hilarious movie with a great premise that will put a smile on your face for 95 minutes, see "Walk of Shame." I have absolutely no shame in admitting I loved it.

(And normally I hate just about everything these days.)