Movie | The Internship

The Internship
Distributed By: 20th Century Fox
Released On: June 7, 2013 (USA)
DVD Release: October 22, 2013 (USA)
Rated: 12
Genre: Comedy
Format: TV
Rating: 4.5

Billy (Vince Vaughn) and Nick (Owen Wilson) are salesmen whose careers have been torpedoed by the digital world. Trying to prove they are not obsolete, they defy the odds by talking their way into a coveted internship at Google, along with a battalion of brilliant college students. But, gaining entrance to this utopia is only half the battle. Now they must compete with a group of the nation's most elite, tech-savvy geniuses to prove that necessity really is the mother of re-invention.

After the company they work for is shut down, two salesmen with very few skills apply for an internship with Google. Due to their unusual interview answers, and for the sake of diversity, the two are somehow accepted for the internship despite their lack of experience or skills.

I hate to admit that I could not get into this at first. I don’t know if I just found the start to be a bit slow or if I just didn’t find the initial plot aspects interesting, but it wasn’t until they reached the Google headquarters that I began to enjoy it. Even then, I don’t think I really loved the film until the second task.

The main characters annoyed me to begin with. This may be the reason I didn’t enjoy the start of the movie. I found the two main characters, Billy and Nick, really annoying until around the second team task. After they had taken on the almost fatherly role, I really began to like them.

I really enjoyed the humour in this film. As a comedy, you obviously expect this film to be funny. I loved the fact that this was not in your face comedy but a subtle, more realistic comedy.

I loved the team. I completely fell in love with the team of rejects as soon as the characters were introduced. They were all dismissed by the rest of the interns but their coming together as a team, though initially unwillingly, showed them as a genuinely nice and very intelligent group of people. I am also a little bit in love with Dylan O’Brien after watching this film. Well maybe more than a little bit.

Overall, I really liked this movie. Although I struggled through the beginning, it was completely worth it for the rest of the movie. It was one of those movies that left me grinning and gave me that warm, fuzzy feeling long after it was finished. In fact, as soon as it finished I wanted to watch it again.

Movie | Our Idiot Brother

Our Idiot Brother
Distributed By: The Weinstiein Company
Released On: August 26, 2011 (USA)
DVD Release: November 29, 2011 (USA)
Rated: 12
Genre: Comedy
Format: TV
Rating: 1

After his early release from jail after supplying a police officer with cannabis, Ned (Rudd) is dumped by his girlfriend and denied custody of his dog, Willie Nelson. With nowhere to go, Ned arrives on his sister's doorstep. He then spends his time moving between the homes of his three sisters and although at first they are weary of having their pot-smoking hippie brother living with them they grow to love his eternally positive and honest manner.


After a brief stint in prison for selling drugs to a uniformed police officer, Ned is forced to move back home to his family – his mother and three sisters – after being thrown out by his girlfriend, who will not let him take his dog. With nowhere else to go, he invades his sister’s lives leaving a trail of destruction behind him.

I now understand why I had not heard of this movie. I was surprised, given the cast, that I had not heard anything about this movie. I now wish I still had not heard anything about this movie.

I was expecting so much better from this cast. With the likes of Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks and Zooey Deschanel, I was expecting at least good things. I was so disappointed. Their fantastic acting skills, which were still up to par, were completely wasted on this film.

I didn’t even like the plot. From the description, this could have been a good plot. Again, I was disappointed. Surely no normal grown man is as stupid as Ned. Some of the things he does were just ridiculous. I was also quite annoyed by the importance of the dog to the story. I love dogs but there was no need for that aspect of the plot, it just added to the stupidity in my opinion.

Overall, I did not like this movie. The plot underwhelmed me and the whole movie was just annoying to me. The only positive thing I can say about this was the acting. The cast were great but I feel like this movie was a waste of their talents.

Movie | Grown Ups 2

Grown Ups 2
Sequel To: Grown Ups
Distributed By: Columbia Pictures
Released On: July 12, 2013 (USA)
DVD Release: November 5, 2013 (USA)
Rated: 12
Genre: Comedy
Format: TV
Rating: 3

After moving his family back to his hometown to be with his friends and their kids, Lenny finds out that between old bullies, new bullies, schizo bus drivers, drunk cops on skis, and 400 costumed party crashers sometimes crazy follows you.


The sequel to 2010’s Grown Ups follows four childhood friends – Lenny, Eric, Kurt and Marcus – three years after their eventful trip to the lake house. In this time, Lenny has quit his job and moved his family back to his hometown to be with his best friends. Summer is just around the corner and the four friends plan to make it just like the old days, with bizarre consequences.

The start of this movie is ridiculous. A deer appears in the bedroom without anyone knowing. I don’t know about you but all I would expect from leaving your front door lying open during the night is a whole lot of things missing. I really can’t get my head around this beginning at all.

You cannot take this movie seriously. There is almost nothing realistic in this movie. If you were to try and take it seriously, you would completely hate it. However, I found the majority of the unrealistic situations to be so bizarre they became funny. The whole thing was ridiculous but it somehow worked, to some extent.

I liked that the children had more of a story in this movie. The first movie was very focused on the “adults”, with their children providing additional jokes. I found that this movie involved the children a lot more and I thought it added to the family comes first message of the film.

Taylor Lautner as a frat boy is just cringey. I mean this in the best possible way. His character is so arrogant and stupid that I couldn’t help but cringe during every scene he was in. For some reason, I found this hilarious and ended up loving his character for that reason alone.

Overall, I did actually like this movie. I was expecting awful things and it was a lot better than I expected. However, it was quite stupid and unrealistic. Although these aspects mostly made it funny, some were just too much and ruined the film a bit for me.

Book | In Stitches by Dr Nick Edwards

In Stitches by Dr Nick Edwards
Published By: The Friday Project
Published On: June 12, 2009
Genre: Memoir, Comedy
Pages: 275
Format: eBook
Rating: 3

Dr Nick Edwards is an Accident and Emergency (A&E) doctor working in the UK and a passionate believer in the NHS. However the reforms, political correctness and the Anglo-Saxon culture of binge drinking and fighting and the resulting A&E visits are a strain on his sanity. So to keep up his morale, he began writing down his feelings - a form of literary cathartic therapy - the results of which make up this book.
So join Dr Nick Edwards as he describes the frustrations and joys of working in the NHS. The traumas and tragedies, the patients and colleagues and most of all the successes and humour that make up life at the frontline of medical care.

Nick Edwards, an A&E (Accident & Emergency) doctor with very strong opinions about the NHS, shares both rants and anecdotes in his book documenting some of his experiences within the fast paced world of A&E.

Again, I love the insight into a career I could never have. I made this point in my review of Further Confessions of a GP. I am fascinated with the medical profession. I watch countless medical TV shows but, of course, the majority are fictional and don’t give a very accurate insight. Books like this, however, document the highs and lows of this profession through real situations.

I love the anecdotes and patient interactions. My favourite parts of books like this are the stories of patients that the doctor has come into contact with. This book contains some heart warming anecdotes along with the funny ones and a few sad stories thrown in as well.

I now see A&E in a different light. Never again will I set off for A&E before being sure I have either an accident or an emergency. Never again will I complain at how long I have waited to be seen. Never again will I be annoyed if a member of staff is grumpy or tired. I have gained much more respect for the A&E staff through reading this book.

There is just too much ranting. It is mentioned at the start of the book that the he is only writing when he has something to say, and most of those times it is because he is angry. For that reason, I was expecting some moaning throughout the book. However, I was not prepared for a political rant, or just any kind of complaint, almost every chapter. It was beginning to get repetitive and quite annoying.

Overall, I thought this was an average book. I enjoy this type of book but have definitely read better. I would recommend this book if you would like an insight into the trials of working in A&E, but only if you like a lot of political ranting.

Book | Further Confessions of a GP by Benjamin Daniels

Further Confessions of a GP by Benjamin Daniels
Series: The Confessions Series
Published By: The Friday Project
Published On: December 19, 2013
Genre: Memoir, Comedy
Pages: 327
Format: eBook
Rating: 4

Benjamin Daniels is back. He may be older, wiser and more experienced, but his patients are no less outrageous. Drawing on his time working as a medical student, a locum, and a general practitioner, Dr Daniels would like to introduce you to …
The old age pensioner who can’t keep his hands to himself. The teenager convinced that he lost his virginity and caught HIV sometime between leaving a bar and waking up in a kebab shop. A female patient Dr Daniels recognises from his younger, bachelor years. The woman whose mobile phone turns up in an unexpected place. A Jack Russell with a bizarre foot fetish. Crackhead Kenny. Not to mention the super nurses, anxious parents, hypochondriacs, jumpy medical students and kaleidoscope of care workers that make up Dr Daniels’ daily shift. Further Confessions of a GP is the eagerly anticipated follow-up to the bestselling Confessions of a GP. With more eyebrow-raising stories from the world of general practice, Dr Daniels will once again amuse, shock and surprise. You’ll never feel the same about going to the doctor again…

Dr Benjamin Daniels, an English GP, shared many an amusing anecdote, with a few serious topics thrown in, of his first few years as a newly qualified doctor in his first book Confessions of a GP. Now a practice partner with a weekly A&E shift, Dr Daniels is back to share more of his experiences in his further confessions.

I love the insight into a career I could never have. I do not have the patience, qualifications, or tolerance of blood and needles to be in the medical profession. However, it is always something I have been extremely interested in. I admire those who work long days - like GPs - or unsociable shifts – like A&E doctors – to keep us healthy. I really enjoyed reading about the perks and downfalls of the job from someone in the profession and gaining the kind of insight I could not get no matter how many medical TV shows I watch.

It made me laugh out loud. The stories told throughout the book range from disgusting to slightly odd to downright hilarious. I will occasionally have a little giggle to myself when reading but very rarely do I find myself actually laughing out loud.

Dr Daniels seems like a genuinely nice guy. While this book is non-fiction and not one where a ‘character’ connection should be felt, I really started to like Dr Daniels while reading this book. People are always complaining about the GP, at least where I live, so it was nice to read about a GP who seems to really want the best for his patients.

There was a bit too much complaining for my liking. I understand that all jobs have their negatives and with the problems in the NHS there is plenty for doctors to complain about. I completely understand that in order to show a true idea of what it is like to be a GP, these things need to be addressed. However, I feel like a great balance between funny and serious was established in the first book while this one contained a lot more complaints.

Overall, I think this book gives a great insight into the life of a GP and has caused me to look at my GP surgery in a different light. The amusing stories make it a light, easy read while the more serious topics emphasise the problems with the NHS today. However, I do not think this lived up to the first book by Benjamin Daniels and therefore would suggest, if you only want to read one, go for his first book Confessions of a GP.

Movie | Rumor Has It

Rumor Has It...
Distributed By: Warner Bros.
Released On: December 25, 2005 (USA)
DVD Release: May 9, 2006 (USA)
Rated: 12
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Format: DVD
Rating: 3

Jennifer Aniston stars in this romantic comedy from director Rob Reiner. Aniston plays Sarah Huttinger, a young woman who travels back to visit her family in California and is shocked to learn that they were supposedly the model for the classic book and film 'The Graduate', and that her youthful grandmother Katharine (Shirley MacLaine) could be the real-life Mrs Robinson. In which case, Sarah begins to suspect that wealthy family friend Beau Burroughs (Kevin Costner) could have been the young man who had tumultuous affairs with both her mother and grandmother.

Based around the novel, and accompanying film, The Graduate, Rumor Has It is a typical, feel-good romantic comedy. Sarah Huttinger (Jennifer Anniston) has always felt like an outsider in her family. After a revelation by her grandmother, and stories from her mother’s high school best friend, Sarah discovers that the book and film, The Graduate, were based on her family. Her fiancé Jeff’s mathematical skills also lead Sarah to believe that she may be the outcome of the affair, the child of Beau Burroughs, the man who inspired the character Benjamin Braddock. In order to find the truth, Sarah goes in search of the man himself.

It might not be the most exciting film and the story may be a little predictable but generally it is not an awful film. If you’re not in to girly romantic comedies then I would definitely avoid this film but for those who enjoy a bit of trashy, feel-good entertainment then there are a lot worse films out there.

The acting is decently average with a reasonably high standard cast, such as Kevin Costner and Shirley MacLaine. The story, although predictable, was a good idea and did not let the film down. What did let the film down was the depth. By the end I felt as though the story was skimmed over rather than dived into and it would have been much more enjoyable had characters and events been expanded upon.

Generally, this film is not great but I would happily watch it when looking for something lightweight with a bit of good hearted humour and some decent, not to mention attractive, cast members.

Movie | Sex And The City 2

Sex And The City 2
Sequel To: Sex And The City: The Movie
Distributed By: Warner Bros. Pictures
Released On: May 27, 2010 (USA)
DVD Release: October 26, 2010 (USA)
Rated: 15
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Format: DVD
Rating: 4

Big budget sequel following the lives of four fashion-obsessed Manhattan girlfriends as they navigate the uncharted waters of marriage and motherhood. Although for Carrie Sarah Jessica Parker, Samantha Kim Cattrall, Charlotte Kristin Davis and Miranda Cynthia Nixon domesticity is turning out to be all they'd wished for, its not long before the girls are yearning for something/anything to break the routine. Luckily for them, a little spice, this time in the form of a glamorously exotic adventure, proves to be just what the girls need to recharge their batteries.

When the first Sex and the City movie was released, I admit I was sceptical. When the second was released, I was convinced the creators were pushing their luck. As a long running and much loved TV series, many believed that it should be left as just that, and let the past be the past. However, in my opinion, the first of the Sex and the City movies lived up to the expectations set by the series but I didn’t expect the second movie to.

Sex and the City 2 follows the four girls – Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda – on an all expenses paid trip to Abu Dhabi. For Carrie, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a break from her marriage which is seeing some issues. For Miranda, who has just quit her job, there is no better time for a trip away. Charlotte, although not wanting to admit it, could use a break from a child in the terrible twos, and Samantha has a work opportunity of a lifetime. What could possibly go wrong in a place so far from New York, in both distance and morals?

Although the second movie did not live up to the expectations set by the first instalment, it was much better than I had anticipated. Seeing the four girls so far away from their comfort zone in New York was slightly strange though highly amusing and made for an enjoyable story. Samantha and her struggles with menopause only added to the humour and I often found myself having a giggle at her expense. The added twist of an ex-boyfriend appearing was not what I expected but I enjoyed the reappearance of another character from the show and it resulted in a good plot twist. All in all, the general story was enjoyable and not entirely predictable.

With a cast like that of Sex and the City, there was never going to be any problems with the acting in this movie. All characters were portrayed well, as expected since the cast members have been playing them for so long. Kim Cattrall’s portrayal of Samantha is to be applauded as always, in my opinion, as she once again gave an entertaining performance and continually had me giggling.

Generally, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Although it is not on par with the previous movie or the original TV series, it was not the disaster it could have been. It was an enjoyable and amusing story with a talented cast portraying great characters.

Movie | Despicable Me

Despicable Me
Distributed By: Universal Pictures
Released on: July 9, 2010 (USA)
DVD Release: December 14, 2010 (USA)
Rated: PG
Genres: Animation, Comedy
Format: DVD
Rating: 4

In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by a small army of minions, we discover Gru, planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon. (Yes, the moon!) Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays, and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad. The world's greatest villain has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.


I am probably the last person in the world to watch Despicable Me. I am not usually a fan of animated movies but, ever since its release, I was told time after time that I needed to see it.

Despicable Me is the story of super-villain Gru who, along with his team of minions, is attempting to reclaim his super-villain title after a new super-villain bursts onto the scene having stolen the Pyramids. To assist with his mission, he adopts three orphaned girls to help him take down the enemy. However, the arrival of these three girls threatens to ruin his super-villain reputation.

As is the case with animated comedies these days, Despicable Me is definitely a family friendly movie. Although primarily a children’s movie, it contains various levels of humour which appeal to both a young children and adults. This family friendly quality, when done well, is often what makes movies like this so enjoyable.

As well as the comedic aspect, Despicable Me also contains the element of family as we see the relationship between Gru and the three girls grow throughout the movie. This is a very heart warming aspect of the movie.

There is also the underlying theme of never giving up on your dreams as we see Gru attempt to fly to the moon as was his childhood dream. It illustrates the importance of not giving up, no matter how hard things become. This underlying theme is important in films like this one as the children watching can be influenced.

Overall, I really enjoyed this film. It is definitely one of the best animated films I have watched and one of the few I actually do like. I would definitely recommend it to all ages.