Published: October 31, 2009 12:00 am      

Teen Talk: Weekend Reviews: Good acting makes films even better

Hello, readers of this newspaper. My name is Adam Munio, and I write this column. It's been an interesting month for me.

I'm still adjusting to college life, and have realized the horrible truth of late-night papers and ramen noodles. Other than that, things have been well enough for me to return to you this month with some movie reviews. This month, I'll review two movies, "How to be a Serial Killer" and "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell."

We'll start with "How to be a Serial Killer." This film, starring Dameon Clarke, Laura Regan and Matthew Gray Gubler, is exactly what it sounds like. This film has an amazing style about it, using humor to overshadow the dark and morbid nature of the film. As well, the technique in which they tell the story is almost like a dream, switching between an infomercial of sorts, a documentary and a regular film.

Of course, the acting is just brilliant. The killer of the film, played by Dameon Clarke, is perfect for the role, almost a visual persona of a sleazy car salesman combined with a magician and guru. The way Clarke portrays a madman is brilliant, capturing you in his performance.

On top of that, the supporting cast helps this character fit into this broad story in its own twisted, yet beautiful world. The humor is incredible if you like a darker style of comedy.

However, this film does not have the ability to break past the intended audience.

Somebody who gets a kick out of slapstick will not get as much as those who get a kick out of morbid humor, and those who enjoy horror movies will be disappointed with the lack of blood and suspense.

However, it is a good film in every other aspect. Allow me to rephrase that it was a perfect film in every other aspect, and for that I must give "How to be a Serial Killer" 9 out of 10.

Onward, we look at one of the most offensive films you will ever see, "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell," which follows the real-life adventures of Tucker Maxx. Now, before I begin to review this film, allow me to give you a little information about Tucker Maxx. This man is the living embodiment of hedonism. He is a self-proclaimed alcoholic and womanizer.

Now that I've given you a little bit of information about this man, I'd like you to imagine the stories this man could tell in any given situation. Now, I'd like you to imagine a movie based off of one of his stories. You've just watched this movie.

Alas, I cannot leave it at that, for I should have another hundred words, at least. To begin, let me say that Matt Czuchry was a good choice for Tucker. The man gives off the aura of the hedonist well, and really makes the movie.

However, the part that everybody will enjoy is the misanthropic friend played by Jesse Bradford. The character played by Bradford is quick with comebacks, giving the main source of sarcastic comedy for the first half of the film, as well as a decent part of background humor later in the film. In essence, the acting was great in the film.

There's an interesting style of flashback and fantasy in this movie, where they actually seem to put everything in a haze.

Seeing as most of the movie takes place while the characters are drunk, this seems to fit quite nicely. The humor in this movie can be quite offensive, ranging from fat jokes to fetal alcohol syndrome jokes.

Of course, the biggest joke of them all is that the story is true, leaving you to wonder what the actual man is like. Fear not, for he is on the Internet. At the risk of exposing more people to his stupidity, I'm not going to reveal his website. However, I shall give "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell" 8 out of 10, for a good sarcastic comedy that'll appeal to many, as well as good acting and a relative closeness to the actual book.

Well, it would appear as if I'm out of material to review this month. I shall return next month, however, with something. I'm not sure what it will be, but feel free to send me suggestions at pentwarrior@yahoo.com. Until then, I bid you all long days and pleasant nights.

Adam Munio is a 2009 graduate of Unadilla Valley Central School and is a freshman at the State University College at Fredonia.