Movie Recommendations for July 10
'Bruno'Lewder, nuder and -- dare we say? -- riskier than 2006's 'Borat,' Sacha Baron Cohen's latest quasi-documentary satire finds the envelope-pushing comedian adopting the persona of a flamboyantly gay Austrian fashion reporter whose obsession with fame compels him to do some truly out-there things: adopt an African baby, strip-dance for senator Ron Paul and even attempt to go straight by attending a seriously messed up hetero orgy. His on-screen antics will have audiences alternately crying with laughter, squirming with embarrassment and fearing for his life. And yet 'Bruno' isn't just shock entertainment; it also coyly pokes fun at America's "we're-so-tolerant" hypocrisy and latent homophobia -- which is actually kind of admirable. And we know ... that is such a Samantha thing to say. -- Tom DiChiara
Bruno's funniest 'Ali G Show' moments | 'Bruno' AIM expressions
'Humpday'Best buds Mark Duplass and Joshua Leonard -- both heterosexual -- decide that having sex with each other in a porno (er, "erotic art film," for a festival) would make a killer art project. But can they go through with it? That's the premise of the latest film from the "mumblecore" movement, the best since the Duplass brothers' 'Puffy Chair.' Like its hit-or-miss contemporaries, the story, characters and dialogue feel authentic to the core, with one glaring exception: It's a little tough to buy these straight dudes' unyielding dedication to "art," given neither is an artist nor that artistically inclined. But beyond it's racy setup, sure to limit an already limited audience, the film perfectly captures the dilemmas and disparate paths of young adulthood -- one is married and trying to have child, the other a fun-loving nomad who refuses to "grow up." -- Kevin Polowy
Reader Comments (12)
Cecil Jones at 8:23AM on Jul 10th 2009
You can tell how successful a movie is going to be based on the "Hype" associated with it as it is introduced. Bruno is well on it's way to becoming "The Flop of 2009." In my opinion, Bruno is trying way too hard to grab attention because there's nothing there. When Bruno assaulted Eminem at that awards show, I knew the movie was in trouble. Sticking your junk in Eminem's face may be fun or funny to some in society, but it seriously sets back the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" movement. Don't Ask me why I'm interested in Bruno. I won't tell you why I want it to fail. No, I will. I don't want people to think that everyone in a mens room is ready and willing to stuff weiners into their mouth like Kobiashi at Coney Island. Bruno is a bust trying to get back the money they paid to make this trash.
Nancy at 9:18AM on Jul 11th 2009
This is the worst movie I've ever seen, I mean that sincerely, we walked out of the theater after just about 10 minutes into the movie, along with many movie goers. I've never seen that many people walk out of a movie like I did with this crap! It's gay porn, and frankly it gives a very bad reputation to gays. I have friends that are gay and believe me they are not like this horrible actor portrayed them to be. This was pure trash!!! Shame on the producers and director; and how fortunate are we that we didn't vote for Ron Paul for President- by appearing in this movie he showed the world what a desperate idiot he is.
MGabriel at 2:18PM on Jul 12th 2009
If you paid attention, Ron Paul walked out too-- with a few choice words--and I don't blame him. He was assaulted and angry as would anyone who was assaulted by a straight or gay man or woman. And there were a lot of people--gay and straight-- who were offended by this film. At the same time-- it certainly holds up a mirror to our sexual attitudes and our self-deceptions about how "liberated" or "saved" we are. From squirmy discomfort to outright hate and rage and the need to convert or kill-- this movie about a self-absorbed and superficial main character insulted and assaulted people on- and off-screen with raw in-your-face sexuality, which is offensive whether the provocateur is gay or straight. Too bad that this character will reinforce a stereotype in the mind of many viewers as well as subjects of the "pranks" of Sacha Baron Cohen.
jessica at 4:13PM on Jul 13th 2009
first of all bruno was soooooooooo freakin funny!!!! i laughed the whole movie! as far as people getting upset gay or straight...they honestly need to get a grip. like get over yourself!!!!! ugh people drive me nuts!!!! go see it one of the funniest movies so far...no joke!!!
Paul at 10:12PM on Jul 14th 2009
Bruno was definitely the most inappropriate movie I've ever seen. It has an incredibly weak plot line as well.
How sick in the head do you have to be to show a male's genitalia flopping around on the big screen for a straight 10 seconds...
How was this movie rated R in the first place? Should've been rated X in my opinion.
So many minors went to see this movie at the same time as I did - movie theaters don't even check IDs.
Don't watch this movie, let it die out.
Vinny at 4:34PM on Jul 20th 2009
Paul Said "How sick in the head do you have to be to show a males genitalia flopping around on the big screen for a straight 10 seconds..."
So it's sick in the head to show a penis for 10 seconds, but I guess it's OK for movies to show naked breasts on the big screen for a straight 5 min. I'm gonna go out on a limb as guess that you don't bash the 90% of Hollywood moves today that do that.
I don't understand why there is nothing wrong with female nudity, but if someone shows male nudity its like the world is coming to an end.
Get over it.
Kathy Rogers at 9:52AM on Jul 15th 2009
I walked out after the first 3 minutes of ths disgusting not funny disgrace. The guy at the ticket counter said I was one of many wanting my money back. Even the 20 something year old guys were making agonizing noises as I left. It's simply stupid and a waste of time and money.
Cecil Jones at 12:21PM on Jul 15th 2009
Looks like Barbara Walters just joined in on the chorus of "Boos." Unfortunately, it's a little to late for her to feign outrage. Hollywood produces this trash because we don't complain well in advance of it being a success at the box office. The producers don't care if it has any socially redeming value. It's all about the money and the "Jokes on us." Bruno splashed in our faces like he symbolically did in Eminem's face. Sacha Baron Cohen is trash and he shouldn't be allowed to do this or any other "In your face character" again. Boycott his works so he is given a long vacation and plenty of time to think. This is how we stop this crap from smelling up the theatres and polluting our minds. How about a nice double feature of Bruno and Harry Potter or the Transformers? In your face?
Allie at 3:02PM on Jul 15th 2009
Well, thank you so much to all of your comments. My boyfriend and I were seriously considering going to see this movie. Now I know not to! I hate tasteless, trashy movies. Thanks to everyone! You saved us a lot of dissappointment, embarrassment, and $14!
Cathryn at 9:07PM on Jul 15th 2009
All I have to say, is this movie was absolutely ridiculous.
Mike at 6:54PM on Jul 17th 2009
Wow....Here I am thinking I will catch a movie and I see Bruno. I thought Borat was ripped at the beginning, but it seemed America caught on in the end, it was testy but funny. These comments produce one of two actions: put the brakes on or go see for my myself. I tend to think the removable of emotions or morales is a prerequisite....it's a mindless laugh at America for 90 minutes....And God bless our America, where we can produce trash and still make cash. What can be so gut wrenching, sounds like people are ready to puke?....I guess I will need to see for myself....
stef at 1:08AM on Jul 18th 2009
Think you got it in one Mike; it makes you want to puke, I actually lasted almost half way before I walked out. If this had been a 'straight' movie it would have been classed as a porno, but was only classed as an R in fear of political correctness.
There are some very funny parts in it(if you don't mind ridiculing large parts of American society,culture and mindset) but it is not worth sitting through all the gay porn stuff in order to see it.
There is a scene with a champagne bottle stuck up someones but and Bruno lifting him up to pour the champagne in a gless from the bottle in his butt in the first 5 minutes and it does not get much better.