Summer is usually a great time to see the latest and the greatest of Hollywood's much-anticipated blockbusters. The ones that are usually the biggest hits hail from the comedic genre. Who doesn't like to laugh in a cool theater while the sun blazes outside? With nothing to do and nowhere to go, you can enjoy the prospect of a hilarious flick from one of the kings of comedy.
This is what you may expect from the typically funny Mike Myers. From his winning portrayals as a smarmy undercover Brit in "Austin Powers" to a burping, bug-eating ogre in "Shrek," Myers is usually a steadfast companion when one is looking for sidesplitting laughter. Which is why this year's newest Myers arrival is so disappointing. All the funny moments in his latest "The Love Guru" fell short, and sometimes fell hard on the theater floor with a dull thud.
At first glance, the humor in this film feels as if it were made for younger viewers, perhaps those who enjoyed the more impish "Shrek." However, after about 20 references to sex, bowel movements and gigantic male anatomy, this notion is quickly replaced by the stark realization that the movie just isn't funny for adults. And children probably won't, and shouldn't for that matter, get the humor.
In addition to a lackluster performance by Myers, it must be noted that his love interest and co-star Jessica Alba cannot act. Period. Understandably she receives roles because yes, she is utterly stunning with long, healthy locks and plump Angelina Jolie-esque lips. We get it, she's pretty. But the fact remains; her acting leaves much to be desired and no matter how many close-ups we get of her doe-like eyes it cannot maker her a better actress. Instead she appears robotic with little emotion or zing.
Justin Timberlake is another similar case. Starring as Jacques Grande, Timberlake seems better suited for "bringin' sexy back," and when he acts it is bad, very bad. In his favor, it does appear that he puts a lot of effort into trying to absorb his role; even if it is a poorly developed one.
Clinging to the edge of a grubby theater seat, waiting for the funny parts is just plain aggravating. More annoying is that the movie should have been funny.
A guru from India is trying to help a failing hockey player get his mojo back after his girlfriend dumped him for a guy with a bigger package. And that doesn't mean UPS.
The promos look sort of silly as well; in fact, we want to believe that the clever producers are finally realizing not to put all the funniest clips in their promotional commercials, right? Wrong. There were no really good clips, and when the movie is just about to be funny, it lets you down, again and again. As Dr. Evil once said in "Austin Powers," it was the Diet Coke of comedy, just one calorie not funny enough.
Directed by: Marco Schnabel Distributed by: Paramount Pictures, Spyglass Entertainment Grade: C-
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