“Jason Bourne” (PG-13) 2 stars (out of four)
Fourteen years after his introduction in “The Bourne Identity” — and a brief respite from the films series when Jeremy Renner took up the mantle in 2012 — Matt Damon is Bourne again, but with mixed results. Sure, the movie ties up loose ends and answers lingering questions for amnesiac ex-CIA operative Jason Bourne, but forces though moviegoer to sit through director Paul Greengrass’ chaotic shaky-cam technique for most of the film for the payoff.
It’s really a shame because the five-film series got off to an amazing start in 2002 under the steady direction of Doug Liman. Greengrass, on the other hand, is once more concerned with making an “edgy” artistic statement – and making “Bourne” fans nauseous in the process.
“Bad Moms” (R) 2 1/2 stars (out of four)
Of course a title like “Bad Moms” conjures up cinematic nightmares like “Bad Santa” and “Bad Teacher,” but truth be told, “Bad,” in this case is pretty good. Mila Kunis stars as a self-proclaimed “good mom” who goes the extra mile to keep her kids’ life in order, but after a family crisis, has a meltdown and goes off the deep end and becomes a “bad mom” who decides to examine the decadent things life has to offer.
Co-written and co-directed by the filmmakers who wrote “The Hangover,” “Bad Moms,” not surprisingly has its fair share of F-bombs and bawdy, gross-out humor, and most of it works. The movie will resonate mostly with parents — and especially moms — because it’s so relatable.
Kathryn Hahn is hilarious as Kunis’ new, irresponsible party mate; while Kristen Bell nails her role as a wallflower mom with four kids and an uninvolved husband who finally learns to let loose when she teams up with her fellow “bad moms.” While not nearly as funny, “Bad Moms” will somewhat remind you of “Bridesmaids,” with the exception of the preachy tone it takes occasionally in its second half.
Reviews of “Jason Bourne” and “Bad Moms” on KQRS-FM starting at 12 minute mark.
