Wednesday, March 1, 2017

The Best and Worst of Craig Robinson

The "Best and Worst" series profiles the best and worst work of an actor starring in one of the week's new theatrical releases. This week I take a look at the filmography of "Table 19" star Craig Robinson.

Films starring Craig Robinson that I've seen:
Knocked Up
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story 
Pineapple Express
Zach and Miri Make a Porno
Fanboys
Miss March
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
Hot Tub Time Machine
This is the End 
Get on Up
Hot Tub Time Machine 2
Morris from America
Sausage Party

Best Performance: This is the End (2013)
Robinson's numerous scene-stealing supporting roles (Hot Tub Time Machine, Zach and Miri Make a Porno, Pineapple Express) and recent dramatic triumph in Morris from America made this a really difficult choice. Ultimately, it was his glorious exaggerated portrayal of himself in This is the End that emerged from this crowded pack of worthy performances with the title. With the notable exception of Danny McBride's turn as a hot-headed lunatic that dabbles in cannibalism, Robinson was the most consistently funny part of Seth Rogen's terrific apocalypse comedy.

Worst Performance: Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015)
To be fair, Robinson wasn't bad in Hot Tub Time Machine 2, he just wasn't nearly as funny as he usually is. Like almost everything else in this disappointing sequel to the 2010 cult comedy classic, lovable music producer/proud husband/occasional heavy drug user Nick Webber wasn't nearly as wild, energetic or memorable of a character as he was in the original.

Best Film: Knocked Up (2007)
For the second straight week, the best film honor belongs to a Judd Apatow-directed movie. Knocked Up is an outstanding dramedy that blends clever, vulgar humor with heartfelt observations on parenting, marriage and the responsibilities of adulthood. 

Worst Film: Miss March (2009)
With the well below-average Miss March, The Whitest Kids U Know stars Trevor Moore and Zach Cregger proved that the transition from sketch comedy to the big screen isn't always a smooth one. The eccentricity and wit that made their IFC sketch show a cult hit was nowhere to be found in this forgettable R-rated comedy full of weak sex jokes and lifeless characters. Hopefully their recently-completed second film script ends up being something more worthwhile than this generic-ass movie.

Thank you for reading this week's installment of "The Best and Worst of". Next week, I'll take a look at the best and worst work of "Personal Shopper" star Kristen Stewart.  

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