Set out to see ‘33’ and ‘Night Before’ in theaters

The Night Before ***

It’s fairly obvious that funny man Seth Rogen personally enjoys recreational drug use; he’s said as much in interviews. In the trippy Christmas comedy “The Night Before,” Rogen carries the weight, both personally and professionally, by playing Isaac, an expectant dad who’s been given a hall pass from his very pregnant wife. With a gift box full of drugs and his two best friends by his side, one who badly needs cheering up, the three set out upon Manhattan to celebrate Christmas Eve. Rogen’s character hallucinates through 90-percent of the film, which becomes the setup for most of the gags. This pleasant enough, though sometimes very raunchy film, has a heartwarming message about friendship and love, and few good laughs. Especially comical is the Jew-out-of-his-element Midnight Mass Church scene, where Rogen in a giant Star of David sweater lets his drug induced paranoia overtake him. Co-stars Joseph Gordon Levitt and Anthony Mackie as Rogen’s two companions turn in pretty good work, as does “Workaholics” star Jillian Bell, playing Rogen’s ultra-understanding wife. A few celebrity cameos help give the movie a little zip, but are not enough to propel it into “Superbad” status, something the marketers have touted and would like you to believe this holiday season, but is too generous a comparison.

The 33 ***1/2

The remarkable story of 33 Chilean miners trapped beneath a mountain for an astonishing two months after a disastrous mine collapse in 2010 is told in a way that goes beyond the news clips that only hinted at the whole story. After the collapse, the world watched, fearing the worst, as the days ticked by, and the experts all said it was too late. Working with the actual miners, producers of “The 33” successfully use a strong cast to retell this incredible tale. Antonio Banderas, especially, as “Super” Mario Sepúlveda, the reluctant leader of the group, gives a powerful performance, as does Lou Diamond Phillips, but all of the 33, who varied in age from teens to senior citizens, were believable at every turn. Filmed in Columbia and the actual location in Chile, “The 33” captures the emotions of the waiting and anxious families, as well as the desperation felt by the trapped miners. The story’s focus is divided in thirds between the miners, the families, and the rescuers, giving three perspectives, making this harrowing true story rich, complex, and one with the unmistakable message that mankind can survive even against all odds.

This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 10:50 AM with the headline "Set out to see ‘33’ and ‘Night Before’ in theaters."