21 & OVER (2013)

Written & Directed By: Jon Lucas & Scott Moore 
Cinematography By: Terry Stacey 
Editor: John Refoua 

Cast: Miles Teller, Skylar Astin, Justin Chon, Sarah Wright, Josie Loren, Jonathan Keltz, Francois Chou, Dustin Ybarra, Christiann Castellanos

When Straight-A college student Jeff Chang's two best friends take him out for his 21st birthday on the night before an important medical school interview, what was supposed to be a quick beer becomes a night of humiliation, over indulgence and utter debauchery.

The film is a strange mixture of WEEKEND AT BERNIES type hysterics only with a passed out drunk instead of a dead man. Maybe this is for the new generation of lowbrow movie goers. A college age party movie that I can only see appealing to teenagers who are too young to see it and add in some formula for some slapstick.

The film even has random nudity for no real reason other then he obvious as it is not needed for the story or situations. It also includes girl on girl action in a scene that goes further though seems there more for good humored exploitation then need.

The film is still better and funnier then any of the HAROLD & KUMAR sequels.

The film seems to be a basic college comedy that tries to push the envelope to a degree, but fails. Though I will note that this film a more open to including minorities, but barely any in the lead roles. At least they are acknowledged. Which is more then most films.

The main stars are better then the material. Though Miles Teller the better of the two with the showier part. Oddly t's his role perfectly. He is really the only cast member I will remember. As he really sells his character. If this film had been a hit. It really would have been another breakout role for him (THE SPECTACULAR NOW) bit as tins now he is truly one of the few reasons to seethe film is you choose to watch it.

This film to me feels like one giant tease. As it flirts with salaciousness, but rarely delivers any. Except for low brow comedy.

I believe in a way this film is better suited for a female audience who might enjoy these types of film. As the two male leads are in more states of undress then any I the code females. Which I will admit is refreshing for this type of film.

I can see the film disappointing it's core audience. Though not because of it's humor. More it's quality.

It has all the the requirements to excel, but it reeks of trying. Not ambition mind you, but really working to try and sell, not only the comedy, but the situations. I will admit it tries to put a different spin on situations and characters, but ultimately not enough of one. That wile you might find it entertaining while you watch it. It is instantly forgettable.

Grade: D