Directed By: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Written By: Sean Anders & John Morris and Bob Fisher & Steve Faber
Story By: Bob Fisher & Steve Faber
Cinematography By: Barry Peterson
Editor: Michael L. Sale
Cast: Jason Sudekis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts, Ed Helms, Nick Offerman, Luis Guzman, Will Poulter, Kathryn Hahn, Molly Quinn, Thomas Lennon, Ken Marino
This is what I like to think of as the great hype machine as both Jason sudekis and jennifer Aniston are both actors and comedic performers who are capable and have been accepted even though really at least to me has never been in a film that was a grand slam that legitimized or impressed me to their talents. They do have talent and neither has done their best work. As an audience member I am still waiting for better work.
It seems at times they are both victims of hype as tabloids and entertainment shows have reaped praise on both of them. That has yet to really been shown and when decent it seems they are overly praised by critics. They aren't the only actors who this occurs with just the first ones I can think of at the current moment. Just as Jennifer Aniston has gotten all this news for being a sexpot. Where as in this film she has a normal sexiness about her. That isn't overriding and her dancing/stripping skills are nothing to write home about as they appear weak and unsexy for a stripper. Yet part of this films marketing was devoted to her overt hotness especially when stripping. Her supposed dance of seduction is seriously lacking. It shines a light on it's simpleness that is so clean in an r-rated movie. Jennifer Aniston used a butt double for the stripping scene. All parts of the scene are Aniston other than butt close-ups
Luckily this is a step in the right direction it’s not great but at least it is fun.
The movie has an original get fetched comedic premise. That leaves room for outrageous situations and humor. It succeeds for the most part, though you will be able to predict the outcomes and where it's going. Luckily it's funny enough to make you forget.
Then the unexpected happens you really find yourself getting into the films groove, As it manages to once in a while charm and surprise you.
Though to the R rated episodic nature of the film. It seems the leads are more in her element with Sudekis seeming the most limber and loose cast member in their role. Rolling with the punches making me see him in a more favorable light. Those years on Saturday night love trained him well.
Emma Roberts has the best lines hands down throughout the film and Jennifer Aniston coming off As the seasoned veteran. She takes the material thrown at her and makes a lovely soufflé. I guess all those years on the how friends and many forgettable romantic comedies have trained her well.
It's a film you either buy at the beginning and go forward with or abandon as soon as possible. It's highly energetic and the direction is free flowing yet flawed a bit that seems to keep the movie consciously moving forward.
Especially when the second act begins.
As the film goes along of course they slowly morph into their own dysfunctional family as they become parents. Slowly bonding to find affection for one another is half the fun. Perfectly fitting into the average pair of married parents.
The film is loose and fun and seems to have gotten lost in all these comedies that are pushed on audiences and trying to convince audiences this is prime raunchy comedy. Even though it looks like half the other ones out there. Then after watching this come to find it's not that bad and actually worth your time. If a comedy is what you are after.
Then again maybe that is why some critique and criticize. While others go out and create and make things rather than take them apart. Dissection them to try and destroy. Though that is not all critics as some critics creativity and work is beautiful in itself showing an appreciation for the things they find beautiful and sacred cinema.
Adam Driver was originally cast in the role of Scottie P, but had to drop out due to scheduling issues with Girls. Strangely the film seems like it would be natural for an actor such as John Travolta to star in, his skills and screen presence could use a film like this on his resume.
Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Steve Buscemi were all considered for the lead at various stages of development before Jason Sudeikis was cast.
Grade: C
No comments:
Post a Comment