DATE AND SWITCH (2014)

Directed By: Chris Nelson 
Written By: Alan Yang 
Cinematography: David Robert James 
Editor: Akkiko Iwakawa-Grieve & Tia Nolan 

Cast: Nicholas Braun, Hunter Cope, Zach Cregger, Dakota Johnson, Ray Santiago, Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman, Larry Wilmore, Gary Cole, Sarah Hyland, Dustin Ybarra, Rob Huebel, Aziz Ansari, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Brian Geraghaty 

High school seniors Michael and Matty make a pact to help each other lose their virginity before their high school prom. Their plan hits a snag when Matty tells his best friend that he's gay. Michael's supportive but awkward attempts to help Matty fit in put a strain on their decade-long friendship. Their friendship is further tested when Michael falls for Matty's former girlfriend and Matty falls for a guy whom Michael wouldn't approve of. Prom looms and Michael and Matty have to repair their friendship and then figure out their love lives.

This seems to be a film in which they wanted to make a movie about a teen grappling with his sexuality not only more comedic, but not as sensitive as those films try to portray the situations.

Don't know if it was done to appeal to more a male straight audience. To get then to understand and be more open minded. Maybe it was thought to be just a different way of tackling the material.

Glad the film has a progressive attitude when it comes to the material. It deals with how big homosexuality can be and how dramatic coming out can be. But also how it doesn't have to totally define you and your actions. I like the film for at least trying to give that message.

I only wish the film was better. It can be funny and plays more like a stupid typical teen romantic comedy. As well as a buddy film. The characters seem extremely stupid most of the time and their hijinks occasionally amusing. Which goes to show it takes all kinds.

This is the type of film you admire for what it seeks to accomplish. Only you wish they said it better, cleverly and precise. Luckily the film moves along quickly.

Surprised at how many known comedians have small roles, though still are barely given anything funny to do, especially given the material. It is actually more entertaining spotting these cameos. Rather than necessarily paying attention to most of the film.

For instance Sarah Hyland from the televisions show MODERN FAMILY has a small role in the film where she plays against type. Though she is more than the right age for her role. She looks too young for it. Then Again that might help to make her scenes much more memorable and effective.

This is also a film that showcases actress Dakota Johnson in an early performance.

The film is liberal in it's attitude. Though can't completely pass just on it's politics alone which I may agree with. As the film plays like a typical teen romantic comedy more from a guy’s [point of view and it just so happens to deal with a gay romance at the center.

Grade: D+