The Change Up Review

The Change-Up is an R-rated comedy that earns it’s R-rating. It’s vulgar, offensive, gross, in-your-face, and offers no apologies for its brashness. Throughout most of the film, you will find yourself looking at the person next to you and saying, “Wow, did that really just happen?” It’s good to see a mainstream Hollywood comedy that pushes its R-rating and maybe even gets away with a few things. This is simply the type of movie where you sit back, laugh your ass off, and relax. There’s nothing to really think about or ponder with this one. It’s not a thoughtful, sensitive, or insightful movie.

Of course, we have seen the plot for the change up more times than we probably care to remember. Two people change bodies and become the other person. In this case, Ryan Reynolds becomes Jason Bateman and Jason Bateman becomes Ryan Reynolds. In the case of Ryan Reynolds, he has to become the character of Dave. Dave’s a hard-working married man who puts all of his time and effort into his job, which often leaves his wife, played by Leslie Mann, feeling quite neglected. In the case of Jason Bateman, he becomes the character of Mitch: a sleazy, B-level movie star that comes home with a new girl every night.

It’s quite humorous to see them have to live each other’s lives, especially when Dave has to act in a light porn flick. The results are gut busting and hilarious. Both of them have a lot of fun in this flick, and that enhances the viewing experience for the audience greatly. They play off of each other extremely well and their quick wit suits this film just perfectly. The film does slow down a little bit in the third act, but there are more than enough laughs here to give this film a solid recommendation. It’s one of the funniest films I’ve seen this summer. Jason Bateman is the undisputed king of summer comedies with this and Horrible Bosses under his belt. Reynolds also gets a chance to show off his underrated comic talents. He plays one of the better likable jerks in Hollywood .

The Change-Up will not win any points for originality. What it lacks in originality, it makes up for in humor and acting. This film is all about Bateman and Reynolds, and they are having the time of their lives in this one. Because of this, we are having just as much fun as the audience. Don’t look for this film to leave you with any message after the credits roll. This film has one purpose and one purpose only and that is to make you laugh. On that level, it is worth watching this summer.

Grade: B+

How should you see it? On the big screen

Green Lantern Review

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve never been a big fan of superhero movies.  Most of the time, you have to know their extensive and detailed backstory which has been created over numerous decades via comic books and cartoons.  When I watch most superhero movies, I’m confused, befuddled and frustrated because I have no idea what’s going on or who is the bad guy.  Much to my surprise, Green Lantern is a fairly straightforward comic book movie with a likable hero, a strong female lead, and a goofy as hell villain. It also features top notch special effects that aren’t overdone or over the top.  Because of these reasons, Green Lantern is an enjoyable experience at the movies this summer.

Ryan Reynolds stars as Hal Jordan, a test pilot that is still living in the very large shadow of his deceased father. He’s selfish, late, and a little impulsive, but it’s hard to deny his talents as a test pilot. His wing man, or woman, in this case is Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively.  They have a stormy relationship that is always tested because of Hal’s laziness. After an experiment gone wrong, Hal is considered an outcast in the pilot world. One night after feeling down on himself, he gets called into the Green Lantern Corps.  The aliens don’t understand why he would be called into their group.  They see him as an average human with below average intelligence. When he puts on the ring given to him by a deceased alien, he gains superpowers to create things with his mind.  In order for all of this to work successfully, he has to defeat the fear that is present in his brain. As his dad used to tell him, “It’s my job not to be scared.”

Reynolds has always been a likeable actor.  He has never been one of the best actors working in Hollywood, but everything seems to come rather easily to him.  His effortless comedy and ease is much needed in this role. Blake Lively is also solid as the leading lady that takes no crap from the superhero.  She is not afraid to get in his face and call him out on his nonsense.  Lively and Reynolds share impressive chemistry together on screen, which is a big reason that the film works as well as it does. Peter Sarsgaard as the villain is also brilliant casting, as he really has a lot of fun with this role.  I want my villains to be insane, because when they are crazy, they are unpredictable and incredibly dangerous. Tim Robbins and Angela Bassett round out a surprisingly effective supporting cast for a superhero flick.

I understand that Green Lantern has been universally panned by most critics. However, the film, in my eyes, does what it’s supposed to do.  I saw the film in 2D, and it looked amazing on the big screen.  It was green, obviously, colorful, and easy on the eyes.  The film had very, very good special effects that helped showcase the world of the movie.  However, they were done at just the right time in the film.  They didn’t beat you over the head with them until you were numb and completely worn out.  The film also has heart and some human issues, such as realizing what your potential is and not holding yourself back.  This is not a great movie, but it is most definitely a good movie.

Grade: B

How should you see it? See it on the big screen at a discounted price.