Date and Switch Review
RYAN: This movie is now playing in limited release and available on demand. I watched it via iTunes, was interested in it because of the cast and the concept. I had high expectations but am pretty disappointed.
CAROLINE: That’a a bummer. Why did you have expectations?
RYAN: The trailer is super cute and clever. And it costars Dakota Johnson, who’s the star of the upcoming Fifty Shades of Grey movie. I was curious to check her out; but also the movie since it’s a rom com with a gay storyline. Although after seeing it, it’s more of a bromantic comedy than a rom com. It’s a high school sex comedy. It’s the same premise as American Pie, friends make the pact to lose virginity by prom night. But unlike that film, or the other funny R-rated high school movies like Superbad and Porky’s, this one is rather awkward and a bit boring.
CAROLINE: Not a good combo for any movie.
RYAN: It’s mostly about the coming out of this one high school character, played by Hunter Cope, and what I like most about his portrayal is he really isn’t working any gay stereotypes. He’s sort of an average joe – he’s not the cliché fabulous gay guy, you know?
CAROLINE: Like you are?
RYAN: (laughs) Maybe that’s a compliment? It’s not one I personally identify with but it is a refreshing portrayal. I also loved seeing the actors who played parents, specifically Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman and Gary Cole. I wanted much more with them.
CAROLINE: Love them. Isn’t TV’s Sarah Hyland in it too?
RYAN: She has a bit part. There is good commentary about coming out and how different people react to it. The jokes were just dirty and unfunny and the worst thing about the production value in this film was the lighting. Seriously – there are some scenes that are too bright and a couple shots through the window of a car scene that had awful reflections. It was very weird how bad those moments were.
CAROLINE: Sounds pretty disappointing.
RYAN: Yeah there are way better comedies out there, especially when it comes to an R rating. This one is dirty but packed with missed opportunities. It’s partly due to the writing but also, the actors sell it in a way that makes you cringe more than chortle.
