THE WATCH

 RYAN: The new buddy comedy starring Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill has a sci fi twist that looks so stupid in the trailer but actually comes across as quite original in the film.

ERIN P: I hadn’t seen the trailer for this and you just told me going in that it was a comedy so I totally didn’t expect any science fiction or violence.

RYAN: The violence isn’t too bad or bloody.  It’s kind of an action/sci fi violence.  And I’m usually very annoyed by Ben Stiller and Jonah Hill in comedies.  But they didn’t annoy me in this.

ERIN P: I was very surprised at how many times I actually, literally, laughed out loud.

RYAN: I did a couple times but mostly at Vince Vaughn.  He talks so fast and it’s funny.  And he’s tall.

ERIN P: [laughs’ And he went to my high school.

RYAN: Oh that’s cool.  The thing about Stiller’s performance in this film is that he’s the ‘straight’ guy in the comedic moments and I know he can play drama.  He did wonderfully in the film Greenberg; but in his dramatic moments in this film, he wasn’t fully committed.  I don’t know what gives there.

ERIN P: There were a few totally cheesy moments in the film but for the most part I enjoyed it.

RYAN: And Jonah Hill was pretty committed except for at the very end.

ERIN P: I noticed that too.

RYAN: I think much of the comedy was improvised, which is cool, but c’mon guys… stay in character.

ERIN P: [laughs’ Seriously!  And you leaned over to me during the climax of the film and pointed something out that you didn’t like, storywise, and without giving anything away, I have to agree with you.

RYAN: Yeah – an otherwise creative and original story totally degenerated at the end and went for the cheap-funny.  That was a major let down for me.  But one surprise that I really enjoyed was Billy Crudup.  I don’t know why he’s uncredited in this film.  It doesn’t ruin anything by just knowing he’s in it.  It’s not a cameo and if anything I wanted more of him.

ERIN P: Yeah.  I don’t know him that well but he’s hot.

RYAN: And that actor who rounded out the neighborhood watch – Richard Ayoade, I’ve never seen him before.  He’s British, basically only done some TV before this, and now he’s starring here with these big names in comedy.

ERIN P: He delivered his comedy totally differently.

RYAN: Yeah he really held his own.

ERIN P: And Rosemarie DeWitt was kind of pointless.

RYAN: Yeah the whole subplot with Ben Stiller and his wife really had no point to the movie.  It wraps up at the end but looking back, really added nothing germane to the plot.

— BOTTOM LINE —

ERIN P: I found it kind of shocking but fun.  I liked it.  I expected a comedy and got a lot more.  It’s been a while since I laughed like this in a movie.

RYAN: It’s funny and the effects are pretty good.  They certainly go the distance in revealing the aliens.  That’s satisfying.  And aside from the stupid, pandering moments, it’s a good comedy.  Ted is better, if that’s still an option in theaters, but I liked this too.

— RATING —