Film Review: The Change-Up (2011)

Although it currently hovers around 20% on RottenTomatoes.com’s “Tomatometer,” The Change-Up (2011) is not nearly as bad as the rating indicates.  Rather it is a somewhat entertaining update to the overdone body-swap genre, even if it isn’t anything groundbreaking.  The movie features a rock-solid (or for you Arrested Development fans: Iraq-solid) cast and gives viewers more or less of what they expected to see: crude humor with profuse profanity and a startling bit of nudity (particularly CGI nudity).  However, viewers will find less genuine humor and give more sneers or painful chuckles as the film elicits more distasteful jokes than almost any other R-rated comedy this summer (and there have been plenty for sure).  Furthermore, the film’s premise wears thin fairly quickly; after a certain point, everything that follows is frustrating, to say the least.  In fact, some of the characters’ actions are downright agonizing to witness considering many of the compromising situations could have been prevented (how so will be explained later).  The movie is not as hilarious as the previews suggest or its co-writers’ previous comedic hit The Hangover (2011), nor is it as surprisingly sweet as director David Dobkin’s Wedding Crashers (2005) – It strives but fails to be both a blockbuster raunchy comedy and a touching drama.  Still, The Change-Up offers a mildly entertaining diversion, much of the credit to the lead cast members playing against type.

Monthly Watch List: August 2011

Not all of the following movies are highly anticipated or worth a viewing at all, let alone in theaters.  Still, the purpose of these monthly watch lists is to present what is available and offer a conclusion of whether or not to see the film, usually based on the filmmakers’ pedigrees and current consensus about it.  Also important to note while reading or skimming the list is that not all will be released in a theater near you on the mentioned date; take note of the “Limited” label.

The dog days of summer have arrived and with it the often lackluster lot of August movies.  Several notable, big budget films will be released this month but they seem, for the most part, mediocre and destined to hit the B-movie shelf.  However, occasionally some gems are hidden at the end of the summer so don’t simply dismiss this month’s movies.  Still, none of the films coming out this August are “can’t miss,” even if they’re listed with the “highly anticipated” label or worth seeing.  In essence, August can be labeled a sleeper month – either viewers will fall asleep at the movies or the movies will go from under-the-radar/cheesy-looking to sleeper hits.  Have a good month!

Also, don’t forget about limited releases from June or July that might open to a wider release and a theater near you, such as The Tree of Life, Attack the Block, and The Guard (for more information on these and other previously limited releases refer to the other Monthly Watch Lists.)