THE CHANGE-UP
The Freaky Switch of a Change-Up
Movie Review by Kelly Laymon
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard about THE CHANGE-UP by now. I knew there was a huge promotional campaign for the film, but only realized how hardcore it was when, while driving my mom to the airport on Saturday afternoon, we both recited Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman’s answers to radio interview questions.
THE CHANGE-UP is an adult take on FREAKY FRIDAY (1976). Very adult. Jason Bateman plays Dave Lockwood, a successful lawyer and married father of three. Ryan Reynolds is Mitch Planko, a single stoner who works as an “actor” and has no responsibilities. They are buddies from way back, but while out drinking one night, they piss in a magical fountain and say to each other, “I wish I had your life.” They shouldn’t have crossed the streams.
The next morning, they wake up in each other’s body and life, then wackiness ensues. What follows is expected. Bateman’s character has a big presentation at work, the daughter has a dance recital, life lessons are learned, etc..
Jason Bateman has been very funny in a lot of films over the past few years, but usually as the straight man. Due to the plot involving the switch, he gets to stray from that a bit once he becomes the Ryan Reynolds character. This one is for the ladies: Jason Bateman has a nude scene. I remember feeling like Mr. Skin when I got out of HOT TUB TIME MACHINE (2010) on opening night. I immediately texted a few of my female friends to tell them that John Cusack was naked for a split second. You’re welcome, girls!
I am generally not a Ryan Reynolds fan. I don’t dislike him, but I don’t like him much either. And I’m a huge fan of DEFINITELY, MAYBE (2008), in spite of him. And he’s good this time. He’s not just a pretty boy. He can be funny.
Judd Apatow staple Leslie Mann plays Bateman’s wife, Jamie. As any comedy fan would expect, she makes the most of The Thankless Wife role she’s stuck with. Her most daring scene has, unfortunately, been played to death in the trailers. It involves Thai food and diarrhea. This has been quite the year for women and diarrhea scenes. This one is more realistic than the two in BRIDESMAIDS (2011), though there’s something about making twosies in a bathroom sink or at a curb in the street that continues to put fear in my heart. And I have started the Sink Vs. Street debate with almost every woman I know.
I wanted more Alan Arkin . If only just to further erase any memory of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (2006).
I couldn’t help but think how much more interesting or funny it would have been or could have been with one change in casting. The two leads are good looking dudes. I’m told that Ryan Reynolds is “hot” and “sexy”. I don’t get it, but, whatever. Jason Bateman is quite easy on the eyes. No argument there. But it seems like there could be more to play with if one of the guys was, say, Philip Seymour Hoffman or Paul Giamatti. Both of those actors are known primarily for their dramatic work, but are great with comedy. The only redeeming thing about ALONG CAME POLLY (2004) was Philip Seymour Hoffman.
There are a few good pop culture references sprinkled throughout. SONS OF ANARCHY and Anne Rice spring to mind.
Is this a movie people will reference? Nope. Is this a movie with memorable lines that I’ll text to friends while drunk? Nope. It’s decent, but not particularly memorable. I’ll give it two and a half knives because it’s better than most big Hollywood comedies. But it’s not as good or funny as the best. If you want to see a funny comedy or need a Jason Bateman fix, HORRIBLE BOSSES (2011) is still playing in most theatres. Or if you want a flick about body changes, see if 13 GOING ON 30 (2004) is OnDemand.
© Copyright 2011 by Kelly Laymon
Kelly gives THE CHANGE-UP – two and a half knives!
August 9, 2011 at 10:29 am
I agree with you about Seymour Hoffman in ALONG CAME POLLY…besides his role that film was completely useless. Nice review here, although I think these “switch comedies” (as one TV trailer refered to it) are beyond played out at this point.
August 9, 2011 at 10:52 pm
I pretty much agree. It would take something very unusual to be noteworthy at this point. Whether it’s changing bodies with someone else or an aged version of yourself (BIG and 13 GOING ON 30). I was hoping this would push it, but it didn’t really. But, it was still better than most Hollywood comedies…which suck.
Also, I’m a total bitch for Philip Seymour Hoffman. I think EVERY movie would be better if he was in it.