Synopsis: When Tank is hired to make his best friends ex-girlfriend realize what a mistake the break up was he finds himself in a predicament, he wants her for himself.
Release Date: September 19, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre(s): Romantic Comedy, Comedy
Film Review
Production
To say the least, this film is not entertaining. It lacks the elements of a romantic comedy, and a comedy in general. The story line has been done before, and with better results.
Writing
As a comedy, the film is trying for laughs, and here lies the problem: it is trying to hard. The jokes fall flat, and come off as if the film is begging you to laugh with its over the top dynamic and gross out aesthetic.
Acting
Alec Baldwin’s performance solely stands out in the film. He is absolutely hilarious as a philandering Professor and the lines provided him, and the subsequent delivery, are flawless and full of humor. Even though his dialogue tends to be more crass he delivers the lines with such a suave sophistication that you cannot help but find him charming.
Kate Hudson and Dane Cook give performances that are substandard at best. They simply move through the story showing no real depth of character or attraction for the audience. Kate has her moments where she delivers a line worthy of a laugh with a quick wit but they are few and far between. Dane Cook fails to remove himself from being Dane Cook and almost appears bored playing this character. Jason Biggs also fails to deliver a performance worth watching as he stumbles along in the film as the love sick third wheel.
Cinematography
An unfortunate occurrence with the ‘look’ of this film is the lighting. Throughout the entire movie there are many instances where the shots are lit to dark. It does not suit the comedy aspect of the film or the lighthearted tone being aimed for as a whole.
Score and Soundtrack
The one element of this film that is truly great is the soundtrack. A fun mix of different music styles from different eras fill the background noise and carry many scenes along. One scene is not soon forgotten where Kate Hudson takes on an all time classic in the rap genre, a moment of true entertainment.
Chemistry
A key ingredient in any romantic comedy, chemistry is of the utmost importance. Dane Cook and Kate Hudson lack this chemistry undeniably, as do Kate and Jason Biggs. The desire to see these two characters find love with each other and live happily ever after is exhausted by the forced romance and random acts of physical comedy. The antagonistic relationship remains just that and never develops fully to make it believable that these two people are meant for one another.
The only duo that works well together in the film is Dane Cook and Alec Baldwin, playing father and son. They react well to each other in their dysfunctional but workable relationship. It is the only chemistry between characters that appears genuine.
Uniqueness
The film does have a unique element worth commenting on, Tank’s employment. He is hired by men to treat their ex-girlfriend’s horribly on a date so they come running back to them. It may not be very funny in the film but it is a unique spin on the meet cute.
Cast and Crew
- Director(s): Howard DeutchDoug JohnsonBarry Katz
- Producer(s): Gregory LessansJosh ShaderBrian Volk-WeissJordan CahanDane Cook (Tank)
- Screenwriter(s): Kate Hudson (Alexis)Alec Baldwin (Professor Turner)Jason Biggs (Dustin)
- Story: Diora Baird (Rachel)
- Cast: Lizzy Caplan (Ami) Seth FlaumJack N. GreenJane Ann Stewart
- Editor(s): Freddy Luis
- Cinematographer: John DebneyAvailable on Lionsgate Records
- Production Designer(s):
- Costume Designer:
- Casting Director(s):
- Music Score:
- Music Performed By:
- Country Of Origin: USA
