Review of Good Boys (2019) by Compi24 — 18 Aug 2019

It's a strange thing, watching a comedy whose most successful jokes you've already seen and heard a few times over due to excessive trailer watching (alas, so goes one of the few drawbacks of going to the theater 1-2 times a week).

It doesn't always render a comedy unwatchable or even mirthless, but it will typically diminish the potential returns for entertainment overall, ultimately making the experience feel a bit like going back and listening to the greatest hits of a band from your teen years that you've already moved on from.

"Oh, yeah. I remember this one. Neat." Thankfully, though, this issue doesn't actually comprise the epitaph of "Good Boys." Yes, the best bits are in the numerous "red band" trailers, but there are a number of surprise laughs along the way, whether it be the use of an unforeseen alternate take or a full-blown entire joke you actually haven't seen yet.

There's also the added benefit of emotional resonance -- or at least a valid attempt at conjuring it up -- and a trio of performances that should elicit a smile at the minimum. It's a pleasant, albeit familiar, effort in a realm of cinema that's all too focused on topicality and timeliness, featuring a noted emphasis on telling funny jokes first before even considering the fact that they'll be coming from the mouths of children.