Review of Hall Pass (2011) by Samuel B — 04 Apr 2012

One week, no rules, no fun. "Hall Pass" details the golden opportunity that two married men- Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis)- have to wreak havoc and enjoy themselves in any shape or form possible for a full week, and above all, these fortunate individuals have their wives` approvals.

What seems to be a once in a lifetime chance is tediously squandered by a morally-abiding storyline that ruthlessly eviscerates any hopes of laughing at the mischief these two vacuously avoided. Even the events leading up to the granting of the hall pass are a torturously slow and painful wait devoid of laughter.

When the long-awaited time comes, the build up of expectations for a hilarious ride back into bachelor life climaxes to a loud and noisy sigh of sheer disappointment. It is however, a difficult job to create a comedy that aims to entertain under the promise of showing the wildest seven days known to mankind while attempting to somehow squeeze in a lesson of morality here and there.

But if you can vicariously derive any pleasure from quotidian activities like playing videogames, golf and eating at Applebee`s with close friends then by all means this is the perfect film for it. Otherwise, save yourself the time and money and discard the hall pass.