Review of Hall Pass (2011) by Spencer S — 16 Dec 2011

The Farrelly Brothers are usually good for a laugh, or uncomfortable guffaw, but a far cry from the classic There's Something About Mary, Hall Pass is less painful than I expected. Oh yes, it isn't altogether funny in any way, shape, or form, but it's semi-enjoyable.

Not in the beginning, when these married men are acting like two idiot children...no, that's too easy. These antics, this ridiculous dialogue and fragmented comedy styling are more attune to some dirty cartoon than the imagination of a small child.

I flinched through most of this masquerade, or sat back and hated myself for choosing such a rightfully snubbable film, but the last twenty minutes are good. The leads are Owen Wilson, who just can't play a suburban dad without a queasy smirk on his face, and Jason Sudeikis, who is somewhat annoying as he stumbles through yet another role where he plays the clumsy sidekick.

Their scenes are pointless, and each day that they do nothing is another bit of time in my life that I will never get back. The wives are portrayed by Jenna Fischer, who is the cute girl next door type, and Christina Applegate, who isn't raunchy or fun, but simply flawed as a person.

Both take up the slack from Wilson and Sudeikis, flirting and gleefully enjoying their week from marriage. I only liked the end because it had heart where the rest of the film didn't. Two guys trying to get laid because they are sick of their wives are never going to be likable, no matter how flat you make Wilson's updo.

The last several minutes are by far the best and most complex of the film and possibly some of the best acting from Sudeikis I've ever seen. Then the film, being coy and gross, ruins it for everyone with one last ridiculous pun.

I wanted to strangle someone when everything was said and done, but luckily I have pillows to scream into. A lazy, misinformed, mean spirited flick, be warned.