Review of The Guilt Trip (2012) by Rabih H — 30 Jul 2013

There is little doubt that Barbara Streisand and Seth Rogen can be hilarious. Streisand has decades of experience in making people laugh and is overall just likable. Seth Rogen is hilarious, and for proof just read my review of "This Is The End". So with that much potential, how did they fair in this film?

Not well. Guilt Trip is a prime example of two good actors, with good chemistry even, failing to hit the mark due to sub-par plot and directing. Although the tension between the two of them seemed genuine (which is the actor's job), we didn't care enough about either of them to really get into the plot (which is the director's job).

The plot itself is based on a derivative but potentially funny premise of a man driving around the country selling his whatcha-ma-call-it and meet his mom's former lover. Yawn yes, but there could be some funny moments drawn up by that premise. Those however, were few and far in between.

The script just isn't funny. No matter how much the duo try, and boy were they trying, the film was bland and half-baked. "Hilarious" as the poster described it was not. There were moments when you smiled or smirked, but it could not cross that threshold of actual laughter.

Altogether though Guilt Trip is not horrible. It's a decent attempt, and definitely watchable, it just isn't memorable or particularly entertaining. It's a decent film though for a family or someone wanting something to pass the time. Do be warned that with headliners like Seth Rogen and Barabara Streisand, you do not get your bang for buck in laughter credit, but it's a "cute" film that isn't a complete bust.