Review of The Guilt Trip (2012) by Octavian — 31 Aug 2014

Seth Rogen and Barbara Streisand have been in a number of comedies over the years, but 'The Guilt Trip' marks the first time the two shared the screen together. Directed by Anne Fletcher, the movie is a C-rate laugher that follows Rogen's traveling salesman/entrepreneur as he tries to pitch an organic cleaner to big box stores as he asks his overbearing Jersey mother (Streisand) to tag along in an attempt to reunite her with a long lost love on the west coast.

The plot sounds like it should be one that would offer up a good amount of humor, and there are a few funny scenes, but overall 'Trip' is just not that funny. There are some weird ups and downs that really do a number on the flow of the film, with some bits of drama just feeling really "off" and out of place considering the set up.

Additionally, Rogen is not his usual self, he just seems to be out of his element for some reason. Streisand does well, though, and her portrayal of the crazy mom is in line with what you'd expect.

Everyone knows someone in their life who shares characteristics with Mrs. Joyce Brewster. Still, somehow 'Trip' ends on a nice note, which is all you can really ask for. While 'The Guilt Trip' is far from a great film, it's not the worst road trip that's ever been chronicled on screen.