Big Screen Blurb: The Change-Up

The Change-Up. Hmm...maybe this one should have been called The Curveball instead. Yes, it is a familiar story that seems to make the rounds every few years with the same old message. However, this thing is riotously funny and easily overcomes the familiar ole "Wow...I'm now you and you're now me" storyline.

Dave (Jason Bateman) is our career-obssessed entrant. He's working on the deal of his life and watching his own go by. Dave is positioning himself for partnership in the law firm where he is also putting together a merger deal that will all but guarantee the promotion. Dave is also a big family man. He's got the lovely wife, daughter and newborne twins--all of which have pretty much gone forgotten or merely being tolerated. Next, we find Mitch...wake-up Mitch...Mitch, HEY WAKE UP! Oh well, Mitch (Ryan Reynolds) is a single, lazy and struggling actor; actually, he's just struggling. He works the ladies, but that's just about it. So, when the two lifelong friends get together for a night on the town, alcohol takes over and the two share an envy toward each other's life. That, along with taking a leak in public fountain is obviously enough to make Mitch, Dave; and Dave, Mitch. Yadayadayada they both learn a few lessons about appreciation and growing up on the way to switching back.

It's good...4.0 Stars--check that, it's freakin' hilarious. As if we didn't draw enough humor from Dave being Dave and Mitch being Mitch, we are treated to numerous 'OH MY GOSH' moments from the ole change-up. Keep in mind, you get a lot...check that A LOT of those, 'Uhh...I probably shouldn't be laughing at this, but can't help myself' moments. Friendly advice on that front: Give in...that's right, surrender to it; you'll be glad you did. It's a very well written script, taking a worn out concept and injecting some 'push the envelope' humor to make this more than work. It's fun. Bateman is awesome. Reynolds matches that description. Yes, it takes a lull (story and humor-wise) at about the 75 minute mark as the final plot point pieces are plugged into the puzzle. (say that three times fast) That sluggish stretch aside, it's more than worth it.

Word of warning--no prudes allowed. If you are tad on the uptight side, you're not going to enjoy this one. However, if you like humor that leaves a lingering twinge of guilt, you gotta see The Change-Up and see it BIG. It's 152-minutes of fun and December is too long wait to see this one.

True...OUT!