THE CHANGE-UP – The Review

Here’s an interesting cinematic mash-up. Let’s not do a remake of a specific 1980’s movie like the upcoming FRIGHT NIGHT  re-imagining, but instead make a modern version of the popular body-switching comedy genre from that decade ( VICE VERSA, LIKE FATHER LIKE SON, 17 AGAIN ). And since THE HANGOVER was such a huge hit, let’s add a lot of R-rated spice. A whole lot. We’ll toss in a couple of likable comedy stars, turn on the blender, and we’ve got THE CHANGE-UP. Is it a tasty cocktail? Bottoms up ( and a lot of tops too ) !

We first meet harried, single dad Dave ( Jason Bateman ) as he gets up at 3 AM to feed and change his set of toddler twins. Of course while a CG effects moppet bangs it’s head against the crib headboard the other has a messy accident while getting a new diaper. Soon we meet Dave’s old buddy Mitch ( Ryan Reynolds ) , an aspiring actor and party animal. Mitch’s late morning breakfast is interrupted by his father ( Alan Arkin ). The old fella’s losing patience with the flighty, irresponsible Mitch ( and tired of helping him out financially ), but asks him to speak at his upcoming nuptials. Cut to Dave in his job at a big law firm. The only relief from the high pressure position is the chance to ogle his lovely assistant Sabrina ( Olivia Wilde ). Mitch calls Dave there to remind him of their boys night out later. That evening Mitch picks up Dave from his home, after flirting with Dave’s wife Jamie ( Leslie Mann ). At a sports bar both men compare notes, and complain, about their lives. Returning to Mitch’s car they stop off at a  park’s sculpture fountain to relieve themselves ( public urination is so funny! ). As they whiz both men say in unison, ” I wish I had your life!”. Cue the thunder, lightning, and close-ups of the statue. Spooked, both men return to their homes. The next morning they awake to discover that they’ve switched bodies. Re-uniteing they race back to the park to discover that the fountain has been moved! And the city workers can’t tell them where it ‘s gone until next week. Dave’s in charge of a big upcoming  merger at his law firm . Mitch is starting work on a movie. Can these guys take charge of he other’s respective jobs and homes without wrecking their lives?

I’d been looking forward to this film since I’d seen the trailer months ago.  I’ve been a fan of the two male leads for a while particularly Mr . Bateman after his work on the much beloved and missed TV series ” Arrested Development”. And Mr. Reynolds has been doing some great work ( he shouldn’t be help responsible for the dreary GREEN LANTERN ). Unfortunately their talent and charm can’t triumph over this crude, coarse script. In the first half hour they’re spraying the soundtrack with F-bombs like they’re loaded in a Tommy gun. I’m not  easily offended, but the overuse seems very lazy. Also phrases and situations seem to be included not to induce laughter, but to shock and offend ( a Down’s Syndrome joke? Really? ). I would’ve tossed Mitch’s character out of my home for his behavior around my kids. I guess we’re supposed to embrace his rebellious nature when he lights up a blunt while driving!  Twice! The other actors don’t fair much better. Mann alternates between being a MILF and her KNOCKED UP character. As Mitch’s dad Arkin is sorely underused-he just looks disappointedly at Mitch in their scenes. Like many of her recent film roles, Wilde is there for eye candy and to temp the hero ( as in THREE DAYS LATER ). I think she’s could be a great comic actress if given the oppurtunity.  At the midway point the writers decide to play up the pathos and redeem the guys in time for a teary reunion ( this after letting the toddlers play with electrical sockets, blenders, and cutlery ). I’ve got no problem with raunch ( loved BRIDESMAIDS and Bateman in the much superior HORRIBLE BOSSES ), but this wants to shock and leave us with a war, fuzzy, ending. I think the old switcheroo flick can still work, but it’s got to be made with more thought and care than this.

Overall Rating: 2 out of 5 stars