Rating of
3/4
Slim but solidly funny
newmans_own - wrote on 04/19/08
As has been common with recent comedies, Segel and director Nicholas Stoller strive to create a film that’s not just about the laughs. And although it does contain a level of sweetness and sincerity that is still surprising in such a raunchy comedy, it is no more genuine or sweet than an average romantic comedy. Peter is a flawed character, but the negative effect his behavior has on people is touched on all too briefly. And aside from the always affirming “stop worrying and just live life” sentiment, the film is primarily successful in making jokes.
And the film is funny. Very funny. Segel already has gotten notices for his daring full-frontal nudity (which begins mere minutes into the film), but as a leading man he’s a bit on the bland side. He handles the jokes extremely well, but is nothing more than serviceable when trying to be dramatic. He is lucky that the amount of real drama required is rather small, and clearly knows where he excels. Bell and Kunis are pleasant as the women in Peter’s life; they inject their characters with mounds of personality but obviously got the short end of the stick when it comes to the jokes. However, the film truly belongs to Russell Brand. As the philandering and ridiculously spiritual rock star, every line he speaks packs a punch. He steps just across the line of being over-the-top, but does it with enough confidence to keep attention on him at all times.
***/****
Full review at http://newmanscorner.blogspot.com
