"The Change-up" delivers an off-pace comedic strike

Director: David Dobkin

Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Jason Bateman, Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde

Best friends Mitch Planko (Ryan Reynolds) and Dave Lockwood (Jason Bateman) are two best friends living totally different lives. Dave is an accomplished lawyer yearning to become partner at a big law firm while simultaneously juggling his home life with his wife Jamie (Leslie Mann) and their 2 infants. Mitch on the other hand, is an aspiring actor who has absolutely zero responsibilities. Their lives are inadvertently swapped when they make a wish at a fountain.

The film has a very weak plot an very unoriginal comic gags. However, aside from these downfalls, the film moves quickly enough to not be boring and Reynolds and Bateman give surprisingly strong performances. The duo give good detail in mimicking the habits of their partner and it leads to some decent comedy. Unfortunately, there is no real substance in the film.

"The Change-up" is a decent film that does not strive for excellence. Instead, it abides by the same formulaic structure of past comedies in hopes of making a quick buck. While you may get a good laugh or two, this film is easily forgettable.

1.5 out of 5 stars.

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