Thursday, June 5, 2014

That Awkward Moment (Movie Review)

Thursday, June 5, 2014 3:50 PM with 13 comments


That Awkward Moment

Director: Tom Gormican
Writer: Tom Gormican
Starring: Zac Effron, Miles Teller, Michael Jordan, Imogen Potts
Rated: R for sexual content and language throughout

Synopsis from IMDb:

Jason has just been dumped, but he didn't even realize they were going out. Meanwhile, Mikey's wife has just asked him for a divorce, and perpetually single Daniel is still single. The three best friends are determined to stay single together and just have fun. But then Jason meets Ellie who just might be perfect for him, Daniel starts to realize that his gal pal Chelsea might be perfect for him, and Mikey has always thought that his wife was perfect for him. The boys are going to have to juggle their single life with their romantic entanglements and it's going to get awkward.

**********************************************************************
MY THOUGHTS:

If I'm remembering correctly, the marketing for this movie was geared towards men--that this movie was a "bro's flick", but do not be fooled. This movie is a straight-up chick flick, and not a very good one, at that. The premise of the film is same old, same old: After finding out that his wife has been cheating on him--with her lawyer--and now wants a divorce, Mikey (Jordan), turns to his friends for comfort. His two pals, Jason (Efron) and Daniel (Teller) rally around him and the three make a pact to swear off relationships and focus only on casual hook-ups and having fun. So, wouldn't you know it, all three guys find a girl who may end up being that special somebody, but have to hide it from their pals. Do you think that in the end, they will all grow as people and find out that *gasp* men have feelings and can fall in love, too?

The lead of this film is, without a doubt, Zac Efron who plays pretty, bad boy Jason. He narrates the film and explains "that awkward moment" as when a girl dares to ask: Where is this relationship going? He has a long string of booty calls on his roster, but knows it is time to cross a girl off his list when the "awkward moment" arises. Jason works in one of those only-on-film dream jobs designing covers for a boutique publisher in a gorgeous open-space offices with one of the films other stars, Daniel. Jason sleeps with gorgeous Ellie (Potts), but in the morning believes that she is a prostitute and sneaks out, only to have her show up at the office as a client (hilarious). From there he begins to fall for the vivacious beauty--but, again--has to keep it from his bros or be labeled a traitor. It's hard though because Ellie ISN'T LIKE OTHER GIRLS. She's a COOL girl (as denoted by the fact that she drinks scotch and plays Playstation *eye roll*). 


What offices look like

Daniel, Jason's side-kick, has a "wing woman" named Chelsea (Mackenzie Davis) who helps him pick up women in bars--and whom he helps pick up men. You get the impression that the two have been doing this for quite some time, so the out-of-nowhere way they start hooking up just seems weird. 

Mikey, the only one of the three who seems even remotely grown up--being a doctor and having a wife--can only focus on his failed marriage and trying to get his wife back. We are told that the three were friends in college which is the only reason why their friendship makes sense now. 

 
She plays video games, you guys! 

Look, I'm a fan of the male-centered comedy, and I do not turn my nose up at gross-out humor. Frankly, I have the sense of humor of a 14 year-old boy. I just do. I saw Old School AND Office Space in the theater. My problem with this film is its predictability and the fact that none of the gags are funny. The story is a half-baked concoction that one would expect from a Katherine Heigel film. I definitely never laughed out loud a single time while watching this film. There's a running joke about how Daniel takes a shit every time he comes over to Jason apartment that isn't funny the first time, and certainly isn't funny the last time. There is an incident where one of our couples has sex in the bathroom at a family party and forgets to lock the door. The horror! Also, I'm sorry, but one of my pet peeves is when characters keep their clothes on during sex. Girls just don't wear bras during the act, and guys certainly don't wear their t-shirts. It's not like I need nudity. There are certainly ways to film a love scene without showing areas that an actor/actress would prefer not to have filmed, OR you can just leave these scenes out of your film if you aren't going to film them realistically. 

They sure look pretty, don't you think? 

The only saving grace of this film was the likability of the cast. Zac Efron, while not the best actor, has a certain charm and is seriously adorable. The film is a relatively quick one, but there is never any doubt about how it was going to end. Possibly worth your time if you are home sick on a Tuesday afternoon, but don't expect too much. Other than that, I would skip this one.

zac efron animated GIF
Yep. That about sums it up, Zac.

13 comments:

  1. Thanks for the heads up! I did think it was more of a guy movie so I was not putting it at the top of my list and now I think I won't be rushing for it.

    Ashley @ The Quiet Concert

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It TRIES to be a "guy movie", but fails miserably. I'm not knocking chick flicks--there are some great ones, but there are more awful and predictable ones, and that's what this is. Yeah, I wouldn't rush to watch it.

      Delete
  2. It looked like one of those ridiculous guy comedies. So the only reason I wanted to see it was for Michael B Jordan. But his character is a married doctor? Please tell me he was fresh out of med school because I don't buy him as much older than that. He looks far too young, like an intern on Grey's.

    Eh, I'll pass on this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They didn't really go into his profession that much. I don't think he was an intern, but, yeah, they are all in their mid-20s, so probably? None of the characters were really defined. All the actors were fine--and I've heard he's great in Fruitvale Station, but haven't seen it yet--but there was only so much they could do with this script.

      Delete
  3. Ah yes...guess my instincts were right on about this one! It came in for me at the library, I read the back cover and decided to pass. So glad I didn't waste my time! :D Great review, Natalie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah. I watched it on a Saturday afternoon while my husband was out doing something. There was no way I was going to try to make him watch this. There are definitely better movies to spend your time on.

      Delete
  4. It was cute, but forgettable. Although I do remember some of the "funny" scenes were not really that funny. My expectations were pretty low, though, so I did enjoy it. ~Pam

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Completely forgettable. I just, you have all these decent actors and great locations, you couldn't have made it less predictable--and funnier? I'm glad you enjoyed it. I must have had my grumpy hat on.

      Delete
  5. Bahaha...I have the sense of humor of a 12yo, so I'm right there with you. I think Zac Efron is adorable, but I think I'll pass on this one...at least till I'm home sick and it's free on cable, as you say. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Zac Efron is totally adorable--although, to be honest, maybe a little TOO pretty here. It isn't the worst movie ever, but you can definitely do better.

      Delete
  6. I really wanted to see this, I think it has a different name over here, but I didn't rush out to see it in the cinema because I figured it would be about as good as you've described. I LOVE your review :)

    Mands @ The Bookish Manicurist

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You aren't missing much. I wonder what the name change is? Let me know if you remember. Thanks, Mands! :)

      Delete
  7. Zac is, indeed, seriously adorable. I’m sure his fans have been supporting him since his High School Musical days up to That Awkward Moment. Hahaha! Like you, I believe there’s nothing extra-special with the movie, just the perfect characters and actors. Well, I’m sure you have more movies there to watch, so please don’t forget to share your reviews about them. Have a great day! :)

    Simon Walker @ The ViewLorium

    ReplyDelete

Hello, there! Thanks for taking the time to comment. I read each and every one and will do my best to respond--usually on your blog instead of on mine. I will, however, always answer direct questions. Due to serious time restraints, this blog is now an award free zone, but I appreciate the thought!