In The Change-Up the director of Wedding Crashers (David Dobkin) and the writers of The Hangover (Jon Lucas and Scott Moore) attempt to emulate the success of their previous comedy successes. Unfortunately this latest offering does not work so well. Starring Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds as Dave and Mitch as best friends who ultimately lead very different lives, The Change-Up is the latest in a long line of Hollywood films with a body switch plot. As the two leads urinate into a fountain whilst out together Dave drunkenly declares how he wants to lead a life of little responsibility like Mitch’s, and Mitch announces he envies Dave’s professional and family lifestyle. Guess what happens next? The two of them wake up the next day in each other’s body.
The Change-Up relies on toilet humour and female nudity to carry it, none of which is genuinely funny. For Bateman, who usually has a likeable screen presence in a comedy role, this performance feels particularly flat. Both characters also have their own subplots – Mitch is having problems with his dad and Dave with his wife (Leslie Mann). These elements seem to be an attempt to emotionally engage with the audience, allowing for a moralistic ending which ultimately isn’t really believable when combined with all the crude gags.
Overall, The Change-Up has a good cast and Bateman and Reynolds do a decent job of playing each other, but the poor writing lets it down. Although entertaining enough for a one-time watch, don’t expect many laughs.
Rating: 2/5
Reviewer:Sophie Stephenson
Rated: 15(UK)
DVD/BD Release Date: 23rd January(UK)
Director: David Dobkin
Cast:Jason Bateman, Ryan Reynolds,Olivia Wilde, Leslie Mann
DVD Features:
- Theatrical Feature & Extended Feature
- Fist Fight deleted scene
- Gag Reel
BluRay Triple Play Features:
- Theatrical Feature & Extended Feature
- Fist Fight scene
- Gag Reel
- Theatrical Feature Commentary
- Extended Feature Commentary
- Time for a Change
- Family Matter
- ‘Triple Play Edition’ includes the movie on 3 formats: Blu-ray, DVD & Digital Copy!
Buy The Change Up Here on DVD
