The Night Before (December 2015)

Official Australian release date: 3/12/15. Viewed: 3/12/15.

Director: Jonathan Levine

Actors: Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anthony Mackie, Lizzy Caplan

Genre: Comedy

Rating: MA       

“It was ‘The Night Before’ Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse” – except for Isaac (Rogen) “tripping balls”! This is almost more of a drug film than a Christmas movie, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing – or a good thing. Simple concept – Ethan (Gordon-Levitt)’s parents died when he was 18, so his two best friends, Isaac & Chris (Mackie) have a Christmas Eve tradition where they go drinking in New York.

From there, it’s easy – people grow up & grow apart, so this is their farewell to the tradition. Drugs are taken, ridiculous situations ensue. Rogen didn’t write this, but there’s still plenty of jokes for him and his drug-addled self, even if he is playing the “responsible Dad” from Neighbours’, just with the night off. Lizzy Caplan needed more screen time and backstory, but it’s good to see Michael Shannon, Tracy Morgan & James Franco pop up.

A few great laugh out loud moments, particularly in the Midnight Mass scene, and some other chuckles throughout, but there’s not enough sustained hilarity, or heartfelt moments, even if the film gets there at the end. Not the worst Christmas film, but nor is it ‘Bad Santa’.

Overall: Solid Christmas adult comedy.

Gav's Rating: 3 stars.