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.
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