One positive is the obvious chemistry between Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds. A redeeming feature is the rapport between the leads. They do their best with often vulgar material and it is clear that they have studied each other's mannerisms thoroughly. The characters (especially Reynolds') are unfortunately rather unlikable; Reynolds plays Mitch, a struggling actor displaying obscene behaviour and Bateman is Dave a high flying lawyer with a busy family life.
Now I am usually one for crude comedies; I like them slightly crass, embarrassing, cringe worthy and with a healthy dose of swearing so I don't know if I got out of the wrong side of bed on this day but I really didn't find the jokes as funny as I wanted to. While on the surface I watched the film, let a lot of the jokes wash over me and giggled a few times, there were a few moments that irritated me and put my back up a tad. My cinema compadre laughed the whole way through The Change-Up and found it hilarious so I would say it's most probably a matter of taste.
To summarize this crude comedy leaves a rather indifferent taste in the mouth. I was so hoping for this to be a new favourite for the DVD collection but director David Dobkin and writers Jon Lucas and Scott Moore have missed the mark and left me wanting. If you are easily offended - don't watch. If you like a cheap laugh or five then give it a shot but it won't end your world if you don't see it!
P.s. That process was painful because I massively crush hard on Ryan Reynolds and love Jason Bateman a little more than I should. Sob.
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