The Change Up: Blu Ray Review
The Change Up
Rating: M
Released by Universal Home Ent
Mitch (Ryan Reynolds) and Dave (Jason Bateman) have been buddies
since they were in third grade in school together.
Whereas Mitch became a failed actor and womaniser, Dave worked hard
all his life, married, had kids and is working for a law
firm.
However, Dave's not happy with his life, believing Mitch has the
perfect carefree existence; ironically, Mitch believes Dave has the
perfect life, with adorable kids and a loving wife (Leslie Mann).
So when the pair go out drinking one night and end up peeing in a
fountain, they wish they could swap places.
And in a flash, that's exactly what happens - but, surprise,
surprise, both of the guys learn the lives they're so jealous of,
aren't exactly as rosy as they imagined.
The Change Up is a body swap comedy from those behind Wedding
Crashers and The Hangover. So, pretty much, right there, you should
know what to expect - moments of guilty, gross out humour and
nothing too sophisticated.
The tone is set in the beginning sequence when Bateman's Dave is
woken at 3am by babies needing a nappy change - and it goes
horribly wrong...Throw in formulaic comedy and you've pretty much
got this film down to a tee - except for a few redeeming
factors.
Jason Bateman finally plays against his usual laid back roles and
has a whale of a time as Mitch; likewise Ryan Reynolds impresses in
his performance as Mitch/Dave; both the leads bring smart assured
performances to what is a very traditional, and formulaic body swap
film. Olivia Wilde continues to carve her way towards a prosperous
screen career with her role as Dave's sexy colleague and Leslie
Mann does well as a quietly desperate housewife.
Sure, the inevitable moment comes when the duo have to grow up/
face their deep epiphanies, but thanks to a fairly mediocre script
which uses their plights as a construct to hear some home truths,
you can see what's coming a mile off.
Extras: Deleted and extended scenes, gag reel and commentary.
Rating: 5/10
