At least three times a month, there is a new romantic comedy released. At least two times a month, that romantic comedy is dull and ridden with a tried and true formula. That third movie will try something a little different, and it will hit or miss. In the case of That Awkward Moment, it tries to go in a different direction, but it doesn't quite get there.
The film follow the exploits of three men in their twenties: Jason, Daniel and Mikey. Jason is the classic player who keeps his women on a roster. Daniel is the laid back man who uses his girl best friend as a wing-woman. And Mikey is a doctor who finds out his wife has been cheating on him. With her lawyer. These three friends all make a pact that they will stay single in order to be there for one another. But circumstances arise which cause each man to rethink that promise.
While the film does its best to stand out among others of it's type, it still feels rigidly formulaic. The idea of a male centric romantic comedy has the potential to offer so much more than what we are given. But it simply sticks with it's stock of characters that fit the bill, and puts them in the situations that would make the 1980s sue for plagiarism.
Don't get me wrong, this movie is funny. At times, it's very funny. Most of the good jokes revolve around bathroom and phallic humor. I'll admit that the jokes in those fields are pretty original, but they aren't really enough to carry the film past the premise. The film eventually gives into the sappy nature found in most films, and it loses all momentum. Given the talent in the leads, I expected more.
Out of all the people who were involved with High School Musical, the one with the most talent and who is least likely to fall into obscurity is Zac Efron. In this movie, he doesn't break any ground. He is simply just another slacker that women want to change into that perfect man. I don't blame him for his characters dull nature, I blame the writers.
Miles Teller is the weakest link in this chain, as he does nothing except try to provide comic relief whilst trying to drive in a smidge of drama. It almost feels as though he is trying to channel Jonah Hill circa 2007. It literally feels as though he watched Superbad before filming, and tried his best to imitate Jonah. In a movie that already lacks originality, he is the least interesting.
Andrew's Standout for That Awkward Moment is easily Michael B. Jordan. As I mentioned in previous articles, he is one of the most promising new talents in Hollywood. This movie is no exception. Out of every character in this movie, Michael shows off the most depth, and the strongest emotional range. Rather than subvert himself in the traditional comedic stock, he is relatable and likable. I promise you. In our lifetime, Michael B. Jordan will be nominated for an Oscar.
For this movie, it's your choice. It certainly has enough humor to be entertaining, but it lacks anything original to keep it alive.
C+
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