Feb 25 2011

Hall Pass

Feeling run down by married life two best friends, Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis), both manage to irk their wives to the point they’re each granted a “Hall Pass”– seven days of permission to live as though they’re not married. With this new freedom the two set out to live it up, partake in the singles scene, and attempt to re-live their more youthful days. Meanwhile, wives Maggie (Jenna Fischer) and Grace (Christina Applegate), convinced their men won’t really get into that much trouble vacation upstate; but, when temptations on both sides start to arise will the couples ultimately have the strength to reunite at the end of the week? Directed and partially written by known comedic veterans Bobby and Peter Farrelly (There’s Something About Mary, Dumb and Dumber, and Shallow Hal) the film aims to provide lots of laughs, and, I’ll admit there’s quite a bit to laugh at here. But let’s be clear about this, this is a more sinister comedy, and similar to their previous films, a lot of the film’s humor is pretty blue and crude and therefor not everyone’s cup of tea. But then again, comedy for all ages and sexes is a tough chord to strike. That being said, I laughed more than I expected to, and it’s not as though the production or acting of the film is sub par, in fact, I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe a matinee for those looking to get away from the Oscar drama this weekend. Hall Pass is rated R.