The Switch
“The Switch” is caught up in the arrows of love without necessarily make the syrup, which makes a surprising romantic comedy dominated by its distribution nearly flawless and his many dialogues tasty.
What if a man (Jason Bateman) love for so many years his best friend (Jennifer Aniston) who, in turn, thinks only be inseminated? Especially do not tell him! But as time passes, the more ardent desire wants. Especially as the child of Madame might well have been conceived by the sperm of man, which could add more maps …
American cinema is still capable of surprise. “The Switch” is a good example. On paper, the scenario does not break anything, directors Josh Gordon and Will Speck are still associated with the outrageous humor of light “Blades of Glory”, and all featuring Jennifer Aniston. Anyone (or almost) then expected a sweet romance and moralizing, nor particularly surprising nor really inspiring.
Outside it is not. The filmmakers are working from a short story by Jeffrey Eugenides (author’s disturbing “The Virgin Suicides”) and the script that drew Allan Loeb is relatively well the road. Without revolutionize the genre, it builds on the psyches of the neurotic hero, a concept that injects plenty of humor to the story. Everyday worries transform almost a cross between Woody Allen and Michael J. Fox, where the contribution of words is given preference over more physical gags, the more evident. Although the themes in place do not depart from the traditional American dream (where family and love are always available and accessible regardless of his surroundings and his situation), the treatment turns out fine, do not forcing the dose beyond measure.
More than for its story whose conclusion is hinted at in advance, it is extremely colorful characters that need attention. Jason Bateman swims like a fish in water and it manages to be both hilarious and sensitive in his devotion to man every day. His relationship with the young Thomas Robinson portrays the son of the girl of his dreams is still credible. The duo instantly smile and dynamics almost reminds one that was the basis of “Jerry Maguire”. Around them are a Patrick Wilson claiming too positive (so that the usual stereotype of the show was fundamentally unsympathetic), Juliette Lewis, a best friend who unfortunately has few scenes to defend themselves, and a jubilant Jeff Goldblum, which proves a real comic talent in many thoughtful colleague. Much less prominent, Jennifer Aniston does not sabotage fortunately the story is revealing much more comfortable here than in the recent offensive and “The Bounty Hunter”.
If one must be patient to adhere well to the challenges (the first 30 minutes dragged on and it takes a long time to focus on the things in place), “The Switch” makes it even drawing a multitude of funny moments and cute as excellent performers make you forget a topic that does not shine by its originality. This change makes all the “The Back-Up Plan” of this world.
