Hall Pass Review: Funny But Stupid

What’s The Story?

Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis) have been given a week off from their marriage after their wives become fed up with their antics. With the “Hall Pass” the two are transformed into bonafide 40-something bachelors with no strings attached. They can do whatever they want to whomever they want. With their wives out of town for the week, will the guys stay truthful to their wives or make the most of of the hall pass?

Is The Movie Funny?

Hall Pass is definitely a funny movie, but just not in one way. You’ve got a slew of different type of jokes throughout the movie, some that will definitely push comfort zones of multiple people. Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis banter very well back and forth with each other, which is seen early on in when the two friends are dragged to a dinner party.

I am also glad to say that all the funny parts are not in the trailer. I just hate going to watch a comedy just to find out all the funny parts were in the trailer. What you’ve seen in the commercials is just the tip of the madness that is in this movie.

Many jokes in the movie are sexual in nature and yes that will include nudity of a penial nature. There’s a penis joke in the movie alongside two penises onscreen. Really not my cup of tea, but it still was funny.

Do The Actors Work Well Together?

Both Wilson and Sudeikis work well together in this new comedy by the Farrelly brothers. The two share a best friend chemistry really well. My problem occurs with Wilson’s movie wife Maggie, played by Jenna Fischer. I really thought Fischer’s tired acting look had to do with The Office, but it carries over into Hall Pass. Fischer has this unenergetic energy about her that just doesn’t seem to go away. I’m not knocking her acting here. I just wish she had more energy in her.

What Did I Like?

The comedy in Hall Pass was the highlight of the film for me. It is funny, gross, silly, disgusting, hilarious, and all types of crazy. The jokes are original and none of them felt like I heard them before.

What I Didn’t Like?

The moral value of Hall Pass is too ridiculous for a suspension of disbelief. I highly doubt any wife would give her husband a week off from marriage in any sort of setting. The entire premise was stupid in my opinion.

There is a thong related joke near the end of the movie that involves Sudeikis and a woman from the club. The joke is setup with Sudeikis wondering if she is actually wearing a thong and the payoff…. Lets just say that I’m glad I wasn’t eating.

Final Verdict

Hall Pass is a silly time at the theater. You’ll get laughs while you’re watching it, but you’ll probably forget you even watched hours later. The general consensus of the audience seemed to be the same. “It was funny, but ehhh.” If you want something to watch with a group of friends that are in need of a laugh, I’d recommend Hall Pass. Otherwise grab it from a Red Box in a few months. I also advise not to bring kids to this movie. Even though it was Rated R you’d be surprise how many people brought kids with them. There are very adult themes.

Final Verdict – C

Photo by Peter Iovino courtesy New Line Productions