The Citizen Review " A man goes to the movies. A critic must be honest enough to admit that he is that man." -Robert Warshow

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The Citizen Review.

B-

Jack Meriwether 8/22/2010

When I thought about seeing The Switch, I expected a smart comedy with an indie-like flair, similar to 2008's Juno or Little Miss Sunshine. Unfortunately, what I found was the same thing that many of today's comedy-dramas struggle with: finding common ground between the laughs and the serious moments. It was a sort of a modern family drama, but it was doused in this comedy atmosphere that didn't quite work.

When thinking of a movie to compare it too, 2009's Baby Mama comes to mind. Both films star two very talented actors with great on-screen chemistry and have potential to be funny and heart-warming. Both of their problem is that the comedy is realistic or tight enough to carry the dramatic real-life moments so that when those moments come along, the audience has a hard time relating to the people on screen. I will also say that The Switch is a better movie than Baby Mama, due to better writing and slightly more resonant characters.

Wally is played by Jason Bateman, the brilliant comedy actor from such hits as Juno and television's Arrested Development. Wally is a likable guy with some issues. He is neurotic, has a small case hypochondria and is in love with his best friend Kassie (Jennifer Anniston). Oh, but that last one happens all the time, right?

So Kassie wants a baby badly, but feels she doesn't need a man to do that. So what does she do but utilize the modern gift of artificial insemination. Wally is not up to this idea, feels that she might find a perfect man and find out it will be too late, but Kassie is too strong in her beliefs. Then there is a "insemination party" and that's when things get rocky. In a mixed up twist of events, Wally switches the sperm donor sample with his own. He forgets this incident, Kassie, fully pregnant, moves out of the city and to a quieter place close to family.

Many years later, Kassie moves back with her son and the three form a certain bond that can't be denied and eventually Wally's little switcheroo comes out into the open. I think you can guess what might happen in the end.

Overall, The Switch is a decent comedy-drama that is saved by the strength of the two lead actors. It has it's problems with the comedic timing and dramatic balancing, but it's a film that can be enjoyed. Just don't walk in to the theater expecting too many gut-busting laughs or well-written dialog.

B

Matthew Meriwether 8/22/2010

Recently, I've noticed that the thoughts a film conjures up in your mind are what really defines a good film from a bad film. And the more I thought about this film, the more I liked it. It has a simple plot, but it's charm sneaks up on you. I differs from an average mainstream romantic comedy because everything that happens is completely believable and real. The characters aren't total opposites. They don't hate each other on first meeting. They're long time friends. They both would do anything for the other person, and it's not a stretch to believe that these people would fall in love in real life.

Kassie and Wally are best friends and Kassie tells Wally she wants to have a baby. Wally is not on board with this idea. But a week later, she has a "pregnancy party" in a priceless scene of wit sadness and reversals of fate.

The Switch isn't simply a romantic comedy. There is more drama than the trailers suggest. But I shan't belittle the nonstop witty dialog and quirky characters. The film draws you in with the first third of the movie where the set up is formed. The rest of the movie is pure delight. Seeing these characters live and interact with each other is quite real and almost on the border of comedy of manors.

The two main characters are played wonderfully well by Anniston and Bateman. But ultimately it's Bateman who really shines in this movie. He has always played the supporting role in films but this time, he shows his chops and delivers. He is priceless at developing a character that persnickety while still being likable. And with a few dramatic scenes, he proves he's got what it takes for a lead role.