The body swap comedy dominated the eighties, more significantly the later half. For the most part, it was of the age variety, with one person being in their teens and the other a grown adult. 18 Again took this to great limits, with George Burns switching bodies with his grandson, Charlie Schlatter. These comedies have popped up again recently, with 17 Again and the remake of Freaky Friday being the most popular.
These switcheroo comedies have always been in need of lampooning. Not only that, but the formula needed to be altered. For far too long, it’s been the same old “young person switches lives with an older person”, with the outcome usually being the same. There has always been a golden opportunity to flip this arc on it’s head and actually switch the lives of two drastically different individuals.
This is where The Change Up steps in. Not only does it avoid the body swap stereotype, it mocks the sub-genre at every turn. The standard wishing fountain that causes the switch is still prevalent, but the means behind it has changed. They’re not flipping a coin, they’re pissing in the fountain. Whether this is a metaphor of them pissing all over the sub-genre is for you to decide.
That’s not to say the film doesn’t tread into familiar waters. The tail end of the film plays out just like every other body switcheroo. This is a bit bothersome, as I felt the film should have stayed in parody territory. However, the message is still sweet and handled well by David Dobkin.
The victims this time around are Dave Lockwood (Jason Bateman) and Mitch Planko (Ryan Reynolds). They’ve been friends since third grade, but have drifted apart of the years. Dave has taken the burden of raising a family and working nonstop, while Mitch slacks off incessantly and coasts through life and women.
After inadvertently wishing they had each other’s lives, they switch bodies. The simple solution is to simply urinate in the same fountain again, which the two quickly latch on to. Only problem is the fountain has been taken out for restoration and replacement. Whilst they wait for it’s new destination (which is marvelous), they must live each other’s lives without screwing things up.
That’s easier said than done. Mitch has a harder time adjusting to Dave’s lifestyle, as he’s used to smoking dope and going through women like they were candy. He spends the majority of his time in Dave’s body trying to score with his wife, Jamie (Leslie Mann), all the while ignoring his children and giving them bad advice.
This is where the film truly shines. Jason Bateman is having an absolute blast playing a douche bag. As I mentioned in my Horrible Bosses review, he’s been stuck in nice guy purgatory for the last few years. Though he’s had roles where he’s had quite the potty mouth (such as the previously mentioned summer hit), he’s always been a sweetheart. Here, he’s as rude and selfish as they come.
The funniest moments come from what spews out of his mouth, whether extremely vulgar or selfishly cruel. The latter is surprisingly more entertaining. For instance, there’s one scene where he’s having dinner with his family. His oldest daughter, Cara (Sydney Rouviere), is complaining that her poem was not put on the wall like a fellow classmate’s. Instead of comforting her, he simply informs her that her poem probably sucked.
Dave’s transformation into Mitch isn’t quite as funny, though it has it’s moments. One scene has him on set of Mitch’s latest movie role. If you’re thinking it’s a Hollywood blockbuster or independent film, you’re wrong. It’s a lorno. If you’re not sure what that is, go ahead and Google it. Better yet, don’t spoil yourself and wait until you see the film.
He’s also uncomfortable with Mitch’s long line of sexual deviants, though that’s more because of their outrageous preferences. That’s not to say he’s afraid of cheating on his wife. He is, though Mitch continually informs him he’s not cheating if he’s in another man’s body. To prove it, he hooks him up with his secretary that he’s had a crush on, Sabrina McArdle (Olivia Wilde).
As per usual, both men are suffering their own setbacks, which are now even more complicated due to a new presence. Dave is having trouble with his wife, thanks to him spending too much time at the office. Mitch is having daddy issues with his father (Alan Arkin), who is remarrying and wants his son there. We’re treated to the normal heartwarming moments, which drag the film down, though are done well.
For the majority of it’s running time, The Change-Up is a filthy comedy that throws everything against the wall. Foul language, nudity, bodily fluids; you name it, it’s here. I was afraid this was going to be downgraded to a PG-13 rating when I seen the trailers touting that is had yet to be rated. After watching the film, I know that’s because it was probably fending off an NC-17 rating.
It may get lost in the switcheroo formula, but The Change-Up is a parody, for the most part. A well-acted one that has it’s fair share of gut busting moments. Some may turn people off (the baby defecating on Dave wasn’t my cup of tea), but there’s enough here to send everyone home happy. It may not be as good as the other summer comedies, but it’s certainly still entertaining.
Final Rating: B