Amateur Night

This film wasn't terrible. Not at all. But it wasn't anything special either. I had a decent enough story (apparently based on a true one), and was executed well enough (though I really don't think a smart guy like Guy would have made the bad decision he did at the end).

Jason Biggs was the only reason I watched this movie, and he was the best part of it, playing basically the same character as American Pie. The only parts that made me laugh (2 or 3 times) were from him. Otherwise, the film was basically forgettable. I didn't regret watching it, but I could just as well have watched something else and not regretted missing this either.

This doesn't have a rating listed, but for those wondering it would pretty much be rated R because of language and sexual content (though I don't really remember anything above PG-13 nudity).

Guy Carter (Jason Biggs) doesn't get his needed architecture job. His pregnant wife Anne (Jenny Mollen) had quit her job and they are close to losing their health insurance. Anne finds a driver job for Guy on Craigslist. Instead of delivering pizzas, it turns out to be driving around hooker Nikki (Janet Montgomery). On the first stop, he mistakes the S&M with Dr. Kurtz (Steven Weber) as actual abuse. That night, he has to act as a pimp for a bachelor strip show for Nikki, Fallon (Ashley Tisdale), and Jaxi.

This may have some real experiences. It doesn't automatically make it funny. There are some minor laughs but it's never sustained. Biggs is not always likable. Montgomery has the better role as the hard-nosed hooker. Lisa Addario and Joe Syracuse are able to bring out some interesting moments but it needs a comic writer to pump up the script.

Is the movie a great film that you will remember? Of course not. It is a raunchy, late night comedy with some laughs and tries to incorporate some heart felt scenes.

However, the movie delivers on its promise of a popcorn, low budget comedy. So the 1 and 2 star ratings are not deserved. A great movie to put on when you are trying to fall asleep, wants something on while working from home or just want to pass the time on a rainy day.

One thing that came to my mind was how the quick sword to fame can be a double edge for some actors. Leo crushed it in Gilbert Grape and Basketball Diaries and is now an A-lister. Jason Biggs rocketed to fame in American Pie and as never been able to shake the lovable loser character.

The plot should have made it hilarious, but bad writing, a poor choice for the lead and slow direction made for a lifeless, humorless film. Not worth the time.

There is only one other review on this page currently (dated 7 Aug 2016) but I think it sums things up nicely, and I find myself almost completely in agreement with it. There are, however, a few things I would like to add.

I don't feel like I have wasted my time if the film has managed to maintain a smile on my face, and I can learn a few things along the way. In this case, the film definitely informs the viewer of several interesting things regarding the modern sex industry, while at the same time making a study of the struggling middle class and its increasing crossover into taking more desperate measures in order to get by.

If I had to point out faults it would be that there are a few issues/sub plots the director raises but then doesn't fully address, and in fact just completely brushes them aside in order to provide the film with the desired ending.

But to sum up, as long as you watch this film in a situation where sex topics are not going to cause embarrassment, I regard it as worth watching and a bit of fun.

Oh, and I'll disagree with the other reviewer and say that Ashley Tisdale would by my pick. ;)