Amateur Night

This is a textbook example of how Hollywood can screw up a really good story. This had the opportunity to be funny and entertaining and even touching. Unfortunately it didn't meet any of those goals.

I was hoping that we'd get a story that played out over a few weeks and let the characters grow into people the cared about. Instead we got a story crammed into a single jumbled night and tied everything up with a crappy bow at the end. The entire thing was just disappointing and flat. The few attempts at humor were either gross or cringe inducing in their awkwardness. It didn't elicit a chuckle, much less any actual laughter.

As another reviewer stated, it wasn't a bad movie - it just wasn't a good movie either.

Not a bad movie at all but nothing to get excited over. It's very bland in it's implantation of the plot.

I've seen this before. The economy is bad and Jason Biggs plays a highly college educated man who can't get a job in his field. He can't wait any longer, because his out of work wife is having a baby, and they have no insurance for it, so he takes the first job that's offered to him: A job as a driver for a group of strippers.

Jason Biggs was right for the role as the main protagonist. He brings a sweetness to the whole movie. His innocence is believable without being too melodramatic.

I thought it was interesting that they did not bring up the strippers dark side to why they became strippers. Early on the movie explains it's about the money and it's good money and it's a job and nothing else, which is pretty much the prime basis of the movie is that everyone needs a job. It's not that the dark side of stripper would have added anything to the light comedy, it's just one cliché they seem to have left out.

I did like how the strippers were portrayed in the film. It's very new era, showing just how in control they are of the situation, which is how it should be and hope that the film statement of being semi-true is getting that accurate.

Plus all the girls were sexy, especially Bria Murphy. can't help to cross my mind what Papa Eddie thinks of the film.

Anyway, the story has the potential to leave a mark, but it's not a decent enough comedy. You'll watch it, have fun, and a minute later forget all about it.

http://cinemagardens.com

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. ;)

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.