American Sexy Phone

Okay first things first, I know this movie will raise a few eyebrows amongst you, but I would urge you not to base this film off of its synopsis or concept. Don't get me wrong, this film is what you think, but it's also NOT. It all revolves around two former-college "frenemies" (I really hate that term, but whatever…) who both need to find a roommate so they can stay in New York and live the "American Dream" which is when mutual friend Jesse (played by an hilariously camp Justin Long) forces them to move in together. The two women, strapped for cash, very quickly set up a phone-sex-line and realise a very lucrative, if not slightly filthy, business opportunity. The phone-sex-line however, is not the centre of this film, though it certainly plays a significant part. The heart of this film lies in the friendship that grows from this business, and this is where a lot of our laughs and "awh" moments come from. This film is borne from a post-Bridesmaids we-women-can-be-just-as- filthy-and-funny-as-men era and it takes that female empowerment to a whole new level with both ladies showing their modern-esque sexuality and embracing there situation. They don't lament their career and pity themselves for running such a service. In fact they revel in their power and it's quite an empowering, if not slightly wacky, message to bring to our screens. Aside from the I-am-woman-hear-me-roar quality to the film though comes the message of love that slowly grows between the characters, and this is where the film really grows on you. The chemistry between the two lead actors is very convincing and as I watched I couldn't help but think that they had a truly distinctive "Womance" (that's the female version of a bromance) that is rear to see in film or TV. In fact now I think about it there is no pop-culture media-frenzy womance that really comes to mind, which is irritating really. Maybe this awesome little film will pave the way for more womances in the future, I certainly hope so.

The film title doesn't mislead us. Sex toys, phones, and ladies are involved. It's also a relationship film, but an impressive variation from the usual romantic comedy angle.

Like another film from this year, Giant Mechanical Man, a significant part of this story involves young adults finding themselves along with happiness after what they thought was a serious relationship was ended by the significant other. And so begins the adventure. It may be we have a new type of urban adventure involving main characters exploring the unchartered territories of themselves and those close to them.

Unlike GMM, this is not nearly as predictable. Just when you think you know where it's headed, it shifts directions and explores areas that rarely get explored in film.

It also does many of the artistic things that other films keep failing to do in terms of how and who the villains/enemies are and who those you can trust are.

Another relatively low-key, indie film from 2012 doing new stuff that doesn't involve 3D, computer FX, or horribly loud audio blasted at the audience.

Co-writer and star Lauren Miller has played various smaller roles in several of her husband Seth Rogen's movies (Superbad, 50/50, Zack and Miri Make a Porno), but uses For a Good Time, Call… as an attempt to step out of her hubby's shadow and distinguish herself as a star on her own. Her script is a fun, light hearted take on the so-called taboo world of phone sex, and while the endless amount of naughty jokes are humorous to a certain extent, the gimmick runs itself a bit thin by film's end. Miller, paired with veteran ditz-for-hire Ari Graynor make a fun female version of the Odd Couple, but it doesn't take long for these characters to run out of steam on screen. Along with Miller, Graynor has long been the sidekick in other people's starring vehicles, so it's nice to see her actually get the chance to carry a movie on her own, but her persona in this flick is virtually the same to her characters in Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist and The Sitter. Graynor shows flashes of what could be. I truly hope she gets the chance to do something different and show the world that she's not just a one trick pony. One plus going for the flick is the numerous cameos of big-time actors getting to come in and day play as the skeezy pervs calling into the hotline for some help with their self gratification. Rogen makes a cameo as an air pilot showing a possible reason why all our flights are delayed. Kevin Smith (Jay and Silent Bob) delivers huge laughs taking care of his business while driving a cab. Ken Marino (Party Down, Role Models) a blunt tax attorney, and Martha MacIsaac (Superbad) a female prisoner using her one phone call, also get to chime in on the fun as well. It's obvious the cast got a kick out of making this film. Although For A Good Time, Call… is fun and has its charm, it doesn't have enough weight to dig past its superficial glossy exterior and tell a truly realistic story.

I suppose this was mildly amusing. I was surprised to see Kevin Smith as one of their phone sex clients. That was good. Not so good is the entire premise. This movie strictly adheres to the romantic comedy template (between two platonic friends, mind you), that you've already seen in practically every romantic comedy ever made. Bad past, forced together, besties, conflict, breakup, resolution, "love." Man oh man, I thought from the plot synopsis this would be a little different.

And if you want to see Ari Graynor naked, you can cram those dreams. In this movie, she takes a shower, is in a bathtub with her co-star filming a phone sex commercial, AND has sex with her boyfriend. No skin.

"Hello world for a good time call 1-900-mmm-hmmm." Lauren (Miller) & Katie (Graynor) are both at a rough patch. Lauren's boyfriend is moving to Europe and she lost her job, Katie can't make enough to stay in her apartment so their mutual friend decides it's time they move in together. When they meet they remember they hate each other and it becomes tense, until they find a way to make more money then they ever dreamed of. The preview to this movie made it look very funny to me and I was excited about watching this. The cameos were great and the movie was funny but it was a little more girlie then I was expecting. This is more then a movie about phone sex, its about friendship and being true to yourself. As cheesy as that sounds watch it and you will see what I mean. While there are some pretty racy things in this it's nothing over the top so don't expect a soft-core type movie. Overall, not as funny as I was expecting but still funny and worth seeing. I give it a B.