That Awkward Moment
Director: Tom Gormican
Cast: Zack Efron, Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Imogen Poots, Mackenzie Davis, Jessica Lucas
Rating: C-
Jason (Zack Efron), Daniel (Miles Teller), and Mikey (Michael B. Jordan) are three hot studs living a Sex and the City lifestyle, make a pact to stay single, fill their rolodexes, and basically never grow up in the film The Awkward Moment. Set against the backdrop of The Big Apple, the best buds decide that they are going to live large after Mikey finds out that his wife has been cheating on him and wants a divorce. The trio vow to never get into the entanglements of relationships and to become the ultimate players tearing their way through the city.
Of course nothing can stay the same and each young urbanite finds themselves falling for significant others. Jason falls for Ellie (Imogen Poots), a one night stand that he mistakes for a lady of the night. Daniel falls for Chelsea (Mackenzie Davis), a BFF that is just like one of the guys, and who aids him in a silly game of bait and hook that they set up in order for him to get the girl of his choice. Mikey just can’t get over his wife Vera (Jessica Lucas) leaving him and manages to wiggle his way back into her life. Since each of the amigos has violated their sacred oaths to one another against relationships, all three go through great lengths to hide the violation of their promise to one another. What follows in this romantic comedy directed by Tom Gormican is a series of – you guessed it – awkward moments as each emotionally stunted male tries to hide the truth from his buddies about what is really going on when no one is watching.
For the most part the jokes and gags in That Awkward Moment are flat and repetitive. With continuous references to a colored penis, bathroom activities, and Viagra jokes, this Hangover wannabe movie will barely get out a chuckle let alone a laugh. Efron’s character, a one-night-stand kind of guy, makes one stupid decision after another until the end when he makes a Jerry Maguire kind of speech to his girlfriend about how sorry he is for screwing up. Efron does his best to be dramatic with his puppy dog eyes but completely lacks the punch that Tom Cruise had with Renee Zellweger in his famous speech from Jerry Maguire where he tells her “you had me at hello.” Zefron just comes across as boring and unbelievable. Known for a great performance in Fruitvale Station, Jordan is given the least amount to do which is a shame for an actor with so much potential. A highlight in the film is the interaction and chemistry between Davis and Teller. Both these actors play off each other nicely and their comedic timing actually does provide for a few good moments in the film.
Filled with scenes of crowded coffee shops, swanky bars, a swinging bachelor pad and the streets of New York, The Awkard Moment is a predictable film with a series of crass stupid jokes with just a few good moments to brag about.
