Movie Reviews

TAG
Directed by: Jeff Tomsic
Starring:

Comedy seems to been enjoying somewhat a resurgence in 2018 with box office (Jumanji) and with the critics (Blockers). Tag, Jeff Tomsics directorial debut looks to expand on this trend. Tag, is an original comedy with a rather sweet premise based the friendship of 5 men who have being playing a life long game of tag, with hilarious results. The movie itself is based on a true story, which the poster suggests and end credits allude to also with real life clips of the men involved.  The concept along with my love for the acting of Jon Hamm and Jeremy Renner is initially what drew me to this movie. Other reviews I had seen suggests that most reviewers are on either side of the fence about the comedy gags in this film, ranging from hilarious to low rate or overly offensive. Personally, I believe it will depend on the audiences sense of humor. I, myself, found the more offensive gags  to be extremely funny, whereas I am sure others might just find the same gags vulgar or mean spirited. In fairness to Tomsic, the delivery for most of the jokes in this movie are on point and characters are likeable, which is something that recent comedies in the last few years have a problem getting the right mix with, and often cases, have neither, see Baywatch/Bad Grandpa.

The chemistry between all the main leads in Tag is natural and each of the 5 leads get a time to shine in their roles, including New Girls Jake Johnson as a likable stoner. I also, really enjoyed Ed Helm in this film as he deviates from his normal role as the overly sensitive/sensible character who is always in over his head in wacky situations. This time around he plays the main architect of said wackiness in Tag. Jon Hamm is his own charming self and Hanibal Burress delievers some of the funniest dialogue of all the cast but its Jeremy Renner who steals the show, with the least camera time I might add, as the elusive Jerry, who has avoid being tagged for the last 30 years.

Overall the film has heart and a layer of depth under all the laughs, it's fun and is ultimately a thought provoking tale about the power of friendship and why and how these 5 friends have being able to maintain such a strong friendship over the years. Bromance, Alert. I definitely recommend Tag.

3.5/5