Movie Review: Tag

Review Written by Michael J. Ruhland










Michael's Movie Grade: C+


Review: Charming little movie, but not as funny as one would hope, and gets too mean spirited at one point.

The most charming thing about this movie is seeing how dedicated these people enjoy each other's company. The characters themselves are quite cliché, but really get the feeling that they do enjoy each other's company. As such this movie reminds one of silly things they have done with their friends. This is where the movie works best, there is a feeling of nostalgia here that is quite effective and can bring one back to his or her childhood, almost wishing they could have stayed as close to their childhood friends as these men have done. The humor itself is hit and miss, and makes one feel for a comedy this could have been better. There are a couple times, I laughed out loud, but they were too few and more jokes either just give one a faint smile or fell flat. With how over the top most of the humor is and how desperate this movie seems to be to get a laugh, I can't help but feel I should have laughed much more. The idea of grown men taking a child's game way too seriously is an idea ripe with comedy, but this movie only scratches the surface of the comedic possibilities that could be given from this situation. While most of the over the top slapstick comedy doesn't feel meanspirited because it is too over the top to take seriously, there is a scene involving a character telling a lie, that feels way too meanspirited and out of place in such a lighthearted movie. I wish they could have found a way to do this film withouth this scene. Still despite any faults the charm of the premise and realtionships between the characters is very charming. That and the few really funny jokes, help make this movie worth seeing, even if it is easy to recognize the film doesn't live up to the full potential provide here.


-Michael J. Ruhland