Short Film Ratings (Comedy)

No. 19 Short Film Ratings

This edition of Short Film Ratings is focused on the trashy American comedies (demonstrated in their IMDb Ratings) that I love, including Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, 21 & Over, Temps and Sleeping With Other People. 

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates ★★★☆☆

(The film is based off a real Craigslist advert…)
IMDb Rating | 6.0
Humpo Show Rating | 6.3
Released: 2016
Starring: Zac Efron, Anna Kendrick, Adam DeVine Aubrey Plaza
Plot Summary: Two hard-partying brothers place an online ad to find the perfect dates for their sister’s Hawaiian wedding. Hoping for a wild getaway, the boys instead find themselves out-hustled by an uncontrollable duo. (IMDb)

Zac and Adam make a great double act, Anna is hilarious as the compulsive liar whose mouth runs away sometimes, with funny results, and Aubrey is perfect as the one with a smoldering and deceptive look where you question whether she is pulling your leg or is absolutely serious.

With plenty of outrageous antics, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates is a fun film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, although Aubrey’s character did show some signs of maturity concerning certain aspects of her life as the film neared its conclusion.

Perfect For: Fans of Bad Neighbors and Pitch Perfect.

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21 & Over ★★★★☆

(An early film of Miles Teller (Whiplash, Divergent and War Dogs)
IMDb Rating | 5.9
Humpo Show Rating | 7.8
Released: 2013
Starring: Miles Teller, Skylar Astin, Justin Chon, Sarah Wright, Francois Chau
Plot Summary: The night before his big medical school interview, a promising student celebrates his 21st birthday with his two best friends. (IMDb)

I’ve watched this a few times and I still enjoy the shenanigans that the lads get up to. The outlandish, obscene and profane antics of trio are straight out of the American College Comedy Handbook.

A similar vibe to The Hangover and American Pie. Music is great too, this was the film that introduced me to “Gaslight Anthem”, who play one of the many amazing soundtracks that feature in this film.

Perfect For: The Hangover and American Pie.

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Temps ★★★☆☆

(A film that discusses the issues of changing, or not changing, your Facebook relationship status)
IMDb Rating | 6.1
Humpo Show Rating | 6.0
Released: 2016
Starring: Grant Rosenmeyer, Lindsey Shaw, Reid Ewing, Eden Sher 
Plot Summary: The comedy follows Jefferson (Rosenmeyer), a ski-bum temp worker, whose singular joy comes from an annual excursion to the slopes with fellow slacker Curtis (Ewing). But when Jefferson falls for Stephanie (Shaw), an ambitious go-getter, he is forced to re-evaluate his priorities. (IMDb)

An easy watch, nothing special. Neither of the main or supporting characters is loveable, and their relationship means different things to both of them, and the audience too, but there are some funny moments. A light film that is nowhere near a must-see.

Perfect For: 16-24 age bracket for those that like small-budget US Rom-Coms. 

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Sleeping With Other People ★★★★☆

(Favourable reviews across the board)
IMDb Rating | 6.5
Humpo Show Rating | 7.7
Released: 2015
Starring: Alison Brie, Jason Sudeikis, Jordan Carlos, Margarita Levieva, Jason Mantzoukas, Adam Scott
Plot Summary: A good-natured womanizer and a serial cheater form a platonic relationship that helps reform them in ways, while a mutual attraction sets in. (IMDb)

The surprise package. That wasn’t an innuendo. Or maybe it was?! 😉 Anyway, I went into this comedy with no expectations, but by the end of the film I found myself enjoying it a lot and wanting to watch it again. Brie and Sudeikis are absolutely perfect together, the chemistry between them came across as very authentic.

The script was brilliant, great banter between the main couple. I was laughing out loud at some of Sudeikis’ lines. Brie is sexy, funny and wonderful. This film was a joy to watch.

Perfect For: Fans of How to be Single and Horrible Bosses. 

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The Humpo Show | Richard