Should You Make the Switch?

The Switch is a romantic comedy / drama starring Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston and has a supporting cast which features Jeff Goldblum, Juliette Lewis and Patrick Wilson. The film has received mixed reviews and it's clear to see why. But is there an underlying story there or performances that make it worth seeing is the real question?

What's the Story?

Let's begin with what doesn't work. The overlying narrative is utterly ridiculous, but not in the self-aware style of an action film like Machete. No, this is a story idea that someone clearly thought was funny though it obviously is not. Jennifer Aniston's character wants a child and decides to go about having one through a donor. Against her best friend Wally's (Bateman) suggestions, she is going to do this via a "turkey-baster" like device with "ingredients" from a donor (Wilson) who does the deed on-site. This is all during a party thrown for her by Juliette Lewis's character who is completely boring and out-of-place as the "zany" friend.

In reality, we the viewers know that Wally has feelings for Aniston's "Kassie" though he doesn't seem aware. Wally becomes very inebriated at the party and through some mildly funny happenings, the titular "Switch" happens during Wally's blackout. Kassie becomes pregnant shortly there-after and then moves away. Seven years pass and Kassie returns with child and Wally starts to figure out what happened all that time ago.

The Positives of Character

Though the film does drag getting towards its foregone conclusion, this is the portion where the positives come in. Bateman gets to flex some acting chops beyond the comedy he is known for and he does it well. His acting skill is clear in the climactic reveal sequence, which although obvious and cliché is saved by his performance. The underlying story of a man caring deeply for his child and doing the right thing gets a mark in the win column through Bateman's portrayal.

The other possible saving grace of the film is the character of Leonard, Wally's boss, played by Jeff Goldblum. He provides consistent and non-contrived humor throughout the film. Much like Christopher Walken, one could listen to Goldblum read the phonebook and it would be at times poignant or hilarious depending on the delivery. Goldblum is the quality comic relief while at the same time the gentle guide for Wally, leading him to the conclusion that the audience came to near the start of the film.

The Un-Even Bottom Line

The Switch is unbalanced: funny at times, serious at times, and neither always when it intends to be. It would be hard to recommend paying full price admission for this one. Still, it is probably a decent date movie for the theater, and would make a good rental for checking out Bateman and Goldblum. Aniston does a decent job here, nothing remarkable but not poor either given what the majority of her story is. The Switch is in theaters now.