It’s not often I make time to see comedy films in the theater, predominantly due to limited funds and there generally isn’t much of a reason to see it on the big screen. But every once in awhile the talent alone demands it. Without seeing a single trailer or knowing almost anything about the plot, I reserved a seat for Rough Night, not sure what to expect but hoping for a ton of laughs. Tl;dr, the girls really bring it. Read why.

No joke, Kate McKinnon and Ilana Glazer were the main casting attractions for me, but each lead brings a unique laugh to the screen. By the end of the film, my abs went through hundreds of crunches. The plot of the film is a group of old college friends, bound by the everlasting promise of post-college friendship, are swept away to Florida (which gets many of its own punchlines) for Scarlett Johansson’s bachelorette party. Her best friend and ex-college roommate Jillian Bell plans the entire evening, minute to minute, making sure to squeeze fun into every second, but the evening takes a turn when they accidentally kill their stripper. Imagine a slightly more focused, modern version of Clue with the pacing of films like Old School.

 My only major criticism is that, while it brings the laughs, I don’t think it warrants many re-watches. I tend to believe that a comedy film’s legacy and impact come directly from their ability to pull you in over and over again, and while some areas of this film might be worthy of enjoying again, it doesn’t feel worth it to watch the entire film again for just a few scenes. Most of the jokes rely on surprising the audience with something audacious or conversely by relying on longstanding tropes, so there isn’t much in the way of situational commentary or zippy one liners that keep you talking after the film ends. It’s best moments contrast the female and male characters, specifically the bachelor and bachelorette parties. They make the best of some pretty widely known pop culture myths and stereotypes that circulate throughout America, which play off each girl at one point or another.

 This was a pretty great date movie. Light and funny to start with fun twists and dark turns. It’s something that might keep a conversation going for just a bit during dinner, but wouldn’t dominate the conversation. If the theater I was in was any indication, you might have a better time on a girls night, reminiscing about your own tales of college yore, but I think it translates well on both ends of the spectrum. At it’s core, it’s about the laughs, so your abs will thank you.

~* 7/10 *~