Some of the most famous male comedians in the United States don’t have a problem with having a crude sense of humor. However, when a female comedian tells a similar joke, it’s regarded as an audacious move (i.e. Chelsea Handler, Kathy Griffin).
But, this past year has seen a slew of female-centric entertainment like “Bridesmaids” and HBO’s “Girls” challenging crude humor stereotypes. In that same vein is “For a Good Time, Call…” starring Lauren Anne Miller (“50/50”) and Ari Graynor (“Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist”). The film was directed by Jamie Travis and is his first feature-length film.
Lauren (Miller) and Katie (Graynor) were not always friends. When the two first met in college, an unspeakably disgusting incident occurred that caused them to loathe each other for years. But now, with Lauren’s boyfriend breaking things off and Katie being threatened with eviction, mutual pal Jesse (played by Justin Long, “He’s Just Not That Into You”) convinces the two to come together under one roof so the rent could be paid. After Lauren is laid off from her job at an attorney’s office, the frenemies come together once again to continue the business Katie was already running alone: a phone sex hotline.
The humor in this movie, as it has already been hinted, is a little over the top. Lauren and Katie are often talking about or playing with sex toys and making sex sounds, which lends to the film’s R rating. Yet, Miller and Graynor enacted their roles in such a way that nothing seemed forced, and their actions were funny as opposed to vulgar.
One of the most intriguing and unexpected aspects of the film was the message that it gave to the audience. When these two grown women, who hated each other only months earlier, came together and learned that they weren’t all too different from each other, a beautiful friendship blossomed. The theme of female friendship and empowerment was present throughout the whole movie, making it one that was not just hilariously entertaining, but meaningful as well.
Miller and Graynor’s roles were undeniably funny, yet the stand-out actor of the film was Long. His varied career has made him a familiar face in the film industry. Yet his role as Jesse, the sassy gay friend to both Lauren and Katie, was unlike anything an audience had seen from him before. Much of Long’s dialogue seemed like ad-lib, adding to the raw humor of the movie.
“For a Good Time, Call…” is shot well and showcases some great style from all the main characters. The film is laugh-out-loud funny throughout. While the audience may not remember exact quotes from the female stars, they will remember that girls can join the “crude humor” scene and be just as hilarious.
thescene@theeagleonline.com
