Movie #27- "The Change-Up" (2011)

I'm not a big fan of the "high concept" comedy.  The reason is generally the same; they're funny for the first half, then everyone has to learn a valuable life lesson and the film loses steam.  "Ted" is the only movie in recent memory that was only able to sustain its laughs throughout.  Apparently it's a difficult balancing act to maintain.
Since this one has been on the movie channels quite a bit lately, I thought I'd give it a shot.  "The Change-Up" uses the concept of the body switch movie yet covers some seemingly new territory.  First, instead of an adult and kid, it's two adult males.  Imagine "The Odd Couple" as a body switch movie (I don't recall such an animal).  Second, with the resurgence of R-rated comedy, this movie charges into raunchy territory when these films are usually PG-13.  Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds do a good job mimicking the characteristics of the other.  It's fun to watch Bateman break from his usual uptight persona, and the scene involving a lorno movie is quite funny.
But again, lessons about family and growing up must be learned, so the comedy fades in the second half (although the scene with them trying to switch back offers some hilarity).  A likable movie.

Rating: 6/10
Movies I've previously seen: 2
First time viewings: 25