So... when I'm not watching films where women are beaten and flayed to the point of spiritual transcendence, I like to brush up on my chick flicks. I saw the trailer for this one many a time attached to other films but somehow it managed to float stealthily past the public's radar and mine too, for that matter. It seemed to have a sense of fun about it and the idea was simple enough. I figured why not?

The plot? Lauren (Lauren Powell) and Katie (Ari Graynor), one looking for an apartment, the other in need of a roommate, are brought together by a mutual friend (Justin Long) and despite an old grudge from college, join forces on a phone sex hotline in order to remedy a mutual money problem. The trailer really says it all. I only repeat it here because I'm going to reference the actors in a bit.

You all know Bridesmaids or at least you should. Lotta hype about women stepping up to the plate and doing a raunchy comedy that brings the laughs and raucousness just like the guys do. I wasn't a big fan. There were definitely laughs to be had but I thought Kristen Wiig was kinda dull and her character was really shitty. For a Good Time, Call... doesn't quite live up to the promise of Bridesmaids but it certainly comes a lot closer to it and in the end is actually quite a bit of fun.

The best place to start is the characters. Not mopey, self-centered, immature, and all around crappy as in Bridesmaids; rather sweet, funny, lovable yet still flawed and interesting. I think both of them start out somewhat losery and down on their luck, much like their shlubby male counterparts played by guys like Seth Rogan, but eventually, they prove to be rather endearing.

I think Powell does a decent job as the straight-laced one but the star is without a doubt Ari Graynor. The character of Katie is sassy, sexy, bubbly, sharp-witted, and sweet all at once and Graynor plays her with due exuberance, ultimately proving a delight to be around. That's what I thought anyway. I imagine a lot of people might find her annoying but she's been mentioned in many a good review so I'm not alone here. Her character's vibrance is what draws Powell's in and makes her let loose as well so ultimately, it's a key performance that makes the overall story work.

Justin Long is also a standout. I don't know what it is about the guy but he plays a great gay dude. With Zach and Miri Make A Porno, this would be his second home run in that department. Very funny and enjoyable to watch.

Seth Rogan and Kevin Smith make cameo appearances. Could've been better but they go over reasonably well, especially considering Smith tends to make for lame gags when in front of the camera.

The jokes aren't bad. You might've heard a few before. I think in this day and age, all comedies are slowly merging into one singular entity where they're all meant to be raunchy and gross but also clever, touching, and insightful. Everything to everyone, in other words. I think in different hands, this could've easily come off as cliche and redundant but I think the actors make the jokes work.

I also think this film makes an effort not to be too many things at once. There's some more dramatic and, dare I say, "deep" moments. There's even a twist of sorts (in a comedy, imagine that) and a subplot involving Katie's friendship of sorts with one of her clients that seems an attempt at being more introspective. But for the most part, I'd say they keep it light. Fluffy even. I think it works overall and definitely keeps the film focus but I think they actually could've dug a little deeper into the characters and made a more well-rounded film.

Obviously, the film's not without flaws. I think the biggest is the overall lack of stakes. I think classic comedy begins with things getting better for characters instead of worse so this one starts off strong. But it moves along perhaps a little too swimmingly and what minor upsets there are get sort of shrugged off by the plot. When things get really bad towards the end, it feels jarring. The last twenty minutes or so come off a little rushed and disjointed.

Also, despite the nature of the plot, the nonstop moaning/panting, dirty talk, and abundance of dildos, I actually don't think the film feels as risque and adult as it'd like to be. There's no nudity whatsoever and the overall tone is extremely airy and chick-flicky. There's references to "steamy" defecation and strangling one's testicles with shoe laces so I don't know. Maybe I'm just kinda fucked up. But I feel like the film sets the bar at a certain level that it really doesn't hit for the most part.

In the end, I think it's a pretty decent watch that more or less delivers. It's sweet, fluffy, and easy to go along with but not without some naughtiness. If your tolerance for chick flicks is low, you might stay away. This is by no means a Kate Hudson joint but there's definitely pockets that made me question whether or not I should feel embarrassed having seen this. Other than that, I'd recommend a rent, at least.

Well, if you've made it this far, you're awesome. Never realize how long these reviews run. Now for the endless edits where I realize I've glanced over more typos than I thought.

Gonna have another review up before too long. About to chase this one with a film of an extreme opposite variety. Stay tuned!

I have to agree with you on this one, I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. It certainly falls into a lot of tropes along the way, but it's more fun than the typical fare for this kind of movie. I feel like they missed a lot of opportunity for more gags but they did a good job. Would I watch it again? Probably not, however I thought the way they handled the ending with the two girls meeting up was really funny.

I'd meant to catch this one during its brief run in theatres here, but failed. Totally forgot about it -- thanks for the reminder, James!

Great little flick. Light as can be, solid characters, good-natured crudeness, completely forgettable...perfect for a movie to talk over. Sets the bar low and nails it, I'd say. The leads are excellent, the more dramatic moments are at just the right pitch, and the non-existent stakes don't really end up being as much of a problem for the movie as they should.

Definite recommend from me, if you're in the mood for something like it.