Get Hard

Starring: Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Craig T. Nelson, Alison Brie, T.I., John Mayer
Directed by: Etan Cohen
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
2015

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: When a rich businessman (Will Ferrell) is sentenced to prison for white collar crime, he hires a black man (Kevin Hart) to train him on how to survive behind bars.

Review:

Tim: I've lost track of how many terrible movies Will Ferrell has made, so you'll forgive me if I went into Get Hard with lowered expectations. While this movie does flirt with being another disappointment, much to my surprise, I laughed quite hard at it. I actually think this was a good movie. Sure, it has its flaws, but the point of a comedy is to make the audience laugh- this movie succeeded there.

I enjoyed the social and economic commentary that was part of this film. We see the ultra rich depicted as power hungry, elitists who are continually given unfair advantages. When one of them is sentenced to prison, it's interesting to see that world depicted. The businessman in question turns to a black man who he stereotypically assumes has been in prison. This gives the film an opportunity to explore racial tensions and stereotypes in today's world. Now, obviously, all of this is secondary to a shockingly large amount of prison rape jokes, but I appreciated that there was some subtle social commentary that existed as an undercurrent here. You don't often see that in these stupid comedies. That was a plus in this film's favor.

Now, the prison rape jokes are easy to criticize, but they very often made me laugh the hardest. The beginning and early middle of this film are clearly the funniest- I was laughing out loud with far more frequency than I could have hoped. As the story progresses towards its conclusion, plot movement replaces humor. I found the first half of the film to be far funnier than the second half. While it's true that most of the laughs involve prison rape, the whole prison subculture was enjoyable to see mocked and poked at. It was very often cheap humor, but funny is funny.

Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart worked very well together. It was entertaining to see two of the top comedy actors together, especially when they couldn't be more different. Ferrell was in great form here, playing a role that fits perfectly within his wheelhouse. I feel like he needs strong actors to play off, and he has one here. I still am not a fan of Kevin Hart, but this was one of the better roles I've seen him play. Yes, it's a role comfortably in his wheelhouse- he can rip on black culture stereotypes while delivering his trademark back-and-forth banter. Neither Ferrell or Hart are asked to stretch much here, but there is something to be said about playing to your strengths. They worked very well together, and I certainly anticipate we see them collaborate again in the future.

The supporting cast was fine. I always love seeing Alison Brie in any role, but her minor supporting turn here left something to be desired. I just hope she's not relegated to these types of roles for her entire career. Craig T. Nelson was an inspired choice, and I enjoyed him in the film. T.I. and the rest of the supporting cast did serviceable jobs. There weren't any real standouts in the supporting cast, as Ferrell and Hart really sucked up most of the air throughout the film.

I've often said that comedy is the hardest genre to pull off. The line between funny and dumb is so razor thin. Get Hard sways back-and-forth past the line in either direction at various points, but spends slightly more time on the funny side than the not. Not all comedy has to be brilliant, and this film specializes in the grotesque, gross humor. Still, the jokes (as bad in taste as they might have been) made me laugh. I had fun watching this movie, and given the track record of everyone involved, you can only consider this movie a win.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Ride Along, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Tropic Thunder