That Awkward Moment

Starring: Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Imogen Poots, Mackenzie Davis, Jessica Lucas
Directed by: Tom Gormican
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Romance
2014

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Three friends (Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan) struggle with relationships and love in New York City.

Review:

Tim: I really didn't care much for That Awkward Moment. It's a weak, forgettable little comedy that doesn't have much to say. This is a throwaway film, a movie that doesn't matter. Good comedies are hard to make, but this one doesn't quite even reach decent status.

I have a lot of complaints, but let's start with a small one. This is the upteenth to feature young people in New York with admittedly good jobs, but these lavish, large apartment buildings. There is absolutely no way these jokers could afford that kind of space in NYC with the jobs they have, even if two of them lived together. Minor issue, but it gets on my nerves. Let's move on to more pressing concerns.

I was a bit surprised that the three leads didn't have more chemistry together. They were fine, but I never really believed they were best friends. The dynamic just felt too forced. I will say the exception is Miles Teller- I feel like Teller could have chemistry with a rock. For the most part, though, I didn't believe this dynamic. Zac Efron was fine, but he wasn't quite able to carry the film in a lead role. At this point in his career, it still feels like he's most effective in a supporting role. Teller was funny as usual. I really liked Michael B. Jordan in Fruitvale Station and was excited to see him try on comedy here. Unfortunately, he was by far the weakest of the three. He just seemed out of place and out of step. His performance wasn't very good and wasn't very believable. For someone expected to be the next big thing, he dropped the ball in this film. The rest of the cast (including all the female characters, unfortunately) were just too one-dimensional and utterly forgettable.

For a comedy, this movie wasn't very funny. I might have laughed a few times during the 94 minute film, but these were few and far apart. The movie tries to be funny and tries to act intelligent, but this is a very surface-level film. There's simply no heart and nothing below. It's a lightweight, pointless movie. It makes it hard to watch because the film takes itself too seriously.

I really don't have much else to say. That Awkward Moment assembles some decent talent, but it has a played out, completely average script and is directed by a first-time director who clearly needs more experience. This is the kind of film that might not be terrible, but it just feels like a horrendous waste of time. This film has nothing to say and adds nothing to our lives. It's an empty, lackluster movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 5.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Neighbors, Fruitvale Station, The Spectacular Now