Alan Ritchson has been kicking some major ass as Reacher and numerous feature appearances. Now he is teaming up with Kevin James who has been taking on his own unique roles as of late for the new film Playdate. The film co-stars Sarah Chalke, Alan Tudyk, Benjamin Pajak, Banks Pierce, Hiro Kanagawa with Stephen Root and Isla Fisher from Let's Be Cops and The Girl Next Door director Luke Greenfield. Could this film offer up the action and laughs it promises, or will it be a playdate not worth scheduling?

 

Playdate follows recently unemployed accountant Brian who agrees to a playdate with charismatic stay-at-home dad Jeff and their sons and expects an easy afternoon of small talk and football tossing. Instead, he's thrust into a chaotic scramble to stay alive as they are pursued by a ruthless team of mercenaries. Brian stumbles through one ridiculous obstacle after another, his zero tactical skills a stark contrast to Jeff's oddly prepared demeanor.

 

I know this film has been getting hammered pretty good in the review department so went in with low expectations, but I had a blast with it. Of course, there are many elements that are ridiculous and over the top, but the fact it leans into it is what makes it all the sillier and fun. The film brings plenty of over-the-top action and laughs from beginning to end and a lot of it is thanks to Ritchson as opposed to the expected James.

 

This time around James is playing the straight man with some funny every man moment that he is known for, but its Ritchson who is stealing every scene be it comedy or action. They have a strange, good chemistry together and the towering visual of Ritchson next to James is comedy gold and yet they still stand on equal footing in some areas. They look to be having a blast, and it shines through to deliver a hilarious fun film if you just let it happen.

 

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