Film: Tag

GENRE: Comedy

RATING: 14A for language and sexual content
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 40 minutes

STARRING: Ed Helms (The Hangover trilogy, The Office, Vacation)

Jon Hamm (Mad Men, Baby Driver), Jeremy Renner (Avengers)

DIRECTOR: Jeff Tomsic (newcomer)

WRITERS: Rob McKittrick (Waiting…) & Mark Steilen (newcomer)

PLOT: A group of friends, now adults, get together once a year for a month for an all-out game of tag.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Looked silly but fun. Liked the casting.

STORY STUFF: The concept of this film is really fun to watch unfold, even more so when you realize it’s based on a true story (and even funnier when you see actual footage of the real people playing). The vibe of this film reminded me of Games Night. My only issues with the story revolve around a love interest that is completely unnecessary and the ‘no tag back’ rule that seems to get forgotten at times. Other than that, very funny and full of inappropriate humour.

ACTING STUFF: It’s the sweet casting that makes this film work. Helms knows how to play for laughs, Hamm can play equal maturity and goofiness, Jake Johnson (New Girl) has great stoner non-sequiturs, Hannibal Buress (Neighbors) has clever commentary and Renner knows how to have fun while using his stellar action chops. Also, Isla Fisher hasn’t been this crazy since Wedding Crashers. All in all, you are rooting for everyone in this film.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Great use of slow motion action shots. Also very funny music choices with gangsta rap and Crash Test Dummies’ “Mmm, Mmm, Mmm, Mmm” which gets an encore by the cast during the credits.

VERDICT: Four stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You liked Game Night or can get behind the concept.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Ant-Man & the Wasp