That Awkward Moment, 2014.
Written and Directed by Tom Gormican.
Starring Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan, Miles Teller, Imogen Poots, and Mackenzie Davis.
SYNOPSIS:
Three best friends find themselves where we’ve all been – at that confusing moment in every dating relationship when you have to decide “So…where is this going?”.
That Awkward Moment attempts to tread the line between romance and testosterone-charged comedy valiantly, bold by way of idea, feeble by way of final product. Charisma can only carry a film so far before the sheer pomposity and ego of its cast builds and implodes in upon itself. First time writer and director Tom Gormican fails to build upon the films unique selling point before abandoning a certain element of originality for a series of awkward, contrived set-pieces.
The true success of That Awkward Moment stems from the chemistry between the leads. Efron, Teller and Jordan bounce off one and other in a way that places emphasis upon their friendship both on and off screen. They’re clearly having fun, so evident at the end of the film whereby the outtakes are presented during the credits. “Blokish” moments of viagra, beer and Xbox entertain in moderation and as they become stale, the fresh personality of Imogen Poots makes an entrance.
Poots – who had a stellar 2013 – continues to impress, almost ordaining the plot the movement of the plot and Miles Teller, who plays the asshole so brilliantly engages the audience most, yet their charisma is bought to an abrupt halt as ham-handed moments of emotions are brought into play. The cast attempt to rise to the occasion yet the writing is fraught with moments of cliche, every encounter toe-curlingly uncomfortable.
That Awkward Moment fails to build upon an interesting premise, choosing instead to follow the tired formula of old the audience are so sick of. Moments of genuine laughter are rare and few but when they succeed, they are of Zac Efron wearing a dildo or Miles Teller “horsing” the toilet. As you can imagine, the tone of the film is lazily “gross-out.” Thankfully, the charisma of its leads and a valiant effort by the ever likeable Imogen Poots saves the film from uncomfortable Valentines Day viewings of the future.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★
Thomas Harris
Originally published January 27, 2014. Updated April 11, 2018.
