Before viewing 'Get Hard' I was optimistic whilst at the same time feeling nervous, worried and scared. I had good reason. Comedies have not been reliable as of late. It is with relief then that I can report that 'Get Hard' is funny, although not without a great many problems.
James King is a millionaire and has a dumb, beautiful wife that is clearly out of his league. King is framed for a crime he did not commit and the judge sentences him to time in a maximum security prison where he will go there within thirty days. He enlists the help of Darnell Lewis whom will help King overcome the horrors of prison for a small fee.
The best thing about 'Get Hard' and what it consistently uses to its advantage is the chemistry that Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart display. They bounce between each other and exude confidence on screen. If you cannot get enough of silly albeit crude comedies, then 'Get Hard' may just be the film for you. I understand that Kevin Hart will not be an actor that everyone will find hilarious, but for those of us that do, you can sleep easy knowing that he brings his A game to the mayhem that ensues. Ferrell as King is likable enough although not as well utilised in 'Get Hard' as he was in 'Anchorman', he still has charm to offer.
The thing with comedies nowadays is that the majority of them are racist. Some people may believe without thinking that 'Get Hard' is, although I beg to differ. Hart's character wants King to be racist to fit in with other people at prison. King says no, but eventually agrees. I never felt that 'Get Hard' was racist; your mileage may vary as to how sensitive you are. If you are unsure steer clear.
'Get Hard' in my mind never drags. I understand that comedy is more subjective than any other genre of film. So let's just say I love Edgar Wright comedies and despise most Adam Sandler films. That should give you an idea as to what I consider funny. 'Get Hard' is admittedly not as uproariously hilarious as '22 Jump Street' and lacks the subversiveness of the Cornetto trilogy.
The annoying thing about 'Get Hard' is that most of its problems could have been fixed. King's wife is never less than obnoxious; it is no shock that she is a gold digger. The twist at the climax of the film completely kills the mood. You can see it coming a mile off so it's no surprise to anyone. 'Get Hard' is not a thriller, so it's ever so odd that in the last few minutes it tries so hard to be. Now this is where things get confusing. 'Get Hard' is never outright homophobic. But it is best to say that some of the ideas behind certain scenes are questionable at best. When you make a joke about a guy almost giving head you know you have stepped over the line.
'Get Hard' is not a flawless comedy or even a great one, its merely serviceable. It's a shame as if it had aimed higher it could have pulled off grander, better and more tasteful jokes. I was however laughing almost non-stop, even if I was ashamed of myself for doing so. If that is any indication of its quality then you might want to give 'Get Hard' the benefit of the doubt. Just don't expect the wit of the Jump Street movies or the sophistication of an Edgar Wright comedy.
James King is a millionaire and has a dumb, beautiful wife that is clearly out of his league. King is framed for a crime he did not commit and the judge sentences him to time in a maximum security prison where he will go there within thirty days. He enlists the help of Darnell Lewis whom will help King overcome the horrors of prison for a small fee.
The best thing about 'Get Hard' and what it consistently uses to its advantage is the chemistry that Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart display. They bounce between each other and exude confidence on screen. If you cannot get enough of silly albeit crude comedies, then 'Get Hard' may just be the film for you. I understand that Kevin Hart will not be an actor that everyone will find hilarious, but for those of us that do, you can sleep easy knowing that he brings his A game to the mayhem that ensues. Ferrell as King is likable enough although not as well utilised in 'Get Hard' as he was in 'Anchorman', he still has charm to offer.
The thing with comedies nowadays is that the majority of them are racist. Some people may believe without thinking that 'Get Hard' is, although I beg to differ. Hart's character wants King to be racist to fit in with other people at prison. King says no, but eventually agrees. I never felt that 'Get Hard' was racist; your mileage may vary as to how sensitive you are. If you are unsure steer clear.
'Get Hard' in my mind never drags. I understand that comedy is more subjective than any other genre of film. So let's just say I love Edgar Wright comedies and despise most Adam Sandler films. That should give you an idea as to what I consider funny. 'Get Hard' is admittedly not as uproariously hilarious as '22 Jump Street' and lacks the subversiveness of the Cornetto trilogy.
The annoying thing about 'Get Hard' is that most of its problems could have been fixed. King's wife is never less than obnoxious; it is no shock that she is a gold digger. The twist at the climax of the film completely kills the mood. You can see it coming a mile off so it's no surprise to anyone. 'Get Hard' is not a thriller, so it's ever so odd that in the last few minutes it tries so hard to be. Now this is where things get confusing. 'Get Hard' is never outright homophobic. But it is best to say that some of the ideas behind certain scenes are questionable at best. When you make a joke about a guy almost giving head you know you have stepped over the line.
'Get Hard' is not a flawless comedy or even a great one, its merely serviceable. It's a shame as if it had aimed higher it could have pulled off grander, better and more tasteful jokes. I was however laughing almost non-stop, even if I was ashamed of myself for doing so. If that is any indication of its quality then you might want to give 'Get Hard' the benefit of the doubt. Just don't expect the wit of the Jump Street movies or the sophistication of an Edgar Wright comedy.