NMR: The Switch

This is one of those films that you watch and just shake your head in confusion. As you watch, you wonder why these fine actors would choose to align themselves with such crummy material. Both the film's leads (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston) and the supporting players (Jeff Goldblum and Juliette Lewis) are likeable people both on and off screen and usually are a highlight in any film that they are in. So what are they doing slumming it in a film with a 'only in Hollywood' plot (Aniston's character wants to have a baby and Bateman secretly swaps her donor's seed with his own)? As I watched the plot unfold I just kept wishing they would eliminate the unlikable neuroses of these characters and just let them be happy together. Of course, the movie would be done in 30 seconds, but then again that probably would be preferable to what they offered up here. And it should also be made clear that despite the marketing, this isn't really a comedy. In fact, I just felt sad for most of the film. Watching characters know exactly what they want, but failing to communicate that to each other isn't my idea of hilarity. I was able to get through the film because the cast is so likable, but I wouldn't suggest you do the same. Opt for better films that also feature these actors. That's a switch that we can all support. Rating: ** 1/2