In cinema, there is a time-honored genre unto itself that has had more entries on the big screen and the small screen than many would like to admit: the teen sex comedy. This concept of teen’s having to go to extreme lengths to have sex, and hiding it from just about anyone and everyone. Movies like “Porky’s,” “American Pie,” and “Superbad,” have all done great with ushering this concept into their respective generations. Now, this generation has their own superb sex comedy in “Blockers.”
Wait. “Blockers,” the film where parents try to prevent their kids from losing their virginity on prom night is good? That concept alone sounds absurd. Well, yes it does. However, director Kay Cannon, writer of the “Pitch Perfect” films, manages to fill her directorial debut with such irony and satire that it turns the genre on its head.
Halfway through the film a character lectures the parents on the hypocrisy of their actions and it leaves the audience thinking. Many moments bring up issues with important points to be made and some of these scenes move along without jokes. It speaks to the success of writers Brian and Jim Kehoe that they can keep audience’s attention throughout these moments due to the attention put on these characters.
Leslie Mann has always been a fabulous comedic actress, but never before has she been able to completely steal the show like she does here. Ike Barenholtz is a name audiences don’t know, but a face they recognize, but his skills are shown off with such success here that this could be the film that makes him a household name. John Cena is excellent as well, displaying a willingness to go for broke in many of these sequences that could usher him into a long and successful comedy career.
Truly the film’s biggest strength is in the cast of the kids. Each one manages to feel like a fleshed-out character and never do the filmmakers dumb them down of make them feel one note. Each has their own reasons for doing this, and the blunt way the movie brings up the topic of sex is absolutely refreshing.
Everything is put out on the table, from outlandish situations to moments of sheer emotional depth. Yes, emotional depth. While most comedies give their character’s short emotional arcs to travel through, it’s been years since one has followed through with those arcs as successfully as “Blockers” does. This film has a big beating heart at its center and it puts it on full display in the third act.
Its incredible to say this, but the easiest way to sum up “Blockers” is that it’s a delightfully funny film with jokes flying at nearly every moment. But because of the strength of its characters, the story, messages, and its ability to update the genre with relevant ideals, the film would be just as enjoyable without the jokes.
“Blockers” is an exceptionally funny film, almost unexpectedly so. Its character arcs and the relationships and chemistry between its main cast help boost things even higher. But it’s the fact that it just feels so honest that will make it remembered. The surprise of the year so far, “Blockers” is a thoughtful and extremely enjoyable comedy, and one that’s so good, it would be fun even without the jokes. 4.5/5
Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures, Good Universe, DMG Entertainment, Hurwitz & Schlossberg Productions, and Point Grey Pictures.
