Movie: Blockers
My Rating: 3 stars
Every now and then I find myself in the mood to watch a totally ridiculous, raunchy movie. (Actually, that happens more often than I’d like to admit). And, in those instances, what could be more perfect than a crude teen sex comedy? Blockers is about the parents of three high-school girlfriends. These moms and dads—Leslie Mann, John Cena, and Ike Barinholtz—have become aware of their daughters’ plans to lose their virginity at prom. And these parents determined to prevent it (hence the title). These movies are part of a classic genre. For as long as we’ve had film, there have been storytellers documenting the (mostly vain) efforts of sweaty teens trying to get laid at prom. It’s a pretty straightforward premise. But, in my opinion the stories have been getting better over the years. These comedies are becoming more self-aware, more inclusive, and actually a lot funnier.
This genre of movie is now parodying itself, and I appreciate that level of meta commentary. In the past, this kind of story has typically featured straight, horny boys, trying to trick girls into the backseat of their cars. Whereas this movie stars girl protagonists who are determined to take charge of their own sexuality. The script acknowledges that girls have wills of their own, and aren’t just pawns to be hoodwinked. And, the movie features gay characters too. These kids are trying to understand these new feelings brought on by their rushing teen hormones, and there are plenty of comedic misunderstandings to be had there. Also, the jokes are become slightly more sophisticated. Body parts are no longer the punchlines—or at least not the main punchline. (One prominent set-piece in this movie does feature John Cena butt-chugging a pitcher of beer). But, in the 90s, this kind of scene would be like, “isn’t it funny that he’s but-chugging?” Whereas now, the comedy is more along the lines of, “isn’t it funny that we’re making him butt-chug.” It’s more about the screenwriters seeing how much fun they can have with the scene where they humiliate the comedic ‘straight-man’. Ok, maybe these movies aren’t getting too much cleverer. But, there’s a degree of nuance there. I don’t know why I’m trying to defend this point.
This is a very funny movie. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud at jokes, and then be completely embarrassed by what made you do it. We don’t like to admit it very often, but inside us all is an inner-child who loves a good potty joke. Of course, the movie is very coarse and raunchy. It’s not for mixed audiences. It’s the kind of movie that kids don’t want their parents to know they’re watching, and parents don’t want their kids to know they’ve seen. But, that’s probably part of the “parents vs. kids” dynamic that is the basis of the whole story. So, save this one for a time when you know the kids’ll be out of the house for a few hours. Because, it’s definitely worth your while.