The Late Bloomer

I don't really get why this movie got so much hate. I almost didn't watch it because of all the negative reviews. I'm not a huge fan of overly stupid humor, but I found this to be quite funny. I compare it to Role Models for the level of humor. I saw at least one other reviewer state that the supporting cast was excellent, and it truly was. It was worth the watch alone for the lead's two best friends. An easy watch, not long or tedious, funny dialogue and banter, some good cameos and supporting cast. IMDB doesn't let me do half star ratings but a solid 6.5/10 for me.

This film is okay for adults but no children please. Not really my cup of tea but some really liked it.

First off, let me state that I don't like movies like this. The only reason I watched this movie was because I saw Brittany Snow was in it. And honestly, she killed it. I loved her character as Michelle. She was so sweet, and her performance, along with the great J.k. Simmons, really carried this film.

However, the rest of the film left a lot to be desired. The film's premise was interesting enough (And supposedly, the movie is loosely based on the life of Ken Baker. Baker told his son that a third was pure fiction, a third was partially true, and a third was straight out of his life). An adult going through puberty could be funny. But honestly, it felt like they forced all the sexual jokes, which is sad because I thought the start of the film was really sweet. Also, going through puberty doesn't make you a jerk. The main character is a straight jerk. But then again, all the men in this movie are selfish jerks.

I didn't have high hopes for this film going to end, and I left disappointed. But if you have nothing else to do, give it a watch if only for Brittany Snow.

The movie gives it to you straight. From the opening when there is quite a rude conversation (or rather horny one) you should know what to expect. The dialog is not safe for work - unless your job is to listen to those people telling you about their sex addiction and you have to help them. And he is cool as ice. The first scene alone some might question his non-reaction especially those in puberty but also others.

Other than that there is nudity and as already hinted at swearing. But there is also a sweet side. While the mixture is not always working the movie sort of works around those scenes. Not perfect by a long shot, but with an engaging cast and some funny dialog (if you are not offended easily of course) this can be entertaining to watch

Okay, so here's the thing -- I watched this film over a week ago, and I'm still thinking about it. Why? Because I get riled up over films that are SO CLOSE to being good, but just... aren't.

The Late Bloomer definitely falls into this category. There are bits of dialogue and interactions between characters which are genuinely top-notch comedy, and the supporting cast put in one of the best ensemble performances I've seen in ages. Seriously. Kumail Nanjiani in particular is fantastic, and J.K. Simmons continues to be the best supporting actor in Hollywood right now.

Buuuuuut... there are six writing credits listed, and it's likely that therein lies the problem. The moments of brilliance are almost completely overshadowed by other bits of writing which are, at best, trite, and at worst completely cringe-worthy. The last twenty minutes or so of the film legitimately don't even make sense, and are among the worst I've seen all year. It really feels like something that was cobbled together from different people who had different ideas of what the film should be, and maybe some of those people were... incorrect.

So yeah, I wish this film was as good as it could have been. A lot of inspired performances and great dialogue that deserved better than what this ends up being.