The Night Before (2015)

The Night Before (2015)

6/10

Starring

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Seth Rogen

Anthony Mackie

Directed by Jonathan Levine

The first combination of Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 50/50 (2011)about a man going through cancer was an awesome dramatic comedy film. Over the years, Seth Rogen has been difficult to be impressed by, his movies most of the times fall by the way side as too much hard work, but no jokes.

I didn’t see this Christmas movie when it came out in 2015, I naturally avoid Seth Rogen, but when I heard that it was written and directed by Jonathan Levine the man who was behind 50/50 (2011) I decided to give the movie a try.

The Night Before will not be one of the best modern Christmas movies that there is, but it is one Christmas movie that I’m sure I will not mind watching again. The movie had its laughs, it’s funny moments and the bromance between the trio in the movie is not bad and needing a sequel if the producers would dare.

Much can be said on how best the movie could have been done, but I do appreciate how the writer decided to mix the emotional, spiritual and funny elements of the season into this one movie.

Anthony Mackie is not a regular face in the comedy arena, but here he pulled out enough jokes of his own and his interpretation of an athlete that will do anything to keep himself in the light was funny to see.

The Night Before is a movie about three friends Ethan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Isaac (Seth Rogen) and Chris (Anthony Mackie) who bonded over the death of Ethan’s parents. They began a Christmas ritual which they did over the years into adulthood.

They decided that because their lives were getting occupied by the many personal things they must deal with, that this year will be their last Christmas together.

The problem is, when one of the party is not around the remaining two discuss things about the missing party they would like to tell them before they breakup. Discovering that it is easy discussing a friend behind their back than it is saying it to their faces.

Their planned iconic last Christmas ritual started off great with Isaac’s wife giving Isaac a gift which set the ball rolling in the path none of the three would have hoped for. Chris constant need to remain popular caused him his self-respect and Ethan’s fear of commitment was costing him the woman of his dreams.

In the end a blowout caused the three to say what they have been saying behind each ones back to each other and the result is what you will have to see when you go see this movie.