Not even Ryan Reynolds' humorous delivery could save this yawn fest. It was supposed to be funny, but it wasn't even "black comedy" neither did it have much to keep the viewer interested. Set in "Shenanigans" a typical American style restaurant, it covers 24hrs and the induction tour of the facility and training of one new member of staff. Monty (Reynolds) is responsible for the tour and fills the newbie in on all the silly goings on in the restaurant (mainly centered around a game the male staff play where they show each other their genitalia).
As a film it is trying to say something about existential dilemmas of young people with more potential than their current lives offer them, but unfortunately I didn't care about any of the characters, and everyone was rather ridiculous. Dean (Justin Long) was the only vaguely sensible character, and the only character played in a real and recognisably genuine way but it all seemed fatuous and pointless. Whilst I didn't warm to any of the characters, nor the premise of the film, the actors were committed to their characters and the film itself was good in terms of dialogue and production, despite my not enjoying it. I can see how many people would consider it better than I did.
There were amusing parts, but nothing laugh out loud for me, and I felt it would probably appeal more to student-stoner-male humour as many of the potential laughs were genital-based, so certainly not something for everyone. Many of the characters were horrible, but it did highlight how NOT to be in a restaurant. There was one despicable character (a woman diner) who you were pleased was treated to "extras" on her meal... remember to be nice to your wait-staff as they handle your food!
As a film it is trying to say something about existential dilemmas of young people with more potential than their current lives offer them, but unfortunately I didn't care about any of the characters, and everyone was rather ridiculous. Dean (Justin Long) was the only vaguely sensible character, and the only character played in a real and recognisably genuine way but it all seemed fatuous and pointless. Whilst I didn't warm to any of the characters, nor the premise of the film, the actors were committed to their characters and the film itself was good in terms of dialogue and production, despite my not enjoying it. I can see how many people would consider it better than I did.
There were amusing parts, but nothing laugh out loud for me, and I felt it would probably appeal more to student-stoner-male humour as many of the potential laughs were genital-based, so certainly not something for everyone. Many of the characters were horrible, but it did highlight how NOT to be in a restaurant. There was one despicable character (a woman diner) who you were pleased was treated to "extras" on her meal... remember to be nice to your wait-staff as they handle your food!