Cougars Inc. (2011) User Reviews

Somewhere in here is a good film

[bowmanblue · 5/10 · 3 December 2014]

'Cougars Inc.' is about a teenage boy who uses his friends as 'escorts' to older women, who then pay for their 'services.' On the whole, a neat idea which has potential. However, it's executed pretty strangely. First of all, if you see it billed as a 'comedy' then think again. I managed to sn*gger about three times in the ninety minute run-time. I would almost call it a romantic teen drama instead.

However, the main problem is the sheer believability of the situation. On the one hand, I'm sure there are more 'mature' women (or 'cougars' as they're called here) who may be bored with their marriages etc and, with their disposable income, are ready and willing to pay to date younger men. But, in the film, the problem lies with the fact that the 'mature' women are all incredibly attractive, almost to the point of having model looks. Are we seriously to believe that Denise Richards (yes, she may be in her early forties now, but, let's face it, she's still 'Hollywood' quality when it comes to looks) is having problems finding one-night-stands? And, if we're in some parallel universe where that is the case, she chooses to pay young nerdy teenagers for their company.

The central character's friends are portrayed as the 'geek squad.' They're not the fit, sporty, cool 'jocks' of their school, they're the ones who hide away in the computer rooms, playing Dungeons & Dragons. The whole film comes across as some teenage boy's fantasy about him and his mates being seduced by scores of beautiful women (and, they're ALWAYS beautiful - the boys never have to 'perform' for some tired-looking fifty-something with drooping body parts and stretch marks!).

Then, to add final insult, the film strays into the moral compasses of escorting and how it affects 'real' relationships and treats us to a particularly preachy final act. I wanted to like this. If they had kept it more like some sort of daft, zany 'American Pie-esque' type comedy, at least it would have had a few more chuckles. Sadly, it's a film that tries to take on too much and basically fails on all levels.

Funny but predictable and unmemorable

[aquawave-84891 · 4/10 · 16 July 2019]

Predictable. Rough transitions were slightly less rough with inserted screens of "questions" that the next scene will answer. While it had it's funny moments, nothing was particularly memorable.

Well, I liked it

[adi-cat · 1 January 2011]

I decided to give this one a shot after seeing James Belushi and Denise Richards on the credits. That, and the fact that there was no review for this title on IMDb; it kinda felt like a "virgin" territory to explore.

And I don't regret it, because I ended up liking it. The acting was believable without any of the forced over-the-top or wooden performances that you see in crappy movies where you are constantly reminded that some people are trying to act and the results are painful to watch.

The lead character which plays Sam was natural, the role fit him like a glove and in the end it felt like he pulled it off with style; and the other characters delivered good performances too.

I wouldn't know where to classify this but it certainly isn't a comedy. The story is somewhat original (at least I haven't seen another movie about high-school kids doing escort services for older women) but it doesn't fall into cheap clichés, not a little bit and all the little side stories are neatly weaved into the main one.

It has a sweet-sad tone all through, however, it also has a sort of light feeling of hope to it and the music helps building and keeping that up.

All in all, I didn't end up regretting the time I spent on it (as I do with a lot of movies, lately) so what I can tell you is, give it a try and make up your own mind about it. This isn't your garden-variety blockbuster but I think you'll find it a quite good way to spend one and half hours on a stormy afternoon.

Boring, Inc.

[paul_haakonsen · 3/10 · 1 January 2013]

I must start out by saying that I was definitely not in the target audience for this movie, because I gave up about halfway through the movie out of sheer boredom. This movie took forever to get nowhere, and for a comedy it was frightfully devoid of laughs and funny situations.

Admittedly, then the storyline does have the ground for a great comedy, but it just came out as non-appealing and not funny at all. Plus, the core essentials of the movie have been seen in other movies that deal with the same situation.

Despite having some fairly good names to the cast list, then "Cougars Inc." was a dull experience, one that I will never pick up again and attempt to watch with the intend to finish. It should be said that I rarely give up on a movie, so for this one to cause me to get up and stop it halfway through, that pretty much says a lot about the movie. With that said, then I am not saying that the actors or actresses in the movie didn't do good enough jobs, because they did, the movie was just a boring experience.

I am sure if you are a young teen, perhaps around 15 to 18 years old or so, then you might find some amusement in this movie. But for an adult audience, "Cougars Inc." doesn't offer much in the entertainment aspect.

American Pie movies are superior

[jordondave-28085 · 3/10 · 16 May 2023]

(2010) Cougars, Inc DRAMA

Co-produced, written and directed by K. Asher Levin, that has teenage misfit, Sam (Kyle Gallner) paying for his own tuition by setting up an on-line escort service for already married women or housewives, and at the same time he falls in love with a girl his age named Courtney (Sarah Hyland). Everything about this movie is strictly by the book, and that the embarrassing comedy routines had already been done before on previous films shown before, such as the "American Pie" movies and so forth. There's nothing new what I hadn't seen already. Some of the comedy scenes is cringe worthy.

Not a masterpiece but above average

[banduw · 7/10 · 1 April 2011]

I wasn't sure about it during first 10 minutes but, as story kept unfolding, it kept me going. Although the movie have some emotional elements and a nicely flowing storyline, it is not presented as an emotional movie. Scenes are neither too long or too short, which is a nice thing - just enough to tell the story.

There is not much character introduction with their backgrounds and motivations to do things, and I guess, it is left for us to imagine. Ending of the story was predictable within first 1/3 but it didn't hurt the movie.

This movie lacks the "scale": small and less-involved cast, short and medium camera shots giving the feeling of a budget movie (or a tele-drama).

Overall, watching it is not a waste of time, but remember to tolerate first 15 minutes until story starts appearing, because, editor hasn't done a great job.

Heroes aren't born, they're cornered

[torrentstorm · 7/10 · 27 March 2011]

"Heroes aren't born, they're cornered". I didn't know Mickey Rooney said that, but according to Dean Fox (James Belushi) , he did. I couldn't agree more. It takes guts to try pull off an adventure of this nature, involving unsatisfied, lonely mature ladies, but it takes guts too to make a hero, inasmuch as the word can imply.

Lately we've seen a string of movies involving mature, horny ladies, most of them forgettable disasters. I was unsure about this one, but all things put together, it was an enjoyable movie. The theme, yes, might be risqué, but it was a well done and mature story. Several acting roles are highlights in this one. Kyle Gardner, as Sam, made some powerful scenes as the young escort service manager, too young to tackle a venture of this nature, but yet, mature enough to behave responsibly and respectfully. The scenes involving heart to heart conversations with his High School Dean were well done. James Belushi, of course, is a veteran of such, and I couldn't help smiling at his conversational quirks and facial expressions. So like Belushi.

That is another of the strengths of this movie. It never vilified or sullied women, whatever their sexual preferences, nor did it ever make them look vulgar or cheap. These women craved love, there were some nice, horny boys around willing to please, the ladies were willing to pay for a good time together, Sam needed the money to pay for his tuition, so you had a deal. There was no attempt to make things seem dirty, it was just a circumstance that happened. The nice thing about it, too, no one ended up as enemies. Everyone was mature enough to understand the situation and act accordingly, so despite the obvious scandal in the end, the story ended well for everybody. It was not a fairy tale ending either, in case you think this was another tear-jerker. Everything was plausible and very believable.

There was no stupid behavior, brainless monkeying around, boys acting stupidly like I've seen in other movies. That too was another plus in this one. The ladies were pretty and nice to them, the boys were also nice and gentlemanly with the ladies. I think the screenwriter of this plot likes women and respects them, and it shows in the story. That's so nice to see.

But like everything in life, there are consequences. The final 'showdown' talk between Sam and his friend Dean Fox was heartbreaking, but so very very true these days, where families are dysfunctional and...well. not quite families anymore. Powerful acting in this scene. Both actors show their talent.

Bottom line, then, not a ten-pin-bowling strike of a flick, but very enjoyable, intelligently done, and time well-spent. Highlights notwithstanding, when you think of it, this is a very difficult movie to film and pull off.

I think you will like the style of this one.

Really Above Expectations

[efehuu · 7/10 · 19 April 2011]

I have Watched this movie nearly without any expectations and i kinda liked it. all the characters are in place James Belushi was amazing at that cool dad role and Denise Richards is well what she is but i was amazed by the guy who played Sam in the movie he kinda reminded me David Duchovny in Californication. The movie has a bitter sweet taste and the music was really helping you about that. The Questions between the scenes are a nice touch i think.

Only thing that bothers me is that this isn't a comedy i mean it is a emotion filled and surely suitable for drama but i don't think that this movie is in the boundaries of a comedy.

But it is good acting, there is nothing over used even the the boys are acting stupid as they would in a real world.

At the and i really enjoyed my 85 minutes going trough and i hope you will give a chance too.

Its all in the delivery

[Rob-O-Cop · 7/10 · 29 May 2011]

K Asher Levin is obviously a guy who thinks about smooth natural dialog, cos this movie is full of it. It seems adlibbed almost and this is an obvious strength for him as a writer and director. He's gone for the realistic vibe on this movie with under produced sets and lighting, taking it to a gritty vibe, and it's pretty damn good for that. He's taken what could have been a terrible Hollywood sleazefest and turned it into an indie edgy piece. There are flaws, that you can overlook with some suspension of disbelief. James Belushi's character is too cool to be anyone's teacher but he delivers it convincingly. The guys are a little too everyman but maybe that's the point, but if they're everyman then the swinging older women were too hot. Ultimately this is watchable and more importantly it shows some real promise for the director/Writer.

A hidden charmer

[arthurlally1 · 3 September 2011]

Like a few of the other reviewers, I thought this might have been one of those films I'd turn off in the first 5 minutes but to my surprise I really enjoyed it and if anything wanted the story to continue. It certainly stands out from the crowd and if you like strong characters then this won't disappoint.

Also interesting to see one the leads from Cold Case in another role, which Kathryn Morris excelled The film is engaging because of the way the main actor speaks to the screen and the 20 or so lead in questions posed. So if you think this is just another light weight, American comedy film, don't be fooled, it's much better than that.

So take a look at it and hope you enjoy it.

Good Movie

[alien_invasor_05 · 7/10 · 29 May 2011]

This movie is underrated for starters.

When i saw the poster and the plot, i thought it was going to be an average movie or worse, i still got it anyways since it had a good cast, and you know what?. I didn't regret it. The movie was very entertaining, the plot was original, the music hit the spot and the acting was great. Props to Kyle Gallner in the lead role. His role is very mature and it was well executed.

The rest of the cast was great too, pay attention to james belushi, you will love him in this movie.

Also this is very far for being a comedy, but still very good.

If you see this movie, get it. Its not a masterpiece, but for no means its a waste of your time, you will be surprised. my rating 7. Recommended.

Its all in the acting !

[destroyerwod · 8/10 · 29 August 2020]

I really enjoyed this film. Overall i do like over the top situations and i like movies where the nerd get laid by a hot chick. So yes the whole concept of extremely attractive "cougars" paying to have sex with nerds is very far stretch and not something you would see in real life. BUT the movie work so well because every characters are well acted and feel "natural" even in these over the top situations. You never have the impression to see a caricature of a human like some movies does.

This movie was probably very cheaply made, there is no big set pieces or anything that could cost a lot, but since you do care about these peoples, even if some don't have very elaborated backgrounds, you get into it and want to see more.

My only complaint is the movie end a bit too abrudptly for me, maybe it was because i was enjoying and wanted more? Well i guess its a good sign right?

I totally recommand it.

Interesting

[makrakisgeorge · 10/10 · 31 March 2021]

A very interesting movie with a dose of a realism . Drama and comedy . I prefer movies which are both drama and comedy .