Zac Efron‘s first crack at producing and starring simultaneously whets the appetites of his maturing Fanbase and although there is much to be desired from first-time Director Tom Gormican‘s Rom-Com, That Awkward Moment, it is harmless enough and has its heart in the right place.
Jason (Efron) enjoys his life as a no-strings-attached Bachelor, surrounded by his Best Friends: fearless Daniel (Miles Teller) and recently-dumped Mikey (Michael B. Jordan). The Trio shares a deep, no filter Bromance bonding over Video Games and Booze, even sharing a bathroom together… at the same time. Now all single, they make a pact to enjoy Single Life and not be tied down by the burden of relationships – that is until Jason meets his match, the effortlessly cool Ellie (Imogen Poots). At the same time, Daniel who often gets the help of his Buddy Chelsea (Mackenzie Davis) being set-up with Girls, finds himself pondering why it is he isn’t seeing his trusty Friend. Mikey meanwhile, longs for his cheating Ex, Vera (Jessica Lucas) – unable and unwilling to move forward like his Buddies.
Things start-off fun and light in That Awkward Moment but before we know it, we find ourselves committed to an array of complicated emotional dilemmas, which might be an issue for an Audience walking-in expecting Comedic Gold as understandably on paper and in Dildo-exposing Trailer, the Film reads more as a Comedy. On the inverse however, beneath the abundance of Penis Jokes, what we have here is an exploration of Relationships, Boundaries and Commitment in a post-Facebook Era. Others, including Efron‘s devout Female Audience, will be hoping for more Romance and they will be delighted by some of the sweeter moments the Film has to offer.
Despite a few misguided turns in Efron‘s Character and tonal conflicts aside, the Film’s three Male Leads play-off each other with great, natural Chemistry. The Female Cast in particular shine bright here, namely Davis and effervescent Brit-with-an-edge, Poots. Cinematographer Brandon Trost depicts New York City with great romance and charm, enabling us to feel that much more a part of the Story.
VVS Films release That Awkward Moment on Friday, January 31, 2014.
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