Movie Review: In a Surprise Twist, "Blockers" Is Actually Great

Leslie Mann, John Cena and Ike Barinholtz (plus three charismatic teen actors) make Blockers a can’t-miss comedy.

Is it worth breaking your neck for a laugh?

That’s how far Ike Barinholtz went for Blockers, fracturing cervical vertebrae for a life-threatening stunt.

Many of the finest actors have suffered for their art. But Barinholtz? And for Blockers? This is, after all, a gross-out comedy that would happily add the word "c***" to its title and ads if it could (it settles for the silhouette of a rooster instead).

Then again, who am I to question the method and behind-the-scenes madness of a comedy that’s actually good? This neck-crumpling alchemy ultimately gave us Blockers, a badly titled, excellently executed romp from first-time director Kay Cannon (a former writer for 30 Rock and the screenwriter behind Pitch Perfect). I hope that's some consolation, Ike?

Barinholtz plays one of three parents who spend an evening trying to stop their daughters from losing their virginity on prom night. Spearheading the cause is clingy single mother Lisa (Leslie Mann), who discovers text messages about a ‘sex pact’ between her daughter Julie (Kathryn Newton) and BFFs Kayla (Geraldine Viswanathan) and Sam (Gideon Adlon, sardonic daughter of Pamela) with their respective partners. Kayla’s dad Mitch (John Cena) agrees to help Lisa ‘block’ the pact, while Sam’s estranged pops, Hunter (Barinholtz), only joins in when he learns his closeted daughter is under pressure to jump into bed with her beard of a date, Chad (Jimmy Bellinger). Awkward chaos ensues.

At a glance, woah. That's the premise for a film in 2018? American Pie, which focused on a ‘sex pact’ between male buds, wasn't remotely concerned with parental supervision. In fact, the main kid's dad was infamously encouraging, even when apple pies got involved. (And I probably don’t need to remind you how Stifler’s Mum approached the whole situation.) The trailer for Blockers did not help, calling to mind regressive pictures like She’s Out of Control and My Father, the Hero. Their titles, quite literally, tell you all you need to know about how its 'teen daughters' were treated.

Don’t judge Blockers by that same standard. The title may set the tone for its humour, but not for its heart. Besides being very, very funny—thanks to the sweet chemistry between the scheming parents, as well as the charm of the rebelling kids—Blockers has a bit to say about female agency and independence. It has more to say about parental attachment and the double standards for daughters compared to sons. Kayla’s understanding mum, Marcie (Sarayu Blue), delivers a somewhat on-the-nose mid-movie monologue underlining these points exactly.

Nonetheless, the moralising-about-moralising doesn’t get in the way of what matters most: making us laugh. As the often underutilised, perfectly cast Mann remarks here: "I'll worry about society tomorrow." Later, she gets a little electrocuted. Cena butt-chugs a beer, before accidentally spraying it into Barinholtz’s face. Were you hoping for a stone-faced lecture on sexual health? Cannon proved she has no interest in logic in her increasingly raucous Pitch Perfects, and Blockers captures that madcap spirit. And yet, Cannon's performers demonstrate familiar friendships and relatable feelings. That includes Cena, who counters his imposing physique with good-natured gentleness, and Barinholtz, who sells some affecting moments in the final act.

It's undeniable that comedy ages, and fast. Even Superbad—one of the finest motion pictures of the 21st century, don’t @ me—is hampered by some homophobic jokes that writer Seth Rogen says he now regrets. However, anyone who thought the rise of political correctness would murder this genre is forgetting two things. One: the best comedy punches up, not down, and should always challenge the social mores of those wielding power, rather than the marginalised groups arguing for acceptance and equality. And two: comedy can be smart and work on multiple, meaningful levels.

As far as 'woke' comedies go, Bad Neighbours 2: Sorority Rising got there first with its tale of empowerment. Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates and Girls Trip followed, making its leading ladies the unhinged comedic counterparts to the picture’s straight men.

But Blockers is the sex comedy that was promised. And despite its script being credited to six (!) dudes (including Superbad authors Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg), Cannon deserves to be acknowledged for adding authenticity, a woman's perspective and that manic energy that keeps the film running.

4/5

In Australian cinemas 29 March. Rated MA15+ for strong crude sexual humour, nudity and coarse language.

Photo: Universal