Netflix Reviews: The Ex

Um… 

I pretty much love everyone in this movie, even Zach Braff, who I think is a indie-hipster-tool but adore because of Garden State and Scrubs. Come on, Amanda Peet, Mia Farrow, Amy Poehler, Charles Grodin, Fred Armisen… freaking JASON BATEMAN, who enriches my life in so many ways…

It should be so awesome.

But alas, this movie sucks balls. It’s basically a giant 84 minute teabagging session.

I did laugh a bunch of times, but it was basically whenever Jason Bateman spoke, and in retrospect it’s probably because he has very specific, identifiable line delivery and I thought (wished?) I was watching Arrested Development.

Here’s what’s happening with this: Amanda Peet and Zach Braff just had a baby, so they move from New York to Ohio so Zach can work at his father-in-law’s new-age advertising firm. Uh oh, Amanda’s old friend from high school is Zach’s boss. He’s in a wheelchair, still wants to bone her, and is a total douchebag. Unfortunately everyone loves him and hates Zach.

Also unfortunately, nothing makes sense. I mean, Jason Bateman does crazy things and no one EVER brings up how crazy they are. He steals a picture and cut the other dude’s head out of it, giving the Zach total proof that he’s crazy… how come he never brings it up and only brings up stupid, unprovable things? Also, Amanda totally has no love for Jason, so WHY does Zach give a shit? She thinks he’s weird and creepy, and you never get the feeling that she has any interest in him… hence, no conflict. Mean-spirited jokes don’t really work if there isn’t a conflict. Zach throwing a handicapped person (even if he is a total dick) down the stairs? Not really funny.

Which is disappointing, because, like I said, everyone in it I like. Balls.

Thank God it was Netflix and not in the theater, I’d be really pissed if I had spent $9.50 on this. I guess it would be a good flick to catch on cable on a Saturday afternoon when you’re really hungover.