Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Change-Up (2011)

What is it about? 

A career driven family man and his best friend who is a carefree bachelor, end up switching bodies during a crucial time in both of their lives. 

Who is in it? 

Jason Bateman - Dave Lockwood

Ryan Reynolds - Mitch Planko

Leslie Mann - Jamie Lockwood

Olivia Wilde - Sabrina McArdle

Favorite Scene: 

When Mitch (in Dave's body) wakes up and has to feed the babies in the middle of the night, he struggles to handle them both as the babies end up playing with knives, the electric socket, and the blender before he was able to get the situation under control. 

Favorite Quote:

Dave: [in Mitch's body, showing his date outfit comprising of an outdated, ill-fitting shirt and triple-pleated khakis] So, how do I look? 
Mitch Planko: [in Dave's body, cringing at the date look] Well, all you have to do is just grow a mustache and lure a ten-year old kid into your van. 
---
Mitch Planko: Life doesn't always turn out exactly how you planned it. Sometimes, just sometimes, it turns out better.

Review: 

Yes, I'm sure your thought on the Change-Up from the description and the trailer was the same as mine, and I am here to say - The Change-Up is simply the male, grown up version of Freaky Friday. Two men switch lives, they go through problems, eventually discover a new perspective on life, then switch back, and everyone lives happily ever after. 

So yes, the plot isn't what you should be watching this film for, as it is totally predictable. However, the journey, like Freaky Friday, does make for some funny moments, and some other interesting scenarios. 

Jason Bateman did a great job in his role, and Ryan Reynolds was simply awesome. Especially fun to see the bachelor character that slightly mirrored the well-known Van Wilder character. 

At times the film can seem a bit crude and raunchy for really no reason other than to seem like the R rated version of Freaky Friday, but it is still a decent movie that is worth a look in your spare time. 

Review: 2.75/5

Recent Favorites

50 Wins and the #2 Seed

The New York Knicks are the #2 Seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  Unbelievable.  Oh yeah, they also put together an unbelievable fifty-win season to do so.  I've already expressed some thoughts on this season - from the trade of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Julius Randle's injury and obvious absence to the brilliance that was Jalen Brunson - there has been so much to take in, and appreciate.  I can't say it enough - I love this team. THIS team.  Just a few other quick thoughts as we reflect on 50 wins and the #2 seed before heading into a tough first-round series with either the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers:  I know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the hot narrative for MVP and there is a big-time Serbian in Denver who easily makes a claim for the award once again, but damn it, Jalen Brunson deserves recognition and some lower-place votes. That's all I'm asking for... Speaking of giving flowers to Jalen Brunson, it's about time a real basketball dis

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No?  2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought.  3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft.  3 Down  1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed.  2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us.  Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long.  But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot.  I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw.  "How the hell did they just win that game?!"  It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences.  Namely you, Reggie Miller.  I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls.  I'll never let this one down. Ever.  I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se