TAG
A small group of former classmates organize an elaborate, annual game of tag that requires some to travel all over the country.
Cast
Jeremy Renner – Jerry Pierce
Ed Helms – Hogan “Hoagie” Malloy
Jon Hamm – Bob Callahan
Jake Johnson – Randy “Chilli” Cilliano
Annabelle Wallis – Rebecca Crosby
Isla Fisher – Anna
Hannibal Buress – Kevin Sable
Run
A movie based on a true story about five men whose grip on reality has slipped slightly, and instead of keeping in touch by email or Skype, Facebook or any other online platform which allows its user to see the other person they are communicating with, they spend a lot of money jumping from one part of the country to another – so they can ‘tag’ one another.
Should make a good movie, no?
No.
What an utter, utter waste of time. Sitting through this felt as harsh a stretch as each character’s journey cross-country to tag their victim. Ultimately I was watching grown men – not acting very grown up – for 99 minutes. I probably would’ve got more excitement from watching a bunch of drunk guys messing around with a burst carton of milk outside my local pub. Although its concept is slightly eccentric, the movie remains ridiculous throughout and oozes an air of immaturity on a totally new level. I was very surprised to see Renner part of the cast, he hasn’t done too bad in the past with features such as Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, and The Hurt Locker. So watching him run around various buildings to a narrative (performed by his character) to escape being tagged by friends got me feeling nothing but pity for the actor. And surrounded by the likes of Helms whose speciality in movies is playing a complete dick in any situation made it even worse. Renner seemed terribly miscast in TAG, however boyishly menacing he appeared in a hoodie in the middle of the woods.
And from miscast to miscarried..
The theme of family runs in the background of this movie, largely displayed by Jerry and his fiancée Susan. But what begins as a fine romance between the couple and their ideal wedding quickly turns sour when the pair lie – about having a miscarriage. That’s right, in order to prevent being tagged by the other players they both announce that Susan has just had a miscarriage.
Sick. And distasteful. I was actually a little surprised at this, how such a sensitive issue was dropped casually into a game. Usually I’m not phased by such things, but given how this movie was an immature mess portraying grown men as reckless idiots I was instantly turned off. Have you ever experienced an irritating scenario that is suddenly made worse by something even more irritating? I.E. a work colleague you’re not particularly fond of doing something which has a negative impact on the rest of the team. It’s an insufferable double whammy which doesn’t do anything to modify your opinion of what you’re currently experiencing. Welcome to TAG.
If I was offered the opportunity to see this movie again I would run – almost as fast as the lead characters. I just couldn’t sit through a shabby, juvenile shambles like this again. It’s not worth the energy. But with that said, surely there was a positive to this film?
Somehow?…
The Winner
The positive element of TAG is its portrayal of how strong a bond between friends can be. This film is based solely on the universal relationship between the five friends, and although immature in places it presents the viewer a theme he or she can empathize with.
Another positive would be the “you’re next” aspect; who will be tagged next? Will anyone be tagged next? And who does the game finish with?..
TAG is one of those films that never deserved a place up on the big screen to begin with. A childish waste of space someone out there thought would make a reminiscent treat. It progresses swiftly and doesn’t slow down which is good, but at the same time remains just a bunch of adult men running around being ridiculous. This is one of those classic, “this actually happened guys!” films where you know the score – but can’t expect much more due to the producer’s loyalty of sticking to the real-life scenario.
Director Jeff Tomsic goes a little overboard with the closing scene too, by turning a simple game of Tag into an unnecessarily dramatic ending. Played out in slo-mo, it was my final eye-rolling reaction before I realised I’d seriously had enough, grabbed my bag and exited the cinema before the ending credits even began.
If this is worth watching I would genuinely recommend watching once. No plot element, character relationship, filming location usage, dialogue or revelation contained within this film is worthy of a second look.
TAG is one for the shelves of Poundland.
TAG is one for the shelves of Poundland.
Ricky's Film Reviews 