The Switch (2010) is romantic comedy directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck (Blades of Glory). The film stars Jason Bateman (Couples Retreat), Jennifer Anniston (The Bounty Hunter) and Patrick Wilson (Watchmen). Anniston also served as one of the film’s producers. There are also cameos by Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park) and Juliette Lewis (Whip It). The film was distributed by Miramax during its theatrical run.
Boy Knows Girl, Girl Wants a Baby, Another Boy Helps Out – or Does He?
Kassie Larson (Jennifer Anniston) is a single woman living in New York who fears her biological clock is running out and decides to have a baby through IVF. Her neurotic friend, Wally Mars (Jason Bateman), is solely against the idea – partly out of his true feelings for her. However, his work colleague, Leonard (Jeff Goldblum), highlights the fact he missed his chance due to the fact he is now in the so-called “friend zone.” During this time, handsome Roland (Patrick Wilson) agrees to donate his sperm to Kassie.
Kassie throws an “insemination” party where Roland does the deed into a cup in the bathroom. Later, a drunken Wally enters the bathroom and accidentally spills the cup into the sink. In a moment of panic, Wally replaces Roland’s sperm with his own.
Several years later, Kassie returns to New York with her lovable, but neurotic, son named Sebastian (Thomas Robinson). Wally instantly forms a friendship with Sebastian, however Kassie has begun a relationship with Roland.
Will Wally have the courage to tell Kassie that Sebastian is his son? Will a confession result in losing them both to Roland or finally lead him to a life of happiness with his true soul mate?
The Screenplay Has Some Good Moments but Covers Overly Familiar Rom-com Territory
There are a few genuinely good moments in the screenplay, which has its heart in the right place. Firstly, the way it covers the dynamics of the relationship between Wally and Sebastian and the realisation he may be the boy’s biological father. It also cleverly and intriguingly touches on the modern single women’s psyche regarding maternal aspirations or “biological clock.” However, it does lag in some areas and retreads well-worn thematic ground regarding modern romantic comedies – revelation leads to a quick and happy resolution in favour of the prospective couple.
Jennifer Anniston and Jason Bateman Lead a Solid Cast
Jason Bateman gives a fine performance as the intelligent and pessimistic Wally, who throughout the course of the film must confront and conquer his self-imposed social confinement, caused by his neurotic behaviour if he is to grow emotionally. The beautiful Jennifer Anniston knows her craft and brings her strong attributes to her role. She has certainly attracted unwanted criticism for her choice of films recently. Apart from her comedic timing, she imbues Kassie with affable charm, and vulnerability matched by a comfortable sense of her own place in the world. Thomas Robinson is good as Sebastian and his scenes with Jason Bateman are genuinely heart-warming to say the least. Patrick Wilson’s Roland serves as the antithesis of Wally - a jovial and jocular adventure type and rival for Kassie’s affections. Jeff Goldblum steals the scenes he appears in as Wally’s friend Leonard who provides the voice of consciousness and reason.
Final Verdict
While certainly not the best example of a romantic comedy sub genre, The Switch is better than the similarly themed terrible Jennifer Lopez vehicle The Backup Plan, and is solid enough viewing on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
Cast and Crew
Wally Mars Jason Bateman
Kassie Larson Jennifer Anniston
Sebastien Larson Thomas Robinson
Roland Patrick Wilson
Leonard Jeff Goldblum
Debbie Juliette Lewis
Directed by Josh Gordon
Produced by Jennifer Anniston, Nathan Kahane, Kristen Kahn, Albert Berger and Ron Xerxa
Screenplay by Allan Leob
Cinematography by Jess Hall
Original musical score by Alex Wurman
Distributed by Miramax
Running Time: 101 minutes
Available in DVD and Blu-Ray
2.5/5
Jason Webster - I am a contributing writer who has been submitting articles to Suite101.com since January – mostly to do with film and video reviews ...
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