Looking for your next holiday classic for the whole family to enjoy? You probably won't find it in Seth Rogen's new comedy "The Night Before". But what you will find is an absolutely hilarious and outrageous film that can't be missed this holiday season.
After Ethan, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt ("The Walk") endures a tragedy right during the holiday season, his good friends Chris, Seth Rogen ("This is the End") and Isaac, Anthony Mackie ("Captain America: Winter Soldier") decide to take him out on Christmas Eve to cheer him up. This becomes a tradition, and the film begins in their preparation for their 14th and final Christmas Eve blowout. This sets up a night of crazy traditions and antics, and it's a joy to be brought along the ride.
The first and foremost positive of the film is the chemistry between Gordon-Levitt, Rogen and Mackie. As we follow them around New York City, we really buy that they have been a tight-knit group of friends since high school, and it gives the jokes a genuine touch and makes the dialogue much more fun. Another strength of the film is the many cameos made by various celebrities throughout. James Franco, ("127 Hours") Mindy Kaling, ("The Office") Nathan Fielder, ("Nathan For You") and even Miley Cyrus ("Bolt") all pop up, and with each appearance comes even more laughs. But while those were great, nothing can compare to Michael Shannon's ("Man of Steel") hysterical appearance. I won't spoil it for those who have yet to see it, but all I'll say is it comes out of nowhere, and it is comedic perfection.
I give major props to director Jonathan Levine ("50/50") for combining the drug and alcohol abuse portions of these Seth Rogen comedies we've come to expect with the holiday spirit. Despite all the illegal activity and risqué material, the tone of the film stays very much embedded in the magic of the holiday season. There are even direct connections to several classic holiday stories and films that remind audiences that the movie is much more than just a comedy for young people. It's always great to see a film that could have just aimed for purely dumbed-down humor, but instead shoots for a more mature and meaningful final product.
Obviously I thought the film was hilarious, but it's not just the jokes that make this film special. The story is actually a touching look on friendship, and how it evolves and changes through the years. Its refreshing to see that these classic Seth Rogen party-filled comedies can also bring in meaningful elements and make me really care about both the story and characters. But for those just looking to laugh, you won't be disappointed.
Overall, to me, "The Night Before" is both another entertaining Seth Rogen style comedy, and a great edition to the holiday film collection. Merging themes of friendship, growing up, and the holidays with hardcore partying could have gone so wrong, but I'm pleased to say that this film is a perfect mix of all these elements. This is without a doubt, my favorite holiday movie this year.
