The Switch (2010)

I wanted to watch The Switch about a month ago but somehow —I blame Patrick Wilson and the short title—I ended up watching The Ledge instead, which was quite the opposite of the light romantic comedy I was expecting to see. I double-checked this time and I was finally able to watch it. 

The film revolves around Wally (Jason Bateman), a neurotic man who has a hard time finding his soulmate, and his best friend Kassie (Jennifer Aniston), who decides to get artificially inseminated. Wally doesn't like the idea, mainly because he's in love with her though he hasn't realised it yet. At Kassie's insemination party, he gets drunk, he accidentally dumps the donor's (Patrick Wilson) sperm in the sink and decides to replace it with his own. He forgets completely about it, and Kassie leaves New York as she doesn't feel like it's the right place to raise a child. Seven years later, she comes back with her son Sebastian (Thomas Robinson) and Wally starts to notice striking resemblances between the boy and himself. In the meantime, Kassie becomes intimate with Roland, the sperm donor. 

Yes, the plot is lame and predictable, it's filled with holes and nonsense —my biggest issue, how are Wally and Kassie not together in the first place? It's clear right from the beginning that they are perfect for each other—, and the hurried ending is lazy writing at its best, the proof the writer was so done with it, he tried to end it as soon as he could. Or maybe he's just not a good writer. Either way, the story is quite engaging and I did end up rooting for Wally.

That may have something to do with the fact that I love Jason Bateman though. He yet again proves himself to be a wonderful leading man as he is oddly charming and has impeccable timing. The chemistry he has with Jennifer Aniston is great, which is why it doesn't make sense for them to not be together, but the chemistry he has with Thomas Robinson is even greater and makes their interaction very pleasant to watch. Aniston, on the other hand, isn't that good as she gives yet another bland, uncompelling comedic performance. Good thing the film focuses more on Bateman's character as opposed to hers.

Miramax Films

As for the comedy part, don't expect The Switch to make you laugh your ass off because it won't. It does, on the other hand, have that light and kind of heartwarming humour that puts a smile on your face from most of the film's running time. There still are a few laughs here and there —basically whenever Jeff Goldblum is on screen. Seriously, every single word that comes out of that man's mouth is funny.

Ultimately, while the writing is a mess, the film is fun to watch as it's humorous and occasionally touching. It's not the best romantic comedy out there, but it isn't the worst either, and it's definitely worth watching if you like Bateman or Goldblum.