"Get Hard" rushes its absurd premise (it skips the trial entirely, as did, apparently, James' lawyers) so it can make "Dickipedia" and "Instafuck" jokes until reaching its rushed and absurd conclusion.
Seeking protection for the inside, James is introduced to gang members led by Darnell's cousin Russell (T.I.), and also to white supremacists. When Darnell takes James to a gay pickup spot so he can practice other survival skills, the movie's rapey anal fixations become oral ones. As the jokes are directed at the privileged James, "Get Hard" has cover from charges of racism and homophobia, though this cover wears thin through repeated use. The movie's main offense is not being as funny as it could have been.
Farrell and Hart play off each other effectively with their different comedic styles, and there are some genuinely inspired bits. However, a cartoonish lack of continuity, as James takes one punishing beating only to arrive unharmed for the next, makes "Get Hard" seem like a collection of hit-or-miss variations on a tired theme. Rare family scenes with Darnell's wife Rita (Edwina Findley Dickerson) offer a glimpse of how the movie would have benefitted from a smarter script.
Directed and co-written by Etan (not Ethan) Cohen (not Coen), "Get Hard" can brag about being the longest dick joke ever told. It just doesn't have the balls to be much else.
| Movie title | Get Hard |
|---|---|
| Release year | 2015 |
| MPAA Rating | R |
| Our rating | |
| Summary | This prison comedy's main offense is not being as funny as it could have been. |
