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Naughty Comedy a Nice Surprise

Last week, a lump of coal called "Love the Coopers" was dropped into theaters but this week, some unabashedly crude and often hilarious holiday joy is released with "The Night Before".

"The Night Before" reteams Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen with director Jonathan Levine. The last time this trio worked together, they delivered the criminally underrated and profoundly moving "50/50". While their latest outing does not deliver in the big way that their previous film did, it's still great fun at the movies.

The premise of "The Night Before" is quite familiar, featuring the tried-and-true plot device of "one last party." Ethan (Gordon-Levitt), Isaac (Rogen) and Chris (Anthony Mackie) have been friends for over a decade. In 2001, Ethan's parents were killed and he had no one to turn to for the holidays. Ethan, Isaac and Chris formed a tradition of going out on Christmas Eve and having the time of their lives.

Things are starting to change in their group dynamic. Isaac is married to Betsy (Jillian Bell) and they are expecting their first kid. Chris is a professional football player, whose stature is on the rise. Ethan is just drifting through life, working odd jobs, while barely pursuing a music career. Things are hectic among the group of friends but they decide to have one last Christmas Eve night out. Comedy conventions dictate that wackiness must ensue.

Before going out, Betsy hands Isaac a box of drugs and tells him to have fun because he has been so supportive through the pregnancy. Most of Rogen's comedies are told through a thick cloud of pot smoke but "The Night Before" particularly makes it hilarious and different here. He is a worried, soon-to-be parent trying to let loose before responsibility sets in. There is panic in his drug use in this film, which is new and hilarious for Rogen.

The great and intimidating Michael Shannon shows up as Mr. Green, who used to sell drugs to Ethan, Isaac and Chris in high school. After all these years, he is still selling pot outside their high school, spouting existential nonsense with every transaction. Shannon steals every scene he is in, channeling his intense persona into a comedic role. It's great seeing him do some comedy but he is no less intense than he would be in his dramatic roles.

There are subplots and supporting players that come in, all getting some funny material to work with. Lizzy Caplan plays Ethan's ex-girlfriend, Diana, who runs into the guys with her friend, Sarah (Mindy Kaling). Caplan and Kaling are always charming and have great patter with the leads in their brief roles.

For every familiar story beat that the film takes, the camaraderie between the three characters makes the film consistently enjoyable. The beginning starts off slow, setting up each story but once they let loose in Manhattan, "The Night Before" offers some big laughs. One scene in particular had me doubled over laughing, which does not happen very often.