On DVD and BLU RAY - "Drinking Buddies" - Well-written and Directed (by Joe Swanberg, pulling double duty), featuring excellent, natural performances across the board, I fell in love with this "Dramady's" intelligent, engaging approach and uncommon honesty early and often. One of the first films in many a moon that I checked out without ever seeing a trailer for it, I found it was delightful throughout without being sappy or feeling manufactured. It's light-hearted but never corny, devoid of slapstick and toilet humor- it's a thinking person's comedy, so those expecting cheap, degenerate laughs flying at a brisk clip will be lost.
Olivia Wilde (Cowboys & Aliens) and Jake Johnson (FOX's New Girl) portray co-workers at a Chicago brewery who struggle to hold back romantic feelings for one another while involved in other relationships. Wilde has blossomed into much, much more than just a pretty face (with amazingly beautiful eyes), while Johnson establishes himself as one of the more talented comedic sorts working today- dude's got undeniable charisma and range which should start landing him more leading roles in larger-scale projects (like 2015's Jurassic World). Ron Livingston (Office Space) and Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect) supply their respective significant others and are fine in support. Jason Sudeikis (Wilde's real life Husband and all around lucky bastard) pops up in a few brief scenes as the duo's boss, while Horror Director Ti West (The Innkeepers) is featured in an extended cameo as a co-worker.
What I found most refreshing here is that the film is also devoid of any obligatory, stock asshole-type character in a narrative setup where a viewer might expect one - the entire cast comes across as friendly and likeable, almost like a group of friends who've known one another for many years. It avoids the clunky stereotypes, half-hearted cliches and other predictable pitfalls that ultimately doom so many other Drama/Comedies being churned out these days.
There's a TON of beer drinking throughout- then again, it was pretty much expected with the title and specific workplace setting. Some may find the film's unconventional ending to be infuriating- I actually stood up in my living room and clapped with approval, recognizing it as a masterstroke mixture of ambiguity and authenticity.
Highly Recommended- film fans should put it near the very top of their list.
9.0 out of 10
Director: Joe Swanberg
Starring: Olivia Wilde, Jake Johnson, Anna Kendrick, Ron Livingston, Ti West and Jason Sudeikis.
Running Time: 90 minutes
MPAA Rating: Rated R for language throughout
Trailer - Drinking Buddies (2013)
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