‘Playdate’ Review: Alan Ritchson Stars in Lackluster Prime Video Comedy
The new action-comedy “Playdate,” streaming on Amazon Prime Video, features a mix of talent but ultimately fails to deliver a compelling experience. Despite its star-studded cast, including Alan Ritchson and Kevin James, the film is marred by stale humor and clichéd storylines.
Film Overview
- Release Date: November 12
- Director: Luke Greenfield
- Screenwriter: Neil Goldman
- Cast: Alan Ritchson, Kevin James, Sarah Chalke, Isla Fisher, Alan Tudyk, Stephen Root
- Rating: PG-13
- Runtime: 1 hour 33 minutes
Plot Summary
The story follows Brian (played by Kevin James), an unemployed forensic accountant who becomes a stay-at-home dad. He is worried that his stepson, Lucas (Benjamin Pajak), has a preference for modern dance over traditional sports. To remedy this, Brian takes him to the park for some bonding time, but things take an unexpected turn.
Brian encounters Jeff (Alan Ritchson), whose son CJ (Banks Pierce) is more athletically inclined. The duo’s proposed playdate at an entertainment venue quickly escalates into chaos as Jeff becomes targeted by dangerous adversaries.
Clichés and Performances
Despite the film’s attempts at humor, it heavily leans on clichés reminiscent of earlier classic films such as “Reservoir Dogs” and “Jurassic Park.” Critics have noted that Goldman’s script lacks freshness, giving the impression that it’s a relic from the 1990s.
While some performances shine, the film overall lacks coherence. Alan Ritchson’s physical presence and comedic timing provide some moments of levity. However, Kevin James appears somewhat uncomfortable in his role, unable to match Ritchson’s commanding performance.
Supporting Cast
The film features notable appearances from:
- Sarah Chalke as Brian’s wife
- Isla Fisher leading a “Mama Mafia”
- Stephen Root in a comedic role
- Alan Tudyk as an antagonist
Despite the presence of these talents, the film’s execution leaves much to be desired. The humor falls flat, and some of the gags appear forced, failing to resonate with audiences.
Conclusion
In summary, “Playdate” suffers from predictable plotlines and uninspired material. While Alan Ritchson delivers a strong performance, the overall production fails to engage. Viewers may find themselves distracted by other tasks rather than being drawn into the light-hearted chaos on screen.
As a comedy, “Playdate” does not successfully leverage its potential, leaving audiences wanting more. For those seeking a genuinely entertaining experience, it might be advisable to skip this one on Amazon Prime.
