"We don't stop Playing, because we grow Old. We grow Old, because we stop Playing." Tag Review

Tag

3.5/5

Directed by: Jeff Tomsic

Rated: R

          Some friends get together and play golf. Some friends meet up and go on cruises. Some friends hang out and just chat. This group of friends, though, is not like those groups. For more than 25 years these friends have been playing the same game of tag. Every May tag is in session. There is no base. There are no tag backs. There is no adult supervision. As long as these five friends don't break their tag bylaws, anything goes. From their backyard playgrounds in their hometown of Spokane, Washington to all across the U.S.A. there is no place too far away that these friends won't go and no antic too ludicrous that these friends won't do to be not "it." Based on a true story, this is Tag.
           Jeff Tomsic's Tag is a thrillingly fun film starring a great cast of childlike best friends...who became adults. Hogan (Ed Helms) is the brains of the group (not the smarts, but the brains). His wacky plans have a way of hilariously backfiring on him, but his strong companionship for his friends and his love for his extremely competitive wife Anna (Isla Fisher) keep his heart grounded and his head in the right place. Bob Callahan (Jon Hamm) is a CEO, the image of class and financial and success, and a complete fanatic for his favorite May past-time. His smooth words always bode smooth sailing, and even if his ship does crash it's going to look good doing it. Chilli (Randy Johnson) is the group's residential pot-head. He gets high with a little help from his friends from playing tag and spending time with them. Kevin Sable (Hannibal Buress) is the most innocent and paranoid member of the group. He likes to try to stay cool and play things safe, but he likes playing tag more. There are no winners in tag. There are only those who are not "it," and Jerry (Jeremy Renner) has never been "it." He's a suave, calculating, action hero that's untouchable. Following this group around is Wall Street journalist Rebecca Crosby (Annabelle Wallis) whose knack for finding stories is only matched by her insatiable curiosity. Every single one of Tag's main performers offers a memorable, unique and humane performance full of heart and sportsmanship.
          With a group of characters this crazy there is little knowing what lengths they would go to not be "it," and these lengths are fully stretched to their maximum and beyond. Tag's chase scenes are exhilarating. Each chase is unique from all the others, and each has its own surprises ramping up their comedic factor. The stunt-work showcased in these scenes is precise, daring and totally nuts. Watching these performers flip onto chairs and dive off staircases is incredible, and seeing these characters doing it adds to this film's fun. Based on the characters created, Tag's stunt work is believable, if a little over zealous.
           With the combination of this movie's ingenious premise, crazy characters and exhilarating chase sequences the whole film adds up to being a fun theatrical experience. On top of this, the humor in this film is hilarious. From the subtle yet clever dialogue between characters to the ridiculous slow motion chase scene moments this film offers laughs and gives audiences jokes that land. Aside from one or two scenes with excessive running gags, and some crude humor dialogue that can make some audience members uncomfortable, this film is well executed. Tag is a fun and friendly childhood playground dream experience for adults.
           On top of all this, Tag is also based on the true story of the "Tag Brothers" of Spokane, Washington. Though none of the characters in this film exist in real life, they are all inspired by real life people. Tag is not an accurate retelling of true events, but it features nods and scenes directly inspired from real life events. Audience members enthusiastically curious about Tag should see it in theatres, and even those who are unsure about it should at least check it out on home release.

Verdict: Tag is a friendly fun cinematic experience, featuring a crazy group of heartfelt characters, terrific performances, outlandish chase scenes, clever humor and an ingeniously well executed premise.