REVIEW: Get Ready For Mindless Fun With Tag

Tag, much like the well-beloved and simple game of our youth, will ensnare you and entertain, although it won’t add too much value. Based on an incredible true story, Tag follows the story of five friends who have spent the majority of their lives playing the ultimate game of tag. For the entire month of May these five pals throw caution to the wind and do whatever it takes to make someone new “it”. When one of their own decides to retire, the other four must come together to change his mind and attempt to break this friend’s perfect untagable streak.

Director Jeff Tomsic does a wonderful job keeping audiences interested in what could have been a lackluster film. Throughout this never-ending game, audiences learn a bit about the characters while also laughing aloud at some of the outlandish tactics used to tag someone.

Ed Helms, Jon Hamm, Jake Johnson, Hannibal Buress, and Jeremy Renner are delightful as the five best friends. Hannibal’s serious sarcasm plays well opposite Ed’s innocent glee at reuniting with his childhood friends. Jake Johnson’s laidback stoner shtick pairs well with Jon Hamm’s slightly self-absorbed goofiness.

Add in Jeremy Renner as the still too intense friend who’s never been tagged and you have a great combination of actors. It is impossible to imagine a dull day on set, the joy and freedom felt while playing tag practically jumps off the screen. Isla Fisher is outstanding as Ed Helm’s intense wife that doesn’t know when to quit competing.

Teetering on the line of raunchy, Tag is a fun comedy perfect for a mindless night at the cinema.

Grade: B-