Why ‘Playdate’ fails as an action-comedy: a forgettable film experience

“Playdate”, Amazon Prime Video’s new movie, proves that not even an interesting cast can save an insufferable production.

Directed by Luke Greenfield and written by Neil Goldman, I was initially intrigued by the action-comedy’s line-up.

The lead roles include Kevin James – a comedy star I once held in high regard – alongside Alan Ritchson, who has earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Jack Reacher in the streamer’s hit series “Reacher”.

As a fan of classic odd-couple buddy pairings such as Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell in “Get Hard”, as well as dynamic duos in “Men in Black”, “Rush Hour” and “21 Jump Street”, I was excited to see the chemistry between James and Ritchson.

In “Playdate”, they star as awkward dads Brian (James) and Jeff (Ritchson), who get thrown into a dangerous affair alongside their timid sons.

But their bromance was anything but electrifying. After watching them force chemistry on-screen, I found that their opposites-attract vibe never quite landed.

And with a supporting cast that includes “Firefly Lane” star Sarah Chalke, Alan Tudyk (as the film’s villain, who barely gets screen time), and Isla Fisher, who has several successful comedic stints under her belt, you’d think there was enough talent in the tank to help this film thrive.

But aside from Fisher’s respectable portrayal of Leslie, the charismatic leader of the Mama Mafia – a group of drunk moms who spend their free time getting up to mischief – the rest of the performances were totally forgettable.

And if you’re stepping into the action-comedy genre – whose Hollywood contributions over the decades are profound – you’d better come prepared.

“Playdate” certainly doesn’t, and it fails dismally at adding anything of cinematic or comedic value.

The story introduces viewers to Brian, who is desperate to impress his girlfriend Emily (Chalke) and does anything he can to gain the approval of her young son Lucas (Benjamin Pajak).

The problem is that Brian is low on confidence, and with no parenting experience, his world is turned upside down when he gets fired from his forensic accountant job at a top firm.

Despite the setback, he sees it as an opportunity to become a stay-at-home dad and use the time to bond with Lucas.

Unaware of what being a full-time dad truly entails, Brian takes Lucas to the park and attempts to use sport to connect with him – but the tween has limited athletic abilities. While throwing around a football, they meet Jeff and his son, CJ (Banks Pierce).

Jeff, a former soldier, is delighted at the prospect of him and his son making new friends after recently moving to the area. Brian, as awkward as Lucas, is immediately put off by Jeff’s zealousness but feels pity for him when Jeff shares that his wife – and CJ’s mother – recently died.

Encouraged by Emily to be more social, Brian reluctantly agrees to set up a playdate with Jeff and CJ.

While the kids – both socially awkward – hit it off, Brian remains unconvinced by Jeff. Threatened by his muscular physique, unimpressed with his bluntness, gentle parenting style and chaotic home life, Brian struggles to warm up to him.

But just as the men begin finding common ground, they’re suddenly embroiled in a deadly situation. It turns out Jeff lied about the exact setup of his family, and his dodgy past catches up with him right in the middle of the playdate.

What follows is the typical barrage of gunfire, fight scenes and high-speed car chases – all the synonymous elements of the genre.

But “Playdate” doesn’t add anything of value, and most of the scenes feel forced and unrealistic. I know movies are fictional, but some of what takes place here – particularly the encouragement of children to embrace violence – feels genuinely alarming.

Overall, there are simply too many fight scenes involving children, who also become the butt of many of the film’s jokes. And while there is the occasional twist and turn, “Playdate” does little to keep streamers enthralled.

* I give “Playdate” one out of five stars.