It took less than thirty seconds for I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell to make its case. Complete with nudity, sex and one of the most awkward instances to ever involve both, the film rushes out for a touchdown with its initial offering. But beware, the film isn't meant for everyone. Those who can stomach the highly inappropriate, selfish, sex-centered thoughts of our lead protagonist Tucker Max will definitely find the movie an ideal companion to Max's bestselling book by the same name. Those who can't...you have been warned.
Having never read the book or even heard of Tucker Max for that matter, I had no idea what to expect with the film. Regardless, leaving the theater I couldn't help but laugh at the raunchy debacle that I had just seen unfold. The jokes, hilarious in all aspects, made the film work; however, it is the heart and soul of the story that comes alive during its closing minutes that makes it memorable. Without it, we would be stuck with another Miss March - and we all know just how ridiculous that would have been.
In the film, Tucker Max opts to use his good friend's upcoming marriage to score a trip to a strip club some three hours away. Though his intentions are kept quiet, we know that it has little to do with the newly instated "˜no touching' policy that has recently been enacted in his hometown. But a quick night of fun transcends into one from hell as the groom-to-be ends up behind bars, covered in blood, and some unknown man's vomit. But not to worry, Max is fine, living out his ulterior motive and keeping busy with the woman of right now. The next morning, when the two meet face to face, words will be said and stories revealed, leaving the booming friendship in shambles thanks to a pint-sized princess and her working wisdom.
Matt Czuchry does a great job as our leading sex-explorer Tucker, playing the real life character with ease - though seriously, was their no other wardrobe choice besides a white undershirt? Jesse Bradford and Geoff Stults give him solid support as his two wing-men; though Jesse often stole scenes with his comedic lines of nerd mixed with that of a broken heart. Keri Lynn Pratt provides the lone consistent female role in the film, and to be quite fair, she holds her own like a true veteran.
The film hits its peak about three-fourths of the way through as we see Tucker make fat-jokes at a few ladies at a bar and is then forced to scoot across the floor in an effort to find a running bathroom. The scene is priceless, for more than one reason, giving viewers an unedited, raw look at just how far this film was willing to go. The jokes are ridiculous, the dialogue profane and explosive; yet somehow, Tucker and his crew of brilliant funnymen make it work.
The final scene is a bit cliché, though it was nice getting to see the real Tucker Max make a quick cameo and give one of the most awkward speeches ever captured on film. He fits the role, and he does a stellar job with his portrayal, but to those who aren't familiar with Tucker, the occurrence probably won't strike you nearly as funny.
Overall, the film does almost everything right, leaving very little to be either desired or fixed. The movie obviously targets a younger crowd and those who are familiar with Tucker's book, but seeing as I had no idea who he was, the film can be enjoyed by fans and unknowns alike. If you are lucky and I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell is opening at a theater near you this weekend, be sure to check it out - for better or worse, it is definitely worth your ten bucks!
