The Guilt Trip (2012)

Being neither a big fan of Seth Rogan, talented actor but participant in so many unspeakably bad movies, nor Barbara Streisand, this movie definitely had to overcome some obstacles for me. Which it did, with Rogan in a refreshingly unpretentious role of a son who is trying to deal patiently with his Mom's idiosyncrasies and finding success as an inventor, and Streisand very believable as a too intrusive mom worried about her son's life. They are effectively both trying to fix the other's life, in a good-natured but also slightly naive way. The movie was sufficiently credible to me, while staying light on its feet without engaging in unnecessary comedy (something that seems to put off a lot of people who had this expectation, probably influenced by Rogan's usual role and the marketing) or drawn-out deception entanglements.Heightened spoiler alert... I particularly like the scene Andrew puts it squarely to Joyce why he wants her to come to San Francisco. So many movies would think it's a good idea for the character to keep coming up with some pretense that would explode into his face at some point. Instead he pitches it to her, as badly as he pitches his invention, with a reaction of Joyce that comes across as genuine as well. And then there is the next-to-last scene in SF, which might contain one of the most heart-warming moments in cinema history, just when you thought there would be no catharsis for decade-old feelings (which might have increased the authenticity, but I feel the movie had been lifelike enough to justify indulging in a happy end).Hats off to Anne Fletcher and Dan Fogelman.

Barbra Streisand and well and truly passed her best, and she no longer has the pulling power to make a movie a box office hit. However, I suppose, she is still a big enough star to pick what movies she will be acting on, and therefore commits little mistakes with her choices. This flick is nothing amazing, but compared to the enormous amount of crap that one has to watch, it's decent, funny and makes for a good watch. I am sure I will never watch it again, but if someone was to asked me a recommendation for a funny comedy to watch over the weekend, something where your mind is free to relax and helps you to forget work, your boss, and your wife's boyfriend, this is it. At least, that's my opinion. I know that most people seem to differ. I enjoyed it.

This movie, about a nagging mother accompanying her single salesman son across the US, was never going to win any awards. But as a very light comedy, it's not bad. If you were sitting at home sick, or on a plane, and needed undemanding entertainment, this would fit the bill. And of course, if you are a Babs fan, you will love it. Seth Rogen plays, uhh .... Seth Rogen, the under-achieving middle aged son, and he is likable. He is obviously enjoying playing opposite Barbra Streisand, and he lets her have the spotlight. They work well together. Streisand in real life has her own son, and the empathy shows in her performance. It's not a laugh out loud comedy. And thankfully, the jokes and physical comedy are not laid on too thick and it's not too smutty. And there is actually a plausible plot, although it's hardly demanding. Seth has a secret plan to meet Barbra's first love in San Francisco, on the way taking her along as he tries to pitch his cleaning product to various companies. Mother and son work out their Issues at a variety of venues -- a casino, a bar, a strip joint and in the car. It all reads like therapy for the screenwriters, and the movie is a light option at the cinema for adults to take their elderly parents to. But I have a good radar for baloney, and this movie didn't make me walk out or throw something at the screen. Its heart is in the right place, and I did watch to the end, which was nicely done.

The Guilt Trip (2012) starring Rogen and Streisand. The chemistry between the two stars is very good and it actually is a pleasure to spend time with them. Rogen effectively shows Andy struggling with being supportive of his mother but having to constantly deal with her many faux pas that embarrass him. Meanwhile, Streisand is able to put her more grating qualities aside and conveys a sweetness born from the best of intentions that has her in the audience's good favor from the start.For the film, this winds up being the film's strong suit. The laughs, which are plentiful, are never too ribald or over the top. While the tone is sincere, it never veers into the maudlin and her two leads wisely never overplay their most poignant moments. The Guilt Trip did however have a disappointing box office run as it did flop. Released at a bad timing near the end of 2012, with a budget of $40 million, only made $41 million worldwide. ==================================================================== ====================================================================As a rewatch 08/19/17' The Guilt Trip remains a solid comedy with several decent laughs. The chemistry between the leads is shown but several flaws come out on a second viewing. The film isn't going to be remember as one of Seth Rogen's top tier films, being as it was a flop and not as great as his other films. None the less, the Guilt Trip is a watchable road trip mother-son comedy.