Toronto-based filmmaker Jamie Travis directs this hilarious chick buddy film that finds two ex-enemies forced to live with each other and making the best of it. Lauren Miller (who co-wrote the film) plays Lauren Powell – the sweet girl next door type with a over extended work ethic. Ari Graynor, on the other hand, plays Katie Steele who is the wild one in terms of partying and sexual exploits. These two opposites attract to create a vastly successful phone sex line that leads the way for a well balanced raunchy comedy.
Shot in only 16 days, this Sundance Film Festival favorite also stars Justin Long as the duo’s homosexual confidant with Kevin Smith and Seth Rogen in cameos as clients to the phone sex line. Long adds a constant source of comedic relief even when times get tough with his performance, Rogen and Smith being spot on as well in rewarding small roles. Mark Webber (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”) plays a regular caller and Sugar Lyn Beard (“50/50”) appears as a new addition to the sex line team, with funny repercussions. Last but not least to finish off the cast, the film also includes Academy Award nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) among others.
Though the film is highly inappropriate in its strong sexual content, it is nicely balanced with clean comedy and some drama. It stands the chance for being an uncomfortable experience with most people, but is fun with the ones who will find it suitable. The clever, feel good screenplay allows for an entertaining comedy romp that will hopefully catapult Miller and Graynor. They’re bond is as if they both came from “Saturday Night Live” – showing potential for being of the same sort of caliber in comedy.
The film is truly better than expected, and totally worth seeing – it provides lots of laughs and with the right pair of eyes, it can touch the heart.
“For a Good Time, Call…” is now playing in select theaters.
