Movie Review - Tag

Tag *** (out of 5) (R) As slowly as I type, I love this movie if only for its title’s brevity. It’s also pretty funny, in the same sophomoric vein as the Hangover flicks. That thematic link is strengthened by featuring Ed Helms as a carry-forward co-star from that highly successful franchise. This time he’s pals with St. Louis’ own Jon Hamm, Hannibal Buress, Jeremy Renner and Jake Johnson. They’re childhood chums who’ve stayed in touch - literally and figuratively - by playing a cutthroat game of tag every May for 30 years, despite living far apart during the rest of their adult lives. If that premise seems absurd, you’ll be even more surprised to learn that it’s based on a real group of gents who have done exactly this, living by the creed - “you don’t stop playing because you get older; you get older because you stop playing”. The closing credits roll beside clips of the actual guys, showing how little the film exaggerates what they do.

In this snapshot of their tale, Renner is the only one who’s never been nailed as “it”, despite the concerted efforts of the rest. He displays evasion skills that Jason Bourne would envy. In fact, this version of him might be more qualified for The Avengers than his oft-denigrated Hawkeye character. As the action begins, Renner is getting married and planning to retire from the game, forcing Helms to rally the troops for one last try to bring him down. Slapstick hilarity ensues, with quite a few noteworthy scenes of frenzied action.

This title will join the list of entries in pop-culture dictionaries for the definition of “guy flick”. It’s no-brainer fun from the fellows, supplemented by eye-candy and more laughs from Isla Fisher, Leslie Bibb, Rashida Jones and Annabelle Wallis. Don’t arrive late. You’ll miss an amusing stretch from Brian Dennehy that sets the table nicely for all that follows. (6/15/18)