When it works, it works well and delivers some good laughs but there are far too many dud moments in this comedy that don’t work. It plays off its raunchy jokes and despite their comedic value, it doesn’t bring anything new to the genre that hasn’t been done better in other films.
The endearing hard-partying brothers Mike (Adam Devine) and Dave (Zac Efron) are forced to find dates by their parents in a bid to tame their wild antics before their sister’s Hawaiian wedding. Believing they’ve found their perfect dates (Anna Kendrick, Audrey Plaza), it turns out the two girls are more wild and out of control than the boys. What follows is a series of stunts that find the girls out-smarting and out-partying the boys who struggle to keep up.
There are some funny moments in this film but for me, they came too few and far between to make it a worthwhile trip. The story is highly predictable and despite its comedic quips, it feels like a rehash of other comedies that have done this material better and more importantly, funnier. That’s not to say Mike and Dave is a complete dud, far from it. The duo of Zac Efron and Adam Devine work surprisingly well together and when they share the scenes, they absolutely steal the show.
For the most part though, Mike and Dave need to work on their jokes. With a straight-forward, predictable story, all the attention is focused on the comedy and with recycled jokes and raunchy gags, it all feels so bland and rehashed from other films. It does have its moments though and there are definitely some funny moments. Its just a shame they occur so infrequently in this film.
Overall though, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates feels like a well-worn shoe. Its a comfy fit but its falling apart. Its jokes are too infrequent and there are large periods of this film where it just feels like it drags. Zac Efron and Adam Devine are the stand outs here though and their chemistry together shines on the screen in an otherwise forgettable film.
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Verdict - 3/10
3/10