Marketed as Goldie Hawn’s return to the film industry alongside current it girl Amy Schumer, the expectations of Snatched were sky high. Unfortunately the need to be funny and outrageous overshadowed what could have been.
The movie opens with a talkative Schumer buying clothes for an upcoming holiday with her boyfriend in Ecuador. The viewer assumes that Schumer’s character, Emily Middleton, is the customer, only to find out that she in fact works there and is a considerably lousy employee.
The series of jokes that are swapped between Schumer and the manager of the store are laugh out loud funny. They are not only natural, but also relatable. Leaving the viewer with a sense of satisfaction, as you know more laughs are ahead.
Snatched Movie Poster.
Photo Credit: http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/snatched
After what seems like an eternity, but is probably only ten minutes, the viewer gets their first glimpse of Goldie Hawn, the star of movies such as Overboard and The First Wives Club. Taking a break from the big screen for almost 15 years, the promise of Hawn’s silly nature is a big drawcard for the film.
Following much debate, the overzealous Emily convinces her cautious mother Linda (played by Hawn) to accompany her on her non-refundable trip to Ecuador after being dumped by her wannabe rock star boyfriend.
It is from this moment on that the laughs dry up. Jokes became cheap and the dirtier side of Schumer, as showcased in her previous film Trainwreck, starts to appear. The need to be comedic comes at the expense of developing a rich, believable plot line and as such there are instances in the film were the accuracy of some events are questioned, like the removal of a tapeworm through the mouth of a conscious person.
With an all star lead and supporting cast Snatched should have been a runaway comedy success. Instead of taking inspiration and humour from real life events, Jonathan Levine’s film focuses too much on forced comedy and trying to make the outrageous funny.
Comedic star Wanda Sykes was underused and the addition of a star of Joan Cussack’s standing who had no speaking lines was somewhat confusing.
The film’s theme of mother, daughter love was in some parts explored in a touching manner but with such star power in the cast, Snatched leaves the viewer wanting and considering what might have been had they been given a well thought out, believable script.
Hawn in a scene from 'Snatched.
Photo Credit: Hollywood Reporter
2/5 stars.
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