For A Good Time, Call... (2012)

Okay first things first, I know this movie will raise a few eyebrows amongst you, but I urge you not to judge this film based off of its synopsis. Don’t get me wrong, this film is what you think, but it’s also NOT. It all revolves around two former-college “frenemies” (I really hate that term, but whatever…) who both need to find a roommate so they can stay in New York and live the “American Dream” which is when mutual friend Jesse (played by an hilariously camp Justin Long) forces them to move in together. The two women, strapped for cash, very quickly set up a phone-sex-line and realise a lucrative, if not slightly filthy, business opportunity. The phone-sex-line however, is not the centre of this film, though it certainly plays a significant part. The heart of this film lies in the friendship that grows from this business, and this is where a lot of our laughs and “awh” moments come from.

The film gets off to a slow start and if I were one of those obnoxious types to walk out of a movie within the first five minutes, then I probably would’ve done with this one. It’s not filthy or obscene, as you might expect, it’s just boring. And boring isn’t what you want in a film (especially given the aforementioned title). As it turns out though this is quite important for the films central protagonist (or one of them at least) Lauren Powell (played by the writer of this quirky little film, Lauren Ann Miller) who finds herself stuck in a boring life with no prospects. Enter Katie Steel (played by the hilarious and charming Ari Graynor), who injects some foul-mouthed fun into Lauren’s life and makes her realise that she doesn't need to settle for boring.

In this scene Katie (Graynor) introduces Lauren to the 'phone side' of the business. It makes for a funny moment in the movie with an unexpected outcome. 

This film is borne from a post-Bridesmaids we-women-can-be-just-as-filthy-and-funny-as-men era and it takes that female empowerment to a whole new level with both ladies showing their modern-esque sexuality and embracing there situation. They don’t lament their career and pity themselves for running such a service. In fact they revel in their power and it’s quite an empowering, if not slightly wacky, message to bring to our screens. Aside from the I-am-woman-hear-me-roar quality to the film though comes the message of love that slowly grows between the characters, and this is where the film really grows on you. The chemistry between the two lead actors is very convincing and as I watched I couldn't help but think that they had a truly distinctive “Womance” (that’s the female version of a bromance) that is rear to see in film or TV. In fact now I think about it there is no pop-culture media-frenzy womance that really comes to mind, which is irritating really. Maybe this awesome little film will pave the way for more womances in the future, I certainly hope so.

My favourite aspect of this film is undoubtedly the hugely talented Ari Graynor who brings such an energy and charm to the production as Katie Steel. She steals every single scene with her foul-mouthed exuberance. Some may recognise Graynor from the 2008 Independent-Indie Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist where she played the drunk but adorable Caroline and much like that film here Graynor brings her quirky adorableness and adds to it with a role she can really sink her teeth into. The growing vulnerability and innocence with which she portrays the “all-talk” Katie is very convincing and she actually makes you empathise with this character (which is quite impressive considering, well…her day job). Another quite impressive aspect of this film is the cameos it managed to pull from the likes of Kevin Smith and Seth Rogen. Granted Rogen is married to star and writer Lauren Miller but still, the ensemble cast is impressive and really adds credit to this Independent-flick.

So yes, to tie a bow on this little ramble, this film may be about two women who run and operate a phone-sex-line but it is also a film about friendship, love and independence. Plus it premiered at Sundance to rave reviews, so how bad can it be?! But hey, don't get me wrong, this film may come highly recommended but that's mainly for the many laughs it provides. 

Best Line: 

Jesse: You girls are living some fucked up version of the American Dream.

To cut a long story short…

Would I recommend this? I would, without a doubt. Although perhaps not to the more…prudish (no offence intended!!)…of this readership. A film ramblers star rating? 

That's it for now folks...