Some films leave viewers uncertain in how to categorize them. If Hit and Run is a comedy, then it is lacking. If it’s a chase film, then it is sporadic and unfocused. Were it a romance film, then it’s certainly not on pace with its core demographic. Much like the writing and the film itself, Hit and Run is a lot of things done passably, and nothing done outstandingly. The film focuses on Charlie (Dax Sheppard), as he tries to get his girlfriend to a job interview in Los Angeles. Charlie happens to be part of the Witness Protection Program, under the supervision of US Marshal Randy Anderson (Tom Arnold). For those familiar with Tom Arnold’s previous work and characters, then you’ll likely recall his limited range. He is the exact same character he’s played in the vast majority of his roles to date. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but much like Will Ferrell- his humor is either a reason to watch the film or to completely avoid it.
“Is there any way you can stay below 100? I’m very worried about this car getting up into triple digits.”
“I suppose I can keep it high 90’s.”
There are moments of brief comedy, and some of the one-off lines are humorous, but the pacing of the film is laborious. It isn’t even a matter of long pauses between events; the film simply never hits its stride between humor, slapstick comedy, storytelling and plot progression. This is a shame, because the film has a decent premise, and none of the actors are phoning in their performances. I think the most common downfalls of the entire production could have been corrected with some fine-tuned writing, rather than the presentation on screen.
“We both know who got the best of who in that scuffle. If you forget, ask your previous shirt.”
It’s difficult to label “stand out” performances in films such as this that unfortunately become forgettable movie experiences. But Dax Sheppard, who I normally find repellant does very well; likely because he wrote the film, having a personal connection to the script assumedly would give him an investment in its outcome. In Addition, Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor from Smallville) is a perfect fit for the vapid ex-boyfriend, Gil. I have rarely seen a performance from Rosenbaum that I didn’t like; regrettably his roles have not put him in a position to garner the attention or opportunity he deserves. What I can give the writing of the film credit for are in brief exchanges of comedy. One particular scene between Dax Sheppard and Bradley Cooper is completely uncomfortable and fearless in its subject matter it almost felt out of place in this film. Again, unfortunate that little sparks of quality and imagination never take flame and carry the rest of the film.
“Get me out of this yard.”
This is the second outing for Dax Sheppard as a scriptwriter, his first being 2010’s Brother’s Justice starring Sheppard, Ashton Kutcher, and again: Tom Arnold. Brother’s Justice currently boasts a 22/100 score on aggregate review site Metacritic. Sheppard received his Hollywood start in 2003 with the Ashton Kutcher prank show Punk’d. He then went on to star in supporting roles in films like:
- Zathura
- Employee of the Month
- Idiocracy
Sheppard is also currently engaged to co-star Kristen Bell, which is likely responsible for their onscreen chemistry in this role. Ultimately, this is not a bad film, it’s simply a flawed film. It can be funny at times, but could easily have been improved by a tighter script or additional editing to correct offbeat pacing. Hit and Run starring Dax Sheppard, Bradley Cooper, Tom Arnold and Kristen Bell is now available on DVD and Blu-ray, as well as instantly on Amazon Instant Video service.
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