TAG – A Review by Cynthia Flores
TAG is a fun summer treat. It’s actually based on the Wall Street Journal article entitled “It Takes Planning, Caution To Avoid Being It” by Russell Adams. There really are a group of grown men that have been playing this game of tag for over 30 years. It has an All-Star cast of guys and gals that look like they were having a blast being in this film.
This is the first feature film debut for director Jeff Tomsic. He has a long successful career directing in television, especially comedy shows, that probably explains why there are so many comedians in even bit parts throughout the film.
In this film, TAG, a small group of former classmates who grew up together organize an elaborate, annual game of tag that runs the full month of May. Even though they are fully grown men, they come together to play this game. However, this might be the last time because it seems like Jerry (Jeremy Renner), who’s never been tagged, might quit since he is getting married and thinks it’s time to grow up.
Hoagie (Ed Helms) is the one that lets everyone know about this turn of events and he has a plan. Jerry runs a local fitness gym and will be getting married in May in their hometown, so the group knows where he will be to tag him once and for all.
Hoagie tells Bob (Jon Hamm), a big shot at an insurance company, while interpreting his interview with a Wall Street Journal correspondent named Rebecca Crosby (Annabelle Wallis). She’s fascinated by this story of these men and the game that has kept them together for over thirty years, so she tags along to cover the story. The only other woman with this team of ruffians is Anna (Isla Fisher), who’s married to Hoagie. She is sassy, hot, and is even more competitive than he is. Some of the bawdiest and funniest moments happen as we watch her do whatever it takes to win.
They all go pick to up the rest of the team that live in the same area as they do. There is Chilli Cilliano (Jake Johnson), a man who has lost his company and his wife but is ok with it as long as he stays stoned. And last but not least is Kevin Savle (Hannibal Buress), the introspective one in the bunch. They actually grab him up in the middle of his session with his therapist.
I refuse to give everything away, so you have to go see the film to know what I am talking about. Let’s just say that there are plenty of “Oh no they didn't” and “that’s gotta hurt” moments to go around. This is just a really funny film that will make you remember what it was like to hang out with your pals back in the day.
TAG is not a flawless film, it has a heavy hand when it comes to letting us know that the true point of the game is not winning but the fact that it's kept them together and involved in each other's lives all this time. The film does really shine when they’re sticking to the hijinks that they go through just to keep from being tagged.
For that reason alone, I give this film only a B+ rating, but it was really close to an A film for me. So, when you see this film, either on the big screen or at home, sit through it to the very end of the credits, trust me it's worth it.
Directed by Jeff Tomsic
Written By Rob McKitterick, Mark Steilen, Mark Steilen, Russell Adams
Rated R
Selig Rating B+
Running Time 1 hr 40 min
Comedy
Wide Release June 15th
Starring: Isla Fisher, Annabelle Wallis, Jake Johnson, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Rashida Jones, Leslie Bibb, Ed Helms
The Selig Rating Scale:
A – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
B – Good movie
C – OK movie
D – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
F – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn't paid for it.
