Who do you call..."For A Good Time, Call..."

For A Good Time, Call… is your “not so subtle” typical, American comedy film that explores the budding friendship between two frenemies Lauren and Katie. The responsible editor Lauren (Lauren Miller) and the uncontainable Katie (Ari Gaynor) are polar opposites. However when both come up short on making ends meet financially their shared gay best friend Jesse (Justin Long) reconnects these past enemies and suggest that they become friends. Considering both ladies have nothing in common, Lauren learns that Katie is working as a sex-phone operator and identifies a potential business opportunity...a phone sex hotline. In the end, these roommates realize that maybe they can be more than just business partners, but good girlfriends.

This movie from Toronto-based filmmaker Jamie Travis takes an approach much like fellow director Judd Apatow as he directs this female-driven rudimentary relationship comedy about two New York women who are trying to discover and find themselves in today’s pressured society. To a degree the film comes across more like an extended version of a television sitcom that provides just enough laughter and entertainment to get you through the entire movie. For the most part, the film has a very simple and somewhat predictable premise.

In it’s own unique way with the combination of an eccentric cast and semi-humorous story, For A Good Time, Call…somehow manages to be both sweet and raunchy all in one. The title alone is a great play on words especially as it relates to the dating and sex talk scenes. Unfortunately this idea of creating a phone sex hotline is a bit dated for 2012; and is also difficult to maintain interest for the entire movie, despite all the attempts at basic and crude humor. Although it should be credited that the conversations, behaviors, and emotions are real, which add some authenticity to the film. As the phone sex business seems to make progress the friendship develops as well. Unfortunately the storyline does not add any originality and is really not any different from any other frenenemy type movie.

What is nice about For A Good Time, Call… is the bursting chemistry from all the characters. Each person, regardless of his or her role brings a fresh, playful and candid personality that stays consistent throughout the movie. Graynor and Miller are so charming together however, it seems as though their relationship and friendship is forced to create a happy storyline. Outside of Miller and Graynor characters, the other most amusing character in the film is Justin Long, their gay mutual friend Jesse, who gives a sarcastic yet charismatic performance. In addition, Lauren's parents (Mimi Rogers and Don McManus), who add another bit of appeal.  They always seem to show up at unexpected moments consistently being surprised by their daughter's unrefined roommate. Then there is also a sweet romance between Katie with her faithful caller client Sean (played by Mark Webber) who she has a playful, yet romantic love connection.

For a Good Time, Call… is your typical independent comedy film that appeals to a mass audience in a way that does not “beat around the bush” or sugar coat the content. However it still brings the typical and predictable Hollywood plot lines to the screen. 

Here is a film that caters more to a particular type of woman, one who is in there 20s and maybe early 30s, anyone beyond that may find it difficult to relate to the material. The film can also be seen, as somewhat dated considering the idea of a phone sex hotline has not really been “hot” since the 1990s. What might bring this film to the next level are more story & character development and originality to truly bring this film to life.

Although it has trouble breaking away from predictability once the initial premise is introduced, this comedy shines and spotlight on two up and coming actresses, Lauren Miller and Ari Graynor. If nothing else you will at least be entertained have a good time watching the film.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10