"Home, home on the range...."
Hall Pass bears all the hallmarks expected of a Farrelly Brothers comedy - a thin concept, a couple of effective gross-out gags, moments of comedy/drama uncertainty - and acquits itself reasonably. Owen Wilson does well by having to play more of a character than himself , and the seasoned comedic delivery of Jason Sudeikis plays fine if a little too smugly at times. As their suffering wives, Christina Applegate gives an assured performance whilst Jenna Fischer is a trifle bland in an underwritten role. The supporting band of comedic friends (including Stephen Merchant, drawing genuine humour from a badly-stereotyped Brit role) has promise but literally disappears halfway through. There are plenty of amusing moments (the early visit to an unbearable rich friend's mansion is a highlight), and unsurprising life/love lessons are duly learned (men are children, women have emotional needs), but overall this is quite a gentle film for the Farrellys.
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