The Change-Up

The Change-Up has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on Netflix, and in the US on Starz Apple TV Channel. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 3,004 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Jason Bateman leads a cast with real comic timing. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Netflix.

There is a reason The Change-Up keeps coming up in conversation. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate The Change-Up from the crowd. Lifelong friends Dave and Mitch are envious of the other's life. Mitch thinks Dave has it all: a beautiful, loving family and a high-paying job at a prestigious law firm. But Dave thinks Mitch’s stress-free playboy life without obligation or consequence is the real dream come true. The chemistry Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds bring to it does a lot of the heavy lifting. The Change-Up came out in 2011. The Change-Up earns its laughs from character rather than situation, which is why it does not wear thin the way pure farce tends to. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in The Change-Up. It has built its own audience without needing a direct comparison. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Jason Bateman sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.