Tomcats

Right now you can watch Tomcats in Australia on Hoopla, and in the US on Kanopy and Hoopla — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. A 5/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Jerry O'Connell's performance alone is worth the time investment. Start it on Hoopla whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

There is a reason Tomcats keeps coming up in conversation. The jokes in Tomcats land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. College buddies chip in and promise that the group's last unmarried man will collect a cash pot. Seven years later, the kitty is worth $500,000 -- money Michael needs to pay a gambling debt. Problem is, the only other single guy is a hopeless womanizer! Jerry O'Connell and Shannon Elizabeth lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2001. What keeps Tomcats from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Tomcats respects your intelligence. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Jerry O'Connell 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.