The Switch (2010)

Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman star in “The Switch,” an offbeat comedy about Kassie, a smart, fun-loving single woman who, despite her slightly neurotic best friend Wally’s objections, decides it’s time to have a baby—even if it means doing it by herself… with a little help from a charming sperm donor (Patrick Wilson). But, unbeknownst to her, Kassie’s plans go awry because of a last-minute switch that isn’t discovered until seven years later when Wally finally gets acquainted with Kassie’s precocious—though slightly neurotic—son. From the people behind “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Juno” comes “The Switch," due in theaters this summer.

The Switch, based on a short story by Jeffrey Eugenides, stars Jennifer Aniston (Kassie) and Jason Batman (Wally).  They are two best friends and are going through their own middle-age crises.  Aniston is anxious to move on and have a child, while Bateman is a bit of a neurotic -- trying to figure out his suppressed feelings he has for his best friend.  Kassie decides it is time to have a baby, even if it means doing it by herself.  However, unbeknown to her, Kassie's conception doesn't go completely as planned.  A drunken Wally decides to switch the sperm in the cup to his own.  While Wally doesn't seem to recollect this incident immediately, life goes on; and Kassie moves to Michigan.  After she returns seven years later, Wally finally gets acquainted with Kassie's precocious, though slightly neurotic, son.  At that point, things start coming back to him about that fateful night.

 

While this type of plot can lead to a very contrived comedy, the directors Josh Gordon and Will Speck skillfully let the story flow along at a proper pace that endears the film to audience members and does not take it to the absurd.

 

Aside from the amazing two lead actors, the cast is rounded out by veteran actors, Jeff Goldblum (Leonard) and Juliette Lewis (Debbie), and the amazing new-comer Thomas Robinson (Sebastian).  Every time that Robinson is on-screen, you can't help but marvel at such an amazing, adorable, and cute young actor he is.

 

The editing of the film is extremely tight, allowing for just the right amount of pauses during the scenes and does not draw the film out longer than it should be.

 

The Switch is a lighthearted comedy/drama.  This is the perfect "date movie" or night out with your loved one.  You will both be leaving the theater with a little more joy in your hearts.