This movie, about a nagging mother accompanying her single salesman son across the US, was never going to win any awards. But as a very light comedy, it's not bad. If you were sitting at home sick, or on a plane, and needed undemanding entertainment, this would fit the bill. And of course, if you are a Babs fan, you will love it. Seth Rogen plays, uhh .... Seth Rogen, the under-achieving middle aged son, and he is likable. He is obviously enjoying playing opposite Barbra Streisand, and he lets her have the spotlight. They work well together. Streisand in real life has her own son, and the empathy shows in her performance. It's not a laugh out loud comedy. And thankfully, the jokes and physical comedy are not laid on too thick and it's not too smutty. And there is actually a plausible plot, although it's hardly demanding. Seth has a secret plan to meet Barbra's first love in San Francisco, on the way taking her along as he tries to pitch his cleaning product to various companies. Mother and son work out their Issues at a variety of venues -- a casino, a bar, a strip joint and in the car. It all reads like therapy for the screenwriters, and the movie is a light option at the cinema for adults to take their elderly parents to. But I have a good radar for baloney, and this movie didn't make me walk out or throw something at the screen. Its heart is in the right place, and I did watch to the end, which was nicely done.
Review of The Guilt Trip
