It seems reasonable during the world’s current climate of economic, political and ecological apocalypse that a farce about a group of friends indulging in an all-out orgy might provide for some gut-wrenching laughs. Sadly that is not the case in this watered-down comedy.
Perhaps if comic geniuses Trey Parker and Matt Stone took up the subject, audiences could wallow in the bladder-busting hilarity to which newbie co-writer/directors Alex Gregory and Peter Huyck pretend to aspire. Jason Sudeikis (“Horrible Bosses”) comes up short as Eric, a thirtysomething brat exploiting his wealthy dad’s mansion in the Hamptons. But when daddy (Don Johnson) decides to sell the swimming-pool-equipped pad Eric uses as his summer frat house, sonny gets the bright idea to stage a blow-out orgy with seven of his closest friends before the place is sold. Eric’s burly best friend Mike (Tyler Labine) has his own reasons for being excited about the idea.
Will Forte and Lucy Punch play newlyweds who resent being excluded from the group sex party. Given the comic sparks Forte and Punch provide during their brief scenes together, you have to wonder why the filmmakers didn’t extend the invitation.
More squandered comic opportunities ensue with Kelly (Leslie Bibb), a local realtor Eric dates but regards too highly to invite to his group sex fiesta. Although the movie does finally get around to the promised event, it doesn’t know how to cash in on its intrinsic potential for laughs.
“A Good Old-Fashioned Orgy” is tame to the point of boredom. If you’re curious about how a sex farce can be neither sexy nor funny, this movie will answer any such questions.
Rated R. 95 mins.
