If you read my reviews you will know I am not a huge fan of comedies. I am VERY particular about my comedies. I am also NOT a fan of the rash of raunchy, disgusting comedies that permeate our theatres now. I can't stand the ever so popular comedians like Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Vince Vaughan and so on. Yelling sexual slang, body parts, fart gags and so forth are not funny...ever. However, I am also not prudish and I can handle very adult humour and content if done correctly. So I wasn't sure what to expect from My Awkward Sexual Adventure which is described as the "funniest Canadian comedy in history." Well to say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I expected a solid 2/10 at most and that was only if I could force my way through it. What I experienced was a very adult, raunchy (but not disgusting), funny, cute, quirky love story that tries very hard. Maybe it tries just a little too hard but it is a Canadian film trying to be a mainstream blockbuster. It is the American Pie of Canadian movies and definitely for adults. The characters are not teenagers or twenty somethings being all awkward but instead middle aged adults being awkward and coming of age in their own way. Its quirky and indie and really well done.
Jonas Chernick does double duty as writer and also star of the film. He is perfect as the awkward, geeky but very real Jordan. He is the perfect person for this role. He clearly knows his own character very well and he is not afraid to put himself out there in the most disturbing, naked, self-deprecating ways. Sarah Manninen is ridiculously good at being awful. She is perfect at being annoying, and generally you'll love to hate her. Emily Hampshire is the wild and vivacious Julia. She is Chernick's sex guru that inevitably sparks will fly between them. At first I thought their chemistry wouldn't really work because I figured their relationship would be the focus. But their awkward banter and friendship wins you over! Hampshire has terrific comedic timing and plays her role very well. I am a huge fan of Vik Sahay. I fell in love with his comedic brilliance in the TV Series "Chuck." Another reviewer on IMDb mentioned that he steals every scene he is in and that is so true. He isn't a major player in the film which is almost good because I think his large personality and character would almost overshadow that of Jordan (played by Chernick.) Sahay and Chernick have amazing best friend/comedy chemistry and I could watch a whole film with them.
Great cast, good writing, fun story...this is good solid entertainment. Best film of the year? No, not even close. The film does drag just a little bit around the middle mark and it is nearly painfully formulaic. You know exactly what is going to happen at each step of the way. However, formulaic doesn't make for a bad movie. Sometimes we love a genre or actor because we know exactly what to expect. My Awkward Sexual Adventure brought exactly what I wanted to the table. Now I suppose I am slightly biased because I love Toronto, it is my city of choice so seeing some of the local scenery and some geographical humour made it even more fun. Adults looking for something quirky and indie but with mainstream laughs will enjoy this sweet, awkward romantic comedy about sex. Definitely 100% for adults though!! 8/10
Jonas Chernick does double duty as writer and also star of the film. He is perfect as the awkward, geeky but very real Jordan. He is the perfect person for this role. He clearly knows his own character very well and he is not afraid to put himself out there in the most disturbing, naked, self-deprecating ways. Sarah Manninen is ridiculously good at being awful. She is perfect at being annoying, and generally you'll love to hate her. Emily Hampshire is the wild and vivacious Julia. She is Chernick's sex guru that inevitably sparks will fly between them. At first I thought their chemistry wouldn't really work because I figured their relationship would be the focus. But their awkward banter and friendship wins you over! Hampshire has terrific comedic timing and plays her role very well. I am a huge fan of Vik Sahay. I fell in love with his comedic brilliance in the TV Series "Chuck." Another reviewer on IMDb mentioned that he steals every scene he is in and that is so true. He isn't a major player in the film which is almost good because I think his large personality and character would almost overshadow that of Jordan (played by Chernick.) Sahay and Chernick have amazing best friend/comedy chemistry and I could watch a whole film with them.
Great cast, good writing, fun story...this is good solid entertainment. Best film of the year? No, not even close. The film does drag just a little bit around the middle mark and it is nearly painfully formulaic. You know exactly what is going to happen at each step of the way. However, formulaic doesn't make for a bad movie. Sometimes we love a genre or actor because we know exactly what to expect. My Awkward Sexual Adventure brought exactly what I wanted to the table. Now I suppose I am slightly biased because I love Toronto, it is my city of choice so seeing some of the local scenery and some geographical humour made it even more fun. Adults looking for something quirky and indie but with mainstream laughs will enjoy this sweet, awkward romantic comedy about sex. Definitely 100% for adults though!! 8/10