When I first saw the trailers for Delivery Man I knew exactly what they were aiming for. They were trying to craft a comedy in the same style as films like Click which was a very funny movie but with a serious emotional message behind it. I wasn't sure Vince Vaughan could pull that off since most of his comedy is very slapstick silly and often stupid. Still I had modest expectations and was willing to try it. The best compliment I can give Delivery Man is that it is sweet and adorable. It doesn't go above and beyond to blow you away, the comedy is subtle and appropriate, the script smart enough to keep you entertained. It absolutely tries so hard and I have to give them kudos for doing exactly that. It certainly isn't a bad movie, I was quite entertained but its not something that I would pass on to friends or talk about how "hilarious" it was. I haven't seen the film it is based on (Foreign film entitled Starbuck) but I understand why they thought this would work as a remake. I'm not sure they cast correctly and I think they may have rushed production just a little bit but you won't be disappointed if you go in with decent expectations.
Vince Vaughan has had a varied career in films. He has tried to be versatile but he fits into a niche without a doubt. People have a certain expectation from him as a comedian and I'm not sure Delivery Man fits his persona. Still he absolutely has an every-man quality about him and that mostly works for the movie. He is decent in the role and the script doesn't give him a lot of depth to work with. The character is very cut and dry and stereotypical as a middle-aged "loser" man-child that hasn't grown up yet. Chris Pratt is actually very good in his role as Vaughan's best friend and lawyer. The script severely underused Pratt because he has some of the funniest scenes in the film, certainly the most laugh out loud moments, but we don't see enough of him. His chemistry with Vaughan is decent but his scenes are best when its just him. Cobie Smulders is okay at best in her role as Vaughan's love interest. The chemistry between them is non-existent and they just seem very awkward together. Smulders' get no real development to her character (why they even bothered to show her once in uniform as a Police officer is beyond me) and she is squandered and appears bored. Wrong casting choice certainly. The supporting cast are decent though they get very little screen time. Appearances by Bobby Moynihan and Andrzej Blumenfeld are worth nothing as Vaughan's brother and father. Vaughan's various children in the film are all decent but none of them really get enough screen time to demonstrate any importance to the cast. There is just too much ground to cover and they get a lot of missed opportunities. I did enjoy the performances by Britt Robertson and Jack Reynor the most of the brood of kids.
Ken Scott who wrote and directed the film as well as the original film Starbuck certainly has an interesting concept to play on. I just felt like Delivery Man often didn't know whether it wanted to be an out and out comedy or drama or what it wanted. It will hit almost the right notes and just when you think its really going to take off it just sort of taxies. As I said, the film is enjoyable, much moreso than some of other Vaughan's attempt at humour and I enjoyed the fact that it wasn't full of stupid toilet humour. I give them a lot of kudos for attempting to create a smart, fun little comedy and it was exactly that. If you go in expecting a laugh a minute slapstick-fest you'll be disappointed so go in with the proper expectations. 7/10
Vince Vaughan has had a varied career in films. He has tried to be versatile but he fits into a niche without a doubt. People have a certain expectation from him as a comedian and I'm not sure Delivery Man fits his persona. Still he absolutely has an every-man quality about him and that mostly works for the movie. He is decent in the role and the script doesn't give him a lot of depth to work with. The character is very cut and dry and stereotypical as a middle-aged "loser" man-child that hasn't grown up yet. Chris Pratt is actually very good in his role as Vaughan's best friend and lawyer. The script severely underused Pratt because he has some of the funniest scenes in the film, certainly the most laugh out loud moments, but we don't see enough of him. His chemistry with Vaughan is decent but his scenes are best when its just him. Cobie Smulders is okay at best in her role as Vaughan's love interest. The chemistry between them is non-existent and they just seem very awkward together. Smulders' get no real development to her character (why they even bothered to show her once in uniform as a Police officer is beyond me) and she is squandered and appears bored. Wrong casting choice certainly. The supporting cast are decent though they get very little screen time. Appearances by Bobby Moynihan and Andrzej Blumenfeld are worth nothing as Vaughan's brother and father. Vaughan's various children in the film are all decent but none of them really get enough screen time to demonstrate any importance to the cast. There is just too much ground to cover and they get a lot of missed opportunities. I did enjoy the performances by Britt Robertson and Jack Reynor the most of the brood of kids.
Ken Scott who wrote and directed the film as well as the original film Starbuck certainly has an interesting concept to play on. I just felt like Delivery Man often didn't know whether it wanted to be an out and out comedy or drama or what it wanted. It will hit almost the right notes and just when you think its really going to take off it just sort of taxies. As I said, the film is enjoyable, much moreso than some of other Vaughan's attempt at humour and I enjoyed the fact that it wasn't full of stupid toilet humour. I give them a lot of kudos for attempting to create a smart, fun little comedy and it was exactly that. If you go in expecting a laugh a minute slapstick-fest you'll be disappointed so go in with the proper expectations. 7/10