GET HARD starts of strong – with Will Ferrell crying. Not many movies start that boldly, but it works for Will Ferrell & Kevin Hart’s new movie.

When millionaire James King (Ferrell) is nailed for fraud and bound for San Quentin, he hires Darnell Lewis (Hart) to prep him to go behind bars with his last 25 (or so) days of freedom left.

The combined comedic power of Kevin Hart & Will Ferrell is good enough to make the politically incorrect look at prison life a popcorn munching laugh-fest.

The film starts off by showing the difference in the lives of these two men: James  wakes up naked to his incredibly attractive fiancee (Alison Brie) in his empty mansion; whereas Darnell starts his day by sharing the sink and getting toothpaste spit on his hand by his daughter (by accident of course), while trying to get a loan.

When James King goes to work, we discover Darnell Lewis owns the small car wash business in the parking garage, and that right from the start, one of these men racially stereotypes… Which leads to every joke, except for the innuendo about the movie title sounding like an erection – classic Will Ferrell style humour. But with Kevin Hart’s unique style added to the mix, there’s a nice balance.

(Source ScreenRant.com)

The movie takes the political inappropriate concept a step further when King (Ferrell) hires Lewis (Hart) to teach him how to survive prison, because King assumes statistically he’s been to prison.

There are well played supporting roles from Alison Brie as the gold digging fiancee, Craig T Nelson as her father & King’s boss, and T.I. as Lewis’ gang leader cousin (who’s actually been to prison).

Although politically incorrect for most of the movie, James King proves his loyalty and anti-racist views when his chances of joining T.I.’s gang fade, and he’s forced to audition for the Allegiance Of Whites gang, but can’t say the N word. A nice touch to those that thought the race card was played too often as a joke.

Without spoiling too much, Get Hard teaches James King lessons of acceptance and friendship through a unique journey of getting trained to survive prison.

Get Hard is in theatres now – if you feel like having a good laugh, seeing Will Ferrell cry, join a gang (his name becomes Mayo), bicep curl Kevin Hart or even just see him pick fights (as part of his training) with some of the biggest guys in the park (later prison) and one tough old man.

Kevin Hart plays the role of Darnell Lewis well as the innocent, honest working man who just wants the best for his family. There are some great comedic moments including the story of how he went to prison – assuming James King had never seen Boyz N The Hood, he used this as a basis for his lie.

Have you seen Get Hard? What did you think of the comedic duo? Any thoughts on the range of humour topics (soft racism & erection jokes)?

Let us know below!

4/7/2015 – 11:44 am

by James