Modern technology can be a wonderful thing. The speed with which messages and photos are delivered is often mind-boggling. Sometimes though, such occurrences can be dangerous.
Sex Tape shows just how awry today’s technological world can be. Based on several infamous celebrity scandals, it serves as a comedic warning that for certain occasions, a camera’s presence would be most unwise.
After a decade together, Jay (Jason Segel) and Annie (Cameron Diaz) still love each other. Parents to two children, despite their affection they feel the marital spice has gone walkabout. Deciding to fix this by filming a sex tape, their very adult union ends up being leaked.
Becoming an internet sensation, they desperately try to retrieve the footage from the all-powerful Cloud network. What follows is a series of mishaps as their amorous coupling brings the joy to others they initially hoped to achieve for themselves.
Sex Tape makes a lot out of the chemistry of its leads. Segel and Diaz make for a watchable duo as their characters attempt to right a very naughty wrong. Most of the time it’s fun to watch with cameos by Rob Lowe and Jack Black adding some spark. Unfortunately Jake Kasdan’s leaden direction drags the story. Where more energy was needed it sags with the threadbare plot spread too thinly. Another sub-plot or two could have beefed things up with certain sequences failing to reach their potential.
Despite its lurid title, Sex Tape generally avoids diving into totally smutty territory. It makes an attempt to be somewhat clever in creating laughs with the cast showing good comic timing. A message about maintaining a relationship’s passion can be seen amidst the wicked carry-on. This adds some substance to the silly script even if it doesn’t really engage as much as it should.
A fluffy movie ultimately reaching an unsatisfying climax, Sex Tape is only modest fun. Although more needed to be done with the material, it serves as a warning that filming private encounters is something best to be avoided.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14
Rating out of 10: 5
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