BAD TRIP (2021)

Did I laugh while watching BAD TRIP? Yes, from time to time, but at the hidden-camera reactions rather than the pranks themselves. Since those people weren't actors, should this be considered a merit of the people behind the camera? Yes, up to a point. I mean, anyone can come up with scenarios that can shock, but it takes talent to expose a hidden truth about society. And the more unusual the situation is, the more creativity will be on display. Here, some scenes are passable, while others have the dumbest idea possibles. There's one involving a zoo which is just plain insulting for anyone who likes to laugh. I can't even praise it as an outrageous surprise. Once the style of writing became clear, I knew I just needed to get into the mindset of a pre-teen and I would be able to see the joke coming. To be fair, I only predicted the first joke of this scene, not the second one. And while Eric André's performance isn't good in general (line delivery, emoting, etc.), I do applaud how much he commits to humiliate himself and even risks injuries. Now, the story is about 2 friends (Chris Carey and Bud Malone) who travel to find the former's high school crush (Maria Li) while the latter's criminal sister (Trina Malone) is chasing them. Viewers are expected to like the 2 protagonists, to get invested enough to root for them, and to feel bad during their inevitable 2nd act fallout. Even by the low standards on how to analyze the development of a product from this scripted/unscripted hybrid format, the plot doesn't work. Chris' arc feels sloppily put together to the point where the resolution feels like a slap in the face. Bud's arc is basic, but at least it feels complete. Honestly, there was no need to tie the events together with a narrative. It could've been some kind of anthology and it would've been more enjoyable.

5/10
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