For high rolling stock trader James King (Will Ferrell), life is pretty amazing. Not only does he live in a lavish house in an exclusive Los Angeles community, but he is engaged to the lovely Alissa (Allison Brie). James is oblivious to many of those around him save for his future father in law Martin (Craig T. Nelson), who has recently rewarded him with a partnership at his brokerage.
Life has not been as sunny for Darnelll (Kevin Hart), a devoted family man who runs his car detailing place and looks to find a way to get the $30,000 he needs to purchase a better home in a better neighborhood for his family.
Fate steps in when James is charged with several trading violations and is sentenced to ten years in San Quentin. For the self-absorbed and highly-sheltered James this is equivalent to a death sentence and he is eager to find a way out of his mess.
With his world in chaos, James hires Darnell to be his prison consultant, as he is convinced Darnell must have done time due to his color and station in life. Although offended, Darnell hides this and agrees to spend the next few weeks before James has to report to jail training him to survive.
Although motivated to earn the money he needs, Darnell soon gains sympathy for James and in time, begins to believe he may be innocent of the charges levied upon him. In between the crude but often very funny training segments James endures, the two bond and work with one another to overcome the challenges presented to them before time runs out.
Ferell and Hart have a very good chemistry with one another and there are some very funny moments in the film. One moment had Hart portraying various prison yard characters at the same time and his frantic way of moving between characters at the same time was something to behold.
The film does tread on some racial stereotypes often but they at least mix it up and do not focus entirely upon one race or group.
While at times slow and requiring some leaps of faith from the audience, the two leads make the film a funny and enjoyable distraction that will keep you laughing enough to make it worth your while.
3.5 stars out of 5.
Second Review By Sasha Glenn
It is quite common that the funniest moments of comedies are the ones highlighted in their trailers. Unfortunately, this leaves nothing epic for the audience to experience in theaters. However, there are so many moments of complete hilarity in “Get Hard” that the trailer actually is only a small taste of what audiences can expect.
James King (Will Ferrell), is a wealthy hedge fund manager who seemingly has everything a man could wish for. He’s got a giant mansion, respect from his coworkers, and a hot fiancé. But one fateful day his world comes crashing down when he is accused of fraud and sentenced to time in prison.
Fortunately, King has thirty days to prepare himself for serving hard time and he attempts to do just that. He quickly employs the help of Darnell Lewis (Kevin Hart), who he assumes has gone to prison simply because he is a Black man.
Lewis, who is actually a struggling business owner who had never been to prison, plays along with King’s assumption in order to earn some serious cash.
This film leaves the political correctness of today’s society in the dust. It doesn’t hesitate to make fun of racial, sexual, and class stereotypes across the board. It’s truly not a flick for those who are easily offended.
As a member of the “ninety-nine percent,” there is something gratifying and absolutely fun to watch about a member of the elite upper class being brought back down to earth.
Ferrell plays the perfect oblivious rich man, smart in some ways yet completely daft in many others. He is lovable despite himself. The role is somewhat reminiscent of Ferrell’s “Saturday Night Live” part in skits portraying President George W. Bush.
Alison Brie from “Community” plays the fiancé of Ferrell’s character. She is spoiled rotten and completely deluded by the silver spoon mentality she was born into. Brie does a great job of playing her satirical character. Her mannerisms, voice, and look make her a perfect pick for the role.
The film is an impressive directorial debut for Etan Cohen. The plot is original, the execution is without a dull moment, and the cast selection is ideal.
Hart and Ferrell’s comedic styles play off of each other so well, they nearly bring the audience to tears with laughter.
It is not a film of great substance, and it doesn’t try to be. The audience may not gain any true insight from the film, and this type of comedy may be considered a bit crude. But it accomplishes exactly what it is meant to, filling the audience with non-stop laughter.
Like a great action flick that keeps moving, “Get Hard” keeps the laughs coming. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
