Caroline’s Movie Review: The Guilt Trip

I settled into the back row at my local theater on Christmas day, got comfortable in my seat and started to enjoy this quirky film.

The Guilt Trip is an easy movie to watch. It passes time while making you laugh. It is not a must-see movie, but it was pretty entertaining for only an hour and a half. Although the movie isn’t groundbreaking, people who appreciate Barbra Streisand will enjoy this movie because she shows off her comedic side once again. Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand were reasonably funny together. The movie starts off with playing a series of voicemails from Andrew’s mother, Joyce (Streisand), and Andrew [Rogen] listening to them. Andrew is on his way to visit her and then later on invites her on a road trip across the United States to sell this product that he created.

What makes this comedy a comedy is the terrific interaction between Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand. It is clear to see that Seth Rogen has widen his horizons since his earlier films like Pineapple Express, Knocked Up, and 50/50. The Guilt Trip is a mother-son comedy that occasionally includes some mature language, humor, and themes.

The road trip that these two characters go on take us on a journey that entertained us with humor and fascinated us with the patience that Andrew has towards his overbearing mother, who constantly asks about his love life. Each stop on the trip either tells a story about each character’s past or creates a new experience that they both share. It all leaves you feeling satisfied and makes you smile.

Although the movie was pretty predictable and typical at times, I did leave the theater feeling satisfied and amused. With the director being Anne Fletcher and the writer, Dan Fogelman, it’s easy to sit through this movie with these two at the helm. Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand make an funny and endearing pair; they are guaranteed to make you laugh. I recommend seeing The Guilt Trip if you are in need of a good laugh and interested to see Barbra Streisand back on the big screen paired with her hysterical co-star, Seth Rogen.

Rating: 7/10 Stars