Movie Review: “Blockers” has plenty of heart to go along with its R-rated humor

Movie Review: “Blockers” (R)

Not only is “Blockers” quite the pleasant surprise but it’s also wonderfully deceptive in the way that its sweet side sneaks up on you. This is a movie in which R-rated irreverence and crude humor are trumped by a great big beating heart.

In “Blockers,” a trio of concerned parents (played by Leslie Mann, John Cena, and Ike Barinholtz) set out to prevent their respective daughters (played by Kathryn Newton, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Gideon Adlon) from following through on a sex pact during the night of a big school dance. Throughout their late night ordeal, these determined parents discover quite a bit about one another. But more importantly, they learn a great deal about themselves, all while setting out to protect the most important individuals in their lives.

As directed by Kay Cannon from a screenplay by Brian Kehoe and Jim Keyhoe, the dirty but supremely hilarious “Blockers” feels like it might be a kindred spirit to the ’80s teen sex comedy “Porky’s” at a surface level. But at it’s heart, this movie is more along the lines of “Superbad,” only from a female perspective. The trio of teenagers at the center of this movie are inseparable friends, and the pure likability factor that Newton, Viswanathan, and Adlon bring to the table elevates the proceedings above the simplistic “we need to get laid” sensibility that makes up the core of Bob Clark’s seminal horndog classic.

Likewise, Mann, Cena, and Barinholtz are superb as loving parents who would make complete fools of themselves in the name of their kids. Mann has shown how effective she can be as a wonderful supporting player in movies like “The 40 Year Old Virgin” and “This is 40,” but she kicks it up a notch in “Blockers.” As a single mom having a hard time dealing with the fact that her daughter will soon be leaving for college, Mann brings humor, warmth, and vulnerability in spades! A scene in which she reconnects with her own youth after finding herself spying on her daughter is incredibly telling, and stronger still is a moment when Mann is so overjoyed that she finds herself laughing and crying simultaneously, which makes for the ultimate “Blockers” highlight.

Meanwhile, wrestler-turn-actor Cena follows up his scene-stealing work in “Trainwreck” with yet another outstanding comical performance punctuated by a healthy burst of likability.  Rounding out the parents is Barinholtz, who brings a surprising amount of depth to what could have been an obnoxious throwaway. He’s a ton of fun here. In terms of supporting players, watch for the hilarious duet that is Gary Cole and Gina Gershon as a sex-crazed couple that always go the extra mile to keep their relationship brimming with excitement.

“Blockers” certainly offers a carefree attitude towards sex that’s sure to offend some viewers, and while I don’t know that I share the same views as these characters either, particularly where my own children are concerned, there’s still something endearing and honest about the parenting theme as presented in this film. Furthermore, some of the choices the teens make in “Blockers” might surprise you. In some ways, these kids are of even more sound mind than the adults. It’s also kind of sweet and admirable that the individuals our central teenage girls have their eyes on aren’t lowlife douche bags just looking to get their rocks off.

And that’s one of the many joys of “Blockers.” I liked these characters. No matter how silly, crude, or straight-up absurd the proceedings got, I enjoyed spending time with these people. Add to that the humor and charm factor and you have one of the best comedies of 2018.

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