The D Train Reviews

I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this flick but, since it was starring Jack Black and since it was available on Netflix, I thought I might as well check it out. To be honest, the concept did seem to be so lame, Jack Black’s character seemed to be so pathetic and annoying, I was pretty sure that it would be another really stupid and tedious comedy. Well, to my surprise, I was amazed that the damned thing turned out to be actually good after all. Basically, it was not really about an insufferable guy organizing a 20 year high-school reunion, which was just such a boring idea, it was actually about 2 complete losers who somehow felt a connection even though they had basically nothing in common, except for going to the same high-school 20 years before, and I still can’t believe how compelling it was. To be honest, Jack Black’s character was still quite a train wreck, even if Black was pretty good as he was basically born to play such hopeless dudes. However, the real wild card in this movie turned out to be James Marsden and his character though. Indeed, I can’t remember the last time I saw such a complex and fully developed character in a low-brow comedy like this one, I wouldn’t be surprised if it would be actually the very first time. Indeed, like Dan, Oliver was also a loser but, contrary to Dan, he was completely aware of this. You might also expect him to be a huge douchebag, that’s what you always get in this genre, but the guy was actually honest and straightforward most of the time. However, he wasn’t perfect either which made him so interesting to behold. It was hands-down the most intriguing character James Marsden ever played and, in my opinion, he delivered here the best performance of his career. Anyway, to conclude, sure, the damned thing didn’t completely work, no wonder with such a concept, but it was still one of the most intriguing comedies I have seen in years and I think it is definitely worth a look. 

Neutral Notes:
*I remember seeing the trailer and thinking it looked fairly amusing.
*The cast is also interesting enough.
*It wasn't a top of my list type of movie though.
*Anyways I decided to watch it since it was on Netflix.
*This is the directorial debut for Jarrad Paul and Andrew Mogel who also wrote Yes Man.

Positive Notes:
*The acting was pretty good.
*It was interesting to see how everything played out.
*The ending was decent.

Negative Notes:
*It wasn't even funny like the commercial made it off to be.
*The focus of the movie was just kind of lame.
*Not sure how I felt about the message of the movie.
*I mostly found myself bored.

This movie was not what I expected it to be. It was made out to be funny, but it felt way more serious. The acting was good though. I just wasn't entertained with the premise or anything. It was just too bland. I would say skip this or maybe going in realizing it's more of a drama will help.