The Layover (2017)

The Layover (2017) is an American sex comedy film directed by William H. Macy. The movie features a star-studded cast, including Alexandra Daddario, Kate Upton, Matt Barr, Matt L. Jones, Rob Corddry, Kal Penn, and Molly Shannon. Written by David Hornsby and Lance Krall, the film follows the chaotic and humorous adventures of two women who compete for the affections of the same man while stranded in a hotel during a layover. The film explores themes of friendship, romantic rivalry, and self-discovery in a lighthearted, comedic way.

The plot centers around two childhood friends, Kate (Alexandra Daddario) and Meg (Kate Upton), who unexpectedly find themselves on the same flight to a tropical destination. After their flight is canceled due to a storm, they are forced to stay in a hotel for the night. During their layover, both women meet a handsome man named Ryan (Matt Barr) and quickly develop a mutual attraction to him. What begins as a lighthearted flirtation soon escalates into a competition as the two friends vie for Ryan’s attention, leading to a series of funny and awkward situations.

The Layover is primarily a comedy about friendship and rivalry. While Kate and Meg’s relationship is initially built on years of shared history, their competition for Ryan creates tension between them. The film explores how both women navigate their friendship while dealing with their feelings of jealousy, insecurity, and attraction to Ryan. The humor largely comes from the absurd situations they find themselves in as they try to outdo each other in their pursuit of Ryan’s affections. While the film leans into stereotypes of romantic comedies, it offers a playful take on the dynamics of female friendships and romantic rivalry.

The performances of the lead actresses are one of the film’s highlights. Alexandra Daddario and Kate Upton bring a good balance of humor and vulnerability to their respective roles. Daddario’s portrayal of Kate is charming and relatable, as her character is caught between her loyalty to her friend and her own desires. Upton’s performance as Meg is equally engaging, with a sense of playfulness and confidence that contrasts with Kate’s more reserved personality. Their chemistry on screen adds depth to the film’s comedic moments and makes the rivalry between their characters more engaging and entertaining.

While the plot of The Layover is predictable and follows familiar comedic tropes, the film benefits from its humorous supporting cast. Rob Corddry, Kal Penn, and Molly Shannon add their comedic talents to the film, offering a series of memorable moments that help elevate the humor. Corddry, in particular, provides comic relief with his portrayal of a quirky hotel staff member, adding an extra layer of fun to the story. Though the film focuses primarily on the romantic rivalry, these supporting characters contribute to the overall lighthearted tone.

In conclusion, The Layover is a fun, raunchy comedy that offers a playful take on friendship, rivalry, and romance. With a lighthearted premise, engaging performances from Alexandra Daddario and Kate Upton, and a supporting cast that adds to the humor, the film provides an entertaining experience. While it may not break new ground in terms of its plot or themes, The Layover offers a casual and amusing look at the complexities of relationships, both romantic and platonic. For those looking for a simple, comedic escape, the film delivers its share of laughs and fun.