Screening Room: “That Awkward Moment,” “Labor Day”

1. THAT AWKWARD MOMENT (R)
Focus Features

RUSS
That awkward moment truly occurs when you realize that you’ve plunked down your hard-earned money for a sophomoric romantic comedy that equates raunchy with funny. Good actors like Zac Efron, Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan are caught with their pants down…literally.

SHAWN
Actually “That Awkward Moment” provides a fresh and contemporary take on the usual relationship mishaps. The cool thing about the movie is it is all told from the guys perspective and these three dudes are fun to watch.

RUSS
Imagine a TV sitcom where the cliche-ridden dialogue is replaced with R-rated sex talk, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what you’re in for. The good cast is thwarted by a script that’s baby pool shallow.

SHAWN
I could simply relate to many of the scenarios. It was like my life was up on screen. So “That Awkward Moment” will definitely connect with its target audience. My lil homie Theresa O’Leary loved it. And she’s who this movie appeals to — the young and sexy. And I also loved it and the three guys and all the shots of New York. It’s the perfect date movie. And just a good movie in general.

RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags

2. LABOR DAY (PG-13)
Paramount Pictures

RUSS
Jason Reitman, the director of the smart comedies “Up in the Air” and “Juno,” tries his hand at romantic drama and the results are a mixed bag. In the big screen adaptation of Joyce Maynard’s 2009 novel, Kate Winslet plays a woman who falls in love with the escaped convict who invades her home, played by Josh Brolin.

SHAWN
Yes, everything about “Labor Day” is unbelievable. It’s basically a cinematic Norman Rockwell painting and those works of art were not believable either.

RUSS
The cast is solid and the movie has successful moments that transcend the material. They make the movie work even when the premise is nearly impossible to buy into.

SHAWN
I’m not dismissing “Labor Day” as a bad movie. The acting is solid and directing accomplished. But the old fashioned vibe may mute the experience for many diminishing the effect the many twist and turns.

RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags

ALSO OPENING THIS WEEK: “The 2014 Oscar Nominated Short Subjects” is a compilation of all this year’s award contenders. There are three showcases (Animated, Live Action and Documentary), with a separate admission for each.

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