Amy Schumer takes to the big screen again in the new movie “Snatched” directed by Jonathan Levine. Dropping the rom-com aspects of her last film “Trainwreck,” she takes on a mother-daughter action comedy. Her mother is played by Hollywood legend Goldie Hawn — this is her first film in 15 years.
The movie was written by Katie Dippold, who also wrote episodes of “Parks and Recreation” starring Amy Poehler and “The Heat” starring Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock. Amy Schumer plays Emily Middleton, a self-absorbed woman in her thirties whose personality could pass for that of a millennial.
After losing her retail job and going through a rough but hilarious on-screen break up with her boyfriend, she finds herself needing a plus one for her non-refundable trip to Ecuador. Realizing her friends have grown to despise her, she turns to her mother Linda.
Linda Middleton is a timid cat enthusiast. She rarely leaves her home where she takes care of her agoraphobic adult son played by Ike Barinholtz from “Sisters” and “Suicide Squad.” Needless to say, she is not easily sueded into accompanying her daughter. But after a rousing speech, Emily prevails and the two embark on a journey to a fancy resort in Ecuador.
While in Ecuador, Emily cluelessly follows a handsome man promising adventure and dragging her reluctant mother along. As one could guess from the title the duo ends up getting kidnapped. Eventually finding themselves in Colombia, Emily and Linda face a tourist’s worst nightmare, being held for ransom by the notorious Morgado — a bad, bad hombre. The rest of the movie is a daring attempt to escape and make it back to the U.S. The two dysfunctional females find their inner strength and forge a deeper bond with each other.
For people who have reservations about seeing this film due to Amy Schumer’s woman-empowering stand-up, fear not. She tones down the female-centric humor for a more accessible brand of comedy.
The movie embraces lots of comedy styles: slapstick, visual, witty banter and so much more. Perfectly timed one-liners surprise the audience and keep them laughing. The movie relies heavily on absurd characters and the chemistry between Hawn and Schumer to keep the viewers engaged. Appearances from Wanda Sykes, Joan Cusack and Christopher Meloni (a huge departure from his role as Detective Elliot Stabler on “Law and Order: SVU”) succeed in adding some more star power to the film.
For realists, the plot line definitely has some holes but it’s funny enough to look past them. There are several instances of cringe-worthy comedy where squeamish audience members may need to avert their eyes.
Fans of Amy Schumer will note that “Snatched” pales in comparison to “Trainwreck.” Where “Trainwreck” blazed new trails and took risks, “Snatched” decides to play it safe and relies on old standbys. It is a solid summer comedy that will make you laugh but not necessarily amaze you.
Be sure to catch it in theaters when it is released May 12, just in time for Mother’s Day.