It is amazing that it has taken this long for Seth Rogen to really play up his Jewish heritage to the degree needed for a movie like THE GUILT TRIP. The title alone makes me think of my grandmother and relatives who exude that stereotypical New York Jewish mentality. It can be grating and annoying, but also potentially funny if handled properly. Mel Brooks knew how to do it and so does Larry David. But, can Rogen make it fresh and relatable for younger audiences? Do younger audiences even know who Barbra Streisand is?
Plot: Andy Brewster is about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime, and who better to accompany him than his overbearing mother Joyce. After deciding to start his adventure with a quick visit at mom’s, Andy is guilted into bringing her along for the ride. Across 3,000 miles of ever-changing landscape, he is constantly aggravated by her antics, but over time he comes to realize that their lives have more in common than he originally thought. His mother’s advice might end up being exactly what he needs.
This clip from THE GUILT TRIP gives us a good idea at the interaction between Rogen and Streisand, which is pretty good. The two have a nice chemistry. It is nice to see Streisand utilizing her comedy chops which we have not seen since LITTLE FOCKERS.
THE GUILT TRIP also stars Adam Scott, Yvonne Strahovski, and Colin Hanks. It opens in theaters on Christmas Day.