Chips (2017)

• Directed by Dax Shepard
• Starring Michael Peña and Dax Shepard
• Written by Dax Shepard
• Comedy, Action
• Rated R
• 100 mins.
• 24 March 2017

Synopsis

A former X-Games motoX athlete, Jon Baker, and an undercover FBI agent, Frank Poncherello, become partners when Poncherello goes undercover with the California Highway Patrol to investigate a series of heists that might be an inside job at CHP.

How’s the Story?

The story is kind of weak and light on plot, but I honestly wasn’t that bothered by it. I cared enough about the characters that I didn’t mind that the story was weak and the plot incredibly thin. It wasn’t a bad story, just a super straightforward one.

How’s the Acting?

I actually liked the performances in this. The people who say comedy is easier than serious have no idea how difficult it is to get comedic timing down. This film wasn’t the most challenging film for any of the actors involved, but liked this films performances. Michael Peña and Dax Shepard are both solid comedic actors you can rely on and yet in the right moments, they both deliver seriousness well. There won’t be any award-winning performances from this one, but there was nothing bad, really.

Also, it was nice to see Jessica McNamee again. I loved her on Sirens and that show should have never been cancelled!!!

How’s the Writing/Directing?

I thought this movie was fucking hilarious. Yes, it was a ‘gross’ funny movie in a lot of places, but that’s exactly why it worked for me: I hate those kinds of movies and yet this time I didn’t. I laughed so hard at the types of jokes I normally would just roll my eyes at. The gags were funny, the jokes were hilarious, and the best part is that the characters were written like real people that you actually cared about, not just ‘funny guy #1 makes fun of funny guy #2’. The comedic timing between characters you genuinely liked is a writing and directing ‘Goldilocks’ thing that so many movies fall short of finding.

It isn’t news to anybody, me especially, that I end to laugh easier than most. Shit, just watching Beauty and the Beast, me and my family were the only ones laughing out loud most of the time. I don’t know if it’s a family trait or what, but very often me and my family are the ones laughing ourselves to tears over things most people titter at. Because of this, I’m aware that what I find BLINDINGLY funny might not be all that funny to others, but this movie genuinely was funny.

I’m sorry if you guys don’t think so, because I WISH you could have the same sense of humor I do. Life is so much better when you can laugh yourself to tears at least once a day every single day of your life. This movie had me clutching my stomach from the pain of laughter more than once.

How’s the Cinematography?

There was nothing really spectacular here by way of cinematography, but I did enjoy the chase scenes and the action sequences. They were pretty standard, but well done for that standard. It wasn’t a poorly shot film by any means.

Is It Worth Watching?

I say this film is definitely worth watching, but as I said in the segment on writing, I’m very aware I’m more easily amused than some. So I would say if you are the type of person that really likes comedy, you will probably like this. If you enjoyed Super Troopers, you’ll probably like this (Note: It’s probably not as good as Super Troopers, but it has a similar feel). I grew up on the really great comedies of the late 80s and 90s, so most of the films I watched repeatedly were comedies like Tommy Boy, so I’m a BIG fan of comedy. If you are of a similar taste with a love for comedy, you will probably enjoy this film.

I love Michael Peña and Dax Shepard, I love comedy, and I love the explosions, shootouts, and high speed chases of action movies, so this was a genuinely ‘Chelsea’ aimed film. Because of that, I have to admit I will probably watch this movie again when it comes out for purchase in the future even though it’s by no means an AMAZING film.

My Rating: 6/10