'Role Play' Review | Disappointing action-comedy film starring Kaley Cuoco fails to hit the mark
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kaley Cuoco and David Oyelowo starrer action comedy film 'Role Play' has just been released on Prime Video. The film follows the story of a happily married couple whose life turns chaotic after the husband finds out about his wife's secret occupation.
'Role Play' is directed by Thomas Vincent with a runtime of 100 minutes.
'Role Play' is just another shoddy version of 'Mr & Mrs Smith'
'Role Play' revolves around Emma Brackett (Kaley Cuoco), who is a loving wife and mother by day, and a contract killer by night.
Her clueless husband, Dave (David Oyelowo) becomes aware of her hidden activities when she orchestrates a hotel assassination during a pre-planned 'role-play' night out. However, the murder catches the attention of the media and authorities.
The plot takes a dramatic turn when Emma has to decide between her profession and her family while Dave has to choose whether to support her or turn her to the authorities.
It's the perfect plot, but it's been utilized before and in better ways! Angelina Jolie's portrayal of a similar character in 'Mr & Mrs Smith' showcased a more formidable and badass side. Likewise, Christina Hendricks in 'Good Girls' depicted a devoted wife entangled in a secret criminal life.
'Role Play' fails to live upto its genre
In juxtaposing 'Role Play' with 'Mr & Mrs Smith' it's noteworthy that both films fell under the genre of "action-comedies." While Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt starrer is fondly recalled for its edgy action and delightful blend of sweet-and-sour romance, 'Role Play' fails to provide any scene worth remembering.
The action is limited and unimpressive. As for the comedic elements, it's advisable not to hold your breath. Despite ample opportunities to inject humor into the storyline, the creators missed the mark, leaving the film devoid of the expected comedic moments.
'Role Play' falls flat with tawdry acting
Role plays are meant to be spicy, uncertain, and thrilling. The film, however, fails to provide any of it.
The chemistry between Emma and Dave is off. Though they are portrayed as the perfect couple, you don't see any spark when they kick off their role-play session at the bar.
Dave seems unconfident in front of the woman who has been married to him for eight years, while she continues to give weird expressions and channel her inner Jennifer Aniston by repeating names too often and smiling abnormally. It's impossible to resonate with the lead characters at any point in time.
It's either the actors who haven't done justice to the script or the other way around. For us, it's Connie Nielsen who brings her character of Gwen Carver to life in limited screen time.