Hey gang, Valkor here. Finding a comedic film around these TOV
parts is like finding gold; seriously, I’m drowning in so much
horror and drama that whenever I find a comedy buried within my
pile – especially a good one – I treasure it like a thing of beauty.
Enter "Mantervention", a film I’ll add to the bro-medy pile, though
less bro and more romantic comedy, it’s still worth watching.
Mantervention puts the focus on best friends Spencer (Nick Roux) and Coke (Travis Van Winkle - 247 degrees); Spencer is what you would call a “hopeless romantic” and he’s in so deep that having found his one true love and then losing her to another man has put the dude into a downward spiral of loneliness and chronic masturbation. Enter Coke to save the day; he takes Spencer under his wing and to his parent’s beach house where he’ll perform a “mantervention” that will hopefully lift Spencer out of his funk, reshaping not just his mind but body and sexual soul as well. Coke scores him a job at the local club where he’ll meet and possibly sleep with one of a many different women to help him forget about his troubles. Things start out kind of rough as Spencer is unable to get his ex Allison (Sarah Baldwin) off his mind (but he’s still able to perform) and eventually he starts to get into it, using his Allison thoughts as a way to deal with the situation.
And then he meets Katie (Chloe Bridges) and his world is thrown for a loop because he’s not really supposed to fall in love - but he does. Thankfully Katie is giving off all the rights signals and pretty much doing all the work for him, which makes easing into this new relationship a breeze… or is it? Ex Allison makes a return and between her and boyfriend Kip (Randy Wayne), things are about to get a little rocky. Ultimately, Spencer has to make a choice – either try and make things work with Allison, which he’ll also have to deal with Kip or go for the gold with Katie.
Two things before the breakdown: Mario Van Peebles makes a stunning appearance as crossdresser/club owner “Tyrese Perry”. And when I say stunning, I can honestly say that for a woman, Mario isn’t half bad looking. And two, while remaining staunch within my heterosexuality, Travis Van Winkle is one sexy motherfucker who should have played the role of Christian Gray in that 50 Shades flick. If I were doing PerfectView with dudes, he’d be in there. What? What I say?
The Good:
Mantervention scores cool points just by the title, because whoever thought of it – genius! And it perfectly conveys the humor and plot points found in this film. This is a flick about two bros rediscovering themselves through one of their downfalls. The story in and of itself is typical sex comedic fare – think “Wedding Crashers” with all the bare boobs, sight gags and witty humor to go with it; what the hell there’s even a similar sex montage, but this one happens midway. And as much as I loved Wedding Crashers, I absolutely enjoyed the hell out of Mantervention. These dudes aren’t pretending to be someone they ain’t, they’re just looking to score and to mend broken feelings… at least for one of them. But we later learn that Coke isn’t truly enjoying his life all that much and that bit of discovery is OK too. Thankfully things don’t get overly dramatic and the laughs are very well balanced in-between. The acting works well and there’s definite comedic chemistry between Roux and Van Winkle that if this wasn’t a movie, I’d swear they were total bros. I’d toss out some PerfectView nods, but there’s just so many… so, so many… ahem. Regardless, if you’re looking for something that’ll make you laugh until it hurts, then definitely give Mantervention a play.
The Bad:
It’s a bit too predictable, but it follows a similar romantic comedy formula of most films of its type. And fuck it, it’s funny!! And that’s all that matters! Also, some scenes could have been shaved out for time, like the dude who likes vinegar. That went on waaaaaay too long.
The Ugly:
Coke taking one for the team - yikes!!
Mantervention is available now on digital and DVD. And if you’re looking for some serious laughs then this is one comedy you don’t want to pass up. I highly recommend it! And out of TOV 5 stars, I’m giving Mantervention a 4.5.
