The Night Before (2015)

We’ve seen raucous good times had by Seth Rogen and his buddies before, actually many times before, but never at Christmas! The Night Before (2015) will have detractors shaking their heads in dismay, but fans of Rogen or Joseph Gordon Levitt will be happy to have more films about lovable man-children to add to their library. These two, along with Anthony Mackie, play childhood friends who have something of a tradition in reuniting in their home town during every holiday season. The tradition started when Gordon-Levitt’s parents passed away, and this triumphant trio agreed to make the holidays all about partying (or more to the point, distracting JGL from the depression that the holidays can bring on). When our boys score a box packed full of miscellaneous drugs as well as tickets to a legendary and exclusive holiday party, the wild and unforgettable yule tide evening is upon them. The beautifully built Anthony Mackie plays an aging football star (since, after all, thirty-five can be considered ancient for a professional athlete) who has turned to steroids to keep is body in performance condition. This habit allows the audience to sneak a peek at Mackie’s cheeks. We’d like to make like an aunt on Christmas and give those cheeks a pinch and a kiss.