Even a talented cast can’t save this misfiring action-comedy

PLAYDATE, Amazon Prime Video's new movie, proves that not even an interesting cast can save an insufferable production.

- KARISHMA DIPA

BENJAMIN Pajak, Kevin James, Alan Ritchson and Banks Pierce in Playdate.

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Directed by Luke Greenfield and written by Neil Goldman, I was initially intrigued by the action-comedy’s lineup.

The lead roles include Kevin James - a comedy star I once held in high regard — alongside Alan Ritchson, who has earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Jack Reacher in the streamer’s hit series Reacher.

As a fan of classic odd-couple buddy pairings such as Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell in Get Hard, as well as dynamic duos in Men in Black, Rush Hour and 21 Jump Street, I was excited to see the chemistry between James and Ritchson.

In Playdate, they star as awkward dads Brian (James) and Jeff (Ritchson), who get thrown into a dangerous affair alongside their timid sons.

But their bromance was anything but electrifying. After watching them force chemistry onscreen, I found that their opposites-attract vibe never quite landed.