REVIEW: ME TIME

3/5

Me, Myself and My Time.

101 Mins. Starring: Kevin Hart, Mark Wahlberg, Jimmy O. Yang, John Amos & Regina Hall. Director: John Hamburg. 

Between The Rock and a Hart hard working place, we need to talk to Kevin about getting himself some 'Me Time'. The latest out of the comedian's (who has more stand-up shows than there are showcased here in this film, as he gives all his friends their flowers) Netflix deal comes hot on the heels of 'The Man From Toronto', mere months ago. For the 'Fatherhood' streaming service smash star who also gave us a dramatic 'True Story' miniseries with Wesley Snipes that seemed too good to be exactly that, last fall. 

This time trading places with Woody Harrelson, or his 'White Men Can't Jump' co-star Snipes, it's Mark Wahlberg who's getting in on the comedy. Two years after he began his own Netflix deal with the franchise ready action hit comedy 'Spenser Confidential' (not another Princess Diana biopic), that was a monster truck smash. And a few seasons after he passed the 'Uncharted' series ropes to a webbed-up Tom Holland. Here, Hart and Wahlberg in matching tracksuits like a Tenenbaum are a great tag team of comedy royalty. From their Grand Canyon epic, base-jumping beginnings. Just like they were in their own buddy cop ('The Other Guys' for Marky Mark) or CIA ('Central Intelligence' for Dr. Silk) comedies. 

Now, whether giving mouth-to-mouth to tortoises, or gross out gags that will remind you of the time Zac Efron and his 'Dirty Grandpa' Robert De Niro went on The Godfather of all road trips. This ride along with these goodfellas includes hits, home invasions and even a shady debt collector who turns fingers into Cheetos. Needles to say in this survival of the 44th birthday (it's not a special year, but it made a damn good President), everything's getting a little crazy. All the way to a classic cameo from a man who's sent himself up perfectly before (but alas we've already said too much). Making for an amazing, soundtrack ready duet that will make Ross from 'Friends' piano playing jealous. Explosive outro fade out like a mic drop. 

Netflix has been bringing out the big guns this blazing summer, from Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans' 'The Gray Man', to the 'Day Shift' of Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg's vampire hunters. Its all fun and games before we get into the prestige pictures of the fall, as 'Gray' Star Ana de Armas wants her gold for going 'Blonde' as Marilyn Monroe in black and white, Mr. President. And there's nothing wrong with some good, not do clean, harmless (apart from a few plates) fun. Slapping sticks as Hart and Wahlberg rub two together to try and make fire like Mark's Travis Scott like sand effigy. 

Some critics may call this a turd, but we say if it is, it's about as small as the one little Kev (he doesn't carry a lot in there) leaves on a bed like Amber Heard for the ultimate chess move, like stealing all of someone's left shoes. And don't get us started on the 'Horrible Bosses' like butt-plugs. This is worth your weekend watch as you and your parents delete 'Blue Bloods' and 'Frasier' (never 'Frasier') off the TIVO. 

What more could you expect from the undisputed king of buddy comedies and the best of the last decade, 'I Love You Man's' John Hamburg ('Along Came Polly', "RAINDROPS!")? You'll love this too from the man who made his meat writing for the 'Meet The Parents' trilogy, fockers. Previously collaborating with Hart behind the pen, studying for Tiffany Haddish's 'Night School' that passed with a good score. Give this one a gold star too. Featuring the great Regina Hall, the legendary John Amos, providing good times and even 'Crazy Rich Asians' star Jimmy O. Yang. Crazy as a loan shark getting his teeth into Wahlberg's Huck with devil may give a f###, pound of flesh, where's my money, man. The last time Jimmy met Mark he was just "the bravest kid I've ever seen" saving the day on 'Patriots Day' from his car's computer. But now, he's after this baller's burgers. 

Going full mountain lion (no tortoises or Kevins were harmed in the making of this movie) for the laughs, 'Me Time' may be exactly what we need right now, in the middle of our busy lives. Light relief, hilarious and also hallmark heartwarming, balancing out the bro bravado and comic jabs from this one-two punch. Sure, this is the type of movie you might stay-at-home for if it was on the big screen. But this is what makes it the perfect scroll and flick for your own time. Just don't watch it on your laptop in nothing but your briefs. Trust me. It's got my seal of approval. Let's get it! TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The Man From Toronto', 'Spenser Confidential', 'Dirty Grandpa'.