‘Switch’ off

Could the title “The Switch” refer to this film’s abrupt change in tone from a would-be raunchy comedy to a sentimental rom-com? It’s an odd feeling, and much of the film’s authenticity is the same.'

It starts with Jason Bateman discussing the merits of different sperm as it can be used in artificial insemination with his best friend Jennifer Aniston, but it  builds to a romance that will test Bateman’s fatherly instincts.

I didn’t buy the progression or that Aniston would hold a pregnancy party that would result in Bateman swapping his sperm for the donor’s.

Every character in this bizarre construct seems put off at the concept of artificial insemination, and Aniston’s pregnancy becomes merely a plot device that renders it not nearly as smart or edgy as it could be.

But Bateman is actually quite good at sporting his downplayed sarcasm and charm, and the film finds an emotional center in its second half.

My recommendation is half-hearted for this wholesome, if fairly lowbrow comedy. But when there’s a need for something a little smarter, it will be time to make the switch.