Formerly known as The Baster, the much more aptly-titled The Switch deals with just that. Directed by Blades of Glory duo Josh Gordon & Will Speck, this dramedy is not really about the baster, a quick throwaway gag in the film. It deals with a man (Jason Bateman) on the road to revealing to his best friend (Jennifer Aniston) the switch of his sperm from a donor’s sperm that she used to get pregnant. The script by Allan Loeb (Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, Things We Lost In The Fire) could easily have become a wacky sex comedy. Instead, it takes a more mature look at the effects of that switch — both on the child and all the adults involved.
In the first scene of the film, Kassie Singleton (Aniston) exclaims that she wants a baby. Her friend Wally Mars (Bateman) fights off the idea but she decides to throw an “insemination party,” in which the charming donor Roland (Patrick Wilson) produces his sperm for her. While drunk at the party, Wally accidentally throws the sperm down the drain in a drunk stupor. He puts back in his own sperm and the film flashes forward seven years. Kassie has moved away, but she is returning to NYC with her son Sebastian (Thomas Robinson) and Wally now starts to notice similarities between himself and the boy.
Bateman and Aniston have very little chemistry, which continually brings down the film. Fortunately, the screenwriter/directors seem to realize this and the relationship between Bateman and his son is heavily played up. That relationship is what delivers the most. Bateman continues his streak of stealing the show in disappointing films (Hancock, Invention of Lying, Smokin’ Aces). He has a naturally funny quality that is both endearing and consistently entertaining that when he is given the ample screentime (Extract, Juno), he has proven he can carry an entire film. It is no different with The Switch.
The driving story arc is Bateman realizing that Sebastian is actually his son (since he was too drunk to remember the switch) and then continually having missed opportunities to explain to Aniston what he did. Bateman has Jeff Goldblum, who delivers a fantastic supporting performance, to help remember the events and guide him through the process. Aniston relies on a relationship with her donor Roland, in which you can always count on Patrick Wilson for a slimy, yet likable performance.
When it comes time for the reveal, there are enough genuinely heart-touching moments with Sebastian and Wally that one is invested enough in the stakes. Aside from that highlight, Speck and Gordon show a new side, previously not captured in Blades of Glory. There is a realistic tone throughout the film, both in the cinematography and not playing gags just for crazy antics, proving the duo have more to offer.
For a movie that dabbles in three genres — the romance is weak, the drama is only slightly palpable and the comedy is lacking — there is just enough of each to keep the audience’s interest. With a tighter script that builds a better romantic aspect and smarter casting for the female lead, this Blades of Glory duo could have had a better genre switch.
6.5 out of 10
What did you think of The Switch?