“How To Lose Friends And Alienate People” – 5/10

Starring: Simon Pegg, Kirsten Dunst, Jeff Brigdes, Megan Fox

Plot: Failing British celebrity journalist Sidney Young (Pegg) gets hired by a prestigious entertainment magazine in New York City. But every time Sidney is given a job, his outspoken, truth spewing and rude demeanor makes him look like an offensive fool.

After many embarrassing episodes, Sidney figures out that in order to easily mix and mingle with Hollywood’s A-listers, he must learn to shut his mouth and suck up to the right people, even those he despises.

The Good: “How to Lose Friends and Alienate People” has a great storyline that illustrates the transformation of Pegg’s “geek-to-chic” character very well. Adapted from British journalist Toby Young’s real-life stories and novel, this comedy seems relatively believable and well thought out.

If looking for a belly laugh, then this isn’t the comedy to watch. However, the subtle ironic and rude comedy is very fitting, especially when coming from Pegg. This is probably his most tasteful and enjoyable performance on the big screen.

The Bad: Although this film’s storyline was well developed, it seemed to drag on at times.

The lack of humor in these sections made the jokeless droughts seem dull and long. The few sporadic spouts of comedy were produced entirely by Pegg’s character with little help from the rest of the cast.

There wasn’t anything special about this movie, besides maybe the scene when Megan Fox waded through a pool during a party. The rest of the so-called comedic scenes were enjoyable but easily forgettable.

The Low-Down: “How to Lose Friends and Alienate People” has long, dull and slow sections between brief moments of comedy. The movie discreetly displays comedy that won’t split any sides, but allows for comedic relief where it is needed. The film is nothing to shout about, but nonetheless, it’s a decent flick to watch.