That Awkward Moment - C

Rated R, 94 minutes

Bawdy "That Awkward Moment" provides little relationship insight, but still sporadic fun

Zac Efron

When in doubt, go raunchy. If it can work for Channing Tatum or James Franco, it can work for just about anyone. The ingratiating new romantic comedy "That Awkward Moment" is heartthrob Zac Efron's turn to be a little dirty; the raunchy undertone is unoriginal and is really nothing new, but it's so charming you may not mind. After their friend Mikey's ("Fruitvale Station's" Michael B. Jordan) break-up, Jason (Efron) and Daniel ("The Spectacular Now's" Miles Teller) promise to stay single with him. However, they both end up falling in love and have to avoid facing their promise. Directed and written by first-timer Tom Gormican, "That Awkward Moment" could've easily been called "Let's Have Sex" due to the number of times they jump in the sack, it's bawdy fun, with a calculated premise that's thinner than Nic Cage's hairline. This is supposed to be Efron's film, and as likably bland as he is, everyone around him is better, which may or may not come as a surprise. Jordan (slumming it a little after his stellar turn in last year's "Fruitvale Station") is the most heartfelt, while Teller, reminding of a younger "Swingers" (and much less annoying) version of Vince Vaughn, has the most memorable lines. As the ladies in their lives, Imogen Poots and Mackenzie Davis steal scenes from their men with such effortless ease, a case could be made for them to have their own movie too. Sure, down the stretch, especially in the last act and in the climax, "That Awkward Moment" is as awkward and predictable as its title, and you have a feeling of where it will end up before it gets there. Yet the charming, talented cast help blend the funny and tender moments for a serviceable rom com that should especially appeal to the young set. One of Efron's better efforts, it's worth seeing for the lovely Imogen Poots and the often hilarious Miles Teller.

Wes's Grade: C