Parents' Guide to Tag

The concept for this comedy sounds like fun, but in practice it turns out to be pretty thin. Rather than projecting the stressful enjoyment of the constant fear of being caught, Tag presents a game that's so regulated -- and so taken for granted -- that the actual action comes in short, slapstick bursts. The whole thing feels blatantly stretched out to (barely) cover its 100-minute running time. There isn't much conflict because everyone agrees on the rules, and no one gets seriously hurt despite falls that would cripple real people. And the oft-repeated intended lesson -- that you get old if you stop playing games -- feels ham-handed. With a cast this talented, it's pretty disappointing for a comedy to largely fall this flat.

Renner's character is superhuman, without a moment of stress or fear; the others generally blend together. Fisher shines in her brief moments (because she's awesome) as an extremely gung-ho wife; Rashida Jones shows up, but her awesomeness isn't put to much use. Thomas Middleditch materializes for one of the funnier, if racier, bits. The film lurches, freezing for wan attempts at character moments that don't land. It's all just too safe. But if you do see Tag, stick around for the credits, which include footage of the real-life friends playing the actual game -- by far the most fun moments in the film. Also, check out the original WSJ articles; they're a hoot. If you're looking for a satisfying comedy, though, Tag is not it.