I found this comedy to be moderately funny, nothing groundshaking or innovative here, but it did have its moments.

The movie, for me at least, was a slow starter, but picked up in pace as it progressed.

I was especially curled over laughing at the diarrhea scene in the hotel lobby, that was the best scene of the entire movie.

But aside from being just another funny movie in a vast selection of comedies out there, this movie also have a good message to deliver. I like the ending of the movie and the message that came clear there.

It is not one of those comedies that you will be likely to pick up again any time soon after you have seen it. It just doesn't have that much "watch again" value. But it is good for a bunch of laughs and toe curls the first time around.

It's so hard to praise a movie that is shamelessly sexist and gratuitously dirty in its content, but somehow, some conceivable way, I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell is very funny. It works on a level almost not possible because every character is fully developed, packs in urgency, and is heavy on their wit because of the great writing put behind them.

The novel of the same name was written by Tucker Max, who serves as the main writer on the film. Max literally got famous for being a stuck-up, arrogant narcissist who cares only about himself and never stops to determine the unintended consequences bound to happen from his scenarios. He just does. Never thinks, just does. Something about this character makes for a very, very interesting study and film.

What works is Tucker, played by Matt Czurchy, is not this one-dimensional figure you'd see in an American Pie spin off. He is a smart character who knows how to smart-ass his way in and out of any situation. The way he speaks is not one of an out-of-touch adolescent teenage boasting arrogance, but one of a somewhat intelligent, aware person stuck inside a cocky person's body. His friends aren't one dimensional either. His friend Drew, played by Jesse Bradford, is a flaming misogynist after he caught his girlfriend cheating on him. Here's another character that could've been played with such childish enigma, lacking urgency and acting solely on present emotions. The character instead doesn't come off as shallow but as funny and welcomed. Yes, he goes a bit too far. But who could blame him? We don't tend to rationalize everything when we are in the mood he's in. That makes it somewhat acceptable.

The story is centered around Tucker Max and his quest to give his pal Dan (Stults) a great bachelor party by going to a strip club in Salem where the "no touch" rule is not enforced. Dan is getting married in a matter of days and believes that this trip, much to the dismay of his fiancée, threatens his marriage plans. Tucker doesn't care. He his own goal in mind.

This isn't the typical road trip movie I was led to believe. It's actually a very funny frat-boy comedy. It relies on wittiness rather than antics to carry its story, unlike many films of the same genre. It's very low budget, shot on a mere $7 million. Film grain and under-lit parts are common, but I'd rather have those two elements be present in a good comedy than glossy, HD cameras shooting a carbon copy raunch-fest.

I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell is charming, although sometimes it goes a bit too far. The jokes about women are a little below the belt, but after reading Max's first two books, that's something I kind of got used to. Some expected the film to document multiple stories from the book. I'd personally rather have one fully developed story than a plethora of underdeveloped vignettes. The story they chose was acceptable and the way they went about it was unexpectedly clever. What else do you want? Starring: Matt Czurchy, Jesse Bradford, and Geoff Stults. Directed by: Bob Gosse.

And also based on probably true stories. I have not read the book/short stories this is based on. Apparently the author was telling or writing about his own (sex/party) life. Now if that already sounds like you'll be offended - I wonder how you made it past the title.

But all that aside, the main character/side-kick could be considered a grown up, but very far removed fro mature Stifler. Stifler was a character from American Pie and he was not liked by many to put it mildly. But you do need characters like that, especially if you want to show a journey. It's like with another one of the friends who's so negative, you wonder if there is any saving grace with him.

Language is foul, nudity and many other things that can be shocking. Even a scene of literal toilet humor - something I personally did not really care for, but was there for a purpose ... and quite a few jokes too of course. The acting is more than solid and the story makes sense. Again, if you are not easily offended, because the movie does everything to push you over the edge. Quite a few fine actors here and while it is juvenile, it does have a heart. I did not expect much watching this, but was more than surprised how well directed/acted it was