Movie Review: That's What She Said

Rated: R (sexual content and language)
Length: 84 minutes
Release Date: October 19, 2012
Directed by: Carrie Preston
Genre: Comedy

Stars: 3 out of 5

Carrie Preston delivers a generous serving of laughs with "That's What She Said," a raunchy comedy that pushes the envelope of appropriate with endless sex-fueled jokes, gyrations, and four-letter curse words. A chick flick to the core, the film is filled to the brim with quips only a female could truly appreciate.

With the unlikely team of a nymphomaniac, a jaded cynic, and an overemotional mess, the film certainly has its fair share of interesting characters. Anne Heche plays Dee Dee, a rough and tumble blonde who's all but given up on happiness. Gritty and raw, Dee Dee has little time for foolery and likes getting down to business. Despite her tough exterior, Dee Dee has a soft spot for her best friend Bebe (Marcia DeBonis), a hopeless romantic who is swooning over an epic date with her beau. Bebe jumps for joy and gushes to everyone she meets, not at all hiding her positive feelings about the night. Dee Dee, a skeptic at heart, is less enthused but certainly happy for her dear friend.

When Bebe is stood up, Dee Dee swings in to save the day, planning a girl's day in the city to cheer Bebe up. In their adventures, they stumble across the sweet but salacious Clementine (Alia Shawkat), a nymphomaniac who isn't afraid to let her shocking ways be known. The troublesome trio make their way through New York City for an unforgettable escapade in the Big Apple.

The quirky film tackles real-life drama with ease, hilariously illustrating the craziness within that can be unleashed by stress. From insane freakouts over a lack of intimate encounters to a profanity-strewn taxi hailing, "That's What She Said" is an abrasive depiction of those out-of-control moments everyone has once in a while.

Heche is excellent as Dee Dee, playing her character perfectly and giving a believable performance. Her line delivery is superb with great timing and tone, and she never overdoes it. Heche excels in the physical comedy of the film with most of the laughs coming from her body language, hilarious reactions, and expressions. She's pleasantly pessimistic, painting on a scowl but remaining hysterical.

Paired with DeBonis, Heche is unstoppable. The pair bounce off each other terrifically, creating an on-screen chemistry that is undeniable. They are believable as friends and Heche gives a great rendition of the understanding yet frustrated friend. The duo are hysterical together, creating memorable scenes that will leave audiences feeling like they are part of the friendship.

Similar to Melissa McCarthy in "Bridesmaids," DeBonis plays a woman who knows she's bigger, but embraces her size. She perfectly nails the role as the woman scorned by a no-show date, giving new meaning to the concept of drama queen. Her lines are certainly hilarious, but DeBonis adds a bit of extra oomph to her lines with her histrionic outbursts and breakdowns.

Shawkat is the hidden gem of the film, stealing scenes left and right. Playing a sex addict who has been cruelly dumped, she's more than stressed with her current situation and is not afraid to hide it. Her over-the-top acting captures the audience and keeps them laughing throughout the film. Despite her obnoxious character, Shawkat is able to make her presence both enjoyable and likable.

A major strength of the film is its depiction of friendship. Women are known for their kooky friendships, sometimes with the most random of people. With such an eclectic grouping of women being so close and supportive of one another, the film hits this aspect of life on the head. No matter how different or bizarre they may seem, the friends stick together and work through their issues with humor and even more craziness.

Not for the faint of heart, the film is chock full of raunchy humor that will leave viewers either doubled over with laughter or blushing in the dark. With profanity prevalent and scandalous sex talk steady, "That's What She Said" is not a film for all viewers. Viewers should expect offensive humor, racy rants, and more when heading into the theater.

While hilarious, the film does seem a bit stiff at times. The action is dulled with most of the focus on the humor. This lack of big action may bore some viewers by making the movie drag on, but the humor still carries the movie along nicely. Although a bit more action and animation would have helped the film, overall it was quite enjoyable for its substance.

Delightfully inappropriate, "That's What She Said" is worth seeing for gut-bursting laughter and colorful jabs.