The movie Tag, on the surface, is a boisterous and often absurd comedy. But beneath the surface of slapstick and outlandish schemes lies a surprisingly heartwarming story about the enduring power of friendship and the fear of facing adulthood. It’s a film that balances laugh-out-loud moments with moments of genuine emotional resonance, making it a unique and surprisingly effective exploration of the bonds that tie us together.
A Hilarious (and Heartfelt) Premise
Tag is based on the true story of a group of friends who have been playing a game of tag for over 30 years, spanning thousands of miles and countless life events. The film follows these friends as they attempt to finally tag Jerry (Jeremy Renner), the only one who has never been “it,” before he gets married and, supposedly, retires from the game. This annual pursuit is not just a game; it’s a ritual, a way for them to stay connected, escape the pressures of their adult lives, and recapture the carefree spirit of their youth.
The film’s strength lies in its willingness to embrace its inherent absurdity. The scenarios are often ridiculous, the stunts are over-the-top, and the dialogue is frequently irreverent. However, this comedic excess serves a purpose: it underscores the lengths these men will go to maintain their friendship and the importance they place on this seemingly childish game.
Beyond the comedy, Tag explores themes of aging, regret, and the challenges of maintaining relationships as life pulls people in different directions. The film suggests that holding onto something from the past, even something as simple as a game of tag, can provide a much-needed sense of stability and connection in an ever-changing world. The characters are flawed and relatable, struggling with their own personal demons while simultaneously trying to outmaneuver each other in the most hilarious ways possible.
The Cast and Crew
The film boasts a stellar cast, including Ed Helms, Jeremy Renner, Jake Johnson, Hannibal Buress, and Jon Hamm. Their chemistry is palpable, and they all deliver strong comedic performances. Isla Fisher adds a chaotic energy as the fiercely competitive wife of Helms’ character, while Annabelle Wallis plays a reporter covering the story who becomes increasingly drawn into the madness.
Director Jeff Tomsic, making his feature film debut, masterfully balances the comedic and emotional elements of the story. The screenplay, written by Rob McKittrick and Mark Steilen, is sharp and witty, providing ample opportunities for the cast to shine. The film’s pacing is generally well-managed, although some might find the action sequences a bit repetitive towards the end.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The movie’s strengths lie in its:
- Strong performances: The cast’s dedication to their roles makes the outlandish scenarios believable and entertaining.
- Humorous writing: The dialogue is consistently funny and often surprisingly insightful.
- Emotional core: The film’s exploration of friendship and aging adds depth and resonance to the comedic antics.
However, some of the weaknesses include:
- Repetitive action sequences: While initially entertaining, the tag-related stunts can become somewhat predictable.
- Slightly underdeveloped female characters: While Fisher and Wallis give strong performances, their characters could have been more fully fleshed out.
- Occasional reliance on broad humor: At times, the film veers into territory that feels overly simplistic and predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tag
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the movie Tag, answered to provide a deeper understanding and richer context:
1. Is Tag Based on a True Story?
Yes, Tag is based on the true story of a group of friends from Spokane, Washington, who have been playing a game of tag since they were children. The actual game has been going on for over 30 years. The details of the film are, of course, embellished for comedic effect, but the underlying premise of lifelong friends maintaining a game of tag is very real. The Walla Walla seven, as they are known, served as inspiration for the characters in the movie.
2. How Accurate is the Movie Tag to the Real Story?
While the movie takes liberties for entertainment purposes, the core concept remains true. The real group does indeed play tag year-round, travelling to different states and employing elaborate strategies to tag each other. However, the level of violence and the specific scenarios depicted in the film are largely fictionalized. The spirit of the game and the enduring friendship are the elements that the filmmakers aimed to capture.
3. Who is Jerry in Real Life?
The character of Jerry, played by Jeremy Renner, is loosely based on Patrick Schultheis, one of the original members of the Walla Walla seven. In the real game, Patrick also possesses a legendary untagged status. However, he is said to be far less stoic and more of a participant in the planning and scheming than his on-screen counterpart.
4. Why Did the Real Friends Play Tag for So Long?
The game of tag became a way for the friends to stay connected despite living in different cities and pursuing different careers. It was a tradition, a ritual, and a way to recapture the feeling of their youth. The competitive spirit and the shared history kept the game alive for decades.
5. Did the Real Group Ever Get Patrick (Jerry) “It”?
Yes! In 2013, after the Wall Street Journal published an article about the group and their game, Patrick was finally tagged. This event, though not necessarily the dramatic climax seen in the film, brought a sense of closure to the decades-long competition.
6. How Long Does the Real Tag Game Last Each Year?
The real game of tag typically takes place during the month of February. This allows the friends to coordinate their schedules and travel to each other’s locations. While the movie implies a year-round game, the actual tradition is focused on a specific time frame.
7. Where Was the Movie Tag Filmed?
Tag was primarily filmed in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Several locations around Atlanta were used to represent the various cities where the friends reside in the movie.
8. What is the Overall Tone of the Movie?
The tone of Tag is primarily comedic, with a focus on slapstick, physical humor, and witty dialogue. However, the film also incorporates moments of genuine emotional depth, exploring themes of friendship, aging, and regret. It’s a balance of lighthearted humor and heartfelt sentiment.
9. Is Tag Suitable for Children?
Tag is rated R for language, some sexual content, drug use, and brief violence. While the premise of the film may appeal to younger audiences, the mature themes and content make it unsuitable for children.
10. What are Some Similar Movies to Tag?
Movies with similar themes of male friendship, comedic antics, and adult characters struggling with maturity include The Hangover, Wedding Crashers, Old School, and This is the End.
11. Is There a Sequel to Tag Planned?
As of now, there are no concrete plans for a sequel to Tag. However, given the film’s positive reception and the ongoing nature of the real-life game, a sequel remains a possibility.
12. What is the Message of the Movie Tag?
The underlying message of Tag is that friendship is a valuable and enduring bond that should be cherished and nurtured. The film suggests that maintaining connections with friends can provide a sense of stability, support, and joy, even as life becomes more complicated. It also encourages viewers to embrace their inner child and to find ways to inject fun and playfulness into their lives, regardless of their age.
Conclusion
Tag is more than just a silly comedy about grown men playing tag. It’s a surprisingly heartfelt and insightful exploration of friendship, aging, and the importance of maintaining connections in a world that often pulls us apart. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it’s a genuinely entertaining and thought-provoking film that will leave you laughing and perhaps even a little nostalgic for your own childhood friendships. It’s a well-crafted movie with great acting, a solid story, and a valuable message.