Though no Burt Reynolds in Smokey & The Bandit, Hit & Run proves that Dax Shepard has come a long way since Punk’d. Having already shown his surprisingly nuanced acting chops on Parenthood, he turns his hand to writing and directing. And while this light road-trip rom-com may be merely an excuse to show off his impressive car collection (Audis and Lincoln Continentals), famous friends (Bradley Cooper, Parenthood co-star Joy Bryant), and gorgeous fiancée (Kristen Bell), he goes about the whole thing with infectious enthusiasm.
The logic-free plot sees loved-up couple Charlie and Annie (Shepard and Bell) on a mad-cap ride to Los Angeles, with psycho criminal Cooper in pursuit. As they encounter trigger-happy US marshals (Tom Arnold), lemon parties and a vast array of horsepower and testosterone-heavy vehicles, the light slapstick and chase sequences range from predictable to lagging. Due to budget constraints, Shepard uses his own cars and does his own stunt driving. Maybe he should have gone to the pros, as the results are underwhelming.
The only real joy comes from watching Shepard and Bell’s palpable chemistry. Their realistic and insightful interactions will ring true to many couples. Charlie’s roguish Peter Pan complex is charming, but also leaves him prone to saying hugely inappropriate things, while political correctness-guru Annie just is on the charming side of preachy (just).
Though the humour and action is very underwhelming, the lead stars’ charm and a great soundtrack just tip Hit & Run’s scales in favour of a hit, not miss.
But only just.