Two Night Stand – Overview/ Review (with Spoilers)

A one night stand becomes two, and maybe the start of spending a lifetime together.

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Review (with Spoilers)

With this year having a lot of movies which are getting video on demand releases, alongside a limited theatrical release, it does make you wonder what is the point of them going to theaters at all? Especially considering most of the places they open at are more expensive than their video on demand counterparts. However, with Miles Teller having quite a year since The Spectacular Now, and co-star Analeigh Tipton not doing so bad herself by booking her own TV show, Manhattan Love Story, it does make you wonder: why isn’t Two Night Stand a straight up theatrical release? Well, let’s see if we can find an answer to that question.

Characters & Story

At 22, Megan (Analeigh Tipton) has just graduated, pre-med, lost her fiancé, and now is in limbo. She is unsure what to do with her life, her degree, and pretty much her plans of becoming a housewife seem very unlikely now. And while roommate Faiza (Jessica Szohr) wants to be understanding, thing is she would really like Megan to move on and out so she can move in her boyfriend Cedric (Scott Mescudi).

So, in order to begin the process of moving on, Megan decides to pursue a one night stand through finding someone to hook up with online. The lucky boy? Well, it’s Alec (Miles Teller). An assistant manager at a bank who ends up stuck with Megan, after an awkward post one-night stand goodbye, due to a blizzard passing through and trapping them together. Leaving you to wonder: what will these two do to pass the time until Megan can possibly leave?

Praise

It is always wonderful to see a film like this from the woman’s point of view. Mostly because it forces the film to develop her character, and makes it seem like she didn’t just come into being just because the male lead was lonely. Though what I really liked about this film is that Tipton and Teller made for an honestly cute couple. For with Teller being diverse enough to go from comical butt wipe to someone lovable, he makes a good match for Tipton’s girl next door appeal.

As for the story, there isn’t anything really groundbreaking here, however when they are still getting to know each other, and sort of hate each other, there are multiple comedic moments. Be it them sharing constructive criticism when it comes to each other’s sex techniques, her approaching trying to hook up with someone, and then Teller and Tipton after they officially decide on having a two-night stand, there are around 15 jokes. Of which two will have you choking with laughter.

Criticism

When it comes to critiques, as usual, I have a problem with films like these which have the type of climax which seems resolved so soon that it is like you never see the full weight of the issue. Though, to make things really bad, this film has two major incidents which I can’t see someone rebounding from, much less Megan, within less than a week’s time. Even if the other person may have done you so well they put you to sleep.

Overall: TV Viewing

I like the film, but outside of two or three jokes, and the chemistry between Teller and Tipton, there isn’t much here. The story is interesting since it deals with the idea of sticking around after having a one night stand, but the movie as a whole feels like two or three TV episodes, minus commercials, put together than an actual movie. Which normally would be a compliment from me, for it would mean I would want to see more, but this isn’t one of those times. If just because as cute as Teller and Tipton are together, the drama thrown at their relationship in progress seemed like the type of deal breakers which shouldn’t even allow the opportunity for any type of redemption. Making it seem the film was more worried about sticking to the romantic comedy formula than maintaining this sense of realness by showing realistic and funny conversations between two characters who seem like they could be actual people.

Collected Quote(s)

“We both know that we weren’t right for each other, and I think we both knew that for a long time, but it’s fine. We were just scared that the perfect person wasn’t out there for us.”

—           Two Night Stand

“When a girl is helping herself, that’s a good fucking thing. […] It’s not like we’re competing on some awesome erotic Japanese game show, we are having sex. You know, like, embrace the team spirit.”

—           Two Night Stand

“I don’t know who first taught guys to do the ‘alphabet with their tongue’ thing, but it kind of makes me feel like I’m Helen Keller being fucked by her teacher.”

—           Two Night Stand (My favorite joke of the movie)

“Well, I mean eventually they learn what you like more, but you can never talk about it openly ‘cause guys are so sensitive. You know, suggesting just the tiniest thing and it freaks them out because then they think you’ve been thinking that every time, and then they get mad that you didn’t say something earlier and you didn’t say something early because it would have been too soon. So the only thing that there is to do is train them to recognize different levels of moans without them realizing you’re doing it.”

—	Two Night Stand

“I think women are most honest actually when they’re trying to hurt somebody’s feelings.”

—           Two Night Stand

“I think I’m just in that limbo phase. It’s not like your degree has instructions on it.”

—           Two Night Stand