Directed by: Nat Faxon

Rated: R

Runtime: 1:26

By: Livi Edmonson

Starring two comedic geniuses, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Will Ferrell, the plot of this independent drama-comedy is simple: A family goes on ski trip, and when an avalanche approaches, Pete (Will Ferrell) bolts, leaving Billie (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and their two sons to barely survive. Pretty intense, right? Well, this is where the first issue with this film starts.

For this film to be labeled as a comedy, it has quite the depressing undertone, as well as more than a few cynical things to say about marriage. Sure, it has Will Ferrell in it, but if this is ultimately the draw that gets you to go to the theater: Ignore your instincts. They could have thrown any and all of your favorite comedians in this movie and it still would have failed: This is not a happy, laughable movie. 

Not to mention that the film was originally released on Valentine’s Day and even labeled a “romantic comedy.” Aside from the film being anything but comedic, there also is not even a little bit of romance in it. Thus, the marketing for this film was also a complete disaster. However, all of these generic issues are derived from one huge missing element: a decent script, if the writing was not absolutely terrible, then maybe certain parts of the film would have been a little bit easier and entertaining to sit through. 

Aside from everything else I have already discussed that is wrong with this film, the chemistry between the two leads is non-existent. We should have known that the dynamic duo of Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Will Ferrell was too good to be true, but I gave them the benefit of the doubt because let’s face it: they are two of the best, funniest actors in the game. However, if the chemistry would have existed, they maybe, just maybe, could have saved this trainwreck of a film, but no, and now I have wasted an hour and 26 minutes of my life that I can no longer get back.

All in all, “Downhill” is a remake of an original Swedish comedy, that misses the mark completely. Not only does it do its predecessor injustice, but it also serves zero purpose to a thriving genre. Its dynamic, likable cast will undoubtedly lure in a built-in audience of the stars’ fans, but do not give into this movie: it is terrible. But still not as terrible as “Cats,” of course. I give it a 2/10.