Everyone involved in Snatched could (and should) have done better. They could have pushed themselves further, tried that little bit harder, and carved out a more original, and funnier, story. Sadly, they didn’t. We, gathered here today, must now suffer a comedy that disappoints on so many various levels.

Whilst Snatched is noticeably and unequivocally bad in several key areas – narrative, jokes and character being the fatal trifecta of failure – the greatest fault is in the disappointment the film generates. For starters, this is Goldie Hawn’s first film since 2002. The actress who blessed us with comedic gold in Private Benjamin, The First Wives Club and Overboard, and for her big return, she gets this? Even with so little to play on, Hawn performs admirably to wring any laughs from this arid script.

Meanwhile Amy Schumer – a polarising individual to say the least – delivers what laughs she can through the fun but instantly forgettable bodily function jokes. There are a few titters to be had as Emily (Schumer) handles her first interaction with the cameo players, but it all feels insubstantial. There are no jokes that strike the soul. In hindsight, the best material seems lifted straight from Schumer’s TV work and standup gigs. It’s good, but there’s nothing original here.

Behind the camera too, there’s the talented Jonathan Levine. The director’s delivered fun, quirky comedies such as Warm Bodies, 50/50 and The Wackness. Imperfect, sure, but all with more humour and heart than anything Snatched can provide.

Even at 82 minutes, Snatched somehow feels long. It’s tired, lazy, generic, insubstantial filmmaking that fails to capitalise on its stars. The film gets one star for Schumer, and one star for Hawn, but after that? There’s nothing more to praise. What a disappointment.

RATING: 2/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Amy Schumer, Goldie Hawn, Kim Caramele, Raven Goodwin

DIRECTOR: Jonathan Levine

WRITER: Katie Dippold

SYNOPSIS: When Emily’s (Schumer) boyfriend dumps her before their exotic vacation, she persuades her ultra-cautious mother (Hawn) to travel with her to paradise, with unexpected results.