Keanu
Starring Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele
Directed by Peter Atencio
After five seasons and 53 episodes of their hit sketch comedy show Key & Peele, the comedic masterminds finally make their big screen foray with Keanu. Following a breakup that leaves him depressed, Rell (Peele) finds a lost kitten on his doorstep and immediately falls for the feisty feline. But, a home break-in by some local thugs leads to the disappearance of the kitty so he enlists the help of best friend Clarence to go undercover as gang members and rescue the furball.
The admittedly thin premise does wear out during the 100-minute runtime but there are plenty of jokes and enough heart along the way to keep momentum moving. Key and Peele are experts of timing and their skills are on full display in the movie as they effortlessly move from one ridiculous scenario to another without relying on raunchy humour or overused physical gags.
Some bits totally hit the mark, others grow tedious. An extended scene involving a group of men sitting in a car harmonizing to various George Michael songs is brilliant, while a cameo from Anna Faris (playing herself) buying drugs overstays its welcome. Several other ‘guest spots’, including a scene-stealing Will Forte, fare much better and the actual character of Keanu is adorable and gets a hefty dose of screen time.
For the most part, the movie clips along with clever jokes and a surprising amount of well-staged action. Keanu doesn’t break any new ground but should help expose the brilliance of the dynamic duo.
