“A Good Old Fashioned Orgy” review

The title of this movie is enough to get people either interested or angry. I fall under “interested,” and jumped at the chance to be the first among my peers to see a movie that could fall into the same category as other movies like “The Hangover” and “Zach and Miri make a Porno” (honestly, not usually my cup of tea). I went to the movie theatre with a pad and pen, ready to take notes about the dialogue, the characters, and all that good stuff. I didn’t even make it through a quarter of the movie before I said “to hell with the note taking,” sat back, and enjoyed. I’m going to tell you know that “A Good Old Fashioned Orgy” is a must see before the summer ends.

The story begins with a bang, as a bunch of thirty-somethings converge in the Hamptons for a crazy party. Turns out, these friends have crazy parties at this house every weekend during the summer, but it will all come to an end when the actual owner of the house decides to sell it. To say goodbye, the friends decide to throw one last bash. I think you know where this is going.

Emmy-nominated writing team Alex Gregory and Peter Huyck (“The Larry Sanders” Show,” “King of the Hill”) took the idea for this story from a colleague who attended a party that actually ended with an orgy. However, instead of just throwing that thought at the characters, Gregory and Huyck cleverly manipulated an idea ripped straight from the headlines. You will know what I mean when you see it. The dialogue on its own is clever and in-your-face. There are non-stop laughs. The writers did everything right, but if I were to highlight something it would be their comedic timing.

Now, take this story and script, and couple it with a great, yet not as well-known cast, and you have movie gold. “SNL” actor Jason Sudeikis always adds to a scene with his quick wit. And when you pair him with the lovable, yet inappropriate Tyler Labine (“Zack and Miri Make a Porno”), you have the makings of the next big comedy duo. There are many other newer faces, some who are underutilized in the Hollywood industry. They fill all the roles a group of friends need: the fat guy, the joker, the stiff, the cute chick, the hot chick, and the humorous hypochondriac. All these clashing personalities somehow combine perfectly. And when you watch all these people having a good time, you end up having a great time too.

The music has the same comedic timing as the script: all excellent.

“A Good Old Fashioned Orgy” takes place in the Hamptons, but was actually filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina. It’s a beautiful setting that was completely necessary to the story, and matched the vibe of that wealthy Manhattan retreat. All the pieces come together so seamlessly, it almost seems effortless. In fact, the actual filming only took about 30 days.

I know you think I’m leaving something out…the orgy. I am pleased to tell you that it did not disappoint. It was awkward, ridiculous, and began with a levity that made every other viewer giggle and squeal. Be prepared for nudity, and a really great time. “A Good Old Fashioned Orgy” is on limited release, but it deserves the acclaim of a great generational and iconic classic. Go find and see this movie as soon as you can. It opens this Friday.