10 Terrible Films From 2020 (That You Should Still Watch)
3. Coffee & Kareem
Beloved classics like Tango & Cash, 48 Hrs, and Lethal Weapon are proof that the buddy comedy formula can work when it’s done well. However, when the same formula is given to Stuber director Michael Dowse for Netflix’s Coffee & Kareem, the result is an occasionally funny, loud, and obnoxious splat.
Starring Ed Helm as humdrum cop Coffee and Terrence Little Gardenhigh as the boisterous twelve-year-old Kareem, the film sees these two frenemies forced to get along after Kareem hires criminals to assault Coffee for dating his mum (Taraji P. Henson), a stunt that results in said criminals attempting to kill our leads.
It’s crass, raunchy, and doesn’t hold back with it’s lacing of adult humour in its otherwise family-friendly premise. And it’s precisely this clash of tonal worlds that critics have targeted as the main reason for its failure. Lacking the wit to do anything substantial or clever with its plot, this underwhelming Netflix comedy boils down to a series of unfunny, crass gags.
However, aside from a glorious supporting performance from GLOW’s Betty Gilpin, what makes Coffee & Kareem worth your attention is its heart. With the occasionally hilarious moment, you’ll have a lot of fun with these characters.