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Saying, “watching this movie is a lot like dropping the soap” may be a bit much. Comparing the eighty-four minutes of runtime to eighty-four minutes in ‘the hole’ may be quite the stretch. Making the connection between injecting this DVD into my player and a lethal injection is just a bad use of a metaphor. Watching Let’s Go To Prison may not be like actually going to prison, but it’s about as funny as prison.

Have you ever wondered what criminals do when they’re not committing crimes? Well, other than committing more crimes, they’re seeking out revenge on the people that have made them who they are, at least that’s what this movie would have you believe. Our example is lifetime criminal John Lyshitski (Dax Shepard). Other than having an unfortunate last name, he’s been plagued with terrible life choices and an unforgiving judge. A third bid in prison finally convinces John he should do something about the mistakes he’s been making in his life. He decided not to get a full-time job or join the military or anything ’stupid’ like that; he decides to get back at the judge who’s been handing out jail sentences like cotton candy at a carnival. When he finds out the honorable judge isn’t exactly alive, he figures the next best thing is the arrogant son he left behind, Nelson Biederman IV (Will Arnett). John catches a break when his little prank gets Nelson convicted of a misunderstanding and sent to federal prison. John feels unfulfilled with his accomplishment and follows Nelson to prison in order to finish the job he set out to do and make Nelson’s stay an unpleasant one.. With a name like Nelson Biederman IV, it shouldn’t be that difficult.

I like Will Arnett. I really do.  He was hilarious in Arrested Development (the TV show, not the music group) and he has a busy year ahead of him, but I don’t think he was right for this part. During scenes that should have involved sidesplitting hilarity, he made them awkward and only chuckle-inducing. His delivery of a rich, stuck-up, arrogant jerk felt forced and almost laughable….when there were no laughs to be had. Although there were a few bright spots in his performance, I would go as far as to say he ruined the movie for me all together. Maybe in thirty years Hollywood will remake it with someone more appropriate.  The film had potential and a funny premise, but it missed the mark by looking for the new Steve Carrell-esque ‘it’ guy.

I’m glad I didn’t spend $10 at the theatres to see this (only $4 mil worth of people did). I recommend catching it when it shows up on Comedy Central in a year.

For a second opinion on Let’s Go To Prison click here.

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