By Cecily Hill

Are you familiar with that awkward moment when you’re stuck in between stages of a potential

romantic relationship? You don’t know how the other person feels about you and are uncertain of how to go about the situation. As crazy as it sounds, Zac Efron knows exactly how that awkward phase feels. Despite the actor’s undeniable ability to make middle school girls swoon, he too, occasionally encounters that awkward moment.

I’m in no position to say whether or not he actually does go through these moments in reality, but That Awkward Moment presents a somewhat entertaining outlook on those little events that confuse us all at some point in our lives.

Efron’s character, Jason, along with his two best buddies, Mikey (Michael B. Jordan) and Daniel (Miles Teller), are faced with a series of conflicts concerning their love lives and, as friends oftentimes do, support each other through the struggles. However, all goes awry when the trio makes an agreement to stay single for as long as possible to enjoy their young lives with one another.

Personally, I enjoyed the film for the most part. It has a good balance of comedy, romance and is overall quite entertaining. However, it is just another typical rom-com that is unoriginal, cliché and has been seen time and time again. A problem I have with the movie is that it slightly degrades men and their views of commitment in relationships. It also immaturely generalizes the values and mentality of men.

The cast consists of Zac Efron, of course, and a selection of equally talented actors, many of which I wasn’t too familiar with. Whether it’s Miles Teller with his relatable awkwardness, Michael B. Jordan’s sense of determination, Imogen Poots’s individuality or Mackenzie Davis’s loyalty, each character portrayed is believable and I look forward to seeing these actors in future films.

I appreciate the comedic aspect of the film, especially as it does get a bit dramatic at times, but sparingly. I might also add that it is raunchy, which isn’t a problem in itself, but is certainly not necessary for the movie to be any better than it would otherwise.

I think for a more guy-leaning chick flick, Zac Efron isn’t exactly the best actor to have been chosen for the film. His High School Musical background and chiseled baby face just doesn’t cut it for me, and I can’t think of him as a guy’s guy the way he is depicted in this film.

When all is said and done, That Awkward Moment is entertaining but lacks what makes good movies so memorable. That’s not to say you shouldn’t see it, but it can definitely wait until Redbox.