That Awkward Moment, film review: 'Zac Efron makes an engaging lead in confused rom-com'

A film aimed at generation social media that can't make up its mind what it is

Zac Efron and Imogen Poots in 'That Awkward Moment'

This is a romantic comedy for a young, social media savvy generation.

Its problem is its constantly shifting tone. On the one hand, the filmmakers are aiming for a light-hearted, frothy feel, as if they’re making a younger version of a Nora Ephron film.

On the other, they’re trying to be frank about sex and relationships. The film is about three young friends (Efron, Teller and Jordan) who plan to stay single and play the field but can’t escape commitment.

Much of the humour is surprisingly crude and reminiscent of lowbrow frat movies. Jokes about condoms, Viagra and dildos and references to The Story Of O sit strangely alongside sweet-natured scenes of characters courting.

Zac Efron makes an engaging lead, even if his character does seem strangely similar to the young Lothario played recently by Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Don Jon. Imogen Poots brings a scatty charm to her role as the young author he falls for.

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