“Bad Trip” is a (not kid-friendly) Netflix Original movie that mixes scripted scenes with hidden camera pranks and live reactions with a pinch of graphic and sexual humor. “Bad Trip” stars Eric André as Chris Carey, Michaela Conlin as Maria Li, Lil Rey Howery as Bud Malone and Tiffany Haddish as Trina Malone. 

The concept of a “road trip gone wrong” has seen many reiterations, like Todd Phillips’ “The Hangover” or the more family-friendly “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul.” Just looking up “road trip movies” on Google yields hundreds of results. However, none attack the premise quite like “Bad Trip.”

Written by Eric André, “Bad Trip” throws Chris Carey (Eric André) and Bud Malone (Lil Rey Howery) on a crazy road trip to track down the love of Chris’ life. After Bud’s sister, Trina Malone (Tiffany Haddish), goes to jail, Bud and Chris decide to take her car and head from Florida to New York to go to Maria Li’s (Michaela Conlin) art gallery. Just hours after leaving, Trina escapes prison and finds her car gone. She concludes that Chris and Bud must have stolen it and attempts to track them down in a stolen police car. Chris and Bud make tons of memories along the way and learn to appreciate each other. 

At first glance, “Bad Trip” seems very basic without many unique elements. However, this movie has an ace up its sleeve: there are very few actors and actresses involved. While I was watching the credits, I was shocked to find out how few people were following a script. There were only 22 credited actors, most of which were dancers for a musical number. Every other person involved was unaware of the filming and provided a genuine reaction. This really helped me feel immersed in the movie and made the scripted characters a lot more likable. I found myself much more attached to the characters after seeing real people try and help them along their road trip. It made what would have been a boring movie a lot more enjoyable, and I found myself very entertained when it was over. 

Although “Bad Trip” is hilarious, it is not without its fair share of problems. The movie is corny and unrealistic; Chris and Bud are constantly bailed out by sheer coincidence. Every time I thought their run was over, something would swoop in and save the day. This is fine once or twice, but when the characters are bailed out in almost every scene, it can get repetitive. I found myself anticipating the saving grace rather than wondering if things were going to work out, which allows the movie to get predictable.

Overall, this movie is perfect for a quiet Friday night with friends to relax and laugh at the people reacting to Chris and Bud’s shenanigans. The acting is corny and raunchy, making the reactions even more hilarious. I would recommend this movie to anyone looking for a casual movie they can sit back and enjoy.