I could start this review by saying something corny like: Afternoon Delight was delightful this afternoon. Corny for sure, but true. This movie is smart, witty, and hilarious. Kathryn Hahn is perfect as a bored housewife with not enough going on in her life, but at the same time way too much going on. She owns the awkward and uncomfortable humor that so much of the movie is carried upon.
The movie follows her through a mid-life crisis, how original. But unlike so many movies tackling the same subject, Afternoon Delight strikes the balance between the sad and pathetic with the hilarious. While there are scenes that follow Rachel (Hahn) through her poor choices, it is slightly uncomfortable and I could not stop myself from laughing. Juno Temple does a very convincing job as a “sex worker” befriending the confused Rachel. While the audience and even Rachel’s friends and family can tell that this stripper/prostitute does not want to turn over a new leaf, Rachel is persistent. It is predictable but the journey getting there is too funny to pass up. I mean its worth it just to see parents smoke a bowl in a garage while their five-year-old son sleeps in a radio flyer wagon.
Josh Radnor does an excellent job countering Hahn in their “stuck in a rut” marriage, but unfortunately all I see is SHMOSBY! Jane Lynch’s performance is a breath of fresh air compared to her days as Sue Sylvester. She has reminded me why I thought she was funny in the first place. But here the real scene-stealer is Bridesmaid’s co-writer Annie Mumolo as “Kosher Amanda”. Mumolo holds a smirk for nearly her entire part and her non-verbals are funnier than some entire characters. Needless to say, she kills it as “Kosher Amanda” and after all that she is not even kosher.
Moira’s MVP: Kathryn Hahn
the Reel Deal 