I didn't think it would be possible for me to be entertained by a Seth Rogan film, but as God is my witness (there will be many film references in this review), "The Night Before" has done it.

It’s a reunion film with Rogan, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anthony Mackie ... and, of course, James Franco, eventually. 

It's "A Christmas Story" with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future; along with a little "Home Alone", "Big," and "It's A Wonderful Life."

"The Night Before" is centered around friends growing up, a bit of drug usage (ok, a lot) and a little sex.  Sounds like a typical Rogan film, doesn't it?  It is, but in this case, it was actually funny.  

Ethan (Gordon-Levitt), Isaac (Rogen) and Chris (Mackie) have all spent Christmas Eve together for the past 14 years as Ethan's parents were killed in a car accident that many years ago. The vow this commitment to one another.

Then Ethan scores three coveted tickets to the elusive Nutcracker Ball, the party of all parties, and the three embark upon their last adventure.

This is not Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" or my all-time favorite Jimmy Stewart film, "It's a Wonderful Life."  This is total escapism centering around three long-time friends who are trying to figure out the next grown-up step in life. 

It's a coming of age movie. The jokes are a bit vile, but there's irony and scenes that we can all laugh at and relate to. 

Rogen's uncomfortable physical attributes in acting actually augment his comedic performance. With few real lines, Rogen is truly funny. 

Mackie steals the show and his timing seems well-suited to comedy. 

Gordon-Levitt is the sweet guy needing a second chance in life. You just want to squeeze his cheek.

A surprise appearance by a Chicagoan as a pot-dealing high school teacher is characteristically eerie and funny.  

"The Night Before" is not for everyone and is most definitely not a family feel-good type of holiday movie.  It's geared toward the 20 to 30 crowd and those who can find the humor in raunchy topics. 

If you can handle the truth, or at least a little light-hearted holiday humor, you'll get a kick out of this movie.  

(Be aware that there is sex, nudity (on a cell phone), raunchiness, strong language and drug usage that may be offensive and inappropriate.)

2 1/2 Stars (The highest rating I’ve ever given to a Seth Rogen film!)