How would you feel if you swapped lives and bodies with your best friend? Wait— don’t answer that. Just go watch The Change Up (2011), directed by David Dobkin, this weekend. But don’t go unless you are prepared to laugh out loud.

The well-conceived, witty script, written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore (The Hangover (2009), The Hangover Part II (2011) and Four Christmases (2008)), fuels the comedy. Lucas and Moore have a knack, as they say, for expressing the “funny” in friendship and real life.

But, as talented as they are, if it wasn’t for the film’s two stars—Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman—the film wouldn’t have been as hilarious. They’re comedic pros.

Reynolds plays Bateman’s best friend, Mitch Planko, an immature, unemployed cavalier bachelor and aspiring actor. The role gives Reynolds free reign to be absurd, and his performance exceeds those in comedies such as Just Friends (2005) and Chaos Theory (2008).

Bateman is equally hilarious. He plays Dave Lockwood, an uptight and dedicated lawyer, husband and father.

“Both actors, in addition, excel at embodying the personas of the two contrasting characters. They play the “straight” character equally as well as the “comedic” character.

Other positives: The talented cast also includes Leslie Mann as Dave’s emotionally stricken wife, Olivia Wilde as his sexy secretary and Alan Arkin as Mitch’s father.

Moreover, there’s sufficient character depth and development. Unlike other comedies such as Horrible Bosses (2011), the characters are given background. The film emphasizes that Dave and Mitch were good friends through college, but gradually drifted apart.

The soundtrack, which is usually overlooked, was also of note. John Debney (Iron Man 2, (2010) and The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)) gave the musical cues. The film’s soundtrack includes music by Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,” Coldplay‘s “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall,” The Beastie Boys’ “Brass Monkey,” and Cake’s “Short Skirt/Long Jacket.” Overall, the soundtrack captured the film’s theme.

Is The Change Up uniquely original? No, it isn’t. Nevertheless, its script, acting and outright absurdity gives this film a strong dose of verve. As I said before, if you decide to go this weekend, be prepared to laugh. I give this flick four out of five stars.