The new film “The D Train” has absolutely nothing to do with the NYC subway line. It is in fact, a comedy and it stars Jack Black and James Marsden.

Black plays Dan Landsman, who's the self-appointed chairman of his Pittsburgh high school reunion committee. Although he does have an understanding and patient wife, played by Kathryn Hahn, as well as a loving son, Dan is an unhappy loser with no friends who turns most people off with his obnoxious personality.

Dan longs to be popular, something he never experienced his entire life. One night he discovers a Banana Boat TV commercial starring the most popular kid from his high school days, Olivier Lawless, played by James Marsden.

A light bulb goes off in Dan's head and he hatches a scheme to make the reunion a success.

He deceives his clueless boss, played nicely by Jeffrey Tambor, by telling him he has a potential client in L.A. He high tails it out to Hollywood to try to reel in Lawless.  

It turns out Laweless' career isn't as wonderful as Dan thinks it is. In fact, he's a struggling, almost broke actor. However, Lawless, to fuel his own ego, lets Dan keep on believing that he is a big star. Dan idolizes his hero, will do anything Lawless says, and this unlikely duo wind up partying hard for several days in la la land. When Dan returns to Pittsburgh, he is a very changed man.

To tell you any more would spoil the fun.  So let’s just say that it's a very clever script by co-writers Andrew Mogel and Jarrad Paul, who also serve as first time directors. It is a very offbeat, interesting and unique spin on the buddy bromance comedy genre. The whole thing is played out to wonderfully absurd lengths by Jack Black, who seems tailor made for the role. In addition, Marsden, as the cool guy who peaked in 11th grade, is letter perfect turning in one of his finest performances.

Overall, “The D Train” is a wacky, welcome and very funny surprise.

Neil Rosen’s Big Apple Rating:

Three and a Half Apples