Brandon Routh & Brandon Routh are 'Out of Order' at DWF:LA - Review
Brandon Routh plays dueling lawyers in the madcap comedy, 'Out of Order' Screening tonight at DWF:LA.
Making its California premiere tonight at the Dances With Films: Los Angeles (DWF:LA) at the TCL Chinese Theatre, ‘Out of Order’ is a delightful legal farce that embraces the art of comic chaos with confidence, charm and impeccable timing.
Directed by Guy Jacobson and co-written with Megan Freels Johnston, the film follows John Slater, Esq. (Brandon Routh), an aspiring attorney whose life is stuck in neutral. After his glamorous girlfriend Lisa Black (Tao Okamoto) leaves him, John seizes an opportunity at a prestigious law firm in hopes of proving he’s capable of more. His plans are derailed when his longtime boss and mentor, Jerry Lipton (Michael Potts), asks him to stay on for one final case involving his niece, Sue (Krista Rodriguez), an eccentric inventor determined to take on pharmaceutical giant SuperGen.
Interview with Director Guy Jacobson for, ‘Out of Order.’
Unable to refuse his father figure who believes in him, John attempts to balance both jobs. The arrangement becomes impossible when he discovers the two firms are representing opposite sides of the same lawsuit. His solution is as ridiculous as it is inspired: create a new identity, “Jack,” and keep both employers in the dark.
What follows is a whirlwind of disguises, close calls and escalating misunderstandings as John finds himself advocating for Sue while simultaneously helping build the case against her. Along the way, an unexpected connection develops between John and Sue, giving the film a surprisingly sweet emotional center beneath the mayhem.
Routh is brilliantly funny throughout. Whether he’s scrambling to maintain his double life, improvising his way out of disaster or somehow generating laughs with nothing more than a banana in his pocket, he delivers a performance that is both energetic and effortlessly likable.
The ensemble fully commits to the madness. Routh reconnects with his, ‘Superman Returns’ co-star, Sam Huntington who steals their scenes as Paul’s sharp-tongued best friend and reluctant accomplice. Brooke Shields is always wonderful, this time as Daniella Osborne, the powerhouse attorney who unknowingly puts “Jack” on a collision course with himself. Asher Grodman has a field day as Pat Winter, SuperGen’s smug CEO, while America Olivo brings the laughs as Bianca, the HR executive first fooled by John’s alter ego. Luis Guzmán is especially memorable as Gustav, an eccentric inmate whose ability to see through John’s disguise makes him one of the film’s most unexpected wild cards. Jasmine Tookes rounds out the cast as Mia, Lisa’s skeptical best friend who never quite buys what John is selling.
Even the courtroom becomes part of the joke thanks to Judge Stevenson (Sandra Bernhard), whose strict demeanor and questionable eyesight create one more obstacle for John’s increasingly fragile deception.
What makes ‘Out of Order’ so enjoyable is its commitment to classic comedic stylings. The misunderstandings keep building, the stakes keep rising and every attempt to untangle the mess only makes it worse. Jacobson maintains a brisk pace while allowing the characters enough room to shine, creating a film that feels completely fresh...even with a banana is John’s pocket.
Already a festival favorite with multiple Best Feature awards, ‘Out of Order’ arrives at Dances With Films: Los Angeles as a genuine crowd-pleaser.
Anchored by a standout comedic turn from Brandon Routh and supported by a cast clearly enjoying every minute,‘Out of Order’ is a smart, silly and thoroughly entertaining reminder that sometimes the best way forward is complete disorder.
‘Out of Order’ shows tonight at DWF:LA at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
To purchase tickets for ‘Out of Order’ visit: https://danceswithfilms.com/2026-out-of-order/.
TCL Chinese Theatre is located at:
6925 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
4 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️