The week of movies continues as today's flick was I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. I've typically found Sandler's films funny and I'll always be on the record for saying that The King of Queens was one of the most underrated sitcoms of all time. Unfortunately their talents are put to waste in this very uneven comedy.
The film is not without its laughs, but that was to be expected given the two leads and the usual crew found in Sandler's movies (Rob Schneider, Steve Buscemi, Nick Swardson). However, Chuck and Larry's primary problem is in it's story. The premise is sound enough, but the filmmakers had no idea what to do with it. It appears that they want to get across of message of tolerance, but they can't help but do anti-gay jokes themselves. It's like they want to have their fudge and pack it too (Too crass?).
From the start, you can pretty much see how everything is going to turn out. 1. Chuck and Larry pretend to be gay. 2. Hilarity ensues with said fake relationship. 3. Side characters are introduce who belive fake relationship is real. 4. Fake relationship is exposed and those duped are offended. 5. Liars are quickly forgiven and learn their lesson. I'm sorry if that spoils the film for anyone, but if it did, you obviously have never seen a movie before in your life.
While the film's story doesn't reinvent the wheel, the problems go beyond its predictability. Here are some of the bigger ones: 1) The ancillary characters who gay bash Chuck and Larry in order for the tolerance theme to be developed do it in such overt and eye-rolling ways that you can't sympathize with main characters. What the gay bashers say isn't hurtful, it's laughable. 2)The film takes way too long in getting to climax where Chuck and Larry stand trial for a fraudulent partnership. They do such a lousy job pretending they're in a real relationship, yet it takes forever for anyone to figure it out. 3) The conduct of Chuck and Larry's lawyer, played by Jessica Biel, is completely unprofessional and unrealistic. There is no way that a lawyer would socialize that much with a client.
Now while the character is unrealistic, the addition of Jessica Biel to the film is quiet welcome. Especially when there are scenes requiring her to be in her underwear or a sexy catwoman costume. However, I must say that those scenes are only enough to negate the scenes involving a naked Ving Rhames (who needs to see that?) and not enough to make the film must-see.
The only character that works in the film is Kevin James as Larry. The backstory involving his dead wife and his failure to move on is touching. Seeing him struggle as a single dad, desperate to have his kids receive the appropriate benefits in case he dies as well makes you want to see him pull off this charade, no matter how ridiculous it is. It's just a shame that that heartwarming aspect of the film is buried under the crass and juvenile antics of the other characters.
In better hands, this story might have worked. But there was no chance of that happening by the guys who created Billy Madison. Even hardcore Sandler fans will have tough time really enjoying this one I believe. There's no need to still catch this in the theaters and only if you're desperate should you rent this when it comes out on DVD. Grade: C
1 comment:
That's too bad. I've seen nothing much from Sandler in the past few years. I don't, however, have any suggestions for him. Hell, if I was making so much freaking money, then I may not give a flip either.
I'll be skipping this on DVD. It seems too silly. I need reality to my comedy.
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