DeniReview: Grown Ups
June 30th 2010 03:57
Category: Comedy
Rating ** 1/2 out of 5 (2.5/5)
It's sometimes a dirty job but someone has to do it - and I did it. I'm glad I did it because I actually liked it.
Last night I decided to watch Grown Ups. My brain turns to mush at about 10pm every night so I wasn't expecting much to penetrate the cranium but then something strange happened - I started laughing and then I laughed some more. I'm a huge snob when it comes to humor - when it's overly contrived and forced, I can smell it a mile away and there are moments of those in this movie but overall it was very laid back and quite enjoyable.
The plot is simple. Five best friends from Junior High, Lenny
(Adam Sandler), Eric "Babbay" (Kevin James), Kurt (Chris Rock), Marcus "Dickie" (David Spade), and Robert "Rob" (Rob Schneider), reunite to attend the funeral of their old basketball coach - and eventually decide to spend Independence Day weekend together with their families, at the same Cabin they stayed at after winning the basketball championship 30 years ago.
Just when I expected this movie to be filled with juvenile pratfalls, potty jokes, and silly one-liners because of the simplicity of the plot and the trailer seemed to focus on just that, I was taken back by how earthy and in-touch it actually was. There's not much drama or conflict, it's simply 5 old friends getting together and talking about life and rekindling the magical bond of friendship that formed 30 years prior. I would expect this movie recreates what actually happens when people come together after long absences. The years
spent apart disappear and suddenly you have your friends back and there doesn't necessarily have to be drama, just the differences of how much their lives have taken different turns can be enough to make it interesting.
And there are some moments that hit home, especially with Lenny, who's now a big time Hollywood Agent. He notices how different his childhood was from that of his children who are born into privilege - who stay inside playing xBox. His sons texts the nanny for their cappuccino. They don't know what it really means to be a kid, to go outside and build a tree fort or skip rocks in the lake or play basketball.
Now there were some silly moments but it wasn't overly convoluted with them and, coincidentally the rival basketball team just happens to show up with their families at the Independence Day BBQ and Steve Buscemi makes a comical reappearance as the annoying agitator who eggs on a rematch.
The biggest problem was that the movie was over-cast with talented actors that didn't get much air time, like Chris Rock, Maria Bello, and Maya Rudolph. I have been a fan of Kevin James since The King Of Queens so it's always a treat for me to see him. But what makes this movie work is that the lead actors all seem like old friends, which they are in real life, coming together again, the chemistry is very pleasant to watch.
Overall it wasn't the greatest but it wasn't horrific and I probably wouldn't pay $10 bucks to see it at the theater but it was fun and Rob Schneider wasn't annoying in this one. So, if you happen to catch this one on cable on a day when there's just not a lot of options, it wouldn't be a complete waste of time.
Last night I decided to watch Grown Ups. My brain turns to mush at about 10pm every night so I wasn't expecting much to penetrate the cranium but then something strange happened - I started laughing and then I laughed some more. I'm a huge snob when it comes to humor - when it's overly contrived and forced, I can smell it a mile away and there are moments of those in this movie but overall it was very laid back and quite enjoyable.
The plot is simple. Five best friends from Junior High, Lenny
Just when I expected this movie to be filled with juvenile pratfalls, potty jokes, and silly one-liners because of the simplicity of the plot and the trailer seemed to focus on just that, I was taken back by how earthy and in-touch it actually was. There's not much drama or conflict, it's simply 5 old friends getting together and talking about life and rekindling the magical bond of friendship that formed 30 years prior. I would expect this movie recreates what actually happens when people come together after long absences. The years
And there are some moments that hit home, especially with Lenny, who's now a big time Hollywood Agent. He notices how different his childhood was from that of his children who are born into privilege - who stay inside playing xBox. His sons texts the nanny for their cappuccino. They don't know what it really means to be a kid, to go outside and build a tree fort or skip rocks in the lake or play basketball.
Now there were some silly moments but it wasn't overly convoluted with them and, coincidentally the rival basketball team just happens to show up with their families at the Independence Day BBQ and Steve Buscemi makes a comical reappearance as the annoying agitator who eggs on a rematch.
The biggest problem was that the movie was over-cast with talented actors that didn't get much air time, like Chris Rock, Maria Bello, and Maya Rudolph. I have been a fan of Kevin James since The King Of Queens so it's always a treat for me to see him. But what makes this movie work is that the lead actors all seem like old friends, which they are in real life, coming together again, the chemistry is very pleasant to watch.
Overall it wasn't the greatest but it wasn't horrific and I probably wouldn't pay $10 bucks to see it at the theater but it was fun and Rob Schneider wasn't annoying in this one. So, if you happen to catch this one on cable on a day when there's just not a lot of options, it wouldn't be a complete waste of time.
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Comment by Deni
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
I thought it was going to be painful but it wasn't too bad. The trailer is actually misleading - trying to capitalize on the silly scenes in order to draw an audience - that just goes to show you how out of touch Hollywood is when trying to capture an audience.
Anyhow, when I watched it, it wasn't that bad. It was very pleasant.
Sometimes I'm in the mood for cheap laughs - and sometimes cheap laughs can work. I love Kevin James and I will admit he's the reason why I gave this one a shot.
Cheers and thanks for stopping by.
Deni
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness
It is funny - in the preview for your article on the home page of Orble the / between 1 and 2 is removed so it looks like you gave this 12 out of 5 - hahahahahahaha. I had to read it after seeing that but got what I expected when I read the full article, some critics in the US claim this is the worst comedy of all time.
I think I will wait until it is on free to air TV
Comment by Deni
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
I don't like Rob Schneider. I hate his movies! But in this movie he was really tame, I think it's because there are just too many characters to try and focus on.
I've learned in the U.S. to just pick one movie critic and stick with him. I only follow Roger Ebert. Ebert takes a movie for what it is and critiques it within those parameters - he has a bit more balance than the others. After I wrote my review, i read his and I think we were pretty much on the same page.
But yes, I wouldn't pay to see this one - so definitely use the money for something else, like a poster of Taylor Lautner without his shirt on.
Cheers and thanks for stopping by.
Deni
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness