Synopsis: A group of old friends reunite with their families.
Release Date: June 25, 2010 MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre(s): Comedy,
Film Review
Production
As a true comedy, this movie has failed. As a showcase for discovering what matters most in terms of family and friendships, it achieves an average grade. Sitting back and watching the very large cast of characters meander through a weekend in the country reminiscing over their childhood experiences is not all together painful. At times, it is quite enjoyable. This is a softer and more grown up, no pun intended, version of the Sandler-Rock-Spade-James-Schneider type of film. No longer are these men playing at being boys but instead they are learning how to raise their own children. That there paves the way for an abundance of opportunities of pure hilarity. The movie never makes it that far though; leaving the viewer appeased with what they have been given but saddened at how so much promise has been wasted.
Comedy Factor
With the amount of comedic talent in this movie you have to expect it to be hilarious. Which only makes it all the more disappointing that it is rarely remotely funny. The fact that the group of male characters have not seen each other in years would promote a level of awkwardness. A breaking in period is allowable. But they never do find their stride as a comedic ensemble. While most of the humor stems from playing off their individual insecurities, even these jokes lack the level of humor one expects. You can only poke fun at someones height, their decision to play homemaker instead of breadwinner, or unconventional child rearing methods for so long before a stale aftertaste sets in. I do not mean to construe that nothing in the film is funny. Much of the physical comedy will give you the occasional chuckle. As an overall comedy it simply does not have enough humor to commend, or enough stand out scenes to make us want to keep watching.
Cast and Crew
- Director(s): Dennis Dugan
- Producer(s): Adam SandlerFred Wolf
- Screenwriter(s): Adam Sandler (Lenny)Kevin James (Eric)Chris (Kurt)
- Story: David Spade (Marcus)
- Cast: Rob Schneider (Rob)Salma Hayek Pinault (Roxanne)Maria Bello (Sally) Maya Rudolph (Deanne)Joyce Van Patten (Gloria)Tom CostainTheo van de SandePerry Andelin Blake
- Editor(s):
- Cinematographer: Rupert Gregson-Williams
- Production Designer(s):
- Costume Designer:
- Casting Director(s):
- Music Score:
- Music Performed By:
- Country Of Origin: USA
