I don’t really have much to say about this film. It’s just ok. When the dust clears you as a viewer will decided if you liked it or not, but with a master cast of comedic vets and masters of improvisation, one would think this film would have been a slam-dunk. In my eyes a lot of the writing and visuals were simply just there, nothing we haven’t seen before and considering there were a few funny scenes, it came off like too much of a flat-line. Although the purpose behind the film’s main objective pertains towards humanity and its unique ways of interacting with one another when the unexpected erupts, it also encompasses a realm which perfectly defines that moment in life we all have when we gather with family or friends we only tend to see once a year and wish to keep it as such.
“Grown Ups” delivers the death of a childhood basketball coach which leads to a reunion for some old friends, who gather at the site of a championship celebration from years ago. Picking up right where they left off, the buddies, with their wives and children, discover why age does not necessarily equal maturity. Challenged with primary and secondary issues, the long holiday weekend set out to pay respects, turns out to become a memorable one as many unexpected series of events occur.
Visually, the film is pretty nice. Nature ruled up in Massachusetts where the film was shot. Other than that, its simply half of Hollywood’s egos strolling around, cracking jokes and simply going through the motions while big paychecks in mind. I can’t say much for the acting as I doubt much was needed, but the few funny jokes or scenes overwrote the mediocrity this film turned out become. I say what with much reluctantly as I truly admire and enjoy ALL of their individual work – as a team though; personally it came off like they were trying to compete with “The Hangover.” It’s obvious during guy talk and raising stakes as one “funny” issue leads to another. That leads to the next question: Will it make money? Of course it will. Will it make “Hangover” money? Don’t think so. We all know Kevin James and Adam Sandlar are no strangers to Box-Office success, but deep within their work history, for some reason their pieces are layered with better crafting on all ends. I guess it remains to be seen.
Overall, would I recommend it? Nah – I say wait till DVD. It doesn’t completely suck, however; America’s economy isn’t all that well and current GDP reports state we’re still financially fucked, so spend at your own risk.
The film also stars Collin Quinn and also peppered with some kiddy humor as all their bratty kids are running around doing their thing.
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GRADE: C
GENRE: Comedy
ROARS: 3 Out of 5
Rated: PG-13 / Run Time: 1 Hr. 30 Min.
Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Rob Schneider, Salma Hayek, Maria Bello, Maya Rudolph
Director: Dennis Dugan