Seen on: June 22, 2010

The players: Director: Dennis Dugan, Writers: Fred Wolf, Adam Sandler, Cast: Adam Sandler, David Spade, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider, Kevin James

Facts of interest: Dugan also helmed "Happy Gilmore" and "Big Daddy."

The plot: Five friends reunite after they learn their high-school basketball coach passes away. They spend a weekend in a cabin to honor him.

Our thoughts: Dennis Dugan’s new comedy “Grown Ups” isn’t as disastrous as I initially expected, but the film starring Adam Sandler and his buddies fails to reach beyond the mediocrity that surrounds it. It’s a decently paced flick boasting an energetic cast and some so-so jokes, but what it really lacks is an interesting enough story. In truth, there’s not much of a story in this thing to begin with…

Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider play Lenny, Eric, Kurt, Marcus and Rob, five old friends who run into each other for the first time in a while at their former high-school basketball coach’s funeral. Next thing you know, the guys and their families are spending a weekend together to remember the good times and show their kids what it means to really have fun.

Essentially, “Grown Ups” spends most of its running time showing five buddies as they catch up. That’s pretty much it in terms of storyline. Sure, they also make a bunch of jokes and realize they still have what it takes to act like a group of happy children, but to be honest, I’d rather go out there and experience that myself instead of having to watch it on the big screen.

With a better story, this film would’ve been a lot better, because in terms of cast, it’s got a refreshing appeal that’s hard to ignore. Alas, none of the guys have solid enough material to work with, and very quickly, their conversations turn toward utter monotony. Some of their kidding around made me smile here and there, but all in all, the brainless humor just doesn’t stick. It’s a missed opportunity.

We get to see Kevin James slam into some trees, Rob Schneider lick his older wife’s tongue, a four-year-old kid sucking on Maria Bello’s breasts and a grandma spending most of her time farting. Other than that, we get to see these guys hit the waterpark, where they enjoy a good time with their kids and end up pissing in the pool. It’s not exactly first-class hilarious filmmaking material…

Sandler and co-writer Fred Wolf occasionally attempted to develop the characters and create some drama by revealing that their current lives aren’t perfect, but again, most of these efforts fail miserably. I don’t need a comedy like this one to tell me that the best thing to do in life is never to give up on the fun you’ve had or are having. We’ve been there, seen that way too many times now.

Despite the lack of witty dialogue, I admit Sandler and his gang feel very comfortable playing good buddies onscreen, so they do luckily come across as natural. They guy I enjoyed watching most was Steve Buscemi, who has a little cameo as a nerd struggling with bad luck. Also starring is Salma Hayek, but in my book, she was miscast. Everybody else does a satisfying job.

Freaky quote: "Um... you're fat." - David Spade

The final word: “Grown Ups” is undoubtedly better than Dugan’s “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan” or “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry,” but the film still suffers from poor writing and a lack of strong, refreshing humor. You’re better off grabbing your real friends and going on a weekend retreat instead of spending your time watching these guys have a blast on the screen.

Article by Franck Tabouring