When this
movie came out, in 2002, I thought it was the cat’s meow. At the time I was a callow youth of 68. Now,
at nearly 89, have I turned into a sour grouch?
Maybe. Anyway, it didn’t amuse me
nearly so much the second time around.
The theme here
seems to be adolescent angst, the inanity of Southern California beach culture,
and, of course, young love. The star is
Colin Hanks, Tom’s son, who is perfectly adequate. Sharing the spotlight is Jack Black, usually
one of the funniest guys around. He
generates a few chuckles, but is far off his best, in my estimation. A host of Hollywood A-listers make brief and
for the most part effective appearances – Lily Tomlin, John Lithgow, Harold
Ramis, Chevy Chase, and even Kevin Kline
(not listed under cast, for some reason).
They help, but do not rescue, the movie.
I guess I
just was disappointed that this film generated so few honest belly laughs. Excessive use of Black, usually high, running
around in his underwear, just didn’t do it for me. And, besides, I know I’m right – the critics
mostly liked it, and you know they’re usually wrong!
By the way,
the heroine in this movie, playing Hank’s loving, longsuffering girlfriend, is named Schuyler Fisk. She is Sissy Spacek’s daughter. C+
Hi Myrl, this is one movie that didn't see but maybe I'll check it out on Netflix. You're often in my thoughts and as always I hope you're doing well. Nora
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