With such a talented cast, how could "Grown Ups" not be a fantastic movie?
The film focuses on a group of friends played by Adam Sandler, Kevin James, David Spade, Chris Rock and Rob Schneider. The group, former basketball champions, is reunited after the death of its beloved coach.
The well-off Lenny (Sandler) rents a cabin for the crew and their families for the weekend, which is where the movie really begins.
The film explores where each of the men is in his life.
Lenny's wife and children are overtly obsessed with the materialistic things in life. Kurt (Rock) deals with an unappreciative wife and condescending mother in-law. Rob (Schneider) is married to someone probably old enough to be his mother, but they are madly in love. Eric (James) is just busy trying to impress others, and Marcus (Spade) is single and seems to feel left out of this family-oriented environment.
The characters start questioning what their coach would have thought of the lives they live.
At the party after the group won the high school championship, the coach told them when the "buzzer of life" goes off, he wanted them to be able to look back on their lives with no regrets.
While this movie does have a serious underlying theme (that family should come first and to enjoy the time you spend with each other), it still meets all expectations of a Happy Madison film. There are great jokes and numerous funny moments, and it is impossible to leave the theater without a smile on your face.
Some of the acting is a little forced, as Selma Hayek, among others in the film, lacks the comedic timing of her cast mates. Many scenes are over-the-top ridiculous, to the point where they are so absurd they're funny.
This is one of those nonsense films you go see just to have a good time. If you're looking for romance, action or any real depth, this isn't the movie for you.
While "Grown Ups" isn't as memorable as, say, "The Wedding Singer," it will have you laughing out loud throughout the movie.
It is advised not to have high expectations, as the hype for this movie suggests more than it really is. If you watch it without preconceived notions, you are sure to have a great time.
One of the many great things about "Grown Ups" is that it's a movie younger people can enjoy.
However, it needs to be made clear it is not appropriate for young viewers(it is definitely PG-13 for a reason). Parents should be advised not to bring young children, as it calls attention to the reality of myths told to them. While the movie isn't graphic, the movie rating is spot on.
According to www.imbd.com, it was rated PG-13 for suggestive language, references and male rear nudity (though you only see Spade's tush for a brief moment).
Teenagers and adults alike are sure to find this movie hilarious - or if nothing else, at least get a few laughs!
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
