THE BENCHWARMERS

by Jane Louise Boursaw

This movie is for all the nerdy kids who never got picked for sports in school. It tells the story of three athletically-challenged guys – Rob Schneider, David Spade and Napoleon Dynamite's Jon Heder (Sweet!) -- who try to make up for their childhoods by forming a three-man baseball team called the Benchwarmers. But rather than compete against guys their own age, they battle grade-schoolers on the ball field.

As the trio continues through the ranks towards a high-stakes game with the best kids in the state, they develop a following of left-out kids who realize that maybe winning isn't everything. Craig Kilborn plays the coach of the rival team, and Jon Lovitz is the Benchwarmers' wealthy benefactor.

THE WRAP-UP: This movie is totally disgusting on so many levels. Jokes revolve around just about every kind of body fluid known to man, which, of course, delighted the two 12-year-old boys I saw this movie with (my son and his friend). I winced during a few scenes involving nose-picking, gas-passing, and poop references, but I have to admit, I DID laugh out loud a few times. Jon Heder pretty much plays the same character he did in Napoleon Dynamite, but that's ok because he's so good at it. I'd like to see him branch out sometime soon, though.

SCORE: 2 out of 4 Reels.

Jane's Reel Rating System:
One Reel: Pathetic. Even The Force can’t save it.
Two Reels: Tolerable. Coulda been a contender.
Three Reels: Thought-provoking. Something to talk about.
Four Reels: Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

E-chat with me at jane@reellifewithjane.com - I LOVE to talk about movies!

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