Adam Sandler. Chris Rock. Kevin James. David Spade. Sounds like a comedy dream team doesn’t it? That’s what Columbia Pictures is hoping for, with their new movie Grown Ups, set to hit theaters in June of 2010.
Unfortunately, with Adam Sandler’s recent track record (You Don’t Mess With The Zohan (2008), Funny People (2009)), it’s not the dream team it once was. Plus, what the heck have Chris Rock and David Spade done lately? Toss in ever-present Sandler henchman – and totally unfunny guy since his “SNL” days – Rob Schneider, and this dream team is starting to lose some of of it’s appeal.
Still, Kevin James has shown he can be hilarious when paired up with the right comedy partner (Hitch (2005)) and there is enough comedy history with Rock, Spade and Sandler to overcome any recent absences – or the presence of Rob Schneider (whose presence is being wisely downplayed by the studio, since he’s not given a speaking role even once in the trailer, despite his main character status) – for people to check this one out anyway.
But will it be worth it? That’s iffy. From the preview, it looks to be all about inane comedy – and James doing his usual comedy pratfalls – rather than anything the viewer will be able to sink their teeth into. True, it will probably be good for a few laughs, but will it be the comedy hit that Columbia Pictures is hoping for? Well, with the success of such silly comedies recently as Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009), chances are good a film with so many comedy stars is going to nab a good chunk of the box office.
Will I see this one in theaters? Probably not. Unless another trailer comes along that can entice me with more than silly age jokes and Kevin James falling down a hillside, I feel confident I’m not going to miss anything if I wait for Grown Ups to hit DVD before seeing it.
Popularity: 2%
Socialize!