The Waterboy (1999) / Comedy-Drama

MPAA Rated: PG-13 for language and some crude sexual humor
Running Time: 90 min.

Cast: Adam Sandler, Kathy Bates, Henry Winkler, Fairuza Balk, Jerry Reed
Director: Frank Coraci
Screenplay: Tim Herlihy, Adam Sandler
Review published May 15, 1999

A 31-year-old waterboy (Sandler, The Wedding Singer) is continuously ridiculed by the college football team and is ultimately fired by his coach (Reed, Smokey and the Bandit 3) when he acts out. He gets a new job for another coach (Winkler, Scream) who sees the untapped talent in his fits of rage and promptly tries him out as a linebacker for his team to amazing results. The bad part is, his devoutly religious mother (Bates, The Late Shift) sees football as evil and doesn't ever want her Bobby leaving her all alone.

The duo of Sandler and director Coraci (Around the World in 80 Days, Click) are back with more hit-and-miss antics. This time it's a little more hit than miss as the movie is still lots of fun even if the comedy is a bit on the low-brow side.

What makes the film work is the good supporting cast, and a "we'll do-anything-to-entertain-you" attitude that is infectious and will win you over by the end. It's definitely not without it's share of awful moments, especially a horrible recurring cameo appearance by Rob Schneider (Down Periscope) .

You'll probably have to shut off your brain to enjoy this one, but if you're in the mood for mindless fun, this isn't a bad choice.

Qwipster's rating:

©1999 Vince Leo