Kingslaay
The Benchwarmers is definitely worth a watch if you are interested in some light heated fun. An unlikely trio led by Rob Schneider put a baseball team together and challenge the local bullies. David Spade does a great comedic role as one of the incompetent team mates. The humor effortlessly flows and the film doesn't try too hard to be funny. The look and situations of the characters are a riot. The scene where Spade and Schneider were hitting mailboxes with a bat at the back of a car was easily one of the funniest scenes in the film. Physical and silly comedy when done well is a treat to watch.Despite its humor it also touched on the serious topic of bullying and how its sadly prevalent. It was nice to see the bullies put in their place in the end. It's an enjoyable experience where you don't have to think too much when watching it and enjoy a good laugh.
tylermarietatro
When watching a movie that revolves around a sport, you typically need to have a full understanding of that specific sport to even consider watching the movie. Normally, you are required to have some historical background knowledge of the sport to catch on to references and remain interested without getting lost or confused. Most importantly, you need to have an interest and respect for the sport to even enjoy the movie. The baseball movie "Benchwarmers" does an incredible job overcoming all of these obstacles through humor, making it extremely successful and enjoyable for a range of viewers, from baseball fans to people that don't know a single thing about baseball. Although the main event that takes place in this movie is obviously baseball, the plot isn't your typical "the team you're supposed to cheer for barely takes home the gold after a close, almost game-costing play." The message is surprisingly focused on the effects of bullying, valuing fun vs. winning, and a compromise between bullies and the victim. But wait! I know what you're thinking. Before you get carried away assuming that this movie is just another lesson on bullying, mean jocks vs. weird nerds, you have to know that it is a comedy with all intentions of a humorous experience instead of directly reflecting the anti-bullying videos you were forced to watch in middle school. Gus, Richie, and Clark compete against the baseball team full of terribly mean jocks to prove that everyone should be able to play baseball. The three nerds become great role models to younger kids until the truth about Gus's past is revealed. The never-ending humor in "Benchwarmers" keeps you entertained and holds your attention by catching you off- guard and making you wonder what's going to make you laugh next. This movie is filled with hilarious and catchy one-liners that you'll laugh at every time and continue to quote for weeks. Another aspect that adds to the humor within the movie is the type of characters and their interactions and relationships with each other, along with the respectable acting. The main characters are known as the uncool, age 20-30, losers that never had a shot with girls, sports, or even a social life. Their acting consists of immaturity, isolation, lack of communication skills, and the way they are treated by others definitely creates a strong base for humor, where the rest builds off of. However, the one true main character, Gus, who is what you would call "normal," struggles with an inner-conflict of guilt from his past. This conflict influences his family, his image as a role model, and finally brings on a twist to the movie. This twist completely ties the plot together and clearly wraps up the message you're supposed to take away from the whole experience. Despite all of the genius and wonderful factors to making this movie as enjoyable as it is, there are a few flaws. At times it can be quite vulgar in terms of language, vomiting, and sexual references. Of course all of these factors are meant to be humorous, but they may step on some toes and cross the line for some viewers. However, if you enjoy the humor in "Billy Madison" or "Happy Gilmore" then "Benchwarmers" is perfect for you. Ultimately, the movie is still funny, the value you develop for each character still remains, and your attention and entertainment still come first. A movie that can be enjoyed by a variety of audiences is guaranteed success. Half of the characters in this movie don't even know how to properly swing a bat, allowing connection for non-baseball fans while granting intense humor for viewers that are baseball fans. Targeting a more diverse audience and effectively creating room for this connection through humor definitely separates this movie from your typical sports film, while earning success by doing so.
Python Hyena
The Benchwarmers (2006): Dir: Dennis Dugan / Cast: Rob Schneider, David Spade, Jon Heder, Jon Lovitz, Nick Swardson: Lame comedy about those who have taken the backseat to the success of others. Rob Schneider, David Spade and Jon Heder form a baseball team to face those who have succeeded or sabotaged the opportunity for others. This story is getting older than time itself. We know the drill and so does director Dennis Dugan who, despite improving his ability, still makes terrible films. His resume includes such embarrassments as Problem Child and Happy Gilmore. He seems caught between an emotional theme and harsh humour and only really skilled directors can pull both off well. Here we are suppose to care but we will care more when the credits roll. Schneider actually tries to play it serious and seriously fails because he is unsympathetic. Spade works at a video store where his co-workers wonder who he is. Heder basically plays Napoleon Dynamite delivering the paper. Jon Lovitz plays a billionaire whose home should appeal more but even it doesn't take away from the fact that the film looks cheap. Nick Swardson plays yet another idiot. To stand out his character dines on sunscreen. Its theme of bullying takes a backseat to total idiocy and bathroom humour. Dugan made a lasting impression making a film that should have been benched long before production. Score: 2 / 10
Alfie Pickering
This film is a bit like a cake, it's a bit too sweet but it has the delicious jam filling inside.the Benchwarmers isn't really a film to watch causally, more of a film to watch with your older kids. The film isn't brilliant but it's a good comedy and the acting holds up throughout, even though some of the jokes are stale and cheesy and some may not get it's sense of humour.It was made by Happy Madison productions which is run by Adam Sandler, one of the best comedy actors in the last decade of film, but the Benchwarmers is no where near as good as some of Sandlers previous titles. (AKA: The master of disguise, Joe dirt or Grandmas boy.)This film isn't really a must see for anyone, but if you want a comedy with a good plot and some neat acting you should at least rent it.(I watched the DVD version)
