June 22, 2008
The seedy underbelly of the carnival
Yesterday, at a family gathering, my 14-year-old cousin insisted I watch I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, a comedy starring Adam Sandler and Kevin James as unwed Brooklyn firefighters who pretend to be gay in order to receive domestic partner benefits. Now, for me, Adam Sandler ranks right alongside Jimmy Fallon and Seth Rogen in the category of intolerable celebrities, and if possible, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry is worse than you could ever imagine.
Major problems
- Sandler lies about being gay to get close to Jessica Biel's character. When she discovers he was lying, she gets mad but ultimately gets over it, and they date. Wouldn't it make your skin crawl if a guy did that to you?!
- Adam Sandler's character is this over-the-top ladies' man that women fall all over ... but he just looks (and acts) like Adam Sandler?
- When the entire gay community (who Sandler and James' characters have duped) finds out the two men were lying about their sexual orientation, they're still supportive.
- Steve Buscemi plays a detective investigating Sandler and James' union for the state of New York. Buscemi is supposed to be the bad guy, but, like, they are lying!
- James' young son in the movie is gay, and the portrayal is so stereotypical. A male who does splits and sings showtunes? Must be gay!
- Rob Schneider plays a ridiculous Japanese caricature that was just like "..."
I need to stop there. I have to admit, though, the courtroom scene was very touching and caused me to tear up and blurt out, "No one will ever love me like Chuck loves Larry!"
P.S. Imagine how excruciating a Rob Schneider movie marathon would be. Remember, his illustrious filmography includes thought-provokers like Big Daddy, The Animal, and Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo.