Eu os Declaro Marido... e Larry

Dugan's 'I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry' starts off like a typical Adam Sandler comedy with the usual lame jokes, but things take off when Kevin James steps in. Parts of the film do remind one of 'Three To Tango' but it has its own jokes and is quite an enjoyable comedic flick. It rests on a thin plot that is lifted by the chemistry between the actors. James and Sandler are supported by a hilarious cast, which includes Ving Rhames (like you've never seen before), Steve Buscemi, Dan Akroyd and Rob Scheider, that provides some excellent comic relief. Jessica Biel has never looked better (what a body!). Child actor Cole Morgen is remarkably talented. And of course Kevin James and Adam Sandler are great. While the film is full of fun and laugh-out-loud moments, fortunately it's not offensive in any way, considering the theme. It's quite pro-gay. Overall, this is a fun film. If one is in search of something light and some laughter, 'I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry' is a recommendation.

WARNING: I don't know how this film eventually received the PG-13 rating, as there is quite a bit of sexual humor, adult language and male nudity. While for an adult audience this is okay, don't mistakenly think this is a kids movie.

I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK & LARRY is a decent time-passer but not a whole lot more. I think most of the problem is that the film makers could have either played the film straight (so to speak) and tried to make it profound or they could have simply played it for laughs. BUT, trying to do both at the same time (like this movie did) tended to lessen the social commentary as well as take away from what could have been a much funnier film. In other words, playing this middle ground, in hindsight, probably wasn't the best idea. As a result, when the film tried to be serious and make gay-positive assertions, it came off as forced and half-hearted.

Considering that the film came out two years ago by the time I wrote this review and by now there are a bazillion reviews already, I won't summarize the film's plot. Instead, let's focus on what I liked. Sandler and James were both very good in the leads--I have no complaints there other than they tried way too hard to make Sandler some sort of stud. If he were NOT a movie star, there is no way he'd be able to get the girls he got in the film (especially pretty and very young Jessica Biel). Some of the supporting actors were very good. I liked Ving Rhames, Dan Aykroyd, the amazing dancing kid and that crazy dancing hobo. However, a few of the supporting actors sucked. Steve Buscemi's character was a caricature with no depth whatsoever as were all the non-gay positive characters--they were one-dimensional and were more like stereotypes than people. Also, how in the heck did Rob Schneider get away with such an awful and offensive performance?! Having him play a Japanese man (badly) hearkens to the days of Sidney Toler and Warner Oland (both Westerners) playing 'Charlie Chan'. I thought those days of having non-Asians play Asians (very broadly) were over--one of the positive aspects of political correctness. Now it is a little-known fact that Schneider's mother is a Filipino, but he still doesn't look the least bit Japanese and his character was MORE over the top than Peter Lorre's 'Mr. Moto'--and was a lot like Brando's impersonation of a Japanese man in TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON or Mickey Rooney's in BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S (ugghh!!). With Schneider's Moe Howard-like wig, thick classes and buck teeth, he simply is a walking stereotype.

Overall, it's a decent time-passer you can watch if you have Showtime. Otherwise, it's very easy to just skip this one.

This is a film where Adam Sandler literally tries too hard to act manly and cool. This is a very stereotypical movie with a lot of gay jokes thrown in, and has some sexist images of women. Charles "Chuck" Levine (Sandler) and Lawrence "Larry" Valentine (James) are veteran FDNY fire fighters. And during there routine Chuck almost gets killed and Larry saves his life. Soon Larry realizes he has difficulties naming his children as primary beneficiaries in his life insurance due to the death of his wife. So in order to get his benefit he needs to get married. Larry asks Chuck to enter a pretend marriage with him after Larry read a article about domestic partnerships. Chuck declines at first, but is reminded of his debt to Larry so he agrees. The main highlight of this film is when Alex McDonough(Jessica Biel) is thrown into the mix, who play Chuck and Larry's lawyer. I however disliked Adam Sandler in this movie, he just tries way too hard to prove he isn't gay in this film to point it gets a bit annoying and he is like banging every girl that crosses his path in this one, yeah firemen get girls but c'mon. At times it had it's moments and had some funny jokes but it really drags and don't know how to quit. I think it would have been awesome if Chuck and Larry eventually found out they are gay for each other cause Chuck is a sleazy gay character, but I doubt Adam Sandler would do it since he has such a high image of himself which I realized after I finished watching this movie. Basically the film is about Adam Sandler trying really hard to look manly, while there is a bunch of stereotypical gay jokes thrown in. Jessica Biel was really hot and attractive in this and is the main highlight of this film and finds herself in many situations in her underwear. Which is the main point, but her assets is a nice touch, so I can't complain.

5.5/10

... this movie is firmly lodge.

I laughed out loud on more than one occasion. There are a few amusing cameos (my favorite being Dave Matthews as a flamboyant personal shopper). But I think the overall joke hit to miss ratio is probably something like 1 in 10. Sandler and James are just fine in their roles, but they didn't have much to work with. The story doesn't really work- way too many holes, even for a comedy. I think the movie just loses it's touch by going back and forth between overly general, unflattering depictions of homosexuals and sloppy attempts to make Chuck and Larry folk heroes to the gay community. All if it is done in such a way that none of it is believable. The movie is never quite as funny as it should be, and nowhere near as touching as it's desperately trying to be.

OK it is full of stereotypes, yes the movie does old jokes, it is fairly predictable and we have seen it before. The crucial question is this – is it funny? The simple answer is yes. My wife wasn't enthused about this one, but she laughed heartily. For a comedy to be any good you need to laugh out loud at least 6 times. I think I laughed about 10-12 times. Some of the scenes were set up really well and the comedy acting was superb.

OK the plot is unbelievable and a little silly, but it's a comedy! Give it a go. If you love meet the parents, dumb and dumber, there is something about Mary and Kingpin, you will enjoy the show. If you have a cinematic bypass and love politically correct left-wing tripe – then this one isn't for you. Its as simple as that!