A boom with little bang
Kevin James continues to be likeable in films that aim only to crowd please, but his latest is so unoriginal and clichéd it practically sinks under its own weight. Still, the portly pratfall king’s supporting cast is better than usual—especially Bas Rutten as an MMA trainer and Henry Winkler as an inspiring music teacher. The “Mr. Holland’s Opus” meets “Rocky II’ story will satisfy some who long for innocuous content, even those who know James deserves better material. Rated PG for simulated violence, some rude humor and language.
Grade: C
Bruce Bennett Short Bio
Bruce Bennett has been the primary contributor to Mad About Movies since it began in 2003. He is an award winning film and theater critic who, since 2000, has been writing a weekly column in The Spectrum daily newspaper in southern Utah as well as serving as a contributing editor of “The Independent,” a monthly entertainment magazine. He is also the co-host of “Film Fanatics” a movie review show which earned a Telly in 2009. Bruce is also a featured contributor at: RottenTomatoes.com
His motto: "I see bad movies so you don't have to."