Grown Ups

Released June 25, 2010
Directed by Dennis Dugan
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Rob Schneider, Salma Hayek, Maria Bello

First viewing June 27, 2010
Jolly: 2.5/5 stars

Well, I wasn’t expecting much from this movie. With comedy greats Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider, the whole thing seemed like a self-indulgent improv routine. However, there was a message amidst the one-liners and shenanigans: in today’s fast-paced, digital society, where children communicate in texts and indulge in privileges without accomplishment, there is loss of simplicity and substance.

The premise of the movie is that the five principal characters, who were basketball champions in high school, reunite after their coach passes away. They lead separate lives, have varying degrees of success, but are forever united by their basketball glory days. The keystone of this group of friends is Lenny (Sandler), and he is the one who transforms this reunion into an opportunity to nurture the discovery and playful aspects of childhood in his children.

Of course, with all the boys together again they inevitably reenact some of their tomfoolery from childhood, including the highly enjoyable game of arrow roulette. What is this game you ask? Well, it is very basic in design yet yields hilarious and perilous results: An arrow is launched straight up among a gathering of friends, and the one who stays under the launch zone the longest wins. To increase the challenge, the arrow can be launched mid-day so that the trajectory gets lost in the sun’s rays. Let the slow-motion running away for your life hilarity commence!

Although addressed in an unconventional manner, there is truth to the desire to bring family and friends together and rediscover the enjoyable things in life, including the occasional arrow roulette.

Jolly Roger Movie Review does not endorse the practice of arrow roulette nor any other form of potentially fatal roulette game. Both Jolly and Roger are accomplished archers (and by accomplished we mean have hit a few bull’s-eyes over the years…still looking to win that silver arrow competition!) but have always used archery in the most safe and respectable manner. Any insinuation of endorsement for launching an arrow into the air to intentionally endanger the safety and well-being of others was unintended.