During his tenure on “SNL,” Adam Sandler (one of my favorite actors growing up) created a character named, “Canteen Boy.” A boy scout who has an unconformable moment with a scoutmaster played by Alec Baldwin. The sketch gained controversy for its depiction pedophilia. Afterwards, A VHS tape labeled, “The Best of Adam Sandler” adds a disclaimer that Canteen Boy is a grown man. Anyway, after leaving SNL becoming a household name in carrying movies like “Billy Madison,” “Happy Gilmore” & “The Wedding Singer.” Canteen Boy inspired Adam to create a similar character. One in particular is one of Adam’s best works, “The Waterboy.”
Released in 1998, (same year The Thin Red Line came out) The Waterboy received negative reviews from critics including Roger Ebert who hated it. Despite bad reactions, movie goers liked it and made enough money at the box office. Adam’s most recent movie, “Murder Mystery 2” is streaming on Netflix. Mr. Sandler just got the “Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.” His upcoming movies are “Spaceman,” “Leo,” “The Out-Laws” & “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.” Before his aforementioned projects come out sometime in 2023 or a later year, I wanna share my thoughts on The Waterboy.
It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are listed. Some of us already seen most of Adam Sandler’s movies countless times.
Winner & Loser Aspects
Winner: Adam Sandler did a funny as heck job for his performance as the titular character. He also co-wrote the script with his business partner, Tim Herlihy.
Other Cast Members such as Henry Winkler, Fairuza Balk, Kathy Bates & Jerry Reed all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Adam’s pals, Peter Dante & Jonathan Loughran appear as players for the Mud Dogs.
Clint Howard appears as a hillbilly alongside Adam’s friend, Allen Covert.
Cinematography didn’t undergo any technical issues.
Bobby’s chemistry with Coach Klein, his mom and love interest, Vicki move the story forward.
Character Development involving Bobby. As the movie progresses, he learns to stand up for himself against bullies who tormented him since he was a kid.
Humor has some legit funny moments. My favorite joke is the Gatorade gag with Bobby pretending a few linebackers are Klein claiming water sucks and Gatorade is better. Thus, a meme is born. Another meme born is Rob Schneider shouting, “You can do it!” Don’t forget Klein’s tattoo of Roy Orbison on his butt.
Bobby was born in 1966. Same year Adam was born.
A “Morph Effect” shows Bobby visualizing the attack holds up. He pretends a quarterback or linebacker is a bully.
Bobby calls a college professor Colonel Sanders. Adam later used a similar joke in “The Longest Yard.” Don’t forget this bit. “Mama’s wrong again.”
When Bobby’s mom pretends she’s in a coma, Bobby says, “What have I done?” One of my favorite movie cliches that never gets old.
One character shouts, “My Leg!” One year before “SpongeBob SquarePants” aired.
During the final game, Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” plays in the background. Twenty Years prior to “Ready Player One.”
Loser: Product Placement (Pee Pee for short) featuring brands such as McDonalds, Gatorade, Aidias & Coca-Cola. I’ll let this con slide, because I couldn’t find any other brand to shove down my throat.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
From my point of view, The Waterboy is one of Adam Sandler’s best movies. It still holds up. If you wanna introduce your kids to this movie, it’s a must watch.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 