Thanks to “Billy Madison” and “Happy Gilmore,” Adam Sandler’s career launched him as a leading man starring in notable comedies “The Waterboy,” “The Wedding Singer,” and “Big Daddy.” Adam founded his production company, Happy Madison named after his two successful hits. Besides starring in his own movies, he produces and supports projects for his pals, David Spade & Rob Schneider. The former made the cult classic, “Joe Dirt” and “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star.” The latter headlined, “Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigalo and “The Animal.”
Released in 2001, (same year Osmosis Jones came out) The Animal earned mixed to negative reviews from critics and movie goers alike. In 2022, Rob announced he was making a sequel to The Animal exclusively for Tubi. As of 2025, there’s no confirmation if it’s happening or not. Anyway, Rob will attend Fan Expo Dallas 2025 signing autographs and taking pictures with fans for three days on May 30-June 1. I’m planning on going. Once I take my pics with Michael J. Fox, Walton Goggins & Christopher Mintz-Plasse, I’ll write and editorial about my three-day experience as I did in 2024.
Today’s review contains SPOILERS.
Tamed & Untamed Elements
Tamed: Rob Schneider did a good job for his performance.
Random Fact: I posted a review of Rob’s movie, “The Hot Chick” on my Twitter account and tagged Rob for a possible shout-out. Unfortunately, he blocked me. I don’t care if his account has anything to do with public persona, it’s a pretty dick move. I didn’t insult him or his daughter, Elle. I used to like Rob, turns out he’s not very nice. I refuse to spend my money on him at Fan Expo Dallas 2025.
NOTE FROM JUNE 4, 2025: I attended Fan Expo Dallas 2025 and I got a selfie with him. He was nice and funny. Thus, the beef’s been squashed. Mr. Schneider if you’re reading this, I forgive you.
Fun Fact: Rob’s career was spoofed on “South Park.” You know this memorable line? “Rob Schneider is “Da Derp Dee Derp Da Teetley Derpee Derpee Dumb!” “Rated PG-13!”
Other Cast Members such as John C. McGinley, former “Survivor” contestant, Colleen Haskell and the late Ed Asner all did a solid job for their respective performances. Colleen hasn’t been around since The Animal came out. She went A.W.O.L.
Adam Sandler produced his bestie’s movie. He also makes a cameo appearance taking over Rob’s townie role from The Waterboy.
Humor has a ton of laugh out loud moments. My favorite part is the goat scene.
Cinematography was shot normally lacking technical issues.
A fart scene made me laugh.
The Australian doctor kinda reminds me of Tim Curry’s character, Nigel Thornberry from “The Wild Thornberrys.” I would assume they couldn’t get Mr. Curry for the role.
A running gag involving Marvin’s friend Miles addressing white people treating him way too nice. Towards the end, Miles takes blame on Marvin as a beast. The angry mob walks away fearing they don’t wanna act racist. That gag was way ahead of its time.
At the 10:20 mark, Godzilla: The Animated Series appears on TV. Marvin skips the channel looking disinterested. Probably a jab towards Roland Emmerich & Dean Devlin’s god awful 1998 remake of Godzilla.
At the 23:56 mark, a guy offscreen shouts, “That’s a huge bitch.” A reference to a memorable line from Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigalo. The line was also reused in The Hot Chick.
The late Norm Macdonald (may he Rest in Peace) makes a brief appearance as a member of the angry mob.
An old man says, “On your left!” This predates Steve Rogers’ line from “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”
Michael “MJ” Jackson and his pet monkey, Bubbles are referenced. The doctor mentioned he couldn’t say MJ’s name. Possibly avoid a lawsuit. Speaking of monkeys, they were a trend back in 2001. They would pop up in other movies.
- Tim Burton’s “Planet of the Apes.”
- Osmosis Jones
- Monkeybone
- Dr. Dolittle 2
- Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
- Formula 51
Untamed: Rob didn’t do a good job polishing the script alongside Tom Brady. Not kidding, the New England Patriots’ good luck charm also directed The Hot Chick.
An early romance between Marvin & Rianna happened. They barely knew each other. If this were real life, it would take a few weeks or months for a pair to get to know one another until a relationship is fully established.
The movie’s a tad dated. Why? When Marvin gets scanned at the airport, he doesn’t take his shoes off. The movie came out three months before 9/11. TSA didn’t exist back then.
A Plot Hole involving another character who shares similar animalistic traits like Marvin. Turns out be to be Rianna. How come she never exhibit uncontrollable animal instincts? Why didn’t Marvin sense her from the get-go. As if Wolverine can’t use his sense of smell to detect enemies.
Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” plays in one hilarious scene. I know its been overplayed in many movies and shows, but I’m letting this con slide.
The movie ends with a Freeze Frame.
The Final Verdict: C, FOR CAMPING A CRAPPER!
When I was a kid, I used to like The Animal. Now that I’m older, it’s not as good as I remember. If you have plans to attend Fan Expo Dallas 2025, are you gonna take picture with Rob Schneider? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 