Hilarious, above-average spoof. Hugely funny, and Brits should also be able to enjoy it!

Rating: 6/10 (23 August 2004)

Hugely funny! And like all good comedies, this one has many layers of subtlety (well, sort of), permitting appreciation at many levels. Some Brits may not get all the North American references and jokes, probably. Such cross-cultural differences are unavoidable, and were illustrated recently in the London newspapers' reviews of the wonderful "Shrek 2," for example. But they all will nonetheless have a great time.
Will Brits know that dodgeball is a common children's game, and its quasi-violent theme makes it somewhat of a rite of passage in many American's memories of primary school? Dunno... but they should be told that dodgeball, portrayed as a "sport" in this movie is a total gag, joke, folly, etc. Reminding us of the male modeling world in the under-rated "Zoolander." It makes a wonderfully sardonic backdrop for the sheer silliness and deep humor of Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor, and the ever-great and immensely talented Rip Torn.
This isn't a masterpiece, and may not even be "great," per se, but it is very good, and well worth making the trip out to see. Not for children, however, as it is extremely raunchy! I gave it a 9 out of 10.