Average Joe's Become Dodging Underdogs

Rating: Null/10 (22 July 2004)

The 2004 comedy Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, appears to be the summer's comical hit. Vince Vaughn plays Pete LaFleur, the underachieving owner of Average Joe's gym. The place is an eyesore with motivational posters having mottoes like "Failure IS an Option." It's the sort of place where the members' workout clothes droop, as much as their bellies. Ben Stiller plays his competition, White Goodman, a cocky guy who's body fat percent and IQ both seem to equal zero. He proudly owns neighboring Globo Gym, where physical perfection is mandatory. Because of his inattention to business details, Pete's gym mortgage is in jeopardy, with banker Kate Veatch (Taylor) assigned to oversee the foreclosure. Unless Pete and his wimpy clients can raise $50,000 quickly, White will buy Average Joe's and raze it. Their only chance is to win the National Dodgeball Championship. Globo Gym enters to see that Average Joes doesn't win. It comes down to both gyms resulting in victory not by winning the match, but by cleaver trickery.
The critical intention from director Rawson Marshall Thurber is to prove that underdogs can overcome all odds. Even though they are shot down by White and have to work hard to prepare for the tournament, even they can result in victory using smart tactics to outsmart Globo Gym. Through this comedy, the story tells people that even if you are an underdog, it doesn't mean that you cannot overcome things. It also shows that no one is above anyone else even if they have more money. Intelligence overcomes all else.
There are many critical techniques used to present this funny story to viewers in the best way. Camera angles and lighting make the movie's moods more intense and exciting for viewers. Exciting music is also used to intensify the exhilarating competition. There seems to be bits of comedy placed at perfect spots in the movie to adequately create comic relief during rough times for the Average Joes.
With a creative plot, encouraging purpose, and fantastic film techniques, Dodgeball comes out on top of the summer's film listings. It is a great comedy that proves not to be a film underdog.