Go Rent the original Instead

Rating: 5/10 (7 October 2005)

As a fan of the original, I wasn't expecting anything close to it, but this version really is pretty lame. I blame poor casting for much of the films problems and the weak writing doesn't help either. Adam Sandler brings nothing to the old Burt Reynold's role of Paul Crewe, an NFL quarterback chastised for point shaving in a game. he gets thrown into the pokey for basically acting like a big dope. There is no reason for him to go to jail except for absolutely wanting to spend some time with some very rough boys.
Chris Rock is wasted in his role as "Caretaker". He is given nothing to do. Even Burt Reynolds shows up as the coach. He is fun, as is trying to pick out all the ex-NFL stars in the cast including Bob Sapp, Michael Ervin, and Brian Bosworth. The original film also had some former players in the cast.
The warden played by James Cromwell is football obsessed and arranges a scrimmage game between his guards and the cons. His guards are a champion team and he does whatever it takes to keep it that way.
Adam Sandler can be an engaging comedic actor, but he basically plays an angry unfunny puss. He isn't funny and neither is Rock. The casting is all stunted and the writing doesn't warrant the payroll. (**)