A Surprising Twist from Sandler

Rating: 8/10 (15 January 2006)

After all of Adam Sandler's mediocre comedies, this one stands out above the rest. Unlike so many comedies, this one never sacrifices plot for humor. The final football game, titled 'Pros vs. Cons' only features humor in small doses. The majority of the final scenes are geared towards the game that has been the highlight of the whole movie.
The movie has some surprisingly tender and heartfelt moments. Just watch that scene were Crewe (Sandler) runs for the first down without his team's support, and try not to be inspired. And the funny, but oh-so believable part of the game comes in the opening plays when the prisoners care nothing about the ball and tackle the guards that have caused them personal trouble. Of course, this allows the guards to get 2 touchdowns in 2 plays, but the Mean Machine makes a comeback.
Chris Rock provides just as many jokes as Adam Sandler, playing the resourceful but foul-mouthed Caretaker. With lines ranging from 'I'll teach you anything, just don't eat me!' to 'You've got one brother out there, this ain't hockey.', Caretaker's quick wit snaps in a joke whenever Crewe can't fit one in. Such a pity what happens to him.
The Warden seems like an odd character. At first, he appears nice and fair, being friendly to Crewe. Then he rigs the game in his favor at half-time and floods the practice field so the prisoners can't practice. But considering that Crewe's motives go from losing the game to actually winning, it makes sense. And the various hulking prisoners have their jokes. Of particular note is 'The Sasquatch', a 7'10 450 pound titan that has all his lines subtitled. Apparently, the directors did this so people can understand his easier, but it actually becomes funny without trying after a while.
If you've been disappointed by Sandler's films thus far, go see this one. It's a touch above the rest.