Remake is Funny, Len Burman Whoop, Whoop, Whoop

Rating: 6/10 (29 May 2005)

This remake of the Classic Burt Reynolds film is very good. The review I read in a Gannett Publication was from a reviewer who obviously had a chip on his should because he did not like the original. He should have not reviewed this new one.
Burt Reynolds original film was more a Comedy-Drama & is a Classic for the more mature viewers. Doing Football as a straight comedy is not easy to do. This remake goes to straight comedy & gets the job done. It is the best football comedy since the Marx Brothers did HORSEFEATHERS in 1933.
While this films follows the script of the original, it softens the serious tone & adds much more comedic talent updating it to the present day very well. The music soundtrack for this fits in very well to mixing Rap & Classic Rock in fine form.
It is sad this movies premiere week-end marks the death of Eddie Albert, fortunately this film softens the latest warden into more of a straight man role than a dramatic one. If you compare the 2 wardens & films, you will see just how talented Eddie Albert was.
My favorite throwaway humor line in this version is after the Warden tells Crew (Sadler) that he is planning to be Governor of the state & run it like his prison, Crew says "only with a lot less Sodomy?" The Warden hilariously replies "Hopefully none!".
Len Berman commenting during the game is great addition to this film. I am afraid that the sequel is but a sequel. Unfortunately, because this was good, it has spurred on way too many football movies since it was released.
Caretaker by Chris Rock is much funnier than the serious tone James Hampton took, & both versions work well in both films. This remake is a good film for the young teens, funny & solid. Love Chris Berman in this too. Enjoy the laughs & you could go all the way to some harmless fun.