One of the better Adam Sandler movies of late

Rating: 8/10 (8 June 2005)

I saw "The Longest Yard" with my friend today and have to admit I did not have high expectations. However, after 15 minutes, I knew this was a different kind of Adam Sandler film. I have never seen the original, but have to guess that the story is the same. Sandler plays Paul Crewe, a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers who infamously threw a game. An alcoholic when the story begins, he is sent to jail after playing a reckless cat-and-mouse game with the police, using a stolen car. He is called upon by the warden (James Cromwell) to put together a football team, with the intention that they would lose, in an annual game against the guards. Sandler brings together an incredible group of misfits, which include several giants, Chris Rock as his assistant coach, and Burt Reynolds, who pretty much gives himself the job as coach (I read that Reynolds played Crewe in the original; it would've probably been more interesting if Reynolds' character would be Paul Crewe and Sandler's character would've been differently named). While in many ways a standard Hollywood movie, with plenty of Sandler-esquire product placement, it is by far his best movie since Punch-Drunk Love and his most entertaining since The Waterboy. Chris Rock also gives one of his better performances here. I think the film really excels, however, in its good execution. It is fast paced, well edited, with some good music in the background. Not an award-worthy movie of any means, it is, however, a fun way to spend two hours with plenty of entertainment to keep nearly anyone happy.