Adam Sandler + Chris Rock + football = Fun movie

Rating: 8/10 (21 May 2010)

Do not even think about comparing this version to the original from the 70's. This is an Adam Sandler movie, so you know there will be a lot of jokes and dialogue humor, as well as some physical humor. I like the idea of Adam Sandler starring in another football movie.
This time around he plays Paul Crewe, a former pro football player famous for point shaving (throwing the game) in a game years prior to the start of the movie. He pulls a crazy drunk driving stunt that lands him in a Texas prison. He is forced by Warden Hazen, played by James Cromwell, to be a consultant for the football team consisting of his guards. Reluctantly, he agrees and is then forced to form a football team of the prisoners.
In prison, he meets Caretaker, played by Chris Rock. Rock is brilliant in this part and makes this character his own. Caretaker becomes Paul Crewe's assistant coach.
Another supporting player is Nate Scarborough, played by Burt Reynolds. Reynolds is one of two actors from the original who appears in this movie. Scarborough is a former Heisman Trophy winner who wants to coach.
There are many other interesting characters. Rapper Nelly plays a running back. Former Dallas Cowboy receiver Michael Irvin plays receiver for the prisoners. Terry Crews is a prisoner who is associated with McDonald's, his character is known as Cheeseburger Eddy. Tracy Morgan plays a cross dressing cheerleader. Former NFL lineman Bob Sapp plays Switowski, a defensive lineman who is not smart but is good at being aggressive.
Even some famous wrestlers appear in this movie. Bill Goldberg plays a linebacker for the prisoners. Kevin Nash plays a defensive lineman who has steroids replaced with estrogen. Steve Austin plays a fullback who is racist and arrogant.
There is even a brief appearance by Cloris Leachman, who previously worked with Adam Sandler in Spanglish. She plays the warden's secretary who is obsessed with Paul Crewe.
This movie is loads of fun and a good modernized version of the original. Director Peter Segal does a good job of taking the original story and making a version that today's audiences can relate to.