The indie Forrest Gump

Rating: Null/10 (21 November 1999)

* * * (3 out of 5)

The Waterboy
Directed by Frank Coraci, 1998

Sandler scores a touchdown

Campy but surprisingly heartfelt comedy with a tongue-in-cheek approach to the classic sports movie story; starring Adam Sandler as a shy and retarded 31-year old school waterboy who in the end saves everybody  including the season. Duh!
Directed with occasional poignancy by Coraci and with some nice, warm comedic turns by both Jerry Reed of Smokey and the Bandit fame (villian), Henry Winkler (coach), Fairuza Balk (girlfriend) and Kathy Bates (mother).
This is clearly Sandler`s vehicle though (he also co-wrote), and the movie`s salvation is clearly his love and respect for - not only the game of football, the state of Louisiana and the `southern' way - but for people on the outside looking in; outcasts, rejects, the black sheep of society. And this is evident throughout and why The Waterboy  unlike other recent screwball comedies like There`s Something About Mary  wins out on sheer heart alone.
I also dare say that Sandler`s portrayel may annoy (like it did Roger Ebert) but when all is said and done, please compare it to Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump.
The difference? None really.