Please don't hate me, after all, I wanted to like it, but...

Rating: 4/10 (19 March 1999)

Here's the thing. I've always liked Adam Sandler, and I still do. I think he is capable of so much, too, and that is why, with the success of the film at the box office, I really wanted to like the Waterboy, and I expected so much, especially with co-stars like Winkler, Bates, and Balk. To their credits, the acting was full-caliber, but the story, I repeat, the story, just didn't do it for me. I didn't have pathos for the characters, and the Hollywood events and ultra-Hollywood ending just clenched my disappointment with it. I don't discredit Sandler's writing, for it has been of decent quality in the past (CDs and SNL, particularly), and I imagine it will be, again. Being an amateur writer, myself, one, on occasion, is prone to churn out an inferior script. I however, would like to take the opportunity to praise Sandler and offer advice for him, should his eyes ever come across this.
Like Dan Aykroyd or Mike Myers, a dramatic role would serve Sandler well, for I believe that he would be able to nail such a thing (the film, 'Bulletproof', offered a sample, as small as it was, of his ability to perform in a generally non-comedic role). I certainly hope that he considers any future dramatic opportunity, for from him, I have seen genuine conveyances of anger, joy, and sadness in his acting. I think Sandler has the potential for, not just stardom, but monumental greatness, so please, no death threats. Loved the actors, liked the look, didn't like the writing. Sorry.