Product: Dodgeball/Borat Bonus Preview Disc (2004)
Rating: 4.0
Beat My Expectations
I picked up 'Dodgeball' based on the recommnedations of some friends, but my expectations were rather low. Fortunately, this movie exceeded my expectations and was a funny and enjoyable movie.The Story: Peter La Fleur, played by Vince Vaughn, runs Average Joe's--a gym that is struggling to pay bills mainly due to Vaughn's easy going managerial attitude. Kate Veach, played by Christine Taylor, is a lawyer hired by the bank to foreclose on the gym. White Goodman, played by Ben Stiller, is the owner of a competing mega-successful gym that is attempting to buy out Average Joe's through the foreclosure proceedings. One of Peter's customers comes up with a scheme needed to raise the $50,000 to save the gym--enter the national dodgeball finals in Las Vegas where the winning team receives $50,000.The Cast and Characters: The cast was selected well for this comedy. Vince Vaughn plays a character that you'd expect from him. Although the role was not a stretch for him, for the lines and jokes he had to deliver, he was perfect for the part. Taylor was good in her role as well. She is likeable, and perhaps underused in the movies. Rip Torn turns in a offbeat role that is good for a few laughs as Patches O'Houlihan, a former dodgeball national champion and the mentor of the Average Joes. The best performance was turned in by Ben Stiller in what was perhaps his best performance of late. Slightly over the top, his portrayal of White Goodman was a successful caricature of flab to fab muscle bound gym owners. His overzealous flirtations with Kate and his exchanges with Peter were what made the movie.The DVD: The DVD content was first rate. There is the behind the scenes look plus interviews with members of the cast. There is a set of deleted and altered scenes, some of which would have fleshed out the story a bit more, but none of which were crucial to the movie, or so funny you wonder why they were left out. The best additional feature on the DVD is the alternate ending. The less said about it the better, otherwise it will be utterly spoiled.Overall: this is a good comedy, although not one for the ages. Its good for some laughs. This movie probably goes best with some beer and friends on a Friday night when all you feel like doing is hanging out.Overall grade: 4 stars.