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Mr. Woodcock
In theaters September 14th 2007
Crude and sexual content,
thematic material, language and a mild drug
reference
RunTime: 87 min
Matt's rating - 2 out of 5
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Review by Matt Mungle
Mr. Woodcock is a laugh out loud film. Need I say
more? Isn't that what a comedy is supposed to be?
Shouldn't we just stop here and be done with it? Not
really. Yes a comedy should make you laugh and
often. But just because you laugh it doesn't make it a
must see film. That is the issue with reviewing films
such as this. Though there are moments of hilarity the
sum of its parts just doesn't make for a great film. But
with a name like Woodcock did we honestly expect
greatness? Or just a laugh?
The film is relate able to anyone who hated gym class
and needed therapy or at least a nice shot of band
camp to turn out normal. That is the situation with
John Farley (Seann William Scott). After suffering
through P.E class under the tirades of Mr. Woodcock
(Billy Bob Thornton) he becomes a successful writer
of a self help book entitled Letting Go. When he
returns to his home town to accept an award he finds
that his mother (Susan Sarandon) is dating none
other than. Yup. Old Woody. This would be a
nightmare for any student. In fact I think we may have
all woke up in a cold sweat with just that very thought.
Billy Bob Thornton is fantastic in this film. As always
he takes even the most trivial, sophomoric character
and breathes life into it. This film is predictable, crude
and as unoriginal as they come. Yet Thornton treats it
as gold and his character shines. That is about all that
works in this film. The writing is almost carbon copy of
Meet the Parents in the fact that Farley does everything
to get into the head of Woodcock. You grimace at the
predicaments he gets himself into, knowing it will all
backfire in the end. Plus Scott is just not believable in
these roles. Stiller and Owen can pull it off much
better. Susan Sarandon adds little to this film and
except for the always funny Amy Pohler there would be
no support in this film.
Woodcock is Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual
content, thematic material, language and a mild drug
reference. Parents should forget taking anyone under
14 to see this film. The crude sexual humor though
slightly funny the first time gets tiresome after 5
minutes let alone 87 ticks worth. Other than the
language it is safe. And again the situations Farley
gets into and the over the top coach makes for several
good laughs. But safe and funny still do not make it a
must see. I give it 2 out of 5 pushups. Make your call,
just know before you go.
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Matt and Cindy are members of the North Texas
Film
Critics Association (NTFCA). For additional
reviews
and interview clips visit the website.
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Mungleshow Productions
Matt Mungle
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