Grown Ups 2010

"Looks like somebody has to learn how to pass the Kentucky Fried Chicken."

Well, I'll start by saying that I've watched this film before, a long time ago. I seem to remember that I thought it was super funny and enjoyable. But now that I think about it further, I could be remembering the second film; I don't remember. I guess I'll find out soon enough; if I enjoy it better than this one. Maybe it's a matter of having a different perspective now, and it'll be the same as this one, regardless of whether I did like that one more: I won't enjoy it as much as I think I did years ago.

But, yeah. That time I watched this film and supposedly liked it a lot is in the past and irrelevant. Because, this time, that was not the case. Sure, this film is super easygoing and pleasant to watch, but that doesn't amount to much if it falls short, entertainment-wise and enjoyment-wise. And that's this film.

Not only did this film fall short, in general, for the most part, but it was also a comedy film. Where's the comedy? There were some moments, I suppose; that were decent enough concerning that aspect. But you'd probably be expecting a lot more when you watch a film that's specifically a comedy film, or any genre for that matter: expecting more from that genre and everything it entails.

But it's all about individuality. Right? Everyone's different at the end of the day. And since there's a second Grown Ups film, there must've been more than enough people who were different to where this film was 110% hilarious for them. I'm not one of those people, which is new for me. I never seem to be with the majority when it comes to films and TV shows. Not this time, it seems.

Of course, I don't think this was a bad film, so if people among the majority have that opinion, I guess that, even with this film, I'm still not 100% with the majority, oddly enough. I wasn't that entertained, is all. It is what it is. You can't like them all. Individuality: a thing of beauty.

This film was somewhat enjoyable, though. And I guess you could say that I'm using the word 'somewhat' in a reluctant way to an extent. Upon rewatching this film two times, it wasn't as unenjoyable as I initially thought. But everything I've said previously still stands, I suppose.

Other thoughts:

• The kids who played the younger versions of the five main characters were well-cast. Maybe some more than others, I don't know. But they looked close enough.

• The guy who went down the water slide after Jasmine did was Norm MacDonald, I'm pretty sure. I think he had a role in this film. But all of the scenes were cut. They kept the one with the water slide, though. And it's easy to miss him, so that's probably why. Talk about a surprising appearance.

• Another surprising appearance was Steve Buscemi. He always seems to be giving a similar performance with each role, but this is only the second time I've seen him in a film/TV show. It's almost like he's too distinctive. Maybe it's the way he looks. Or he could act most of his roles similarly. His more popular roles/performances are probably way different, though.

"Life can be difficult sometimes, it gets bumpy. What with family and kids and things not going exactly like you planned. But that's what makes it interesting. In life the first act is always exciting. The second act... that is where the depth comes in."

I used to hate almost everything that was attached to Adam Sandler because I thought that was the right thing to do as someone who loves movies but I've outgrown that phase. Adam Sandler has made fun movies and some great ones too. So I decided to rewatch Grown Ups to see if it could change my mind. And in the end it did. It isn't as boring and horrible as I said and thought it was when it came out. It is your run the mill Sandler movie with his friends but hey, if you can take a vacation with your friends and get paid for it, who wouldn't do it?

Everyone plays the character you expect them to play and it hit most of the beats you expect it would hit and that is okay. For the 98 minute run time it doesn't overstay it's welcome. The plot is very thin but it will make you chuckle. Some of the "grosser" humor like with the milk didn't hit me. But I enjoyed seeing Kevin James and Mr. Schneider in pain.

In the end I'm happy that these days I can watch Adam Sandler and not hate the movie beforehand and today I accept that as a huge win.