The Longest Yard

Last night, I got to attend a screening of this remake of the 1974 Burt Reynolds classic, hosted by the great Michael Irvin. Big props to Bart Wright for scoring me the tickets for myself and the wife. Mike's entire family was there, as well as Deion Sanders, local big-time preacher T.D. Jakes, a slew of family and friends, and as Mike put it "some of the best fans in the world".

Mike and his wife did not stay for the movie, as he committed to have his first viewing of the film with the cast in L.A. (I respect that), but did have a Q&A session afterwards. I wanted to stay to hear the Q&A, but due to the fact that it was almost 10:00 PM by the time the movie was over, plus the drive home, plus the fact that this is going to be a LONG week, we skipped out.

Now that we have the scene set, let's get to the review...

Former Pittsburgh quarterback Paul Crewe (Adam Sandler), kicked out of the NFL for allegedly shaving points in a big game, gets himself thrown in a Texas prison for basically ruining a LOT of policemen's evening. Once there he learns that the warden (James Cromwell) hosts a football team comprised of the guards, and wants Crewe to help get the team into shape to win the state championship. Crewe suggests that they have a warm-up game to get ready for the season, and in return is given the task of forming a team of inmates to take on the guards in what should be a blow-out.

If you are expecting the dark, serious tone of the 1974 version, you're only halfway there. Sandler has shown he can work serious, but this is not Punch-Drunk Love here (thankfully). He works the exact balance of drama and comedy, with a couple of nods to some of his previous films.

As for the rest 0f the cast, I was very impressed with the work of some of the non-actors (Michael Irvin, Nelly, Bill Goldberg, Bob Sapp, Kevin Nash, Steve Austin, Brian Bozworth). Director Peter Berg does a great job of keeping the story moving, and makes great use of the camera during the football sequences. I found myself laughing out loud more than once, and cringing at all of the right times.

So, on a scale from 1-10, I will give The Longest Yard an 8, which means "probably not going to get a Best Picture nod, but I'd pay to see it again at night".

Until next time...

BB