I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry (DVD, 2007, Widescreen)

How bad can it be?

Admit it, that was your first thought when you heard that Adam Sandler and Kevin James were starring in a film about two straight firefighters pretending to be gay so that they could get benefits from the city of New York. Set the cringe deflectors on high, you'd figure, bracing yourself for jokes that would make Isaiah Washington sound like the president of the Anti-Defamation League.

Yet I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry isn't all that good, exactly. But it's not all bad, either - certainly not as bad, nor nearly as offensive, as you'd guess.

One of the strengths of this film, like many comedies, isn’t necessarily the leading cast. Yes, Sandler and James are funny, but it’s the supporting cast and bit parts that really shine. Dan Aykroyd is hilarious as Chuck and Larry’s captain. Steve Buscemi is brilliant in the small part of the city fraud investigator. SNL’s Rachel Dratch has a creepy yet memorable scene early on. However, it’s Nick Swardson and Ving Rhames who really steal the show in their uncomfortably revealing roles and Jessica Biel.

“I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry” isn’t perfect by far. Too many scenes fizzle out with stale jokes and bad punch lines. However, when the movie is funny, it is hilarious. And, while it takes on the issues of gay rights, it avoids a preachy tone, which is refreshing to see in a movie nowadays.

Still, you have to realize this film doesn’t treat these issues tenderly. It’s an Adam Sandler movie after all. Expect plenty of crass jokes and low-brow humor. And the gay community might take offense considering the fact that homosexuality is the punch line for the film.

THIS IS A RENTAL

OVERALL
6.5/10