Posted: 06/21/2004

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story

(2004)

by Clint Fletcher

Be the ball…

Utterly ridiculous. It is just utterly ridiculous that I liked this movie as much as I did. I blame Hollywood, for it is Hollywood that has set my standards so low that actually led me to enjoy a film called Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.

It’s silly. It’s goofy. It’s the guiltiest pleasure of the year.

Now I must admit, when I learned that this flick was getting made and who was behind it (the Stiller/Vaughn Clan), I about fell out of my chair in laughter. The premise sounded so original and so comedic that I just couldn’t help but look forward to it. Then, still-shots for it popped up on the internet a few months ago, and more hilarity ensued. Lord knows some of my colleagues had to suffer through that period, with me sending them pictures via email and FedEx (Ben Stiller in mid-air became my new screensaver). But then the trailer got released and all of my hopes for this film flew out the window. It just looked a little too cheesy and slap-sticky for my taste, despite a very humorous-looking Ben Stiller. But, nevertheless, my job is to suffer through the worst that Hollywood has to offer. And what to my wondering eyes should appear… but a decent comedy, perhaps the funniest all year.

Vince Vaughn stars as Peter La Fleur (God I want that name), owner of a small gym known as “The Average Joe’s Gym.” It is discovered early on in the film that because of tax complications, Peter has three weeks to come up with $50,000 or ownership of his gym will be turned over to the founder of the biggest, baddest gym in town, White Goodman (Stiller in top form). One of Peter’s members discovers that there is a National dodge ball tournament that takes place in Las Vegas, and the grand prize is $50,000. After some brutal training from the ultimate dodge ball master (Rip Torn - Men in Black I and II), the team of scrawny and nerdy underdogs make their way to Vegas and find themselves taking on Goodman’s team in the ultimate championship match.

I know, I still can’t believe it either, but this movie is one hilarious romp. The writing is snappy, most jokes hit the mark, and the actors are tremendous with the material written for them. Stiller and Vaughn do their thing like pros, with Stiller’s over-acting and Vaughn’s fast-talking. And kudos go out to the filmmakers for bringing together one hell of a supporting cast including Christine Taylor (Stiller’s real-life wife), Justin Long (the dude from Jeepers Creepers), and legendary nerd Stephen Root (Milton from Office Space). All these guys have great chemistry together, and are backed by an impressive line-up of B-movie actors. Cameos for the film include Chuck Norris, William Shatner, David Hasselhoff, Lance Armstrong, and Gary Cole. Any one of those names would bring a guilty smile to my face, but all of them combined? Hallelujah! Also, pay close attention to Cole’s commentary during the matches, for you may miss many hidden, well-placed jokes.

Listen up, everyone. Honestly. This isn’t just MY personal opinion, EVERYONE is liking this movie, at least the ones who have the guts to see it. I also know a lot of you out there wouldn’t see this film if your life depended on it because of the way it looks. But I promise you, this is one of those rare occasions where the previews really don’t do the movie justice. Looks can be deceiving, especially with comedy. So, sometime this week, find a couple hours where you can cut loose, grab life by the balls (couldn’t resist) and check out A True Underdog Story. Just like the protagonists, this film is an underdog in itself that you’ll love rooting for.

Clint Fletcher is a writer and filmmaker living in Chicago.

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