Opening Day: 15 May 2008

Synopsis:

After being harrased by a school bully, two teenagers hire a former soldier of fortune (Wilson) as a bodyguard, only to find out that he has his own agenda.

Movie Review:

The movie unfortunately lends itself in comparison with its bigger, obviously more superior and edgy older brother Superbad (the very same Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen of 40 year old Virgin and Knocked Up). It smelt of cheese, overall corniness and the plot so outright predictable and formulaic, you’d swear the 13 year olds in the front row fell asleep and/or was about to leave the theatre.

Yet, with all its shortcomings, plot holes and the like, Drillbit Taylor manages to surprise us (somewhat) and give us some genuinely funny jokes and one-liners. There were also many quotes from everywhere – which one needs to be slightly astute to pick out. So in hindsight, it’s not that much of a no-brainer (though it would help in the enjoyment of this coming-of-age teen flick).

And if not for the contrived final ‘moralising’ act, I actually may have come to like it. But alas, it took great effort on my part to suspend belief, to block out the weak writing and loopholes. In other words, with movie ticket prices skyrocketing, Drillbit Taylor’s tagline “You get what you pay for” doesn’t apply.

Which is a pity. Apart from some of the laugh out loud and at times ‘witty’ humour, there was some commendable and sincere thespian skill here. Nate Hartley (Wade) and Troy gentile (Ryan) are naturals on screen and show great promise on the comedy front. Bad boy Alex Frost is slightly too convincing in his role of ultimate bully.

Owen Wilson out of that list for a reason. It is understood that Wilson has just come out from a bout of personal issues – Drillbit is his first movie after the incident. But that aside, Wilson has never been the sort to anchor a show by himself anyway; he is his best when paired up with another crazy sidekick. Still, he pulls his weight well, albeit playing the same almost two-dimensional character he has embraced since the beginning of time. However, that being said, Wilson retains a certain charm and even now a somewhat feeling of vulnerability, which admittedly does a great deal for him here.

Movie Rating:

(Leave your brain at home and you might just enjoy this predictable romp)

Review by Darren Sim