Brando

"Dodgeball" is the type of movie that makes you laugh in spite of yourself. It definitely falls under the guilty pleasure category. I wasn't bothered by the more mean-spirited bits that bothered you, because they seemed to fall right into step with the tone of the film. I think this film should win an Oscar nomination just for offering Ben Stiller a part that was something other than an anal retentive, nerdy foil.

Simon

The biggest problem with Dodgeball is it gets off to a tererible start. As you mentioned, the usually funny Vaughn sleepwalks through his role as the likable hero and his laughs are scarce. The attempts to establish Peter and his friends as losers and outsiders are so cliched that it was almost painful - the guy who believes he's a pirate is especially grating.

Thankfully, when the dodgeball playing commences, the laughs become far more consistent. Stiller, in full "Zoolander" mode with a David Hasselhoff circa 1980s hairstyle, is much funnier when playing a clueless idiot as opposed to the lovable geek in anemic fare like "Along Came Polly and Meet The Parents."

Gone Vaughn

Vaughn seemed so disinterested in this film, that you would have guessed he wasn't even getting paid. I hope he does a better job in his upcoming buddie flick with Owen Wilson - Wedding Crashers.

Tiffani

I just happened upon this site looking for pictures from this movie. This was a great movie. One of Stiller's best. Ben is still hilarious and proves it in "Dodgeball". Everyone should go see this movie. All the characters are memorable and funny. If you like reciting one liners from movies, this is your movie. Although Ben Stiller steals the show, hottie Vince Vaughn runs a close second.

A+++

Dodgy but not dull.

It's hard to know how to react to this film - Dodgeball is served up almost like a dare: laugh at this because you know it's easy to get hooked on an underdog/sports story; laugh at this, even though you know it's wrong to find stereotypes funny; laugh at this, even though we all know this is totally dumb. The audience is constantly kept aware of all the intentional idiocy by the exaggerated onslaught of genre conventions, not to mention the post-credits cherry featuring Ben Stiller commenting on the audience's lowbrow tastes. Although the movie is often the cinematic equivalent of an airball, it has enough comic inspiration to save it. Stiller and Vince Vaughn switching roles against-type as the bully and the put-upon protagonist, respectively was it's saving grace. They make the most of it when Stiller rattles off absudly, ineffective threats and Vaughn reacts in squinty-eyed disbelief. I was also reacting to the movie that way, but I was laughing at the same time - Id say I liked it more than the venerable Mr. Mast.

Adam

The "venerable Mr. Mast"--hmmm--I kinda like that. As for Dodgeball, no one is more surprised that I didn't like it than me.Hell, I loved Old School, but for some reason, this dopey comedy just didn't entirely click with me. Sure, there were some laughs, but ultimately, I found the whole film rather dull, and this is coming from a guy who not only loves a good comedy, but a winning underdog tale as well. Comedy is tricky, and I'm first to admit that one has to be in the right mood when watching certain movies. That is, perhaps, the only way I can justify having loved Old School and thinking that Eurotrip was a glorified dog turd.

Rainbowfanclub

You are blatantly wrong. This film, despite being American, was one of the funniest I have ever seen. From the comedy threats by Stiller to Vaughn's stand-offish good guy the characters were solid, the jokes inspired and the cameos perfect.

Also, the film is rated 12A over here in the Uk, which seems fine to me. The foul language is limited, and certainly no worse than 12 year-olds use on a daily basis, and sexual content is not noticeable.

"No-one makes me bleed my own blood!" Class.

Adam

Rainbowfanclub,

With all due respect, how can you call me "blatantly wrong"? Comedy is subjective, and one of the tougher genres to review because of it.

Dodgeball is decent, but it wasn't nearly consitent enough. I could have dealt with the aspects of the movie that irritated me had it just been funnier.

And this is coming from a guy whose all for a sketchy type premise. Hell, I loved the recent Anchorman. As dumb as that Will Ferrell comedy was, it delivered big laughs.

If you're a reader of the site than you probably also know that I've been praising Napoleon Dynamite for months. That too is a simple minded comedy, but one that delivers nonstop hilarity.

And while we're on the topic of great comedy, you need look no further than the U.K.'s very own Shaun of the Dead. That movie is a riot, and easily one of the best of the year. Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright are comical geniuses.

As for Dodgeball, I just thought the gags wore thin really quickly. I've seen worse, but I've definitely seen better.

Good comedy is tricky business, and everyone has a different opinion of what's funny.

Thanks for hitting the site.

Mitch Cumstein

Dodgeball got a bit too silly from time to time, but it's alot better film than Mr. Mast gave it credit for. It certainly wasn't offensive and I thought Vince Vaughn was great and it's nice to see Stiller playing against his put upon nerd type and just go over the top like he did in Zoolander. I laughed alot in this movie and since it's a comedy I believe it should have rated much higher than a C- come on, Adam lighten up dude?