Have you ever had one of those actors that you constantly held your breath for? As in, you know they could do better things than what they are currently doing and you’re holding out hope for that glorious comeback? I feel like there are times where it’s easier to hold out hope for those actors than actually hold your breath. Adam Sandler was one of those actors for me personally. I grew up on Sandler and his, now, iconic sketches on Saturday Night Live. I was finely tuned to his glory days of Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore. Though the older I became the more and more I found him repetitive. Continuously playing the same character in every film.
Then, he would turn around and do movies like Reign Over Me. A film where he plays a husband and father coping with losing his family during the September 11th attacks. Even his recent turn in Uncut Gems. A film where he plays a new York city jeweler with a gambling addict, so deep that it’s spouting roots. He’s incredible. Though, his comedic career is up for debate. Some people argue that Anger Management was his last good comedy. Some people argue about Mr. Deeds. Though, whatever you should argue or which side, you’d probably agree that The Waterboy is equally up there.
The Waterboy tells the story of Bobby Boucher (Sandler), a water boy with an anger management problem, who ultimately becomes a football icon – leading a notoriously losing college football team to redemptive heights. Honestly, I know that Adam Sandler isn’t going to be for everyone. To some people, he can come across arrogant or annoying, depending on the role. However, Waterboy feels like an anomaly for the actor. His turn as Boucher feels refreshing. Perhaps, it’s the character or the story but there is an innocence and underlying depth to the movie. Boucher is pure-hearted and driven. Giving the comedy a fish out of water tale as we explore a character’s journey into self-discovery and purpose. The humor of the film leans more into intelligence, rather than slapstick. Don’t get me wrong, the film is still heavy with slapstick.
Perhaps, though, what makes Waterboy such a gem is the core chemistry between Sandler and Henry Winkler’s Coach Klein. Within the opening frames of the film, viewers are introduced to the antagonist or rival team of the film. Through the use of the team in the third act of the film, and the connections between Winkler and Sandler’s characters alike – showcase the film’s vision for narrative. Winkler’s arc in overcoming PTSD, allows the film to be more than just an ordinary football comedy. Rather, a film that boasts depth, intelligence and third-dimensional character arcs from start to finish. Sure, not every arc has that feeling. The coach of the rival team, Red (Jerry Reed), feels about as two-dimensional as characters can come. A couple of the other characters walk in that territory as well.
Overall, The Waterboy, boasts a pure heart with smart humor and strong cast. The chemistry between Adam Sandler and Henry Winkler is absolutely delightful. Both arcs allow the actors to bring some depth to each character. Which in turn allows for the comedy of The Waterboy to find intelligence, rather than just slapstick humor. The jokes are witty and the narrative is fairly tight. Waterboy carries a great dynamic and allows for the film to tackle some deeper topics like PTSD and the effects of long-term bullying. However, The Waterboy won’t have a perfect season. Two-dimensional and slapstick comedy tropes linger throughout. The Waterboy might not win game, but it is the MVP that aims for greatness, even if it falls slightly short.
RORSCHACH RATING
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Victims and Villains is written and produced by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey. Music by Yuriy Bespalov & Beggars. The Waterboy is property of Touchstone Pictures. We do not own nor claim any rights.