Adam Sandler’s performances range from very funny, funny, and perplexing. Little Nicky was perplexing; Water Boy, very funny. The remake of the Longest Yard – funny.

It is a loose interpretation of the original flick starring Burt Reynolds, though Burt has a solid part this go round as well. Sandler plays a once great football player who violates his parole terms and gets a free ride to the Big House. The warden loves football and arranges for Sandler’s transfer to coach his personal team, all guards in the prison system. Unfortunately, the guards make it clear they want nothing to do with the new inmate. As a compromise, Sandler offers to coach a team of prisoners for a dress game so the guards can get in extra practice. The problem: finding enough prisoners willing to risk retribution from the guards and play under Sandler.

In short: this is a football film, targeted at guys, set in a prison.

What works about the film:

1) The jokes and gags work.

2) Burt Reynolds can act, even if his latest face lift that makes him appear Asian.

3) Good pacing

Verdict: DVD purchase. It’s worth a look see, but nothing will be lost on the jump to the smaller screen.