Drillbit Taylor Tries to be Superbad, Jr.
Posted on March 22, 2008 in Entertainment
Over the last four years, Judd Apatow’s comedies have won over audiences and critics alike. But the producer of ‘Anchorman‘ and ‘Talledega Nights‘ fell a bit short with ‘Drillbit Taylor.’
The film’s protagonists, Wade, Ryan, and Emmit, are high school freshmen who spend the entire film trying to fend off a pair of school bullies. The kids’ parents and teachers laugh off the kids’ complaints, so the kids decide to take matter into their own hands and hire a bodyguard.
The trio will seem oddly familiar to anyone who has seen Apatow’s ‘Superbad.’ Wade is a mini-Evan, quirky and nervous. Ryan is a mini-Seth, overweight and outspoken. Emmit is a less-funny and more-awkward mini-McLovin.
Considering the brilliant quirks of the ‘Superbad’ characters, the idea of this group of kids being similar doesn’t seem so bad at first. But several times throughout the film, you can’t help but wish you were watching ‘Superbad’ instead. While ‘Superbad’ doesn’t let up on the laugh-out-loud moments, ‘Drillbit Taylor’ proves to be hit-and-miss.
The striking similarities to ‘Superbad’ highlight the biggest flaw of ‘Drillbit Taylor’: it feels forced and manufactured, like an unnecessary sequel born out of a lack of creativity.
But things aren’t entirely super bad for ‘Drillbit Taylor.’ The title character, portrayed by Owen Wilson, is the highlight of the film.
Wilson nails the role of Drillbit Taylor, a homeless army deserter trying to earn (read: scam) enough money to make his way to Canada. While Drillbit’s character development is, like the rest of the film, consistently unsurprising, Wilson’s unique line delivery and physical humor is enough to keep audiences interested.
Ultimately, ‘Drillbit Taylor’ falls into the ever-growing category of cinematic disappointments. It’s not good, but it’s not bad either. It’s just your average assembly-line comedy, while trying extra hard to be ‘Superbad’ without the raunchiness.
Verdict: 5.5/10
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Ohhhhh… I was hoping for so much more. I really thought it would be great. Superbad was SuperRad but if what you stated above is true, and I doubt it’s not, I will not be viewing this movie.
“I told her what time it was.” I love that line from the Superbad film.
Like I said, it’s not bad, it’s just not good either. There are some very good parts, but the lapses between them really hurt the movie overall.