124 reviews
Surprisingly sweet
Although this silly kids' movie might not seem like it will hold your interest, give it another thought before renting something else this weekend. If you liked the sentiment behind Freaks and Geeks, you'll love it. Co-produced by Apatow Productions and co-written by Seth Rogen, there's an obvious soft spot in the film's heart for misfit kids who can't catch a break. This isn't a movie where you can root for the bad guys, and while it does make fun of the scrawny, overweight, and unmasculine, it does so with the same playful affection friends tease each other.
While starting out high school, Nate Hartley and Troy Gentile find themselves the new targets of horrible bullies Alex Frost and Josh Peck. The harassment is so terrible, and no parent or principal can help them, so they take a drastic chance in hiring a bodyguard. They interview many professionals but settle on the cheapest option: Owen Wilson. Why does he only charge $200? Because unbeknownst to the kids, he's a homeless veteran who just wants enough money to buy a ticket to Canada. Together with his other homeless pals, he plans to string the kids along and then rob them.
But since this is a family comedy, it's a safe bet that he'll find himself endeared to the kids. He does start off as a slick conman, but when he finally sees how much the kids need him, he finds a new purpose and starts taking the bodyguard job seriously. There is a brief part of the movie where Owen suggests finding common ground and making friends with the bullies, but that doesn't pan out. Sometimes, kids are bad to the bone and no amount of "conflict resolution" or loving your enemies can soften their hearts. So, don't expect everyone to have a Thanksgiving potluck together at the end of the movie.
I liked Drillbit Taylor so much more than I thought I would. I thought it was going to be far too silly and geared towards teen boys for my taste, but it was surprisingly sweet. Owen was really adorable, and it put me in the mood for the old Freaks and Geeks episodes.
While starting out high school, Nate Hartley and Troy Gentile find themselves the new targets of horrible bullies Alex Frost and Josh Peck. The harassment is so terrible, and no parent or principal can help them, so they take a drastic chance in hiring a bodyguard. They interview many professionals but settle on the cheapest option: Owen Wilson. Why does he only charge $200? Because unbeknownst to the kids, he's a homeless veteran who just wants enough money to buy a ticket to Canada. Together with his other homeless pals, he plans to string the kids along and then rob them.
But since this is a family comedy, it's a safe bet that he'll find himself endeared to the kids. He does start off as a slick conman, but when he finally sees how much the kids need him, he finds a new purpose and starts taking the bodyguard job seriously. There is a brief part of the movie where Owen suggests finding common ground and making friends with the bullies, but that doesn't pan out. Sometimes, kids are bad to the bone and no amount of "conflict resolution" or loving your enemies can soften their hearts. So, don't expect everyone to have a Thanksgiving potluck together at the end of the movie.
I liked Drillbit Taylor so much more than I thought I would. I thought it was going to be far too silly and geared towards teen boys for my taste, but it was surprisingly sweet. Owen was really adorable, and it put me in the mood for the old Freaks and Geeks episodes.
- HotToastyRag
- Jul 26, 2022
- Permalink
Fairly average but still enjoyable
There's not much new you can really do with a high school comedy, but at least the notion of Owen Wilson playing a jakey posing as a bodyguard promises a few laughs and a half.
It's a decent enough family comedy, and there are a few laugh out loud moments, but they're spread too thin to make this a classic jape. The 3 bullied teens are hugely likable though, and Wilson has such an easygoing charm that it's difficult not to enjoy it, even if he does work better when he's got a proper sparring partner to riff off.
The end result is likable without being lovable, funny without being hilarious and enjoyable without being particularly memorable.
It's a decent enough family comedy, and there are a few laugh out loud moments, but they're spread too thin to make this a classic jape. The 3 bullied teens are hugely likable though, and Wilson has such an easygoing charm that it's difficult not to enjoy it, even if he does work better when he's got a proper sparring partner to riff off.
The end result is likable without being lovable, funny without being hilarious and enjoyable without being particularly memorable.
- teresaband
- Mar 28, 2008
- Permalink
Presenting the life of the new and awkward
- absforachilles
- Apr 6, 2008
- Permalink
Owen Wilson: Army of One
It's been a while since I wrote one of these but thanks mainly to Owen Wilson for another hilarious (yes and interchangeable) role, this movie was funny enough to get motivated once again.
The premise is obviously pretty simple and has been done before in both bodyguard and teen movies (Superbad and My Bodyguard come to mind...duh). The beauty of this movie it combines the two genres with Owen Wilson's natural comedic talent and three capable younger actors resulting in a mostly funny comedy that is unique from the rest.
There was an interesting metaphor contained in one of the trailers showing Drillbit telling the kids he's taking them under his wing. The reason I say this is interesting is because this is how it mostly worked for the movie's humor. It took almost 15 minutes for it to really get started. Don't get me wrong, there were some funny parts that didn't involve him like the bodyguard interviews (gotta love Frank Whaley's cameo), Ryan's rap off with the bully and the two hitting each other but the biggest laughs for me were from Owen Wilson. To be fair though, Owen was at his best when the kids were involved. I loved the way he approached this "job" with one part seriousness, one part B.S. and two parts hilarious. I was dying when he was holding up that kid's burning popsicle stick project up to the sprinklers and just the general training conversations just to illustrate that recipe.
Overall, this storyline was nothing brilliant but as in You Me and Dupree, Owen Wilson manages to take something that could be rather mediocre turning it into an enjoyable and endearing comedy. True, he really didn't do it by himself as I'd try to make you believe. I mean the way the bullies were portrayed was a very convincing and effective factor that helped sell this one as well and who could forget the lovely Leslie Mann in an interesting and sometimes funny romantic subplot. To sum it all up, if you liked the trailers you're going to like this movie. And a shout to all the people who replied in my thread that convinced me to go myself. You were right.
The premise is obviously pretty simple and has been done before in both bodyguard and teen movies (Superbad and My Bodyguard come to mind...duh). The beauty of this movie it combines the two genres with Owen Wilson's natural comedic talent and three capable younger actors resulting in a mostly funny comedy that is unique from the rest.
There was an interesting metaphor contained in one of the trailers showing Drillbit telling the kids he's taking them under his wing. The reason I say this is interesting is because this is how it mostly worked for the movie's humor. It took almost 15 minutes for it to really get started. Don't get me wrong, there were some funny parts that didn't involve him like the bodyguard interviews (gotta love Frank Whaley's cameo), Ryan's rap off with the bully and the two hitting each other but the biggest laughs for me were from Owen Wilson. To be fair though, Owen was at his best when the kids were involved. I loved the way he approached this "job" with one part seriousness, one part B.S. and two parts hilarious. I was dying when he was holding up that kid's burning popsicle stick project up to the sprinklers and just the general training conversations just to illustrate that recipe.
Overall, this storyline was nothing brilliant but as in You Me and Dupree, Owen Wilson manages to take something that could be rather mediocre turning it into an enjoyable and endearing comedy. True, he really didn't do it by himself as I'd try to make you believe. I mean the way the bullies were portrayed was a very convincing and effective factor that helped sell this one as well and who could forget the lovely Leslie Mann in an interesting and sometimes funny romantic subplot. To sum it all up, if you liked the trailers you're going to like this movie. And a shout to all the people who replied in my thread that convinced me to go myself. You were right.
- Robert_Scott
- Mar 21, 2008
- Permalink
Wilson's charm keeps "Drillbit" afloat
Drillbit Taylor is the latest Apatow/Frat Pack movie. It isn't great and it isn't awful. Rogen's screenplay disappointed me, he did such a good job on Superbad. This movie will be compared to Superbad and rightfully so. It basically serves as a prelude to Superbad. Owen Wilson does his usual. Wilson's charm and improv skills keep this movie afloat. I think that if this movie was rated R it would have fared better with reviews and box office performance. Overall though its a must see for Frat Pack fans and Wilson fans. I also wish Owen well in his upcoming projects and i hope he is well on the road to recovery.
6/10
6/10
- farmer-josh21
- Apr 4, 2008
- Permalink
Superbad: Episode One
Drillbit Taylor comes from the quite remarkable team that brought 40 Year Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad and Walk Hard. While this movie doesn't quite live up to their ideals, it still is an enjoyable 2 hours.
The plot revolves around 3 students and their horrifying treatment at the hands of a couple of uber-bullies. Enter Drillbit Taylor ( Owen Wilson )- a man who is basically a bum who just wants to at first fleece the kids so that he go to Canada to start anew. However the more he gets entangled in the story, the more he begins to care for the 3 kids.
The plot is incredibly predictable and doesn't really go anywhere amazing. The three kids themselves too are very similar to the three kids from Superbad; just younger. Whether this was a conscious decision or not, it sorta makes the movie have to stand in comparison with Superbad and unfortunately it doesn't have Superbad's black humour. What it does have though is some nice little comic set pieces, particularly in the middle of the film which are helped by Owen Wilson, who seems to be able to play his part effortlessly.
This is a movie that will never set the world on fire, but what it does do is raise a laugh or two without offending anyone ( quite new ground for Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen ). For their first real go at a family film, it does OK.
The plot revolves around 3 students and their horrifying treatment at the hands of a couple of uber-bullies. Enter Drillbit Taylor ( Owen Wilson )- a man who is basically a bum who just wants to at first fleece the kids so that he go to Canada to start anew. However the more he gets entangled in the story, the more he begins to care for the 3 kids.
The plot is incredibly predictable and doesn't really go anywhere amazing. The three kids themselves too are very similar to the three kids from Superbad; just younger. Whether this was a conscious decision or not, it sorta makes the movie have to stand in comparison with Superbad and unfortunately it doesn't have Superbad's black humour. What it does have though is some nice little comic set pieces, particularly in the middle of the film which are helped by Owen Wilson, who seems to be able to play his part effortlessly.
This is a movie that will never set the world on fire, but what it does do is raise a laugh or two without offending anyone ( quite new ground for Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen ). For their first real go at a family film, it does OK.
- Baldrick44
- Mar 20, 2008
- Permalink
What amazes me about everyone's reaction
Yes, Owen Wilson is always likable in these kinds of roles. Yes, it has more than a few funny moments. Yes, it's easy to like the heroes and hate the bad guys. Why does no one find it disturbing?? Because it makes a happy ending, typical Hollywood wrap up, to violent, disturbing, deeply troubling and criminal harassment and torture. Only people who don't care and don't ever think about why they like what they like and how the film-makers manipulate, would not object here. It is an irresponsible film and really glorifies the problem by making it a fun buddy caper. I hate to sound so uptight, and I don't think I really am, but some of the sadistic attacks on these children made me cringe and rage as I saw it... not because it went too far, but because to some degree this sort of thing happens everyday, and the system, the school, the parents the other students stand by just as they do in this film. However, here we have a fantasy about some crazy solution. It would be fun and cute if it weren't such a vile topic - one nobody seems to take seriously. If you have children, or know children or care about children in the public school system, this film should not be fun for you. Do not suspend your disbelief. Is rape a fun topic for a happy ending buddy comedy? Is murder? Is child beating? Domestic violence? No? Really?? No one would say yes to any of that? Then why is a topic that can lead to things like school shootings and suicide, not to mention the endless fear, deep emtional damage and daily desperation and unhappiness of many children's lives, so easily translated into a cutesy buddy film with a happy, feel-good ending? The makers of this film should bear some scrutiny for exploiting such an issue, for diminishing it and making light of it. As I started by saying, yes, there is fun involved, but those who are so immune to the ugliness portrayed here, the wrong, the real problem that goes as ignored in the real world as it does here, that this is enough, should do some thinking when they watch films.
- nycgirl123
- Jul 31, 2008
- Permalink
A droll bit of fluff, is Drillbit; most likely you will enjoy it
Two friends, Wade (Nate Hartley) and T-Dog (Troy Gentile) are about to enter the ninth grade. As they are both rather nerdy, their fondest wish is to simply "fit in" and snag friends and girlfriends. But, on the first day of school, their dream is roundly shattered. You see, there is a senior at the school, Filkins (Alex Frost) who lives to torture those individuals who, unhappily, catch his eye. Since Wade and T-Dog have showed up in the same shirt, he promptly buttons their tops together, in a tangle, for his amusement. It is only the beginning. When Wade rescues a third outcast, Emmitt, from Filkins clutches, the big bully makes the threesome his pet victims. Then, T-Dog gets the idea that if they find a bodyguard, preferably with martial art skills, they can throw Filkins for a loop. Answering the boys' ad is one Drillbit Taylor (Owen Wilson). Although he informs the boys that he was once in the army and skilled in combat, he fails to tell them that he is a homeless panhandler who is taking the job so that he can pocket enough money to make the bus fare to Canada. Posing as a substitute teacher, Drillbit does keep an eye on the boys, especially with the help of a walkie-talkie. There is even a pretty teacher, Lisa (Leslie Mann) who falls hard for the now button-down Drillbit. But, how long can such a scheme last and does Filkins have some more tricks up his sleeve? This is a droll bit of fluff, this Drillbit, and most likely you will enjoy it. Young boys, especially, will probably clamor for tickets but, parents, do note the PG-13 rating and the description which follows it. This is not a family film, exactly, and there are quite a few elements that will frost someone's cookies. That is not to say the film is not very funny and true to life, for it is. There are some great lines, such as the one where Drillbit notes "if you take away their video games, they might choose to read a book or if you garnish their ipods, they could learn to play the piano". The young cast is great, with Hartley and Gentile demonstrating their natural comic abilities and Frost, a dead ringer for Anthony Perkins, delivering an appropriately loathsome turn as the bully. Mann is always a welcome addition to any film, for she has looks, talent, and an arresting voice. As for Wilson, it is doubtful that anyone could have played this role any better. When a film requires a sun-soaked slacker with a giant heart, he is the man to call, absolutely. Then, too, the production looks good, with well-chosen costumes and sets, and the screenplay is inventive and humorous. No, it is not the greatest thing since slice-bread and it may fall into oblivion at some point. But, there is truly much to like about Drillbit and its cheery tale will entertain most folks who sit down for a viewing.
An enjoyable film
- siobhandenton
- Apr 8, 2008
- Permalink
I Never Wanted It to End!
OMG! I LOVED this movie. It's the PERFECT comedy movie for kids/teens, if there's a day or night you can't seem to find anything to do. Usually, even if it's a movie I like, I still want it to end, and get up and stretch, but I NEVER wanted this one to end!! The actors in particular that I think did the best job were Josh Peck, David Dorfman, and Owen Wilson. They were GREAT!! It should be a 7.2 not a 6.1. I didn't think it was gonna be great but it was. You should TOTALLY see it, you won't be disappointed!! Even though it says "Crude Sexual References Throughout" it DEFINITELY DEFINITELY IS NOT "Throughout". And the "Partial Nudity" is just a brief shot of Drillbit's behind. And the bullying is kind of obvious, shoving into lockers etc. The drug references is just when the mother repeatedly asks her son "Are you smoking pot" Anybody 10 and Up should be able to see this and handle it just fine. It's not as bad as it sounds on the parents guide, and the parents guide isn't even really bad, so there you go. The bottom line is GO SEE IT!! It is a GREAT flick!! MPAA RATING: PG-13-For Crude Sexual References Throughout, Strong Bullying, Drug References, And Partial Nudity My Version of What It Should Be: PG-13-For SOME Sexual References, HUMOROUS Bullying, Drug References, And Partial Nudity
- MovieDude95
- Apr 11, 2008
- Permalink
not worth your money
Plot: Three high school freshmen are repeatedly harassed by two cruel bullies. The boys hire a bodyguard named Drillbit Taylor to protect them from the bullies. Unbeknownst to the boys, Drillbit is a homeless man, who has lied about his credentials.
I like the premise. It had potential. Unfortunately, this comedy only had a few good laughs. Unfunny dialogue and unfunny situations. Like Superbad, this movie was co-written by Seth Rogen. Unlike Superbad, this script was boring, full of holes, and not very funny.
Examples of plot holes: Neither the principal nor the parents take the kids seriously when they say they're being harassed by bullies. Even after one of the kids gets a black eye, apparently no adults ever notice. The bullies openly attack in crowded areas at school without ever being caught by the faculty. A man posing as a substitute teacher is able to walk into classrooms at random and start teaching without the real teacher ever walking in and saying, "Why the heck are you here?"
Owen Wilson plays Drillbit, and he brings a lot of charm to the character. He provides a few laughs, but his ability is limited by a mostly unfunny script. Actually, this film had some great casting. Leslie Mann is fantastic, and her chemistry with Wilson was so strong that I hope they get another chance to work together on a better film. The perfect actors were also chosen to play Wade's step-dad (a former bully/jock) and brain-dead stepbrothers.
Overall, this movie is not worth renting even if you usually like Seth Rogen or Owen Wilson. I know a couple 12-year-olds who loved this movie, and I do believe other kids of that age would enjoy it. For the rest of us, skip it.
I like the premise. It had potential. Unfortunately, this comedy only had a few good laughs. Unfunny dialogue and unfunny situations. Like Superbad, this movie was co-written by Seth Rogen. Unlike Superbad, this script was boring, full of holes, and not very funny.
Examples of plot holes: Neither the principal nor the parents take the kids seriously when they say they're being harassed by bullies. Even after one of the kids gets a black eye, apparently no adults ever notice. The bullies openly attack in crowded areas at school without ever being caught by the faculty. A man posing as a substitute teacher is able to walk into classrooms at random and start teaching without the real teacher ever walking in and saying, "Why the heck are you here?"
Owen Wilson plays Drillbit, and he brings a lot of charm to the character. He provides a few laughs, but his ability is limited by a mostly unfunny script. Actually, this film had some great casting. Leslie Mann is fantastic, and her chemistry with Wilson was so strong that I hope they get another chance to work together on a better film. The perfect actors were also chosen to play Wade's step-dad (a former bully/jock) and brain-dead stepbrothers.
Overall, this movie is not worth renting even if you usually like Seth Rogen or Owen Wilson. I know a couple 12-year-olds who loved this movie, and I do believe other kids of that age would enjoy it. For the rest of us, skip it.
- Chris Brown
- Apr 1, 2008
- Permalink
Funnier than I imagined
I recently went to see the sneak preview Tuesday, going in I thought it'll be so-so in the humor department. This isn't a smart make you think comedy, but it had heart in the right places and it was very funny none the less. It has a few plot holes, but nothing too obvious to the viewer.
I really enjoyed watching the characters, Owen Wilson is really great at these types of comedies. In the end though I've got to say that the kids they casted really stole the show. They fit their roles perfectly.
In the end all I can say is that this movie is redemption for geeky fresh meat everywhere.
I really enjoyed watching the characters, Owen Wilson is really great at these types of comedies. In the end though I've got to say that the kids they casted really stole the show. They fit their roles perfectly.
In the end all I can say is that this movie is redemption for geeky fresh meat everywhere.
Not the best movie but still worth seeing
- shortney15
- Mar 21, 2008
- Permalink
It was alright
When I first saw the trailer for Drillbit Taylor, I thought it actually looked like fun and would be a cool movie, but I decided to save the money and wait for the rental on it, because it was getting some bad reviews. So I did rent it, watched it last night, I'm actually glad I waited for the rental because while I didn't hate the movie, I wasn't a big fan of it. I think because the story was just beyond unrealistic, I know it's a comedy, and I always do lighten up for a movie, but this just seemed ridicules. These boys who are getting picked on, I mean, they're not just getting picked on they're are getting brutally humiliated and somehow no one notices? Not to mention that a homeless guy can just walk into a school wearing a tie and he is assumed to be a substitute and no one asks questions? This script must have been written by someone who was drunk.
Three kids at school are getting brutally picked on by two bullies, they're getting hit constantly, being made fun of, getting stuffed into trophy cabinets, and even getting hung from doors; they've had it, they decide to hire a body guard to protect them. They meet Drillbit Taylor, an actual homeless guy who is trying to get to Canada, so he's ripping off these kids in any way he can to get there, but he promises them that he's a great body guard and will teach them how to fight. Of course madness ensues, he ends up liking the kids, the story speaks for itself, I'm sorry.
The movie is unoriginal, the comedy is alright, the actors, I wasn't impressed with the casting. I just feel like this movie could have been so much more, it just seems so beyond insane to me to believe a lot of these situations. Not to mention, the bully, he was kinda puny, and I was supposed to believe him as a bully who can kick anyone's butt? I know that everyone is going to tell me to lighten up with this movie, but honestly, I feel like it did waste my time, it was predictable and not comedy gold, I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone to be honest.
3/10
Three kids at school are getting brutally picked on by two bullies, they're getting hit constantly, being made fun of, getting stuffed into trophy cabinets, and even getting hung from doors; they've had it, they decide to hire a body guard to protect them. They meet Drillbit Taylor, an actual homeless guy who is trying to get to Canada, so he's ripping off these kids in any way he can to get there, but he promises them that he's a great body guard and will teach them how to fight. Of course madness ensues, he ends up liking the kids, the story speaks for itself, I'm sorry.
The movie is unoriginal, the comedy is alright, the actors, I wasn't impressed with the casting. I just feel like this movie could have been so much more, it just seems so beyond insane to me to believe a lot of these situations. Not to mention, the bully, he was kinda puny, and I was supposed to believe him as a bully who can kick anyone's butt? I know that everyone is going to tell me to lighten up with this movie, but honestly, I feel like it did waste my time, it was predictable and not comedy gold, I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone to be honest.
3/10
- Smells_Like_Cheese
- Jul 22, 2008
- Permalink
Drilbit Taylor Will Save The Kids
'Drilbit Taylor' is a teen movie that revolves around three highschool students being bullied and in order to protect themselves they plan to hire a bodyguard. The film has its own charm and is quite likable thanks mostly to Wilson's chemistry with the three teens. Another thing I liked about this movie is that it wasn't overloaded with sex and crudeness which seems to be a forced compulsory requirement of every teen movie these days (a recent example being the awful 'Superbad'). The teen actors, Nate Hartley and Troy Gentile are very good. Hartley particularly gives a natural performance. Owen Wilson uses his superb comic timing and does nothing short of great. What I didn't like about 'Drilbit Taylor' is that it tends to go unnecessarily over the top with some sequences and the fight scene in the end is a little too violent. The bullying scenes were meant to be funny (at least that's the impression I got given the background score and the way it was executed) but with me they had the opposite effect and I wonder how kids who are actually bullied would feel after watching such scenes being used as comic relief. However on the other hand, it might be uplifting to them as the point of the movie was to stand up for oneself and his friends. Anyway, 'Drilbit Taylor' is fun entertainment. Not the best of its kind but still good enough.
- Chrysanthepop
- Sep 4, 2008
- Permalink
Good, Not Brilliant
Right off the bat, I have to say that I am pretty easily pleased. There aren't a hell of a lot of movies that I absolutely loathe. Just movies I will not want to see again.
Drillbit Taylor is essentially a younger Superbad with Owen Wilson. Unfortunately, the story is not as engaging, not as funny and just not as good.
This movie will most likely be a stepping stone for several of the young cast. Alex Frost as Filkins, the bully, is quite frightening and plays the slightly psychotic role extremely well. Troy Gentile is being labeled as a young Jonah Hill, but I felt he was a lot more like Joe Pesci. Nate Hartley did well as the young second lead.
There are a number of funny scenes like the bullying montage, the rap battle and Wade and Ryan's preparation. The problem that there is too much stuff in between which isn't funny.
Drillbit Taylor is essentially a younger Superbad with Owen Wilson. Unfortunately, the story is not as engaging, not as funny and just not as good.
This movie will most likely be a stepping stone for several of the young cast. Alex Frost as Filkins, the bully, is quite frightening and plays the slightly psychotic role extremely well. Troy Gentile is being labeled as a young Jonah Hill, but I felt he was a lot more like Joe Pesci. Nate Hartley did well as the young second lead.
There are a number of funny scenes like the bullying montage, the rap battle and Wade and Ryan's preparation. The problem that there is too much stuff in between which isn't funny.
- ashleyhobley
- Mar 19, 2008
- Permalink
Not as funny as I expected
I wouldn't say it's a waste of time but also I wouldn't spend it that way again. Its a movie that it has some funny moments but they pass too fast turning it into a nonsense film.Maybe it is a entertaining movie for kids and teens because of all the situations. The story about Two kids hire a low-budget bodyguard to protect them from the playground bully. The cast is decent but the acting is weak. Owen Wilson in maybe his worst performance, I don't know but I feel him uncomfortable with this role, the three kids are good, specially Tony Gentile (the fat one). In conclusion, It was intended to be and entertaining movie and it was for a while.
"Unfunny and just plain stupid!"
From the guys who brought us Superbad, Knocked Up and The 40 Year Old Virgin, Seth Rogen (who co-wrote the film) and Judd Apatow (who executive produced the film), sadly bring us their most unfunny film, Drillbit Taylor. Owen Wilson, still looking like he's recovering from his suicide attempt, plays the title character as a down-on-his-luck-beach-living homeless, excuse me... "homefree" person, posing as a Doctor/Substitute Teacher, hired by three young boys, Ryan, Wade and Emit, as their bodyguard to keep the bullies at helm during their first few days of high school. The three adolescents, nerdy, chubby and geeky, play their roles well and actually look like high school kids. We've seen all this bullying before in movies and unfortunately, in real life... being stuffed into lockers, heads banged against walls, wedgies and being kicked, punched, poked fun of, etc., etc., etc. Bullying is a serious issue in public schools and here, it's treated like slapstick. Some of it funny, but most of it not.
Drillbit Taylor has some of the dumbest parents, mostly non-existent, in movie history. The principle of the school is a naive, clueless dimwit and the English teacher that falls for Wilson's character, acts like she hasn't been on a date since Jr. High and is basically ready to jump his bones right there in the teacher's lounge. There's nothing witty or clever about Drillbit Taylor. Most of the writing is unfunny and just plain stupid. I noticed from the audience's reaction, dialogue that was supposed to be funny, received forced laughter. One very funny scene is shown in the movie trailer, as two of the boys sucker punch each other in different parts of their bodies, practicing for that big fight toward the third act. The far superior Superbad had the perfect formula dealing with high school bullies and a few of it's geeky inhabitants. Not only was that film over-the-top funny, but it had that rare feat of having a heart and soul, and was one of the best adolescent films of recent years where as Rogen's and Apatow's new film, needs so much life resuscitated into it, it's basically dead on arrival. It's not entirely their fault; director Steven Brill has a knack for really bad comedies (Without A Paddle, Little Nicky and Mr. Deeds) which audiences have smartly stayed away from. Drillbit Taylor joins this dreadful list.
Drillbit Taylor has some of the dumbest parents, mostly non-existent, in movie history. The principle of the school is a naive, clueless dimwit and the English teacher that falls for Wilson's character, acts like she hasn't been on a date since Jr. High and is basically ready to jump his bones right there in the teacher's lounge. There's nothing witty or clever about Drillbit Taylor. Most of the writing is unfunny and just plain stupid. I noticed from the audience's reaction, dialogue that was supposed to be funny, received forced laughter. One very funny scene is shown in the movie trailer, as two of the boys sucker punch each other in different parts of their bodies, practicing for that big fight toward the third act. The far superior Superbad had the perfect formula dealing with high school bullies and a few of it's geeky inhabitants. Not only was that film over-the-top funny, but it had that rare feat of having a heart and soul, and was one of the best adolescent films of recent years where as Rogen's and Apatow's new film, needs so much life resuscitated into it, it's basically dead on arrival. It's not entirely their fault; director Steven Brill has a knack for really bad comedies (Without A Paddle, Little Nicky and Mr. Deeds) which audiences have smartly stayed away from. Drillbit Taylor joins this dreadful list.
- alvinvigil
- Mar 18, 2008
- Permalink
Doing your own knockoffs
This comedy about three nerdy high school freshman who hire a low budget bodyguard to ward off a bully reads a lot like a down-market knockoff of the Judd Apatow franchises (note the plural), but it's actually got the Apatow imprimatur (he produced; his collaborator Seth Rogen co-scripted). Director Brill has strong links with Adam Sandler (he directed two of Sandler's less impressive comedies), and in fact, what's coming next is an "Untitled Judd Apatow/Adam Sandler Project." All of which unfortunately tells us what 'Walk Hard' already clearly signaled: notwithstanding the success of '40 Year Old Virgin,' 'Knocked Up,' and 'Superbad,' what Apatow and his posse are into more than anything is flooding the market--quantity, not quality. Stephen Holden of the NYTimes suggests we see this one as "part of the Apatow discount line." Unfortunately when you cut the quality in comedy you also lose laughs. Since the main actors are talented and appealing, this project has to be seen as a terrible waste--despite the box office and the paychecks for those concerned. Sometimes in the popular, as in the fine, arts, the clunkers are the necessary stepping-stones to the good stuff. But you don't have to waste your time looking at them.
Drawing from TV's "Freaks and Geeks" for the kids; from Renoir's 'Boudu' or Mazursky's remake of it for Owen Wilson's character, the homeless charlatan bodyguard; and from Tony Bill's Eighties youth flick (and Matt Dillon vehicle) 'My Bodyguard' for the interface between the two, 'Drillbit Taylor' has a touch of sadism and too much reliance on slapstick knock-downs for its laughs. There's a warm heart somewhere here, but it gets lost in the uneasy subject matter and the haste.
Once again as in 'Superbad' the three-nerd pattern of "Freaks and Geeks" is followed: one boy is tall, skinny and bespectacled (Wade, Nate Hartley), another fat and curly haired (Ryan AKA T-Bone, Troy Gentile) and the third small with braces (Emit, David Dorfman). This time they seem a little young to be in high school. (They're all good, and newcomer Nate Hartley is appealing.) In the superior 'Superbad' the central trio seemed a tad old. Only in what now seems the Apatow golden age of "Freaks and Geeks" did the kids seem just right, and in the TV series format their characters also had room to breathe, instead of having to rely on instant back-stories and sound-bite parents.
Ironically, the bully, Filkins, is played by Alex Frost, a young actor who got his start playing one of the bullied boys who turns mass murderer in Van Sant's 'Elephant'. Perhaps Frost has a little of the sociopath in his eyes, but his face still looks kind--not that this movie really gives him such complexity. He's barely more than a looming physical threat.
The plot has romance and triumph-of-the-underdog elements, but also becomes a sort of odd buddy picture. Drillbit, actually a deserter, pretends to be an Army ranger with commando skills but quickly emerges as mostly talk, and really no more aggressive by nature than Wade. He avoids confronting Filkins at first by taking the boys aside and training them out of school. His encouragement makes him become a kind of big brother to them--or at least to Wade; the other two boys are scantily developed and it's only he who becomes an accidental hero and gets the girl. This in parallel fashion also happens to Drillbit. In the jerky, meandering plot both are cowards who discover their hidden tough side under pressure.
This role fits Owen Wilson just fine, but without really good material and a strong foil such as Vince Vaughan or Ben Stiller (or his cohorts in 'The Darjeeling Limited') he comes across as somewhat limp. His very ease in line readings and all too natural charm only contribute to the feeling that this whole affair was thrown together in haste.
Bullies are always gratuitously mean and Filkins has no motivation. But if not about to become a mass murderer, he at least may be horribly lonely because his parents live in Hong Kong. His character isn't worked out--one of the movie's various missed opportunities, since simply punishing the villain and sending him away ill befits the story's good-heartedness; and his transformation could have been funny as well as appealing. The showdown comes at a party Filkins gives--odd in itself, since bullies aren't social organizers. Wade, Emit and T-Bone go there to kick ass, but the confrontation before the big audience of kids at the party is a scene from another kind of movie. It shows the elements Seth Rogan and Company have cobbled together don't mesh. Really now, how do you make a comedy about a bully?
Nor could one believe for a minute the plot line wherein Drillbit successfully poses as a substitute teacher,"Dr. Illbit," saying as long as you carry a coffee cup passing as faculty is a snap. Not for the first time the movie fudges, and before long he's teaching lots of classes including gym (where he is conveniently able to torment the bully and his sidekick without reprisals). Wearing clothes from the boy's houses he becomes quite a dandy--much too elegant for a public high school. In the faculty room, the sexiest woman teacher pounces on him--leading to a psychobabble subplot about her weakness for men who are losers, but no development of the relationship.
Drillbit feeds the boys a variety of unrelated tips: learn to take punches (ignore the pain); improvise weaponry (an excuse to steal valuables from one boy's house--and for another subplot); have your pals hold you back so you can seem violent without attacking (this one backfires badly); pretend to be sympathetic toward your aggressors. . .and so on. This incoherent sequence is further evidence of careless improvising. Nonetheless Drillbit would be a genuine comic creation--his false bravado even evokes Falstaff's motley colors--if only the movie had been made with more care.
Drawing from TV's "Freaks and Geeks" for the kids; from Renoir's 'Boudu' or Mazursky's remake of it for Owen Wilson's character, the homeless charlatan bodyguard; and from Tony Bill's Eighties youth flick (and Matt Dillon vehicle) 'My Bodyguard' for the interface between the two, 'Drillbit Taylor' has a touch of sadism and too much reliance on slapstick knock-downs for its laughs. There's a warm heart somewhere here, but it gets lost in the uneasy subject matter and the haste.
Once again as in 'Superbad' the three-nerd pattern of "Freaks and Geeks" is followed: one boy is tall, skinny and bespectacled (Wade, Nate Hartley), another fat and curly haired (Ryan AKA T-Bone, Troy Gentile) and the third small with braces (Emit, David Dorfman). This time they seem a little young to be in high school. (They're all good, and newcomer Nate Hartley is appealing.) In the superior 'Superbad' the central trio seemed a tad old. Only in what now seems the Apatow golden age of "Freaks and Geeks" did the kids seem just right, and in the TV series format their characters also had room to breathe, instead of having to rely on instant back-stories and sound-bite parents.
Ironically, the bully, Filkins, is played by Alex Frost, a young actor who got his start playing one of the bullied boys who turns mass murderer in Van Sant's 'Elephant'. Perhaps Frost has a little of the sociopath in his eyes, but his face still looks kind--not that this movie really gives him such complexity. He's barely more than a looming physical threat.
The plot has romance and triumph-of-the-underdog elements, but also becomes a sort of odd buddy picture. Drillbit, actually a deserter, pretends to be an Army ranger with commando skills but quickly emerges as mostly talk, and really no more aggressive by nature than Wade. He avoids confronting Filkins at first by taking the boys aside and training them out of school. His encouragement makes him become a kind of big brother to them--or at least to Wade; the other two boys are scantily developed and it's only he who becomes an accidental hero and gets the girl. This in parallel fashion also happens to Drillbit. In the jerky, meandering plot both are cowards who discover their hidden tough side under pressure.
This role fits Owen Wilson just fine, but without really good material and a strong foil such as Vince Vaughan or Ben Stiller (or his cohorts in 'The Darjeeling Limited') he comes across as somewhat limp. His very ease in line readings and all too natural charm only contribute to the feeling that this whole affair was thrown together in haste.
Bullies are always gratuitously mean and Filkins has no motivation. But if not about to become a mass murderer, he at least may be horribly lonely because his parents live in Hong Kong. His character isn't worked out--one of the movie's various missed opportunities, since simply punishing the villain and sending him away ill befits the story's good-heartedness; and his transformation could have been funny as well as appealing. The showdown comes at a party Filkins gives--odd in itself, since bullies aren't social organizers. Wade, Emit and T-Bone go there to kick ass, but the confrontation before the big audience of kids at the party is a scene from another kind of movie. It shows the elements Seth Rogan and Company have cobbled together don't mesh. Really now, how do you make a comedy about a bully?
Nor could one believe for a minute the plot line wherein Drillbit successfully poses as a substitute teacher,"Dr. Illbit," saying as long as you carry a coffee cup passing as faculty is a snap. Not for the first time the movie fudges, and before long he's teaching lots of classes including gym (where he is conveniently able to torment the bully and his sidekick without reprisals). Wearing clothes from the boy's houses he becomes quite a dandy--much too elegant for a public high school. In the faculty room, the sexiest woman teacher pounces on him--leading to a psychobabble subplot about her weakness for men who are losers, but no development of the relationship.
Drillbit feeds the boys a variety of unrelated tips: learn to take punches (ignore the pain); improvise weaponry (an excuse to steal valuables from one boy's house--and for another subplot); have your pals hold you back so you can seem violent without attacking (this one backfires badly); pretend to be sympathetic toward your aggressors. . .and so on. This incoherent sequence is further evidence of careless improvising. Nonetheless Drillbit would be a genuine comic creation--his false bravado even evokes Falstaff's motley colors--if only the movie had been made with more care.
- Chris Knipp
- Mar 25, 2008
- Permalink
Drillbit Taylor is too sour and mean spirited to be heartwarming, and rest of the movie is dull and undercooked.
- stewiefan201
- Apr 3, 2008
- Permalink
Drillbit Taylor on 4k ultra hd
Drillbit Taylor horribly unfunny
Wade (Nate Hartley) and Ryan (Troy Gentile) are two nerdy friends getting bullied in high school by Filkins (Alex Frost) and Ronnie (Josh Peck). The only bigger nerd in school is Emit (David Dorfman) and the two friends can't get rid of him. Wade likes Brooke (Valerie Tian), but it's hopeless. He gets the idea to hire a bodyguard. Drillbit Taylor (Owen Wilson) is a happy amiable homeless guy. He needs the money and gets the idea to lie to the kids.
The bullying is way over the top. The kids aren't particularly cute or appealing. The adults are incredibly clueless. In reality, most teachers know who the trouble makers are. The only thing saving this is the chemistry between the three kids. Drillbit Taylor's lying is horribly unfunny. He really sinks this movie. I can't believe that the kids buy into everything he says. If the movie concentrates on the boys and less on Drillbit, the movie may actually work.
The bullying is way over the top. The kids aren't particularly cute or appealing. The adults are incredibly clueless. In reality, most teachers know who the trouble makers are. The only thing saving this is the chemistry between the three kids. Drillbit Taylor's lying is horribly unfunny. He really sinks this movie. I can't believe that the kids buy into everything he says. If the movie concentrates on the boys and less on Drillbit, the movie may actually work.
- SnoopyStyle
- Feb 22, 2014
- Permalink
Another inventive comedy from the Apatow crew
I love IMDb.com. I just came here (after seeing the movie) and saw that John Hughes (using a pseudonym) was one of the writers of this movie. That makes sense, because the movie covers the awkwardness, danger and constant potential for life-ruining humiliation that is freshman year high school. Being "skinny, scared and lonely", as Drillbit Taylor puts it.
One of the other writers is the awesome Seth Rogen, co-writer & co-star of "Superbad" and co-star of "Knocked Up".
Owen Wilson is funny, sexy and heartwarming in this role. The trio of geeky lads who hire Owen as their protector are all played by wonderful young actors. The Apatow organization seems to have a genius for finding great and funny teen actors. I was especially impressed by Alex Frost (he plays the bully) who I think has stardom in his future.
The small roles of the film are filled by standup comics and "The Daily Show" alumni. Good talent all around.
The movie is not perfect. It's front-loaded -- meaning the first half has so many laughs you can't hear all the lines for the laughter. Then it suddenly slows down in the second half. It's still interesting -- just not as funny. And when you get to the violent fighting, that dries up the laughs.
Overall though, any film from the Apatow organization is going to be 6 times funnier and more inventive than the average movie comedy out there. So go have some laughs.
One of the other writers is the awesome Seth Rogen, co-writer & co-star of "Superbad" and co-star of "Knocked Up".
Owen Wilson is funny, sexy and heartwarming in this role. The trio of geeky lads who hire Owen as their protector are all played by wonderful young actors. The Apatow organization seems to have a genius for finding great and funny teen actors. I was especially impressed by Alex Frost (he plays the bully) who I think has stardom in his future.
The small roles of the film are filled by standup comics and "The Daily Show" alumni. Good talent all around.
The movie is not perfect. It's front-loaded -- meaning the first half has so many laughs you can't hear all the lines for the laughter. Then it suddenly slows down in the second half. It's still interesting -- just not as funny. And when you get to the violent fighting, that dries up the laughs.
Overall though, any film from the Apatow organization is going to be 6 times funnier and more inventive than the average movie comedy out there. So go have some laughs.
- hellokristen
- Feb 25, 2008
- Permalink
Way too ridiculous at times, but still very watchable
When I first saw this movie in theater when it came out, I thought it was a pretty entertaining comedy. All I can say that it does not deserve the bashing it's been getting, it far from being a believable comedy and isn't one of the best comedy of the year. But it's still a enjoyable comedy despite the ridiculousness of everything in this movie. The factor that made this movie watchable is that it just doesn't really get bored. Even for a comedy that takes place in a high school, it's just ridiculous because the set up isn't ridiculous, but the direction is very ridiculous. The story is about 3 students that just started high school who are the biggest geeks, hire a bodyguard since they constantly gets bullied in a comedic manner. And as the movie progresses they start to bond a bit. The dialogue in this is pretty childish but didn't think it was really cringe worthy, in fact I think the negative rating is from how childish and immature the the direction of this movie is. But those stuff just wasn't all that bad in this movie or got me annoyed that much. Yes this movie has a lot of flaws but the main thing is that it's entertaining and very watchable, just isn't anything amazing.
6.4/10
6.4/10
- KineticSeoul
- Mar 14, 2011
- Permalink
A hopeless, hapless, humorless, soulless MESS that some 14 year olds will like
- stevepat99
- Jul 4, 2008
- Permalink