Review of Grandma's Boy (2006) by Jay S — 13 Oct 2010

Grandma's Boy is one of the most underrated comedy films of all time. Some critics have trouble understanding that nothing is wrong with the plot taking back seat to the humor in a film intended as comedy.

If I want to watch a well developed and insightful philosophical piece of drama then I would watch a film like Adaptation or The Dark Knight.

When I choose to watch a comedy film I do so because I want to experience comedic perspectives on life. Grandma's Boy is a hilariously satisfying, clear and well crafted film. Every time I watch Grandma's Boy I am left wanting more.

Alex (Allen Covert) is a 35 year old video game tester and a big stoner. After a series of unfortunate events, Alex loses his apartment and he ends up living with his grandmother (Doris Roberts from Everyone Loves Raymond)and her two crazy roommates (Shirley Jones and Shirley Knight). Alex struggles to succeed and adapt in his new environment long enough to find a new apartment. The plot is good and offers comedic opportunities, but the film's characters are what really make this film funny.

Joel Moore plays JP, a young prodigious video game designer who acts like a Robot and looks like Neo from the Matrix. Nick Swardson, Kevin Nealon and Peter Dante's characters are less important to the overall plot line of the film, but they are great and they really steal a lot of the film by being so funny.

Also, the elderly are often underrepresented in Hollywood films. Comedy films in particular rarely center around the elderly. The elderly characters in Grandma's Boy like to party and have fun just as much as the young crowd. That is probably what attracted Doris Roberts, Shirley Jones and Shirley Knight to be in the film and they really give the film some heart.

If you are looking for a raunchy and whacky comedy that delivers again and again then Grandma's Boy is right for you.