Review of Heavyweights (1995) by Charlie M — 23 Feb 2015

There are certain movies you have to see at a young age, otherwise you won't like them. I watched my girlfriend's VHS copy of Heavyweights today for the first time, and I see why so many of my friends love it. It's a quirky, funny movie with a lot of great bits and performances. There are some slow parts, but it's not overly schmaltzy and most of the humor works.

It helps to have a bunch of hilarious people involved with the making of it. Judd Apatow wrote it, and Ben Stiller kills it as the lunatic camp instructor. Remember the skinny dork who dances, Tim? That's Paul Feig, the future director of the All-Lady Ghostbusters. Plus, it's directed by Marc Maron's life-long frenimy Steve Brill. 20 years later all these guys are all still working.

The best part is the message of this movie, about personal responsibility and positive reinforcement. Also, fat kids falling down and farting, that bit always works.