Review of Heavyweights (1995) by Erica K — 13 Feb 2008
I know this one has become something of a childhood favorite, but even as a kid, I never really liked this movie much. I did like Ben Stiller's presence, and the movie works whenever he's working at his most deranged.
The trouble is that the protagonist kids are kind of asking for it. Sure Stiller goes overboard more than once, but I still wanted the boys to put down the Twinkies, shed a few pounds, and gain some dignity.
Why would their gluttonous habits be presented with such comic glee and judicious cynicism if we weren't meant to root for them to lose it all? In the end, the movie asks us to root for the boys to retain their poundage.
Granted, obesity is treated rather cruelly in real life, and no one should ever be harassed because of their weight. But nonetheless, there's apathy and there's cardiac arrest, and most kids know the difference between the two.
This review of Heavyweights (1995) was written by Erica K on 13 Feb 2008.
Heavyweights has generally received positive reviews.
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