'Waterboy' full of refreshing laughs

By Jimmy Chai, Online Forty Niner

Tuesday, November 10, 1998

Adam Sandler's "Waterboy" hit big in the box office this past weekend grossing in an estimated $39.1 million.

The record-breaking figure, which is the highest opening weekend gross for the month of November and December, pulled a quarterback sneak on critics who gave the movie horrible reviews.

---

MOVIE REVIEW

---

"Waterboy", written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, draws a fine line between twisted humor, such as "The Simpsons," and complete and utter stupidity.

Sandler, who has played an underdog for most of his past starring roles, plays Bobby Boucher, a 31 year-old stuttering waterboy sheltered from the world by his over protective mother who feeds him nothing but the best Louisiana swamp has to offer.

Years of eating snake, baby alligators and frog cupcakes builds Boucher into a ruthless pounding machine hidden within a sweet innocent waterboy.

One day, he gets fired by a cruel University of Louisiana head football coach for being picked on too much by the football team.

But a nice coach, played by Henry Winkler, gives the down and out waterboy a chance and puts to use Boucher's ability to make a refreshing glass of water.

But the guys on the team do not like the waterboy and make fun of him. Until one day Boucher snaps and beats up everyone on the field.

Playing without his mom's permission, Boucher takes his team to the top with hard-hitting, high-flying tackles that look great on the big screen.

Along the way, Boucher falls in love with Vicki Vallencourt, a bad girl played by Fairuza Balk.

Boucher's mom does not like Vicki and forbids him to go out with her.

Sandler's innocent behind-your-back, wise-cracking comedy ranks with greats like Jim Carey. Sandler has stayed true to his form.

From a caddie to a wedding singer and now waterboy, Sandler has become a box office smash, contrary to some of his "Saturday Night Live" counterparts.

Director Frank Coraci, who also played a character at the end, gave a blow after blow comedy sequence that made "Waterboy" a must see movie for the holiday season.

Like most of his underdog characters, Sandler has once again made it to the top.