Maybe should have been a sequel? - The Longest Yard Reviews

For all of us who saw the original "The Longest Yard" this movie was funny enough in its own right, but I nevertheless came away with a vague feeling of disappointment. In many ways it was a perfect set-up for a sequel to the original movie. That one was a captivating and hilarious romp through an idealized prison system and an opportunity for Reynolds to show off his athleticism as he strove to make the most of his one last chance to show that he had the guts to stand up to the system. The price he paid in that original story - basically a life sentence in prison for gaining "the longest yard" - established the foundation for a truly great sequel, complete with an opportunity to do it all over again as an elder inmate. Instead, we got a remake in this "Longest Yard" that tries hard to duplicate the original plot, situations, and even some of the lines. Adam Sandler is unfortunately not the athlete Burt Reynolds was (and worse, not the athlete Reynolds may still be), yet he tries to play Paul Crewe and the film consequently suffers. Sandler's Paul Crewe is a little short of believability, a lot short of talent, and generally attempts to gain either are underdeveloped despite a commendable directing effort. Consequently the story appears a bit ragged, with outrageous and funny situations interspersed with Adam Sandler's Paul Crewe almost "hoping" as he acts that we will take him seriously, and please ignore that old guy with Burt Reynolds' face who we fully expect to be the real thing. Chris Rock is a pretty good substitution for the original Caretaker, presented refreshingly different from the original with just the right touch of Blackness to smooth out a rough spot in the original film, specifically the participation of the black athletes. Good job, Chris. Overall, this film is worth going to see, but warnings to all that a sense of wishing that the story of the Mean Machine is being continued rather than re-invented may steal over you. And if you haven't seen the original film yet, please do.