The New Guy

Starring: D.J. Qualls, Eliza Dushku, Zooey Deschanel, Lyle Lovett, Eddie Griffin, Horatio Sanz, Jerod Mixon, Jerry O'Connell
Directed by: Ed Decter
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: A nerdy teenager (D.J. Qualls) befriends a prison inmate (Eddie Griffin), who helps him remake his image.

Review:

Tim: Most critics called The New Guy a stupid, cliched teenage comedy that hurts the genre greatly. I actually disagree. Yes, the movie has its flaws and isn't exactly good, but I thought it was much better than most people were giving it credit. The film has some very funny moments, and overall, is a fun, enjoyable experience. It's a decent movie that has great moments in it.

The film is a comedy, and it requires us to suspend our disbelief and just go with it. The movie starts out with some funny scenes, especially the scene where our protagonist has his penis broken. This is so ridiculous, but it expertly sets the tone for the rest of the movie. There's several of these gross but funny moments throughout the film. Yes, this movie is certainly flawed and juvenile, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with it.

D.J. Qualls does a good job in the lead role. He makes an impressive transformation from total nerd to ultra cool (but still having nerdy, dork moments). The role doesn't seem like much, but I bet it was more difficult to pull off than most would expect. Qualls does this effortlessly and is fun to watch in the part. I usually don't like Eliza Dushku, but thought she gave a very good performance here. She worked well in the film, and I actually kind of believed she might have a thing for Qualls' character, which is a testament to her ability. It was fun seeing Zooey Deschanel in a small part. I actually really liked Eddie Griffin. He just had fun with the role and made it his own.

There's so many funny moments in this film. Eddie Griffin's crazy eyes are so stupid, but I laughed throughout the movie at this. It was really funny seeing Qualls trying this, too, and I loved the reaction the look gets from everyone around. The scene where Qualls beats up the bully and has to get him in place to show everyone is terrific. The Patton tribute is okay, but the Braveheart homage makes me laugh every time- it's excellently well done. The flame in Lyle Lovett's eye is so unexpected and so funny- it's such a small moment, but it makes me laugh. I also love this exchange- "Did we give up when Pearl Harbor was bombed?" "Hey, I thought that movie made money!" This line isn't important, but it's hilarious.

This movie wisely taps into themes that everyone can identify with. Even if you weren't a dork in high school, we've all felt out of place or like a misfit at some point in our lives. This movie is what we've all done at one point- fantasized about being different, beating our enemies and getting the girl. The movie also makes sure to focus on being true to yourself and never losing sight of your real friends. While this is definitely a teen comedy, I like the message at the heart of the film.

I know most critics didn't like The New Guy at all. Yes, it's silly and it features more jokes that don't connect than ones that do. Despite all that, I still find the movie fun and enjoyable. I admit it's not a very good movie, but it's a decent one, and I'm okay with that. I still think it's a funny movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5



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