Without a Paddle

Starring: Matthew Lillard, Seth Green, Dax Shepard, Burt Reynolds
Directed by: Steven Brill
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Adventure
2004

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Three childhood friends (Matthew Lillard, Seth Green, Dax Shepard) take a trip into the wilderness to search for treasure. Along the way, they face many obstacles from nature and discover more about themselves and each other than they thought possible.

Review:

Tim: I like the idea of Deliverance as a comedy, but this film only manages to be an average and occasionally disappointing film. There are a few inspired moments, but the movie doesn't reach the heights that it should.

Matthew Lillard does a good job, but isn't particularly memorable. However, he is important because he represents the balance between his two friends. Seth Green is the scared crybaby. While he is believable in this role, his act gets annoying very quickly. Dax Shepard is the opposite- a fearless, carefree soul. He takes much longer to get on our nerves, although he does so eventually. Shepard does manage to get most of the laughs, but inspires quite a few groans as well.

Watch the trailer if you want to see 90% of the laughs. The funniest scene is the huddling together for warmth one. I am not a fan of films whose trailers give everything away, and this one is guilty as charged.

Burt Reynolds is decent in a small role, and is good for a laugh or two. I wonder why he's been in so many films that are remakes or reworkings of past films of his.

Without a Paddle is really aimed at male teenagers. They will definitely enjoy this movie the most. The film actually has a good message crammed in between redneck jokes and bear crap gags- I'll let you discover that for yourself.

Without a Paddle is not a horrible film. It is decently entertaining and somewhat funny. I just think Deliverance- the serious version, is a much better movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Deliverance, The Longest Yard, Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Scooby-Doo, Summer Catch