John Hughes (yeah, *that* John Hughes) was one of the writers of this film, using a pseudonym. Of course I was going to go see it! And yes, it was cute, in a Hughesian sort of way.
This story has been done before -- nerdy kids hire a bodyguard to protect them from school bullies. But with the genuine comic talent of Owen Wilson and some not-so-annoying kid actors, this works.
There's some good bits from the kids (the shirts, hitting each other, the rap scene) but for the most part Wilson carries this movie as he bullshits his way through something his character has no business doing, and finds that he actually likes doing it. Wilson holding the flaming diorama up to the sprinklers was a great image.
There's a marvelous cameo by Adam Baldwin, and I was psyched to see Lisa Lampanelli, and then disappointed when she only had two, short scenes.
Nice to see the Judd Apatow crew tackle a PG-13 flick -- but I'll admit that their raunchier stuff is funnier.
This movie's got heart, but it's not going to change the world.
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