THE HOT CHICK
The adorably bug-eyed Rob Schneider pops up in yet another SNL-alum-type
comedy -- that is, the kind whose preposterous premise serves as a launching
pad for a litany of sophomoric gesturing. These comedies are usually directed
by a relative unknown (in this case Tom Brady, and we're not talking the
wunderkind QB), and they evaporate from the recesses of your mind before you
exit the theater. Here, at least, there is some heartfelt, albeit well-worn,
Wonderful Life lessoning about how you never appreciate what you have
until you lose it.
The title entity, virginal high-school senior Jessica Spencer (a sassy,
appealing Rachel McAdams), is indeed "hot"; what's more, she's the captain of
the cheerleading squad, and she's dating the football team's quarterback. But
following an encounter with a pair of magic earrings, she wakes up in the
30-year-old body of Schneider's Clive. Jessica-as-Clive reunites with her
family by posing as a sensitive gardener, and she tries to get close to her
boyfriend by taking up duty as a janitor. Only her clique of cheerleading gal
pals know her secret -- and they all want a peek at her pecker. The best part
of the film comes when Jessica-as-Clive tries to remedy her parents' lack of
sexual activity. It's not pretty, but it is Schneider's most fitting comedy in
years. (101 minutes). At the Entertainment, Flagship, Holiday, Providene
Place Mall 16, and Showcase cinemas.
Issue Date: December 13 - 19, 2002
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