Drillbit Taylor is the latest in a long line of movie mercenaries. But as his name implies, this hero for hire is also a bit of a tool.
Played by Owen Wilson, Drillbit is AWOL from the Army, living rough by the beach and making ends meet as a pan handler. So when three teen nerds are looking for a bodyguard to protect them against high-school bullies, he takes the job, thinking it'll be his meal ticket. But in true Hollywood style, our hobo has a heart of gold - and the kids get under his skin.
Drillbit Taylor is the most recent effort from producer Judd Apatow and co-writer Seth Rogen, the comic team who brought us Knocked Up and Superbad. It could even be a prequel to the latter. The three boys – one heavy and angry, one slight and sensitive, one tiny and weird - are the spitting images of the Superbad guys. What's missing, though, is that film's raunchy sense of humour.
Drillbit Taylor plays its comedy safe for a younger audience. That isn't a bad thing in itself, but this is just too predictable. And the portrayal of homelessness is both patronizing and comically toothless.
Owen Wilson is affable and natural with the young cast, and he has some enjoyably silly scenes posing as a substitute teacher opposite love interest Leslie Mann. But the real standout is Alex Frost who's like an evil, crazy John Cusack as the bully.
While Drillbit Taylor is a pleasant, undemanding flick, Apatow and Rogen are capable of better so it's a bit of a let down.
As a mercenary you'll probably hire on DVD, Drillbit Taylor rates two and a half stars. He's in cinemas now.
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