The Longest Yard

Adam Sandler, once again another hysterical film!

The longest yard is a brilliant comedy set around a character named Paul Crewe a former quarterback football star. The film is actually a remake of a 1974 called 'Mean Machine', this title is carried through into this through the naming of thr prison inmates football team (Mean Machines) which are set to play against the prison guards.

Another interesting fact about the film is that the original star, Burt Reynolds, who played Paul Crewe in the 1974 film stars in this film as Coach Nate Scarborough, meanwhile Sandler takes on the the role of Crewe. Chris Rock also plays a loveable character in the film called 'caretaker'.

I have to say the tension between inmates and guards was very entertaining and although it's not necessarily a good idea to side with a lot of criminals, this film does definitely position you to despise the Warden and the guards and love the violent convicts.

It is also entertaining how a particular group of convicts like to dress as women whilst cheering on the team. Admittedly this is rather unusual, but oddly amusing anyway.

The basic storyline is that Paul Crewe is sentenced to prison after stealing his girlfriend's car whilst being drunk and taking part car chase as he is pursed by police. Initially he gets a hard time in prison, being viewed as a star who thinks he is above everyone else. Things soon turn around however as he is asked to lead the team.

Being an MTV, there is definitely clear techniques such as the unusual editing and framing of the shots. There is also a particular attention to the music used throughout the film, reflecting MTV's music styles etc.

I really enjoyed this film and found it very amusing. The convicts, though dangerous became loveable and entertaining to watch.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆