Fired Up Review
Fired Up is one of those movies that will try to trick you into thinking it’s actually decent.
Because as viewers we are so accustomed to these dumb comedies, where the emotional undercurrent is forced and unnatural, that we kind of give them a pass for a) not connecting emotionally b)not connecting romantically c) using super-cliched characters.
We shouldn’t give these movies a pass for this stuff, but some of us will.
If you’re someone who is quick to do that you might not mind Fired Up, which is notable mainly for its sweaty, desperately needy attempts to create laughter.
These include:
-Making Philip Baker Hall say “shit” about 12 times rapid fire every time he appears.
-Having the leads (they’re boys who pose as cheerleaders to get girls) end up naked performing a cheer routine in front of a possibly gay cheerleading coach (played by John Michael Higgins).
-Having one girl randomly feel up another girl because she is a lesbian, something the other girl is slow to realize.
-There’s also a flamboyantly gay guy. He’s Indian. Doesn’t change the fact he’s a total cliche, really.
-And a weird cheerleader who throws in random creepy comments, none of which are funny.
I personally loved the super-cliched jerk boyfriend of the main girl character, played with loving obnoxiousness by David Walton. That’s the one time the movie works. The dude sings along like crazy to Chumbawumba, that’s good enough to get a laugh out of me.
Sarah Roemer plays the love interest and at times is actually visibly uncomfortable. You can literally see how awkward she feels playing a peppy cheerleader.
Bottom line is this: The movie’s kind of enjoyable in a dumb way if you let it be. But it’s not a good movie. You know it. I know it. So let’s move on with our lives.
That Being Said, “Stop Being a Dickhead”
YouTube has this song which plays in the movie during the requisite sad scene after the boys lost their girls. It’s actually a hilarious song choice which totally subverts our expectations.
Seriously, listen to it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suaveqvlWP8
What Is Philip Baker Hall doing in this movie?
Only he knows.
-Dan Benamor