Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star is just another one of this
summer’s releases that should’ve been made for TV, but has been
greedily thrown onto the screens of over 2,000 theatres, domestically,
by a desperate distributor. All in all, it is instantly forgettable
trash, but I did enjoy its sweetly funny humor and innocent execution.
If you’re longing for that stupidly amusing guilty-pleasure that will
have you entertained for an enjoyable 100 minutes, you’ll definitely
fall in love with Dickie Roberts.
Dickie Roberts (David Spade) is a fallen
childhood television star. He’s been dumped by his girlfriend, has
little money, works as a parking valet, and is stuck with the only
agent nice enough to still be employed by him. Much of Dickie’s time
is spent playing cards and commiserating amongst other forgotten men,
who used to be in the limelight when they were young, too. He’s a
nobody; a loser. In order to be successful again, Dickie must revive
the popularity and following he once had, when he was a cute, little
kid.
When the opportunity to work with famous
Hollywood director Rob Reiner appears, Dickie knows that it is his big
chance. In attempts to get an audition, he must call on other
celebrities, who have the power to contact Reiner and recommend him
for the part. Luckily, Brendan Frasier helps him. Dickie meets with
Reiner, only to find out that he isn’t eligible for the part. The
renowned director tells him that the character that he wishes to play
is “just a normal guy.” Dickie doesn’t know what “normal” is; after
all, he did have a tremendously irregular upbringing, which is the
foundation of one’s entire life. He’s not going to give up, though.
Dickie is so desperate to get this role, he finds an ordinary family,
who will adopt him for one month, and reenact his entire childhood
with him.
Make no mistake—this movie is like every
other Happy Madison production—stupid, loud, and obnoxious. Strangely,
these traits work to its advantage. Screenwriters Fred Wolf and Spade
thankfully do not waste the potty humor, needed to attract teenage
boys, on fart sound-effects. While crude, the dialogue in Dickie
Roberts somehow manages to be charming. Most of its success leaves
the cast to thank; the performances are what make this one funny.
Spade’s work acts as a centerpiece for all
of the comedy. His interaction with all of the supporting characters
is the highlight of the movie; when he’s alone onscreen, Dickie
Roberts is insanely bland, offbeat, and thoroughly tasteless. I
have always been a fan of Spade films, no matter how dumb they are (Joe
Dirt is actually one of my favorite teen-comedies of the decade,
so far). His performance here, albeit conventional, is enjoyable to
watch. Dickie Roberts isn’t very good, but it’ll be worth
renting when it’s on video, just because it does have quite a few
redeeming features.
Stay for the ending credits—they’re the best
part. While they roll, we get to see a musical number, performed by
tons of real child stars. The casts of “The Brady Bunch,”
“Diff’rent Strokes,” “Happy Days,” and “Growing Pains” are just a few
of those featured.
For what it’s worth, Dickie Roberts
is an okay time. It offers a few laughs, some very enjoyable material,
and a witty script. While this is not a good movie, and it did
have the chance to be a great one, it is a very pleasant and
acceptable diversion. If you’re a fan of the genre, attending a
matinee showing is probably a smart move, and well worth your money.
If you could care less about Dickie Roberts, it’s worth renting
anyways. Surprisingly, it has something for everyone. If only that
something were just a little bit better…
-Danny, Bucket
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