BY PHILLIP NAKOV | David Spade returns to the big screen as a 35 year-old child star who seeks to reclaim himself with the help of a family for hire.

EXPECTATIONS

I seriously walked into the theater expecting to be bored out of my mind by a senseless poorly executed pseudo-comedy. The trailer did not do much to peak my interest nor did it necessarily assure me that there was going to be anything remotely interesting or original about it. I did expect some gross out comedy and some scene stealing cameos.

What I'd Seen

I'd seen a poster that was less than interesting and kind of creepy if you ask me. David Spade with aviator glasses, a fedora and a sequined gloved hand? Not exactly what you can call tempting on a Friday night... unless you are into sequins or the mob.

What I'd Heard

I really went in without hearing much at all about Dickie Roberts, the premise, or the film itself. This absence of buzz concerned me a little since there was no great hoopla nor was there any hissing about what a disaster it could be... instead it was silence. Which sometimes can be good and sometimes bad... but in this case, what a surprise! Hilarious!

What I Wanted

I wanted to be entertained and made to laugh out loud. I wanted to forget about my troubles and be happy. I was hoping Dickie Roberts would help me find my inner child.
I wanted a movie that would bring back the days of yesteryear and tug at my heartstrings. (Ok, maybe that last part was a little much... sorry.)

EXPERIENCE

I laughed out loud! I stared in wonder and was amazed at the pranks and hilarity on screen. There were truly some ingenious moments of comedy and laughter could be heard coming from up and down the isles of the packed Westwood screening I attended.

What Turned Me On

The sheer number of former child stars appearing in the film with David made it so believable and so much funnier. Everyone was so committed to the parts they were playing that it made it truly seem like the E! True Hollywood Story we started watching at the beginning of the movie. They were especially willing to take risks and chances at making fun of themselves and the shows they appeared on as children/ young adults. No one was safe and Rob Reiner's turn as himself was also genius. The blurring of the lines of reality and fiction were perfectly balanced that it made it that much more fun to watch!

What Turned Me Off

David Spade is supposed to be a movie star/ celebrity. Please, could someone call the Fab 5 or someone to do an emergency hairstyle and cut on this guy? His hair is a tragedy. Not that I have anything against longer hair, but with a little bit of style, care and conditioner, this guy might have a fighting chance at looking presentable. I mean it's one thing to look like a homeless person, but now when you are on screen supposedly playing a former child star looking for his big comeback! I have seen out of work actors with better hair at the "Y."

Lines Worth Repeating

"That's Nucking Futs!" (Think about it... get it?) A line used by the young Dickie Roberts while he was a true child star and before he became the E! TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY character from this film! He is also asked to repeat the phrase almost ad nausea by fans who recognize him as the former child star.

Never Saw That Before

A house almost totally destroyed by one waterbed. Watch, you'll see... you'll love it!

Fidget Factor

Minimal... there are a few times when the film runs out of gas and gags and slows down to a crawl... but then it refuels once they figure out what they are doing and it gets back on track.

AFTERMATH

I left thinking... Wow that was Nucking Futs! Nice job! That was a LOT funnier than I expected and should really hit the funny bones of American audiences nationwide! You go David!

I left saying... Man am I glad I was not a child star... my life today would be more pathetic than it already is and I would have to spend more time in therapy that I already do. I am just glad that I am a star today with out having been a child star. Fame is so much easier when you are over 20.

Expiry Date

Best when served chilled. With the current West Coast heat wave, many fans will seek refuge indoors at the giant air-conditioned cineplex's and hopefully make their way to join Dickie for some laughs. With last week's frightening repeat debut of a teen slasher pic at the box office of the teen slasher, this is a nice change of pace. Not a home run comedy, but it does have several very decent innings which are worth the price of admission.

When it comes out on DVD, you should at least rent it if not buy it... it's the type of movie you will want to have on hand to show friends based on some of the site gags as well as the cameos by other former child stars. ENJOY!