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ARTICLE
Movie Review: Without a Paddle
by Scott Juba
Published: August 7, 2004

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Rating: Rated PG-13
Country: USA
Release Date: August 20, 2004

Distributor:

Director:

Cast:

Paramount

Steven Brill

Seth Green as Dan Mott
Matthew Lillard as Jerry Conlaine
Dax Shepard as Tom Marshall
Burt Reynolds as Del Knox

For more information: IMDb Link





One of the downsides of being a film critic is that often I see a film only out of the obligation of review purposes rather than having a genuine interest in the movie. The blessing in disguise is that, on occasion, I see a highly enjoyable film that I would have otherwise missed. Such is the case for “Without a Paddle”. After watching the rather contrived trailer, I had no motivation to see this movie whatsoever. Much to my surprise, “Without a Paddle” is a fun, genuinely entertaining comedy that features a great cast and a competent script.

Although the plot line (a group of re-united childhood friends go on a wild outdoors adventure in honor of their adventurous deceased friend’s passing) and the overall structure of the story are conventional, the filmmakers never miss an opportunity to squeeze laughs out of even the most predictable scenarios. What the movie lacks in innovation, it makes up for in execution, delivering a story that is consistently funny from start to finish.

Each of the cast members is great individually, and together, they share terrific chemistry. To say that any one of the three leads steals the show would be a misstatement. All three are great in their own way, and even the supporting cast lends comedic significance to the movie.

Nowadays, when so many movies try so hard to be unnecessarily flashy and flamboyant, it is great to find a movie that concentrates on the basics of good comedic storytelling. Sure, there are more than a few moments that are implausible and completely illogical, but that’s part of the fun of “Without a Paddle”. It is crazy laugh out loud entertainment; and amidst even its most wild antics, it never loses sight of its ultimate objective, which is to make people laugh. At the same time, it delivers a heartwarming, life-affirming message that subtly resonates, even if only on a minor level.

“Without a Paddle” is not a perfect comedy, but by all accounts, this is a movie that should be in no danger of sinking at the box office.

Overall Grade: B+


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