The Whole Ten Yards (2004) Movie Review: A Faltering Follow-Up
Overview
Directed by Howard Deutch, “The Whole Ten Yards” (2004) is a sequel to the 2000 hit comedy “The Whole Nine Yards.” The film reunites the original cast, including Bruce Willis, Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet, Natasha Henstridge, and Kevin Pollak. Despite the return of familiar faces and an attempt to recapture the charm of its predecessor, the sequel falls short in delivering the same level of humor and engagement.
Plot Summary
The story picks up a few years after the events of the first film. Jimmy “The Tulip” Tudeski (Bruce Willis) has retired from his life as a hitman and is living a peaceful, albeit eccentric, life with his wife Jill (Amanda Peet), who is aspiring to become a professional killer herself. Meanwhile, Nicholas “Oz” Oseransky (Matthew Perry) is struggling with his dental practice and personal life after separating from his wife, Cynthia (Natasha Henstridge).
Oz’s life takes a chaotic turn when Cynthia is kidnapped by Lazlo Gogolak (Kevin Pollak), the vengeful father of the mob boss killed in the first film. Desperate to save her, Oz turns to Jimmy for help, pulling him out of retirement. The mismatched duo, along with Jill, must navigate a series of comedic and dangerous situations to rescue Cynthia and settle old scores.
Performance and Direction
Bruce Willis reprises his role as Jimmy with the same cool and detached demeanor, though his character’s eccentricities are played up to the point of absurdity. Matthew Perry brings his signature physical comedy and neurotic charm to Oz, providing some of the film’s lighter moments. Amanda Peet’s character, Jill, is more developed in this sequel, but her role often leans too heavily on slapstick humor.
Kevin Pollak as Lazlo Gogolak delivers a performance filled with exaggerated quirks and mannerisms, which, while occasionally amusing, often feels over-the-top. Natasha Henstridge’s role as Cynthia is more subdued, serving mainly as a plot device to drive the story forward.
Howard Deutch’s direction lacks the sharpness and coherence of the original film. The pacing is uneven, and the comedic timing frequently misses the mark. The film attempts to juggle multiple plotlines and character arcs, resulting in a disjointed narrative that struggles to maintain momentum.
Visuals and Production Design
The production design and cinematography are competent but unremarkable, with the film’s visual style failing to add much to the comedic or dramatic elements. The action sequences and set pieces lack the polish and creativity that could have elevated the film, making them feel routine and uninspired.
Themes and Relevance
“The Whole Ten Yards” touches on themes of friendship, loyalty, and redemption, but these themes are often overshadowed by the film’s reliance on broad comedy and farcical situations. The sequel tries to build on the relationships established in the first film, but the character development feels superficial and forced.
The humor, which relies heavily on slapstick and exaggerated antics, doesn’t always land, and the film’s attempts at heartfelt moments often come across as contrived. While the first film balanced dark comedy with genuine character moments, the sequel struggles to find the same equilibrium.
Streaming and Availability
For viewers in the United States, “The Whole Ten Yards” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu with a subscription. The film is also available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies.
Conclusion
“The Whole Ten Yards” is a faltering follow-up to “The Whole Nine Yards,” failing to recapture the charm and wit of its predecessor. While Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry provide some entertaining moments, the film’s uneven pacing, over-the-top characters, and lackluster direction make it a less satisfying experience. Fans of the original film might find some enjoyment in revisiting these characters, but overall, the sequel falls short of delivering a memorable or engaging comedy.
