I almost didn't watch anything today out of disinterest in searching for something to watch and a bit more of an interest in some anatomy studies. With the time hitting 11PM I knew that if I wanted to watch something, it had to be then otherwise it'd get too late. I quickly browser through Disney+ and saw Dodgeball come up. A film I have seen a few times throughout my life but not really at any point in adulthood, making the film seem almost completely new to me. I couldn't really remember anything about the film, other than its general dodgeball premise. Having barely remembered anything, Dodgeball ended up being a really big surprise. A film that genuinely made me laugh quite often with unexpected concepts and a generally idiotic tone that makes it very much easy to enjoy. With a few fun set of characters that definitely bring something unique to the film even with a relatively short runtime and limited screen time.
With a late night viewing, Dodgeball had me reminiscing of a more simple time, before I was really into filmmaking and would watch quite literally anything and everything. Loving the most stupid of films with the most idiotic humour. Nostalgic for a time where I could throw on anything and find something to praise about it; I've felt this returning a little late as I've relaxed my expectations and standards after growing tired of having to search for and watch through most serious films; while I still love those, I've noticed a bit of love returning for films that just aren't that good. Though I'd argue that Dodgeball is most definitely a good film, doing many different things right and well even though it is a silly little film about a group of fools. And I definitely came out it having remembered how great some of its cast members are, even if they have disappeared a little with age.
Dodgeball
One of the biggest strengths of Dodgeball is its characters. Exaggerated fools at every corner. A series of losers for the most part, of varying characterisations that has them standing out quite a bit. And by a bit, I mean we are very suddenly introduced to a character that believes he is a pirate, played by Alan Tudyk. This character comes out of nowhere as the film introduces its main characters, of which are assembled into a dodgeball team upon the realisation that the gym that they attend is in serious financial difficulties. Owned by a character played by Vince Vaughn, back when Hollywood was happy to have him as a leading man. His gym is to be sold off to a famous gym franchise owner and celebrity, also very much exaggerated and foolish, played by Ben Stiller. Ben Stiller's villain performance in this is great, he really manages to pull off a villainous look while still being pretty funny to watch. The other characters aren't as exaggerated, however, and do act more as fortunate plot plants when the story calls for it.
If it wasn't already clear, Dodgeball is a comedy film. A story of a bunch of idiots coming together to win a dodgeball tournament in attempt to win the cash prize which coincidentally is the exact sum that the gym needs to pay off its debt to the bank and keep its doors open. While there are a few slapstick sort of moments to generate laughs throughout, much of the film's humour comes from the dialogue and just obscene character interactions. And it's done really well, even unexpected as the film continues on. For example, the narrators of the dodgeball tournaments; their discussions over the game are in the familiar caster manner, but the dialogue is just stupid and barely makes sense. Though we barely see these casters, we just hear the idiotic thoughts and jokes they make. They catch you off guard a bit and that's pretty much how much of the film thrives. I loved this since it felt fresh and not all that predictable. As evident by an immediate introduction of a character that looks, speaks, and believes they are a pirate.
Though with the narrative it holds, the film is still relatively serious about itself. Full of funny moments and silly dialogue, but the events that call these characters to action maintain their weight, and it doesn't feel like the story is ever an after thought. This is due to the fact that the film is relatively short and it doesn't waste any time on scenes that just aren't needed. Everything has a place and purpose, and it keeps things quite tightly kept in a very good way. It holds your attention while generating laughs, and ensures that the general premise isn't forgotten, constantly processing and quickly coming to its conclusion. This of course does mean that it's evident that our characters aren't going to end up losing, it's a given not just from the story and its development but just the fact that this isn't a film where our characters end up failing. But knowing they're going to win each match and push forward somehow doesn't make it any less fun either.
Shot on 35mm film stock just as the film industry began to turn away from the format with the pursuit of digital, Dodgeball definitely seems like it came at the turning point of an era. With comedy and a style that pertains to that early 2000s and late 90s aesthetic. The directing and cinematography not being anything too ambitious, but not bad either. Just doing what it needs to to tell the story. It seems a bit rare these days for such a style to be seen, as television series and movies pursue more impactful cinematography through camera movements and lighting setups. That isn't so much the case here, as the camera is mostly still, and the tones of the lighting and colours of the set design and costume design seem to be mostly at the whim of whatever the film stock produces. Albeit with some creative colour choices still.
Regardless, Dodgeball is actually a very fun film. One that does seem quite forgettable but in a great way that makes it easy to rewatch and enjoy. Its cast are perfect for the characters they portray, and their performances definitely make the film. Being mostly dialogue driven, with emphasis on these characters and their personalities. I can almost see this idea being a television series given how much depth the characters have with such little time given to explore them. And the film definitely makes you wanting to see more of them. For me, however, it's the pirate that makes it all.
