I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry is a so-so movie. Yes, there are a few laughs. And the movie attempts to deliver a pro-tolerance message. But there was also a lot of predictability, and a bunch of "I can't believe they just did that" moments.

Here's the basic plot: Chuck and Larry are best friend firefighters. Chuck is a bachelor, with a never ending supply of ladies marching through his bedroom. (A stretch, given that Chuck is played by Adam Sandler, but it's a comedy so I go with it). Larry (Kevin James) lost his wife three years ago, and struggles to raise his two young kids alone. Apparently he had a one-year deadline from the death of his wife to change the beneficiary on his pension from his wife's name to his kids' names. Obviously the deadline has passed, and Larry suddenly realizes that his kids could be in danger, should the worst happen and Larry be killed.

Now I never for a moment bought the fact that a father as caring as Larry is supposed to be - with a dangerous job as a firefighter - would let such an important date slip by, but it's a necessary plot device, and a comedy, so I go with it.

Because now that Larry realizes what has happened he wants to protect his kids, right away. He decides the fastest way to this end is to enter into a "domestic partnership" with Chuck, thus Chuck could be the beneficiary, and take care of the kids, should something happen to Larry.

Chuck reluctantly goes along with the plan, as a return favor since Larry has saved his life. Thus they marry each other, and Chuck's problem is fixed, right? Well, as long as they can make it look real enough to pass the fraud investigation's audits.

And along the way, predictably, they learn exactly how life will change, now that people will think of them as a gay couple. Their buddies no longer want to play basketball with them. The guys at the stationhouse are now uncomfortable showering around them. And their hot lady lawyer (Jessica Biel) wants to go shoe-shopping with them. And now that they're on the receiving end of the abuse fence, Larry and Chuck will also develop a degree of sensitivity they've never had before. They'll come to realize how easy it is to be offensive when someone is different, and how much better it is, to support all people - regardless of their sexual preferences. Larry even learns to accept his son (in all his tap-dance-loving goodness), rather than constantly trying to push him into activities in which he has no interest.

I liked that the movie tried to deliver a message about tolerance. I just didn't love how the message was delivered. At one point, Larry and Chuck attend a fundraiser for AIDS research. The gay people who attended this party are shown in ridiculous stereotypical fashion. With flamboyant costumes and outlandish behavior. Likewise, the anti-gay demonstrators are shown in their worst possible light. The barbs and jabs from the other firefighters, who used to be close friends, are also over the top. So many people are shown in such awful light, I wish the message could have been delivered in a kinder way.

On the other hand, Ving Rhames, gives a humorous portrayal of a closeted gay firefighter who finds the strength to come out, bolstered by the supposed courage of Larry and Chuck.

There are also a few cameos: Lance Bass, Dave Matthews, Rob Schneider, and David Spade, just to name a few.

Basically, this is an OK movie. There are a few genuine laughs, but several cringe-worthy moments, too. It attempts to send a decent message, but I didn't care for its method of delivery.


Recommended: Yes