Gym Teacher: The Movie

While it’s hard to deny that Gym Teacher: The Movie has been geared almost exclusively to the tween set, the film generally remains a cut above its adolescent-oriented brethren thanks primarily to star Christopher Meloni’s unapologetically goofy, flat-out hilarious performance. Meloni’s entertainingly go-for-broke turn as title character Dave Stewie consistently elevates what’s otherwise a fairly tedious story about a young boy who slowly-but-surely discovers his self-worth, as screenwriters Daniel and Steven Altiere’s decision to emphasize elements of a decidedly puerile nature ensures the movie, more often than not, feels as though it’d be right at home alongside such kid-friendly programs as The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and That’s So Raven. It’s a vibe that’s certainly perpetuated by a less-than-promising opening half hour that’s downright aggressive in its childishness, yet there inevitably reaches a point at which Dave’s gleefully absurd antics (eg he drops a juice box down the front of his pants, he refers to an unathletic student as a “ridiculous mess of a kid,” etc) can’t help but win over the viewer and the film consequently settles into a comfortable groove of amiable silliness. The presence of noted scene-stealers Amy Sedaris and David Alan Grier within supporting roles only cements Gym Teacher: The Movie‘s place as a surprisingly watchable piece of work, though it’s clear that the degree to which one embraces Meloni’s shamelessly broad performance ultimately plays a significant role in the film’s success (or failure, depending).

**1/2 out of ****