The Popkorn Junkie :: Bubble Boy

When I first saw the trailer for "Bubble Boy", it had Farrelly Brothers written all over it. I mean--come on--the film is one big joking play on the entire immune deficient community. Alas, the Farrelly Brothers had nothing to do with this film--they actually had the wisdom and insight to realize this movie was too terrible on which to waste their time. Now, don't get me wrong--there are a few funny moments in "Bubble Boy", but not nearly enough to make this a worthwhile effort.

The film tells the story of Jimmy (Jake Gyllenhaal from "October Sky"), a boy who has spent his entire life inside a plastic bubble because he suffers from an immune system deficiency. One day, however, Jimmy constructs a mobile bubble and sets off for Niagra Falls to stop the wedding of his childhood sweetheart (Marley Shelton) who is marrying another man over the New York landmark. Along the way he encounters a number of odd, yet helpful individuals. To an extent, "Bubble Boy" is exactly like "Bingo", except the lovable canine from the latter is replaced by Gyllenhall, who looks a little too much like Jason Biggs.

There are cameos abound in this comedy, including: Kid Rock, the late Joe-C, Verne Troyer, Fabio, and Swoosie Kurtz as Bubble Boy's mother. I guess first time director Blair Hayes (he directed the "Austin Powers 2" trailer that took a poke at the "Star Wars" films) thought just enough star power would evaporate the weak script and absurd plotline. His idea failed.

"Bubble Boy" is the kind of film that will offend most people, annoy a good majority, and please only a few--the same few that found films like "Saving Silverman" and "Tomcats" enjoyable. The humor caters to the lowest level and the only genuinely funny performance comes from Verne Troyer in his short time in the film. I kept waiting for that one hilarious scene that would keep me reeling throughout the rest of the film, but I never got it. All I got was the feeling that I could have used my $6.50 to watch "O" a second time.

If you're in the mood for "Boy In the Plastic Bubble" meets "Me, Myself, and Irene", then this is the film for you. "Bubble Boy" is truly one of the worst films of the year, even though I did laugh a little. This one is not worth the ticket price and definitely not worth the time.

-- Billy Ray ( 3 out of 4 pops )

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