Get off the bench and get into the game.|Apr. 07, 2006|United States|80 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Description: “The Benchwarmers” (2006) is a comedy film that tells the story of three adult friends—Gus Matthews (Rob Schneider), Richie Goodman (David Spade), and Clark Reedy (Jon Heder)—who, during their childhood, were labeled as “nerds” and never got the chance to play baseball. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they encounter a group of young boys being bullied and kicked off a baseball field by a local little league team. After stepping in to defend the boys, Gus, Richie, and Clark challenge the bullies to a game and surprisingly win, thanks to Gus’s hidden talent.
This victory catches the attention of Brad (Sean Salisbury), a former childhood bully of Clark and Richie, who challenges them to another game. Once again, the trio emerges victorious. Inspired by their success, Nelson Carmichael’s wealthy father, Mel (Jon Lovitz), proposes a unique opportunity: he organizes a round-robin tournament involving all the little league teams in the state, with the winning team gaining access to a brand-new, multimillion-dollar baseball park.
The three friends name their team the Benchwarmers and enter the tournament. Despite initial doubts, they begin to win game after game, gradually improving their skills and gaining popularity among underdogs, children with limited athletic abilities, and the general public. However, their success sparks concern among the other teams, who start plotting ways to defeat them.
In the semi-final game, the opposing team’s coach, Wayne, attempts to sabotage the Benchwarmers by recruiting a 30-year-old professional baseball player from the Dominican Republic, Carlos (Amaury Nolasco), fraudulently claiming he is only 12 years old. Despite this, the Benchwarmers manage to overcome the challenge by outsmarting Carlos and securing their place in the tournament.
“The Benchwarmers” is a heartwarming and humorous tale about friendship, perseverance, and the triumph of the underdog.
Cast director: Dennis Dugan
Cast actor: Molly Sims, Rob Schneider, Jon Lovitz, David Spade, Amaury Nolasco, Tim Meadows, Nick Swardson, Jon Heder, Erinn Bartlett, Craig Kilborn
Original name: The Benchwarmers