Grilled (2006)

Two stars is being kind.

How can two amazingly funny, highly popular actors/comedians come together in a movie and have it fail so horribly? How can those same usually amusing men walk through such a dud without breathing a tiny bit of life into it? Did they not read the script when they signed on? Did they owe someone a favor? I'm sure partly to blame for this awful movie is the lack-luster script and lame plot, but one would expect a lot more than what you get in "Grilled" from Ray Romano and Kevin James. These two actors never failed to make me laugh in "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "King of Queens." I even remember laughing my head off while listening to their stand-up acts. Unfortunately their humor doesn't translate to the "big" screen. Actually, I watched it on a small screen since this pathetic excuse for a film went straight to DVD and didn't even get a chance to test its wings in the theaters. Poor test screenings should have been a hint that this movie needed help. Lots of help.

The premise had the potential to be rather amusing. Two meat salesmen struggle to find that perfect sale and in doing so get mixed up with a hit-man and his girl. Madness and mayhem ensue. Yet one usually finds amusement in madness and mayhem. None was to be found in this hour and a half waste of time.

Perhaps I'm being hard on the film, because I did giggle a time or two. I was just left wanting more and the big names couldn't lift the stinker out of the toilet. (Supporting cast included names like Juliette Lewis, Burt Reynolds and Michael Rapaport!)

I'm sad to say that even if you like Kevin James and Ray Romano, don't bother wasting the rental charge for this film. Perhaps if you're really bored and it's on TV one day it'll be worth viewing. At least the commercials would break it up July 26, 2008

When was it filmed?

I was misled by the DVD distribution date. The movie must have been made prior to the Ramano and James entry into sit coms. You kept watching thinking it might get better and it doesn't. You are distracted by the 80's type world that you don't expect. I was disapppointed in what I had hoped would be a good movie. July 14, 2008

Everyone loves the king of ..... wait, not this one they dont

Ray and Tubby play meat salesmen who wind up getting mixed up trying to sell meat to the mob and blah blah blah

The comedy is not strong, it's pretty slow in most parts, and it's not a fast paced movie.

Wait for it to be on TV. May 16, 2008

Don't Rent or Buy if You Want Laughs -- But Don't Write it Off if You Like Quirky Black Humor

Do NOT rent or buy this movie if you are looking for laughs.

I rented it and then read reviews. The reviews are extreme to say the least. Let me try to clear the cloud of contrast.

Those of you who love movies like Lost in Translation or other character studies may want to look into Grilled. The simple plot is a day in the life of two meat salesmen. Each are motivated to sell by different extenuating needs. The frustration of sales gone wrong adds to the sense of underlying desperation. They finally hit big time, until the bad guys come looking for the buyer and the sellers get sucked into a life and death drama.

The movie is quirky more than funny. Kevin James and Ray Romano stretch their acting muscles giving their sit-com muscles a rest. They both do a great job playing almost down and out desperate characters in a situation that could have been written for laughs or played for laughs but instead became a darkly quirky. I'm giving it four stars for originality, acting, writing and creativity.

Those of you who are language sensitive -- the F-word flies frequently. Not appropriate for children or young teens if you are concerned about sexual messages sent via film.
December 9, 2007

Wait a minute!

What kind of morons are writing these reviews? Simpletons! This is a classic movie. Maybe these reviewers like these comedians respective TV shows and require a laugh track in order to feel comfortable. This is not a movie for pin headed sit com watchers. I don't watch these guy's TV shows, in fact they are painful to watch, except for the TV wives, but they are great paired up in this movie. It is a great story with great characters. Juliette Lewis is outstanding in her little part! Burt Reynolds is great too. Just a wonderful movie. I will buy this movie for my collection. Great soundtrack too! I came on line to find the soundtrack and was surprised at these idiotic reviews. July 17, 2007

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