John Hughes, director of iconic 80s films such as "The Breakfast Club" and "Pretty in Pink" is back, sort of. He is credited for co-writing the story of the new film, "Drillbit Taylor," under the pseudonym Edmond Dantes.

I don't blame Hughes for writing under a fake name. "Drillbit Taylor" is closer to the tone of the pedantic "Home Alone" series than Hughes' lavish teenage angst films that defined the 80s.

The film follows three nerds with a big problem. Obese Ryan (Troy Gentile), skinny Wade (Nate Hartley), and waifish Emmit (David Dorfman) are just starting high school, when they become helpless targets of the psychotic school bully Filkins (Alex Frost).

The abuse they receive gets so bad as their school days progress that Wade utters, "If we want to be popular, we have to be proactive." Enter Drillbit Taylor (Owen Wilson), a low-budget bodyguard with a secret.

You see, Drillbit is a homeless bum who just wants to scam the boys out of their silver trays, watches, Ipods, and cameras. But our nerds are smart and they are able to figure out Drillbit's ruse. Not long after that, audiences will be able to figure out the film's tricks as well.

"Drillbit Taylor" is a predictable yarn with a few laughs. Without revealing too much, you know that Drillbit will find the error of his ways and help rescue the kids from the crazy antics of the bully.

The film is a letdown because it's associated with the creative folks behind last year's best comedies, "Knocked Up" and "Superbad." My expectations were not met.

Seth Rogen ("Knocked Up") co-wrote the script with Kristofor Brown, while super hot comedy writer/director/producer Judd Apatow ("Knocked Up," "Superbad") is credited for producing.

"Drillbit Taylor" has some genuinely endearing moments that it's hard for me to not recommend the film. Wilson is blessed for having good comic timing and for being able to deliver the wackiest lines without losing any credibility.

The child actors saved the film, especially Nate Hartley. His character, Wade develops a crush on Brooke (Valerie Tian) and that puppy love plot point is the ultimate heart of the movie.

Apatow and company are great at creating movies about underdogs that are silly and sometimes, raunchy, but their films always have a tender, soft heart in the middle. "Drillbit Taylor" joins the ranks of their movies, although it's not one of their best.

Here's hoping Hughes returns in full directing form and not just co-writing a story. His sensibility in shaping teenage characters is sorely missed. And for that, "Drillbit Taylor" gets 2 bodyguard kisses

Learn more about this author, Manny The Movie Guy.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Movie reviews: Drillbit Taylor?
We want to hear your view. Write now!