The Whole Ten Yards

The Whole Ten Yards is an unnecessary sequel to The Whole Nine Yards, picking up with hitman Jimmy "The Tulip" Tudeski (Bruce Willis), now living in Mexico with his wife Jill (Amanda Peet), who is also a hitwoman. Their peaceful life is disrupted when their old friend Oz (Matthew Perry) is dragged back into their chaotic world, leading to a series of absurd events involving vengeful mobster Lazlo Gogolak (Kevin Pollak).

The film suffers from a lack of originality and fails to recapture the humor and charm of the original. The chemistry between the cast members, once a highlight, feels forced and uninspired. Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry, who brought so much energy to their roles in The Whole Nine Yards, now seem to be merely going through the motions, as if they'd rather be anywhere else.

Kevin Pollak's portrayal of Lazlo Gogolak is particularly off-putting, with an exaggerated accent, voice, and appearance that distract rather than entertain. The movie’s attempts at comedy feel contrived, with jokes that more often than not miss the mark.

The first film, The Whole Nine Yards, was a pleasant surprise, blending wit, humor, and a great ensemble cast to create a genuinely enjoyable comedy. Matthew Perry stood out as the bumbling dentist, and Bruce Willis gave depth to his role as the reluctant hitman. Amanda Peet and Natasha Henstridge brought charm and humor, rounding out an engaging and well-balanced film.

By comparison, The Whole Ten Yards falls flat. The chemistry that made the first movie work is missing, with the cast appearing disinterested and the jokes landing awkwardly. The physical comedy feels forced, lacking the subtlety that made the original so entertaining. The plot meanders without purpose, and the humor often comes across as desperate.

One of the most disappointing elements is the subplot of Bruce Willis’ character pretending to enjoy housework. This storyline feels out of place and doesn’t generate any laughs, coming off as completely idiotic.