Vin Diesel had a choice when "Pacifier" was offered to him. He could star in this low-budget release or return for "XXX State of the Union." Mr. Diesel opted to do "Pacifier" because he'd have the opportunity to make a film that his children could watch and enjoy with him--unlike his previous releases which he considered too violent.
Surprise, "Pacifier" isn't just for kids. While there is a "family feel" to the film, there's enough action and suspense to keep the adults on the edge of their seats. Besides, the whole film is surprisingly funny as well.
Vin Diesel stars as a Special Ops soldier who lost a famous scientist on a mission. When he's assigned to guard the scientists' children while their mother is away, Diesel is triply determined to make sure the kids are safe. The children pose their own problems: the son dresses as a Nazi (turns out he's secretly gotten a part in "Sound of Music"), the daughter is having problems learning to drive, the baby just really doesn't know what's happening. Everyone's traumatized by the loss of their father--and having such a rough-and-ready guardian is hard on all of them. But, they band together when the family's at risk.
Overall, an excellent film with a lot of good messages for children. Plus, a lot of laughs. Kudos to Vin Diesel. This little-known film actually shows a lot of depth in his ability to act that we have not seen before. The Pacifier (Full Screen Edition)
If I had children between 5-12, I'd suggest they see this. It is "Kindergarten Cop," "Uncle Buck," and "Mr. Mom," with a light "Mrs. Doubtfire" thrown in. It is not as good as any of those, but I am not 10 years old. Your young boy or girl will love it.
It is a mix of slapstick, family style humor and situation gags. Nothing in the story will surprise moviegoers, but nothing will offend them either. It is a fun, decent, average 1960s-style Disney film.
The plot:
Shane Wolfe (Vin Diesel), Navy Seal, is assigned to protect the family of a slain scientist. Their home may have a special device the enemy wants. The mother is out of town trying to open a safe deposit box, and Shane's stay last longer than expected.
Shane, muscle-bound and bald, looks intimidating. He's tough, a "leave no man behind" kind of guy. All man. As a protector/babysitter, he runs aground into all of the expected gags. He changes a diaper with typical disgust, drives the kids to school, and feeds them dried MREs (Meals Ready To Eat). Parenting is new, and he starts learning.
He catches a boyfriend sneaking in, and has run-ins with the wresting coach, played by huge Brad Garrett. Some minor subplots about relating to the children bring a few laughs and "awes."
It isn't really an action movie, not beyond a few "Home Alone" scenes.
Vin Diesel shows he can act here, and occasionally shines in a few sequences. When he finds the code in the "Peter Panda Dance," we see an indication that there's hope for him in a better movie that relies on his personality more than his biceps.
Critically, from an adult perspective, Brad Garrett was not believable as a wrestling coach, and Lauren Graham as the military women-turned-principal did not work. It was as much of a casting problem as it was a writing and directing issue.
Brittany Snow as oldest daughter Zoe Plummer is great. She plays the character honestly, and within her ability. There a Hillary Duff aspect to her, with an edge. Unfortunately, Faith Ford as her mom, Julie Plummer overplayed her. Luckily, we only suffer with her in a few scenes.
Oldest son, Seth Plummer, is likewise overplayed by Max Thieriot, who seems like he was handed the roll for growing up in Hollywood. His conversion from weak trench coat outsider, to thespian acting in "Sound of Music," was more than a stretch.
The nanny, Helga, played by Carol Kane, is given terrible lines. Remembering her in "The Princess Bride," I shuddered as she tried to squeeze out comedy.
The movie is disposable, and will not rank among Disney's best movies. However, it shows that Disney is willing to toss a few dollars into a movie that is clean, with a message that is pro-family, pro-parents, pro-father, and old fashioned fun.
Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com
Vin Diesel is a Seal. He rescues and important scientist the plan goes South. Now the government wants to get the scientist's work by takinging the wife to a Swiss vault. Diesel is assigned to guard the rest of the family for the two days the mother is away. It should be an easy assignment but this is no ordinary family. The kids are nothing but trouble (at home and at school) and the nanny gives up. To make matters worse, the mother's trip gets extended. Now Diesel is in for the long haul in an area he has no experience with.
We get plenty of scenes of Diesel being dumbfounded by civilians and their lack of discipline. But eventually Diesel begins to deal with the issues one by one. There are the individual kids, the scouts, school, the principal and vice-principal, sports teams and even enemy agents after the scientist's work. Eventually Diesel rises to the top as things are put straight.
Diesel's inflexible military ways really take a beating for the civilian influence in this movie. While the film does tough on the typical clueless-man meets diapers, it also moves into new territory such as pectoral development and how it is viewed by the young. Overall I found this a surprisingly well-written film with more than a few surprises. The supporting cast was well chosen thus strengthening the whole film. Check it out.
I was in the military for 8 years and loved it. I was in the field artillary as a forward observer. The biggest reasons why I loved this movie was because of Vin Diesel, and because of the military terminology (front & center, do you copy, ect.) The only thing wrong that caught my attention was in the beginning of the movie where Shane Wolfe (Vin Diesel) was briefing his troops about the upcoming mission to save Mr. Plummer, he was a few feet away from the other troops and he was more or less yelling. That's the only thing that was in this movie that would never happen. A friend of mine didn't like the jet ski scene shortly after that, but for me, this movie touched a little on every one of my senses (action, tender moment, family, good fight scene, excellent dialougue, the lone hero (ex: Riddick, Blade) I would suggest this film to anyone of any age. I work at a hotel full time and talk to guests of all ages, and of the people that have seen it, all have liked it. - Vin Diesel - Adventure - Comedy - Dvd'
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