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THE HOT CHICK

The adorably bug-eyed Rob Schneider pops up in yet another SNL-alum-type comedy — that is, the kind whose preposterous premise serves as a launching pad for a litany of sophomoric gesturing. These comedies are usually directed by a relative unknown (in this case Tom Brady, and we’re not talking the wunderkind QB), and they evaporate from the recesses of your mind before you exit the theater. Here, at least, there is some heartfelt, albeit well-worn, Wonderful Life lessoning about how you never appreciate what you have until you lose it.

The title entity, virginal high-school senior Jessica Spencer (a sassy, appealing Rachel McAdams), is indeed "hot"; what’s more, she’s the captain of the cheerleading squad, and she’s dating the football team’s quarterback. But following an encounter with a pair of magic earrings, she wakes up in the 30-year-old body of Schneider’s Clive. Jessica-as-Clive reunites with her family by posing as a sensitive gardener, and she tries to get close to her boyfriend by taking up duty as a janitor. Only her clique of cheerleading gal pals know her secret — and they all want a peek at her pecker. The best part of the film comes when Jessica-as-Clive tries to remedy her parents’ lack of sexual activity. It’s not pretty, but it is Schneider’s most fitting comedy in years. (101 minutes)

BY TOM MEEK

Issue Date: December 12 - 19, 2002
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