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The Pacifier
Disney Pictures
LARRY KATZ 02.MAR.05
Vin Diesel has made his name in movies with success in action films such as "XXX," "The Chronicles of Riddick," and "The Fast and the Furious."
In the film "The Pacifier," he tries a family-style comedy with a little action thrown in for good measure.
Diesel is a Navy Seal who gets an odd assignment. He is sent to protect the family of a government scientist who has been assassinated while working on a top-secret project.
He becomes a baby sitter.
"The Pacifier" has an awkward setup. On top of that, the film bears a resemblance to movies like "Home Alone." Much of it is physical slapstick with plenty of toilet jokes and assorted material involving babies.
Diesel must care for five children, including two small tykes and three older children, played by Brittany Snow, Max Theriot and Morgan York.
There are some touching moments here and there, but overall there is not enough really funny humor. There are some light action scenes, as well as some scenes that young children may not feel comfortable with.
The movie makes an attempt to entertain, but largely just goes along and never really gets going. There are weak tries at funny stuff, with Brad Garrett as an assistant principal at the school where the kids are students.
Scenes with Diesel and the top principal [Lauren Graham] of the school are the best in the film.
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