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'Rebound' scores some family points, but doesn't win the game

By CURTIS BUNN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

In his first movie since the 2003 blockbuster action-comedy "Bad Boys II," Martin Lawrence reaffirms he should be called the King of Silly.

Starring as an obnoxious, egotistical basketball coach in the sometimes funny, oftentimes not-so-funny "Rebound," Lawrence offers a significant sampling of the madness that made him a television star on his 1990s sitcom, "Martin."

Twentieth Century Fox

'Rebound'

The verdict: Family comedy that has its moments, but not enough of them.

Director: Steve Carr
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Breckin Meyer, Horatio Sanz, Megan Mullally
Run time: 103 minutes
Release date: July 1, 2005
Rating:PG-13 for mild language and thematic elements.
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On the web
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That is, he displays his keen comedic timing. He mugs and makes you laugh. He shows off his prowess at physical comedy. And he even plays more than one role.

So, if you're a Martin Lawrence groupie, "Rebound" fulfills your appetite for all Martin all the time. But if you're seeking laughs with a story that moves, well, this is no "Coach Carter."

Lawrence plays Roy McCormick, a successful college coach whose egotistical behavior is beyond ridiculous. And when he inadvertently kills a mascot hawk during another on-court tantrum, he is banned for life from college coaching.

To show contrition in hopes of reinstatement, McCormick takes a job at Mount Vernon Middle School, where the team loses by scores like 109-0. Once there, the story gets sappy, but the film has its first true funny moments.

When he finally realizes he can offer the kids something, McCormick decides to dig into the job. He institutes unorthodox but humorous coaching methods — like slapping Icy Hot under the arms of his players to make sure they keep their hands up on defense.

Suddenly (and predictably), his heretofore pathetic team starts winning. And winning.

Along the way, we're nicely entertained by the motley crew of child actors. As he did in "Daddy Day Care" (and, to a lesser extent, "Doctor Dolittle"), director Steve Carr shows he is adept at allowing the kid actors to shine just enough without them seeming too old or too mouthy.

Carr also clearly understands Lawrence is the draw. He is in most every scene, including when he plays overdressed Preacher Don — a cameo that is not as funny as the legendary Shenene from his TV show, but is good for a chuckle. And there are closeups of Lawrence's head so large sometimes that it looks as if he's going to jump off the screen.

But the biggest scene-stealer is Megan Mullally, delightful as the middle school principal who gives McCormick his second chance and who's quick at exchanging comic repartee with Lawrence.

Too bad the script overall is forgettable and littered with cliches: "You made me a better coach." "I love this game." "No matter what the scoreboard says, you're winners."

As Lawrence's love interest, the lovable Wendy Raquel Robinson is a winner, as is his agent, played by Breckin Meyer. The hip-hop soundtrack is lively and at times so thumping you'll rock your head to the beat.

Unfortunately, you'll too often scratch your noggin at the thin, predictable storyline and Lawrence's over-the-top antics. But then his die-hard fans expect — and desire — just that from him.