One word that tends to get overused when discussing films is ‘overrated’. The other is ‘underrated’, but that’s exactly what Heavyweights is. This light hearted film is headed towards the thirty year mark, though even now the 1995 comedy is still watchable. It was also one of Ben Stiller’s earlier roles and one that is still to this day, less commonly known. Stiller’s outing as White Goodman in Dodgeball was hailed as a superstar performance but for those that haven’t yet seen Heavyweights, there are some obvious similarities to be observed between Goodman and his character Tony Perkins in Heavyweights.
Both Dodgeball and Heavyweights deal with health and fitness, and both use the niche as a punchline. Heavyweights is about a young boys’ weight loss camp, labelled in more negative connotation as a ‘fat camp’. This particular camp is geared more towards enjoyment for young boys who have weight issues, though ironically enough it seems the camp is much more about fun than it is about leading a healthier lifestyle. At least, at first. Everything changes when fitness personality Tony Perkins buys the camp with the intention of shooting an infomercial for his slimming program, ideally making a large sum of profit if even at the expense of the campers.
Heavyweights is about a young boys’ weight loss camp, labelled in more negative connotation as a ‘fat camp’.
There’s not much to Heavyweights, the only objective being to make people laugh. It’s a lot tamer than comedies Ben Stiller has done in recent years though, and more appropriate for family viewing as opposed to being just for adults. There are definitely some crude jokes here or there, and director Steven Brill along with writer Judd Apatow were sure to sneak in some suggestive language and clever innuendos for the parents of whom they knew would be watching with their kids. Ben Stiller as mentioned before is the clear frontrunner as far as the film having any star power, and it’s the same Ben Stiller that fans have come to love for movies like Meet the Parents and There’s Something About Mary. Not only does he show up in incredible shape as Perkins, but his character draws the most attention out of everyone. Somehow, Stiller is able to play a despicable person in that of Tony Perkins that is strangely likeable. At no point is anyone hoping he comes out on top though, even as much of the movie’s quality comes from Stiller’s ability to be funny in every frame.
Alas there are no life lessons, little to take away, and nearly nothing to overthink about Heavyweights. It’s just not that kind of movie. Many will likely believe it to be dated in fact, as poking fun at those overweight has become something of a taboo in recent years. So fair warning to those of whom this may strike a nerve, as this definitely will not be approved by the ‘woke’ crowd. Apart from that, any film fan who enjoys a good laugh and doesn’t take life too seriously can take a trip back to when filmmakers were fearless.
