Search - Man of the House [UMD for PSP] on UMD for PSP

Surprisingly substantive and funny

Tom Guinn | Alice, Texas | 02/28/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I really expected the first 15 minutes to be humorous with cute jokes based on the obvious contrasts between the looks and demeanor of Tommy Lee Jones and a group of big-time cheerleaders who are all female, but it stays funny and actually has substance woven into it. I am not a professional reviewer so I can't dissect this movie to explain why it works. Could it be that Tommy Lee Jones and Ann Archer are good at their chosen careers? While certainly cute and funny, the cheerleaders were just serious enough not to make a mockery of the movie's concept.

True, the story line seems to blend the babes in the pom-pom girl team and the gymnists of the cheerleader squad into one group, but that's Hollywood.

And, just for the record: the school in question is NEITHER Texas A&M nor Texas State (both fine schools) but the University of Texas...Longhorns...that's why there are longhorns painted on the girls' cheeks and just about everywhere the camera points in Austin, Texas, where the campus of the University of Texas is located. That's why so many people in the movie are seen holding their hands in an otherwise very curious display of fingers. And, that's why the colors burnt orange and white are awash on screen.

For those outside of Texas or those who don't like college sports, this movie would probably rate 3-stars, but I gave it 4 stars to account for a 1-star bonus directed to all those viewers who do like college athletics or have any interest in Texas or Big 12 programs."

True to Texas and Tommy Lee

Megan Kerrigan | Dallas, TX | 02/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tommy Lee Jones executive produced this surprisingly charming movie. When I saw the trailer, I thought this would be a fluff police partner movie that takes place in a sorority house. I was wrong. Tommy Lee Jones plays a Texas Ranger whose partner, a young woman Texas Ranger, is shot during a mission to bring back a witness to testify against a powerful criminal. When the witness escapes and gets killed in an alley, Tommy Lee must protect the only witnesses to this crime - 5 cheerleaders from A&M University. They are everything he isn't - young, girlish, fun-loving, and peppy. That's where the humor lies. But because of Tommy Lee Jones' daddy-like wisdom and perspective, this movie does not turn into another teen comedy. It becomes more of an eye-opening look at generational differences, cheerleader stereotypes, police stereotypes, and honor. Not much publicity surrounds this movie so it will fall under the radar. Nonetheless, if you want to see a movie of substance, but still get some elements of contemporary Hollywood movie themes - great-looking actors, action, humor, and a love story, then see this movie. It is better than the trailer."

One of the funniest movies this year....

R. Kyle | USA | 06/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tommy Lee Jones stars as a curmudgeonly Texas Ranger tasked to protect a squad of University of Texas cheerleaders who have witnessed a murder. In order, to do this, Jones must move in with them and become 'the man of the house.' He poses as the girls' cheerleading coach.

Jones not only has to cope with protecting the girls against an unknown assailant, he has to cope with everyday problems: homework not getting done, a crush on the part of one of the cheerleading squad, the squad's determination to work as a team--and do their job for their school and the athletes.

In the process of their association, Jones gets in touch with his softer side and the girls use their teamwork skills to help their guardian out of a jam. "Man of the House" is both uproariously funny and touching at the same time. While it's definitely one of Tommy Lee Jones' more low-budget films, I also think Jones has quite a skill at comedy. Also, look for some of the actresses who played in this film to be in starring roles in future ventures."

I would say watch the movie

angel84 | arnold, mo | 02/11/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is about a bunch of cheerleaders that witness a murder that Tommy Jones has to take care of. The girls always walk around in short clothes and Tommy struggles with the concept of he has to live with these women cheerleaders and he also cant find a way to talk to his daughter and these cheerleaders help him do that. and Also help him with a date he has. If you like that type of stuff this movie is for you. Its funny to me but everyone has an opinion"