EntertainmentApril 16, 2004
One star (out of four) The stakes in this sequel to "The Whole Nine Yards" are even higher. Lazio Gogolak, the elderly crime boss, seeks revenge for the murder of his favorite son, Yanni. He kidnaps Oz's new wife, Cynthia, confident that Oz will turn to Jimmy, the hit- man that killed his son, for help. ...

One star (out of four)

The stakes in this sequel to "The Whole Nine Yards" are even higher. Lazio Gogolak, the elderly crime boss, seeks revenge for the murder of his favorite son, Yanni. He kidnaps Oz's new wife, Cynthia, confident that Oz will turn to Jimmy, the hit- man that killed his son, for help. With twists, turns and timely betrayals (which are difficult to follow) the plot runs along as these friends try to rescue Cynthia and steal the $280 million hidden in Lazios' vault.

Don't let the rating of the film fool you. This sequel to the R-rated "Whole Nine Yards" may have managed a PG-13, but really doesn't have much noticeable difference. Shots of a bare-chested Amanda have been replaced by Bruce Willis' naked backside. Both films contain violence, bad language, alcohol use and sexual content.

Every character in this film needs some form of therapy. Their psychoses are supposed to be funny, but I did not find much humor in this movie. This movie portrays the dysfunctional family to the extreme.

- Lisa Quick, caseworker

Three stars (out of four)

I was quite surprised with this movie. I had not seen the first movie for a while, so I was a bit hazy on the details, but you do not have to see the first movie to enjoy "The Whole Ten Yards."

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The casting is outstanding in this movie. Willis and Perry are outstanding together, they play very well off each others' characters. The movie revolves around Oz (Perry) and the kidnapping of his wife. Oz calls on former mobster-turned-homemaker Jimmy (Willis) and Jill (Amanda Peet) to help return Oz's wife safe and sound. The plot has several small twists and turns throughout the movie.

The plot took full advantage of the Perry/Willis combination and had several humorous scenes. I was disappointed in some of the sexual references that were made, but overall I was pleasantly surprised by this sequel. You may not want to take the children, but it is a good comedy for the older crowd.

- Ben Martin, student

Two stars (out of four)

Unfortunately, "The Whole Ten Yards" is no more creative or inventive than its name.

The apparent idea behind the film is to recapture the comedic chemistry of Matthew Perry and Bruce Willis that was a hit in "The Whole Nine Yards." Between Perry's pratfalls and Willis' fits of crying, though, one gets the impression that they are trying to outdo the other's cartoonish silliness. Amanda Peet, Natasha Henstridge and Kevin Pollack are all back from the first movie as well. Peet, still an apprentice assassin, helps keep the comedy going. Pollack, as his former character's father, is eager for revenge both on Willis and the English language. Henstridge does her job by being pretty and delivering her lines.

This movie is a non-stop delivery of jokes, a 90-minute sitcom. No subject, not even flatulence, is worth passing up. Overall, it is a harmless film that is good for a few laughs but little more.

- Bryce Eddings, credit manager

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