The Benchwarmers

If you are after a comedy that actually makes you laugh out loud, The Benchwarmers is available in Australia on Foxtel Now and Hoopla, and in the US on Netflix and Kanopy right now. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 945 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Rob Schneider sets the tone, and the rest of the cast matches it scene for scene. Available now on Foxtel Now — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, The Benchwarmers earns its spot. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate The Benchwarmers from the crowd. A trio of guys try and make up for missed opportunities in childhood by forming a three-player baseball team to compete against standard little league squads. Rob Schneider and David Spade lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2006. The Benchwarmers earns its laughs from character rather than situation, which is why it does not wear thin the way pure farce tends to. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in The Benchwarmers. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Rob Schneider sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.