The Pacifier

The Pacifier - **1/2

The Pacifier is the comedic debut of doughy eyed action star Vin Diesel, an actor who as appeared out of place in nearly every one of his films so far. In this movie however, he seems right at home. In fact, this may very well be the first example of Diesel being better than the material he's working with. The film tells the story of Shane Wolfe (Diesel), a Navy S.E.A.L assigned to protect the children of a deceased scientist from an as of yet unknown terrorist threat. Faith Ford plays the concerned mother who leaves the children in Wolfe's hands, while the 3 eldest children are played by Brittany Snow, Max Thieriot and Morgan York. Lauren Graham ("Gilmore Girls") plays the school principal, while Brad Garrett ("Everybody Loves Raymond") plays her VP. The cast is really charming, and that is where The Pacifier's draw lies. It seems Vin Diesel is a much better comedic actor than he is in action films, and almost rescues what is really a nothing happening screenplay. The kids are also really good, and elevate some of the more lame potty humour. Nothing new happening here, it never reaches any real peaks over 90 minutes, but if you're looking for an innoffensive laugh, can stand Vin Diesel and have no aversion to unoriginality, this might be for you. For the rest of the movie viewing population, this is a rental at best. Thumbs down, although one with distinction for effort.