One of the 2000s’ Best Comedies Has a Brutal Rotten Tomatoes Score

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Achieving success in the realm of comedy can be elusive, often requiring tireless effort and resilience. Comedians may spend years on stage without hitting their stride, and even those who eventually succeed must continually innovate to maintain their relevance. It’s a similar story for comedy actors, as being funny is just one piece of the puzzle. Humorous films and shows need more than a string of jokes to keep audiences engaged.

However, even projects brimming with genuine hilarity and heart can face challenges in gaining critical acclaim. The 2008 film “Step Brothers,” starring Will Ferrell, is a notable example of this disparity between critics and audience reception. While many viewers consider it one of Ferrell’s funniest performances, the film holds a Tomatometer rating of 54% on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that not all critics were in agreement with this assessment.

As a film enthusiast, I’d like to shed some light on a 2000s comedy that took a hit from the Tomatometer – “The Benchwarmers,” featuring Rob Schneider, David Spade, and Jon Heder. With a lowly 13% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on more than 60 reviews, it might seem like this baseball comedy is one of the worst films of the 21st century. However, that couldn’t be farther from reality. I found myself laughing out loud throughout the movie, and I’m confident that many others did as well.

The Benchwarmers Has Heart for Days

Due to its low ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s possible that many comedy enthusiasts haven’t discovered “The Benchwarmers” yet. This film revolves around the character of Gus Matthews, a middle-aged man aiming to start a family with his wife and active in the community. He encounters two unpopular locals, Richie Goodman and Clark Reedy, who are often bullied because they enjoy intellectual pursuits and lack physical strength. Gus dislikes bullies intensely, especially after witnessing some children being harassed. In response, he defends them by outplaying the local kids in baseball. United by this shared experience, Richie, Clark, and Gus form a team that challenges all the local Little League teams. With Gus’s expertise, they quickly become unbeatable.

In a turn of events, the well-known millionaire Mel Carmichael learns about the Benchwarmers’ situation and decides to support them financially. It later transpires that his son was one of the children whom Gus had assisted at the film’s beginning, giving the story an emotionally resonant twist. However, things become intricate when someone from Gus’s history discloses that he used to be a schoolyard bully. Determined to demonstrate his transformation, Gus chooses not to participate in the final game, giving the previously tormented kids an opportunity to shine. This act inspires the bullies on the opposing team to play just for fun, creating an inviting atmosphere at the baseball park where every child in town feels comfortable.

Jokes From The Benchwarmers Still Resonate Two Decades Later

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’d argue that while the narrative in “The Benchwarmers” might seem shallow at first glance, it’s precisely what makes it an enjoyable watch for kids. What truly sets this comedy apart is its timeless humor. Despite being filled with classic potty jokes like Mel’s kid getting his bully back by tricking him with dog poop, there are scenes that have stood the test of time and remain popular even 20 years after its release. One such scene that still gets a laugh is when the Benchwarmers face off against a team that brings in an adult as their secret weapon. The umpire asks for a birth certificate, to which the coach presents a note reading “I am 12” along with some cash. The game continues, and only serving him alcohol manages to disrupt his performance.

In “The Benchwarmers,” it’s Howie Goodman, Richie’s sibling who shuns sunlight, who steals the comedic spotlight. As their team becomes famous, Howie yearns to witness their matches but lacks the guts to step out of his house. Eventually, he conquers his fear and even participates in a game, using a sword instead of a bat at the plate. A pitch strikes him, securing a victory for the Benchwarmers, and his reaction suggests he’s enduring torment. This heartfelt moment generates plenty of chuckles, reflecting the humor that drives “The Benchwarmers” from the get-go.

The Benchwarmers is streaming on Tubi.

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2025-07-13 20:10