Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story poster
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Peter LaFleur sucks; Justin Long could have been his generation’s Matthew Broderick

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:41:01Read transcript
  • Peter is criticized for apathy, uncollected fees, accepting a bribe, sexual harassment, drinking and letting others push his car; the gym seems unsafe and worthy of foreclosure.
  • The defense is that he gives misfits a welcoming place, but the criticism remains that he says the right things without being a good person to spend time with.
  • Long is proposed as a possible generational Broderick: Accepted gives him Ferris Bueller-like charisma, Jeepers Creepers shows range, and his physical comedy improves every movie.
  • Stiller is proposed as Hollywood’s best nepotism beneficiary on his own merits; Ellison’s wealth, Bronny James, Shanahan, Curtis and Please Don’t Destroy prompt distinctions between opportunity and demonstrated ability.