Originally released in 2011, Ken Scott's Canadian comedy Starbuck already has a complete American remake. The Delivery Man will be released later this year. It's also directed by Scott, and stars Vince Vaughn, Cobie Smulders and Chris Pratt. A stateside revamp almost seems redundant however, as Starbuck is already very American - the only difference is, the actors speak French instead of English.
Let's run down the U.S. comedy cliches. Fortysomething loser (Patrick Huard) with big debts, bad judgment and a newly pregnant girlfriend (Julie LeBreton)? Check. Squabbling family who co-run a business and play on the same soccer team? Check. Bumbling overweight friend (Antoine Bertrand) overrun by a passel of offspring? Check. (Apparently Pratt gained 60 pounds for the role. Was that really necessary?) Plot straight out of Apatow-land: in this case, abovementioned loser finds out that he's fathered over 500 children, 142 of whom are suing the sperm bank in the hopes of releasing his identity (donor name: Starbuck), then learns a little something about himself in the end? Check, check and double check. Don't forget the sexist, homophobic and fat jokes!
Despite its many, many cliches, Starbuck has its share of enjoyable moments. Huard is the perfect embodiment of a middle-aged manchild, from his slovenly beard growth to his half-formed but still snappy quips. Rather than a shrill harpy, LeBreton's long suffering mother-to-be is quite sweet while still standing her ground. And several scenes in which David decides to be the "guardian angel" for his biological children - among them a recovering addict, a disabled shut-in and a bitter Goth - provide smiles without cloying.
Still, Starbuck is far from perfect, thanks in large part to semi truck-size plot holes. David's sidekick and eventual attorney has four young children, but their mother is never seen or even mentioned. The subplot, in which David is stalked by water-loving goons so he will pay off an ill-advised loan, is meant to raise the stakes (if he wins the countersuit, he'll make a lot of money) but is brought forth and then abandoned whenever convenient. Ditto at least one supporting character. And without disclosing spoilers, I was shocked that David got away with so much by the end. He's lovable and charming, but not that lovable and charming.
I wonder what, if any, changes director Scott made from Starbuck to The Delivery Man (the latter is a play on David's gig for the family business and his donor past). I'm sure Vaughn will do his trademark fast-talking, Pratt will channel the adorable stupidity of his Parks and Recreation character (now with more girth!) and Smulders will alternate between bemused and bewitched with her soon-to-be babydaddy. I don't know if I'll be curious enough to actually see the remake, though. Once was more than enough.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2MD0qJkWzU&w=514&h=315]