Bad News Bears (2005) [second viewing]

A bit less amusing than the first time around, as some gags that seemingly worked before reveal themselves to be labored (i.e. the kid in the wheelchair), and the attempts at drama are just silly. Still, this is pretty funny -- Billy Bob Thornton is invaluable, and dazed Lucas the space cadet could be a soul mate to Thurman from Bad Santa. ("Sometimes bird poop tastes like candy.") A shaggy, weightless thing and a lesser entry on the resume of Richard Linklater (from whom I always expect too much), but that doesn't mean it's not amusing.

Grade: B (down from B+)