Where to watch Saving Silverman
3 Stars
Two dim-witted former high school buddys and Neil Diamond fanactics, Wayne and J.D., plot to keep their friend Darren from marrying the wrong woman, a domineering and spiteful psychologist named Judith by kidnapping her and trying to set Darren up with his old high school girlfriend Sandy who plans to become a nun.
I’m not sure why I avoided Saving Silverman for 25 years. I often mention my friend (the late Bryan Davis), a devoted fan who urged me to give it a chance. However, the trailer, poster, and cast didn’t convince me. I’m relieved to report that I thoroughly enjoyed this rowdy relic, made before the woke era ended the teen comedy subgenre, even if its treatment of some characters borders on cruel.
Jason Biggs, of American Pie notoriety, is the fall guy, but he is overshadowed by the pairing of energetic motormouths Jack Black and Steve Zahn, both of whom spend the majority of their scenes bickering or flailing their bodies around manically. Director Dennis Dugan, a familiar name to fans of Sandler’s work, brings his light-touch style, which is typically punctuated by a cameo and/or an irreverent side character.
Saving Silverman is a bawdy comedy that felt minor and insubstantial when it was released into theaters. Today, 25 years on, the film plays like a mean-spirited, sexy, and often ruthless romp, with a cast and creative team intent on delivering a fun end product to audiences—and they’ve succeeded. In giving Saving Silverman a positive recommendation, I’m realizing I missed out on enjoying this oddball farce with my friend, who we lost too soon. Â
Directed by: Dennis Dugan
Written by: Hank Nelken, Greg DePaul
Starring: Jason Biggs, Steve Zahn, Jack Black