The Pacifier (June 17/05)

It's clear that The Pacifier marks Vin Diesel's attempt to soften his image, similar to what Arnold Schwarzenegger did in the late '80s and early '90s. And while The Pacifier isn't even remotely as engaging and enjoyable as something like Kindergarten Cop, there's no denying that the film is breezy enough and wacky enough to warrant a very mild recommendation.

Diesel stars as Navy S.E.A.L. Shane Wolfe, whose latest mission takes him to the suburbs - where he is to protect the family of a dead scientist. The wife of said scientist, Julie (Faith Ford), must travel overseas to explore the contents of a safe deposit box, leaving Wolfe in charge of her five kids. A variety of predictably comedic situations ensue, as Wolfe must learn how to change a diaper, feed a duck, relate to a little girl, etc, etc, etc.

The Pacifier's been directed by Adam Shankman, a filmmaker who's steadily building a career out of mindless, inane comedies (among his previous efforts: Bringing Down the House and The Wedding Planner). His inoffensive and colorful sense of style has thus far been matched with equally moronic screenplays, something that's certainly the case here. And though the movie has clearly been fashioned to appeal primarily to small children, Shankman (along with screenwriters Thomas Lennon and Ben Garant) does provide older viewers with the occasional gag that'll undoubtedly fly right over the film's target audience.

But really, one's ability to enjoy The Pacifier depends almost entirely on one's tolerance of Diesel. Though the actor's never appeared in an all-out comedy before, Diesel seems remarkably comfortable in such a silly environment. It probably doesn't hurt that he's been surrounded by an adept cast, including Brad Garrett as an obnoxious vice principal and Lauren Graham as the requisite love interest.

In the end, The Pacifier doesn't have a whole lot to offer - though there's no denying that the movie remains somewhat entertaining throughout. It's the kind of movie that's perfect for less-discriminating viewers, and those who just want a 98-minute respite from using their brain.