While Arnold established this category of films, in a way “Pacifier” cemented the cliché. Diesel is occasionally tormented by the family’s pet, a mallard duck. The humor is derived from Diesel treating the kids like a squadron, looking at the family minivan as a military vehicle, and strapping on his tactical gear to carry diapers and juice boxes. Vin Diesel, ‘The Pacifier’: A wounded Navy SEAL is embedded in the home of a deceased scientist to protect the family and to locate his secret military experiment.

It delivered a number of quotable lines, established Arnold’s comedic credentials, and served as the elevator pitch for all of the following films: “It’s ‘Kindergarten Cop,’ but with firefighters.” “Think KC, this time with a quarterback!” In this iconic role, he was an undercover cop who played a teacher to get close to the ex-wife of a dangerous criminal. Arnold went through a career phase playing against type in comedic versions of his persona. Let’s look at other members in this club, and a brief history of its growth.Īrnold Schwarzenegger, ‘Kindergarten Cop’: This is arguably the title that kicked off this sub-genre. This is the elite club of which Cena has now become a member. (Bonus points awarded if the children have a pet that dismays the star.) The kids are more than a handful and challenge the persona of our hero.Īfter comedically rough times, the character starts to connect with the kids.Ī third-act event threatens the newly formed bond.Ī happy ending forges a union between the star and the kids. The lead is in a “macho” career (military, law enforcement, athlete, etc.)Īgainst his will, children are foisted upon him. Most of these films have followed an established blueprint: It is a rite of passage in which the heroic star develops his comedy chops by making light of their persona and appearing off balance when faced with unfamiliar family foibles. There have been a steady stream of films thrusting established action men into a family comedy involving interactions with kids.

Cena is actually going through an initiation.

Kindergarten cop 2 blu ray image