Drillbit Taylor

With his Texan drawl and broken nose, Owen Wilson's laid-back screen presence proves charismatic enough to carry this likeable comedy. He stars as the eponymous army veteran of dubious pedigree, who's hired as a bodyguard by three bullied high-school kids (Troy Gentile, Nate Hartley and David Dorfman). Pretending to be a supply teacher, Drillbit infiltrates the school, romances a teacher (Leslie Mann) and gives his young protégés some unique lessons in survival techniques - largely based on repeated viewings of The Untouchables. Wilson's slyly self-mocking turn works a treat, while the kids display a comic talent well beyond their years (particularly the already seasoned Gentile). Co-produced by Judd Apatow, this slots neatly in beside his other loser comedies - The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up and Superbad - and delivers some breezily entertaining laughs. Even Wilson's distinctive hooter gets its own gag.