I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry

I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry is a 2007 American comedy film directed by Dennis Dugan and starring Adam Sandler and Kevin James. The plot follows two straight New York City firefighters who enter a domestic partnership to secure pension benefits, leading to them being investigated for fraud. Produced by Happy Madison Productions and released by Universal Pictures, the film was a commercial success but received largely negative reviews from critics and generated significant controversy over its handling of LGBT themes.

Plot

New York City Fire Department firefighters Chuck Levine and Larry Valentine are best friends and partners. After Larry saves Chuck's life during a fire, Larry becomes preoccupied with securing his children's future following his wife's death. To circumvent city bureaucracy and ensure his pension benefits pass to his children, Larry convinces the reluctant, womanizing Chuck to enter into a domestic partnership with him, pretending to be a gay couple. They travel to Canada to get a legal marriage certificate. Their scheme attracts the suspicion of a fraud investigator from the city, Clinton Fitzer, forcing them to maintain their charade under intense scrutiny. They move in together, hire a lawyer named Alex McDonough, and navigate the complexities of their fake relationship, including attending a gay pride parade and undergoing a humiliating examination. The situation culminates in a hearing where their deception is exposed, but they defend their friendship and family, leading to a resolution that sees them embracing tolerance.

Cast

* Adam Sandler as Chuck Levine, a charismatic and promiscuous firefighter. * Kevin James as Larry Valentine, a widowed firefighter concerned for his children. * Jessica Biel as Alex McDonough, the lawyer who becomes Chuck's love interest. * Dan Aykroyd as Captain Phineas J. Tucker, the firehouse captain. * Ving Rhames as Fred G. Duncan, a fellow firefighter who reveals he is gay. * Steve Buscemi as Clinton Fitzer, the tenacious fraud investigator. * Nicholas Turturro as Renaldo Pinera, a firefighter colleague. * Allen Covert as Steve, a clerk at the marriage license bureau. * Blake Clark as Cousin Gerard, a relative who performs the wedding ceremony. * Rachel Dratch as Sara Powers, a benefits administrator. * Mary Pat Gleason as Teresa, a city hall employee. * Richard Chamberlain as himself, in a cameo appearance.

Production

The film was developed by Happy Madison Productions, Adam Sandler's production company, with Jack Giarraputo producing. The screenplay was written by Barry Fanaro, with a draft by Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor. Dennis Dugan, a frequent collaborator with Sandler, was hired to direct. Principal photography took place in New York City and Los Angeles, with notable scenes shot at Fire Department of New York facilities. Composer Rupert Gregson-Williams provided the film's score. The production faced early discussions about its sensitive subject matter, with the intent to frame it as a broad comedy about friendship and loopholes.

Release

Universal Pictures released the film in North America on July 20, 2007. The marketing campaign emphasized the comedic premise and the star power of Adam Sandler and Kevin James. It was released in various international markets throughout the remainder of 2007. The film was later released on DVD and Blu-ray in November 2007, featuring extended scenes and commentary.

Reception

The film was a box office success, grossing over $187 million worldwide against an $85 million budget. However, critical reception was overwhelmingly negative. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports a 14% approval rating. Critics from major publications like The New York Times and Variety panned the film for its predictable humor, offensive stereotypes, and clumsy social messaging. Some praise was directed at the chemistry between Adam Sandler and Kevin James and the performance of Jessica Biel. At the 2008 Golden Raspberry Awards, the film received a nomination for Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel.

Controversy

The film sparked significant controversy upon release for its portrayal of LGBT characters and themes. Major LGBT advocacy groups, including the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), criticized the film for relying on homophobic stereotypes and using homosexuality as the butt of jokes, despite a surface-level message of tolerance. The casting of straight actors in the lead roles and the premise of "pretending to be gay" for financial gain were particular points of contention. Defenders, including some involved with the production, argued it was a farce about friendship and bureaucracy that ultimately promoted acceptance. The debate highlighted ongoing tensions in Hollywood regarding the representation of marginalized communities in mainstream comedy.