Dane Cook tries big screen again
Comedian hopes audiences enjoy his new comedy
Dane Cook tries big screen again

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By The Associated Press

Published: September 26, 2008

LOS ANGELES — When Dane Cook was 3, he was attacked — and almost killed, he says — by a German shepherd. Beneath his hair is a zigzagging scar that became etched into his cranium after receiving nearly 80 stitches. Following the disclosure of this "fun fact,” as he coyly calls it, the actor-comedian uses the opportunity to tell a joke.

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"Hopefully, someday, I'll play a James Bond villain,” he says. "I'll shave my head, so you can see all the ravines.”

Such a role would probably have more bite than Cook's previous efforts on the big screen.

Like as Dennis Rodman's wisecracking sidekick in the forgettable 1999 action flick "Simon Sez.” Or as a slacker stockboy who falls for a cashier played by Jessica Simpson in the zany 2006 romantic comedy "Employee of the Month.” And even as Jessica Alba's cursed love interest in the 2007 sex romp "Good Luck Chuck.”

These days, instead of a German shepherd, it's film critics who chomp at Cook. The 36-year-old supercomedian most famous — or infamous, depending on who you ask — for gurgling cultural insights and sexually charged material in front of sold-out crowds has consistently been dubbed unfunny by movie critics, despite his continued success as a standup comedian.

Other than a serious turn as a wannabe serial killer in the 2007 thriller "Mr. Brooks” starring Kevin Costner, Cook's attempts to sidestep from the stage to screen have been poorly received. Cook is aware of such shortcomings, referring to his filmography as a "highlight reel.”

"I don't believe I watch any of my previous comedies and say, as a complete story, I'm interested in watching this from beginning, middle to end,” Cook says during an interview at the Four Seasons Hotel.

That may change with his latest effort, the R-rated romantic comedy "My Best Friend's Girl.”

"This is the one where I look at it and think there's a character and a real evolution with this guy,” he says.

‘A fun story'

Cook hopes this movie will be the one to conclusively bring the cream of his comedy routine to the big screen. That doesn't mean Cook is in search of critical acclaim. He's still more interested in the opinions of his 2 million MySpace friends and counting than from the thrashing jaws of film critics.

"With ‘(Good Luck) Chuck' or ‘Employee of the Month,' I was playing the levelheaded middle, carrying the film at the center with a lot of craziness going on around me,” says Cook, looking casual in jeans and a white T-shirt. "I finally wanted an opportunity to take some of the elements of my standup and mix it together with a fun story.”

In the film, Cook plays Tank Turner, an air purifier call-center supervisor by day, anti-Cupid by night. He's a suave emotional terrorist for hire by freshly dumped guys. For a fee, Tank will subject their ex-girlfriends to the worst date of their lives in hopes they go running back to their respective boyfriends. They usually do.

While this badboy role most closely resembles Cook's on-stage antics, he's quick to point out that the goofball who gleefully recounts one-night-stands in comedy clubs isn't really him. And neither is Tank. Cook says he based much of the character on his best friend, comedian Robert Kelly, as well as Johnny Cash and Brain from "Pinky and the Brain.”

"I'm much more introverted and shy, contrary to popular belief,” he says. "Tank is fearless and always on the cusp, taking lewd and lascivious behavior to a whole other level, but he has a heart of gold because he's ultimately doing this to give people a second chance.”

Tank's game changes when he meets — all together now — his best friend's girl, who gnaws through Tank's bravado after a drunken tryst. The best friend is played by Jason Biggs from the "American Pie” films. Kate Hudson from "Fool's Gold” serves as the girl. Alec Baldwin also portrays Tank's lecherous father in a handful of scenes.

"I definitely like an ensemble like this more,” says Cook. "I love that I got to work with Alec, Kate and Jason on this movie. These people bring a high caliber of talent to the table.”