Yeah, it's about time we stop excusing movies with the term "sophomoric" when "idiotic" will do

Today's installment: dumb comedies, only one of which is worth a damn.

Too bad we'll never get the sequel, "HockFoot": "BASEketball"

Yes, yes ... I knew this was dumb as hell when it came out several years ago. But hey, when it shows up on a pay-turned-free movie channel, what's the harm? Well, other than dead brain cells.

While this is best known as the movie those two "South Park" guys were in right after the show took off, I guess they did this before making it big, based on IMDb. I also didn't know that one of the Zuckers was behind this. Yep, of the "Airplane" and "Naked Gun" Zuckers. That gives this a little bit more comedy cred, but not much.

Our heroes are a couple of losers who invent a basketball-baseball hybrid game -- in which trash-talking is not only tolerated but encouraged -- that eventually becomes a pro sport. As such, the dynamic duo are susceptible to the very corruption that they lamented was ruining the original big sports. Oh, the irony.

As you can guess, this is largely an excuse to string together jokes, sight gags, one-liners, impressions and what-have-you. Some work, many don't. Sure, there's a little joy at hearing Bob Costas say, "You're excited? Feel these nipples!" But even at 100 minutes, this movie goes on for a long time, and may serve better as a time capsule, documenting the period in history in which both Jenny McCarthy and Yasmine Bleeth were considered sex symbols. Yeah, I know.

Still holding out for that Bobby Finstock biopic: "Mr. Woodcock"

You know ... the coach in "Teen Wolf." Anyone? Bueller?

No way I was going to waste money on this tripe, but there was just enough curiosity for me to waste 90 minutes or so. Man ... I need to stop thinking like that.

Stifler from "American Pie" is an author of self-help books who returns home to find that his mom (Susan Sarandon) is dating his former gym teacher, a would-be psycho named Mr. Woodcock (Billy Bob Thornton). Ho ho HO! Come on ... let's all say it a few times. Woodcock! Woodcock! Woodcock! Hee hee hee!

Other players include Amy Poehler as Stifler's agent and Earl Hickey's brother as another of Woodcock's (ha ha ha) tormentees now all growns up. But the story is simple: Boy who hates gym teacher tries to break up relationship, hijinks ensue.

I'll admit that Thornton was amusing at times; it's a good role for him, and I chuckled when he said stuff like, "Put on some pants. This isn't Miami." But that was good for, oh, 10 minutes? Twelve? Otherwise, you had Stifler with some unfortunate hair playing a variation on Greg Focker and Ryan Reynolds from "Just Friends." (And that's no compliment.) But hey! Woodcock! Woodcock! Woodcock!

So Hank Azaria's new thing is showing his nude thing?: "Run Fatboy Run"

I vaguely remeber this one breezing through theaters and not giving it much thought. But I am a fan of Simon Pegg, especially after "Hot Fuzz." This isn't nearly as good, but it's not a bad little comedy, thanks to him and a few others being game for some fun.

Pegg is a sad litte security guard at a women's clothing store who left his pregnant fiancee (Thandie Newton) at the altar five years ago. Now his lady is seeing Mr. Perfect (Hank Azaria), who happens to be a marathon runner. In a weak attempt to win back his woman, Pegg decides to run the same marathon, despite being a little chubby and training not at all.

Not the most inspired story, I'll admit. But Pegg is cheeky as always while showing some earnestness, Newton is cute and Azaria is increasingly sleazy. (The scene with him and Pegg in the locker room after a spin class is pretty good, especially given the backstory.) We also get some laughs from Newton's cousin and Pegg's pal, a slacker who sometimes passes on wearing pants.

Like I said, it's better than you might think, and get this: It was directed by David Schwimmer. Yeah ... Ross! I had no idea until the end credits, and I was a little surprised, to say the least. And extra points for not forcing a Matt Le Blanc cameo in there.