The Chosen One is a 2010 comedy-drama film directed by and starring Rob Schneider as a car salesman facing a midlife crisis with the aid of native Colombian shamans. It also stars Steve Buscemi as his gay Buddhist brother.
When beaten-down car salesman Paul (Rob Schneider) decides that his life is meaningless, fate intervenes to put a new spin on things. A mysterious band of strangers appear at his door to tell him he's got it all wrong. In fact, the entire world has been thrown out of balance and they're there seeking the Chosen One – the one soul who can set the universe right. With no better plan, Paul begins keeping an eye out for his moment of destiny.
Review
"As labors of love go, The Chosen One is not so backbreaking—at least, not for the audience. With its lo-fi, character driven tendencies and spot the famous face list of guest shots, it's a genial, praise-worthy attempt. Schneider, who directs and co-wrote the script, is clearly trying for something different here—darker, more serious, less slapstick and stupid. Sure, we've seen hundreds of films that focus on flawed individuals struggling for redemption. But since it's Schneider going through the trials and tribulations, it changes things a bit. We expect some laughs—and there are a few—but for the most part, we don't expect major acting chops. Even in moments of less than meaningful insight, Schneider the performer delivers. He's real and clearly unhappy, interacting expertly with his far more competent co-stars.
All of which makes most of The Chosen One workable—keyword being “mos.t” There are elements here that just don't gel. Schneider clearly didn't have a lot of cash for locations and F/X. Most of the story takes place in a single set-up (Paul's home) and revolves around conversations and a couple of flashbacks…and this is not a full-fledged comedy, no matter what the advertising materials might suggest. Instead, this is one former comic trying to reestablish himself as something more than a clown. On average, The Chosen One achieves said goal. Whether or not Schneider's fanbase will accept such a stunt is a matter of expectations—and eventual entertainment." DVD Verdict