{Editor's Note: This is a semi-regular series of high-water mark performances that spans movies, television, books, music and life its ownself.}
I don't generally care for Rob Schneider, but neither do I loathe him.
I find it semi-amazing that he's been able to headline so many movies, and although their quality has been largely suspect and frequently putrid, "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo" found Schneider at the top of his game, and represented a high point that he will probably never reach again. 
The preview for 'Deuce' didn't do much for me. I remember thinking that it looked ridiculous, although there was a funny scene with a large lingerie-clad woman and the verbal hijinks between "steak" and "mistake." But I still had no desire to watch the movie.
It took a slim-pickings night at Blockbuster, and being more than a little sideways before I finally rented "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo." I quickly realized, however, that I had sold this movie short as it was actually pretty funny throughout the running time.
A lot had to do with the supporting cast which included funny turns from Eddie Griffin, William Forsythe and Oded Fehr. The action unfolds after Fehr, who plays a menacing professional gigolo and fish lover, has Schneider watch his swanky house for the weekend after one of his prize fishes becomes sick.
This is a common scenario that we've all faced at one time or another.
Of course, trouble with the expensive fish ensues and soon enough, Schneider finds himself impersonating a gigolo and taking calls with a variety of women sporting a plethora of fetishes/issues. 
The premise allows Schneider to play on his comedic looks as a high-priced escort, and also allows for Forsythe (as a crazed cop with romantic issues) and Griffin (as Schneider's pimp) to assist Schneider in carrying a film that was better than it had any right to be.
"Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo" is not an award-winner (and the sequel is a true shitbomb), however, comedies simply have to provide a few solid laughs and Schneider carries this movie across the finish line.
Schneider has never been better nor is he going to top this performance. That's somewhat disturbing to ponder, and although this mountain is more like a tall hill, it's still worth recognizing the work.
-BDS
I think Rob's best work was the NBC sitcom "Men Behaving Badly."
The program went downhill fast after it was retooled after the first season, but that first season is some fine work by Rob Schneider. Especially how he and Ron Eldard play off each other.
I recommend the episode where Rob's character Jamie starts dating Justine Bateman's boss.
Let's observe the statement at the top of the movie poster : "From the Producers of Big Daddy".
As long as those guys are making movies, Rob will have work. I like most of his movies, but I have shit for taste, lol.
WhatIgot - I never saw that show, but I do remember the title. I imagine it's either on DVD or running around Youtube somewhere, so I'll try to take a look because at the very least, I hadn't thought about Justine Bateman in years.
Heff - That's very true about the association with friends as Schneider will be able to work for awhile. But surely you didn't like "The Hot Chick"? Right? Ha. It doesn't really matter w/ comedy as long as it makes you laugh.
Yeah, i'm not a fan of his for obvious reasons (though I did enjoy the SNL skit in the office). Deuce is kinda funn though.
It was a good movie for "Stupid Movie Sundays" which usually happens on cold/ & or rainy Sundays with nothing else to do.
I'm not a fan but I don't loathe him...yep. that's how I feel as well. which, in reality, might be the worst kind of condemnation ~ to invoke so little response as to invoke a nonresponse. hm...this is getting WAY TOO DEEP for a Rob Schneider movie review.
I love this movie!! I don't think he ever topped it, but I have to admit to seeing "The Hot Chick" and "The Animal"...sshh
Miss Ash - Agreed, and I had forgot about the skit. That was pretty funny as well.
Nobich - In that case, this is a great movie and I like that concept. Deuce would definitely work well on a Sunday like that. No doubt at all.
BostonPobble - Way too deep indeed. Ha. But I know where you're coming from, and I wonder which is worse. It takes passion to love or loathe, but not caring at all is semi-easy.
Jlee - 'Deuce' is a sneaky-funny and near-great film. And I saw the Animal too (though not all of it as I turned it off about an hour or so into it). We'll keep it between us.
I thought this movie was hilarious. It caught me by surprise because I really didn't want to see it.
I love this movie! I'm also a big fan of... crap, I forgot the title... the movie where he swaps bodies with a high school girl. It's funny stuff.
I just read through your other comments, "The Hot Chick" is the title I was looking for. I honestly love that movie. Not that the plot is all that great, but I think Schneider is hilarious in it.
Oh yeah, when I heard about this movie, I thought it would be a total bomb.
I instead found it heartwarming, and quite funny. Had he tried to be a Richard Gere romeo, it would not have worked. His persona instead ends up wiser and endearing.
Idobcool - Exactly. I felt that same way, which made the results even funnier and more rewarding. I always like that feeling.
Grace - A few others have recommended the Hot Chick too, and maybe I'll have to rent it now. It looked terrible from the previews, but then again, so did Deuce and that was one funny film. Ha.
Kayla - Nope. I can never see Schneider in a straight Gere-type rom-com, however, he pulls this one off very, very well. Endearing is a good word for 'Deuce.'
as long as Adam Sandler is making movies, Rob Schneider will be. It is great to have friends like that!
Ya'll have an interesting blog. VERY interesting. Sooooooooo informative. Is that a red $2 bill by any chance?
Vivavavoom - That's what friends are for I guess. Ha. I wish I had a few who were in the "industry." I'm trying to cultivate such contacts as we speak for our script. If you have Rob's number, send it along.
Guess - Thanks as we strive for interesting and informative daily (success in such endeavors is highly debatable). And that is not a red $2 bill, but simply a $2 bill shot against a very colorful table cloth at a family celebration years ago.