A Star is Born 08.04.09: Adam Sandler

Posted by Dan Baltrusis on 08.04.2009

Do his movies have to be slapstick in order for them to be good?

The one time SNL "funny man" seems to have faded away from his comedy and just focus on family films. It appears that Adam Sandler is trying to break out of that mold with Funny People coming out this past weekend. The only problem..... it doesn't look funny. From the previews I saw, it seems like the jokes they tell would be something my buddies and I would say while we are sitting around drinking some beer, and there is no way I would spend $10 to see that. Another Judd Apatow film that everyone will get a "hard on" for even before it comes out. The plot is typical, unfunny people( Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen, most of the time) telling dick and fart jokes to make us laugh so hard, we pee our pants..... not really. I loved Freaks and Geeks but his other films just don't really do it for me. I think people build up his movies so much it leaves me feeling unsatisfied. Mr. Apatow you don't need to include your wife in every movie you do, trust me, she'll still have sex with you. I think Kevin Smith should read this as well.

Oh, Mr. Sandler, where have you gone to. I use to love your bits on SNL, especially with Canteen Boy. The skit where you are camping with Alec Baldwin was simply priceless. Your early movies (yet really stupid) were actually funny. I wish you would stop trying so hard to be an actor and focus on your comedic skills. Even your music was really good. From that "Ode to my Car(piece of shit car)" to "Lunchlady Land", these were classic tunes I used to love as a teenager. So what if you're married, have kids, and are over the hill, you still are allowed to be funny. Just please don't sell out and become the next Eddie Murphy while you still have some time left. Let's now go ahead and see how well Adam Sandler has actually done.

Dirty Work 1998

I know this movie only had him in it for about 30 seconds, but it has probably go to be Adam Sandler's best work to this day. "But first we eat the pig, and then we burn, BURN!" A classic line that should never have been forgotten.

Punch-Drunk Love 2002

I may be one of the few people who hate this movie, but I really can't find anything to like about it. The first 10 minutes were completely pointless, and the only good scene is when the sisters call him gay boy. I was extremely underwhelmed and I couldn't wait for this film to be over with. Terrible film, and I love me some independent films.

The Waterboy 1998

A spoof on his character Canteen Boy and how great of a movie it actually is. Whether it's the black kicker imagining the football as the KKK or a great appearance from The Big Show as Captain Insano, this movie is a laugh out loud riot. "Gatorade," "h2o", "Water sucks, it really really sucks." So many great lines from this movie.

Big Daddy 1999

To me, this is the movie that Sandler tries to break free from his comedic duties and become a serious actor. The movie is good, but I really believe he tries too hard to be serious and I wasn't the biggest fan. Plus, the kid who stars in the movie was really terrible. If they cast the kid better, then maybe this would have been a better movie.

Click 2006

I can say that I've actually watched one of his family, friendly comedies and I did like it. It also helps when David Hasslehoff is speaking Spanish, Christopher Walken makes an appearance, and Kate Beckinsale is playing his wife. Something I probably wouldn't watch again, but I'd say to give it a shot.





Billy Madison 1995 *

Adam Sandler's most prominent feature film. And what is not to like about this movie. This is the Adam Sandler I like: goofy, stupid and funny. This has so many one-liners that you just lose count. "He called the shit poop" or "So hot, want to touch the heiney". These are lines I used to love as a teenager and that I will still use to this day. If somebody doesn't like this film, then they would never be a fan of Adam Sandler. The best scene is probably when Norm MacDonald and Chris Farley are alone eating all the third grader's sandwiches. From beginning to end this movie never stops with the laughs. Pete Sampras is one lucky bastard too for marrying Bridgette Wilson who was one of my crushes growing up. A definite must see movie if you just want to sit around and laugh your ass of. "No I will not make out with you" ***




Happy Gilmore 1996 **

Along with The Waterboy, this might be my favorite movie ever made by Adam Sandler. Any sports themed comedy is perfect for me because I'm such a crazy sports nut. This definitely isn't up to par with Caddyshack but it is a well made movie. I loved it from beginning to end especially the scene where Sandler is singing to his girlfriend through his intercom, funny as hell. Everybody knows the Bob Barker scene and it's so famous because who would have thought an old game show host could actually pull off that scene. To me, Christopher McDonald stole the show with his great comebacks that were terrible but timed perfectly. He's a great actor that probably doesn't receive enough credit than he's given. Another great comedy from Adam Sandler and it should have received ***




The Wedding Singer 1998 ***
So far, all of his movies have proven to be worth watching, and it continues on with The Wedding Singer. The 80's to me is the greatest decade ever, yes, I am one of those people. The great thing about this film is the song selection they use. A lot of one hit wonders are played throughout the movie and I think that makes this movie better. Dead or Alive, Musical Youth with "Pass the Dutchie" are just some that I can think of off the top of my head. It's good to see Drew Barrymore come back to life with this movie as well. It seemed like she revitalized her career with this movie. Adam Sandler definitely plays his character perfectly and this is probably the best role of his career. When you have cameos by Billy Idol and Jon Lovitz, you really can't go wrong with any film. When he sings "Love Stinks" and yells out "Whoop a dee do!" I was hooked and when his band mate sang "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me," I didn't want to stop watching. A fantastic movie that shows that Adam Sandler can be funny without being slapstick. Definitely ***




Eight Crazy Nights 2002 *

This is where Adam Sandler stopped caring about making funny movies. It's a good thing this movie was under 90 minutes because it was utterly terrible. You would think an animated comedy would be something up his alley because of all the weird noises and sounds he makes. This film makes Sponge Bob seem to be the funniest animated character ever. Apparently we need an animated film about Jewish people, and there is nothing wrong with that, just make it funny, especially if you're a comedian. His "new" songs were boring and the animation was actually not the best. I actually went to the theater to see it, only because I was still young and had the money to do so. Don't watch this film even if it's around Christmas time and even if you want to try to muster a laugh, it won't happen. -*




Spanglish 2004 ***

I remember my wife watching this film for about the 5th time in about 2 weeks and I said, "Why are you watching this again?" She told me it was a great film and I finally decided to watch it with her. What a fantastic movie this is. Adam Sandler is not funny in this movie and he definitely didn't need to be. I hated Punch-Drunk Love despite everybody saying it was his best performance, but I felt this movie is his best performance. It probably helps when you have a great cast around you as well. Paz Vega was fantastic as the Mexican immigrant housekeeper and her story in the film is great. The person who stole the show was definitely Shelbie Bruce who plays Vega's daughter. She was outstanding for a girl her age, reminiscent of Ivana Baquero from Pan's Labyrinth. Adam Sandler playing a chef was really good and believable, especially since I went to culinary school. A wonderful movie that everybody would enjoy. *** 1/2

All and all, Adam Sandler has made some pretty damn good movies. I haven't seen a really funny one in about 10 years and I don't really think I will ever again. Hopefully, he will give us something to talk about soon, way before his time is up.

Until then,
Baltrusis, out!