Saturday, January 20, 2007

Movie review - Click

Think Adam Sandler, think stupid movies like Billy Madison or Happy Gilmore. I'm beginning to think that as Adam Sandler grows up, so too Adam Sandler movies are becoming more mature. Kinda.

Click tells the story of architect Michael Newman (Sandler), who attempts to balance the needs of his family - wife Donna (Kate Beckinsale), parents Ted and Trudy (Henry Winkler and Julie Kavner - yes, the Fonz and Marge Simpson!) and his young children Ben and Samantha - and his boss, Ammer (David Hasselhoff). As that the finances of his family are somewhat precarious, when his boss dangles the promise of a partnership in exchange for landing a large account, Michael's ability to cope with all the demands finally breaks when he can't change the channels on the tv. He goes to Bed, Bath and Beyond to purchase a universal remote, but instead purchases a mystical remote control from Christopher Walken that has the ability to do things like fast-forward past arguments to promotions and decrease dog barks. However, the remote control learns to programme itself and Michael loses control of his life when it learns to fast-forward during various events. Unlike other Sandler movies, except perhaps 50 First Dates, the second half of the movie *spoiler* takes a dramatic turn as it is shown that by fast-forwarding and putting work ahead of family, Michael loses out on being able to watch his kids grow up, being able to spend time parents before they die, and maintaining his relationship with his wife *end spoiler*.

Believe it or not, Adam Sandler gives a pretty good dramatic performance here, helped along by the Fonz and Selene the Vampire. It's pretty clean for a Happy Madison production although there is the obligatory gross bit as the family owns a dog who has found it's soulmate in the form of a stuffed toy duck. While viewers may complain that the movie can't decide if it's a comedy or drama, and the message may be a bit cliched, overall its enjoyable.

6.5/10

I've got one more movie review (Nacho Libre to do) but I'm all reviewed out at the moment, so that probably won't come for another week or so, if at all.

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