Movie Review: Bedtime Stories

As Adam Sandler moves into his forties, it's becoming just a bit more difficult for him to continue playing the man-child characters that aided him in his rise to fame from Saturday Night Live through his film output in the 1990s. It appears that the days of Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, and The Water Boy are behind him. Since the year 2000 Sandler is still a comedy mainstay, but there are more attempts to broaden his comic appeal. This expansion can be seen in films like Punch Drunk Love, Spanglish, and Click. His latest film seems to combine the two stages of his career, the early man-child roles and his current attempts at branching out. The result is a mixed bag at best, but hardly a failure and will provide fine entertainment for younger audience members while the adults can pick out elements of the Sandler they knew from back in the day.

In 1995 Sandler made his solo debut as a leading man. The movie was Billy Madison and almost single-handedly heralded the arrival of Sandler as a box office draw. Since then, Sandler has continually proven to be a hit on the big screen, and that does not appear to be changing now. However, his latest film is decidedly more family friendly, which is not altogether a bad thing.

I must admit that I initially had not planned on seeing Bedtime Stories, but the time availed itself and I decided to change my plans and was able to squeeze in a screening. I am glad I did. It surely does not challenge the top films in his catalog, but it will put a smile on your face.

Bedtime Stories tells a simple tale of believing in yourself and others, and it is not hard to guess what direction the tale will take. It seeks to tell that there are happy endings, although they are not always a foregone conclusion as so many fairy tales would have you believe. The movie is interesting beyond that in that it seems to be folding back on his earlier career; specifically, it brings to mind strong memories of the previously mentioned Billy Madison.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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