This is a family Disney film, and being such it is pretty easy to tell where it is going to end up. The best thing to do with this type of film is to just enjoy it for what it is, safe family entertainment. When viewing from this perspective, I found it rather easy to enjoy. It is not great by any stretch, but it is not bad in any offensive manner. It is the kind of movie that is competently made and has such a sweet disposition that kicking it and dragging it down seems to be a useless exercise in cinematic elitism.
It is true that the story does not explain how anything happens, characters do not have terribly strong arcs, or are underused, but overall it is a simple, smile inducing film that people of any age can enjoy. I did like seeing Keri Russell on the screen and wish that she had more high profile work, especially in the wake of Waitress. Courteney Cox-Arquette did not have a lot to do, but her character seemed to be a direct descendant of her Friends persona. As for Sandler, he does a fine job playing a combination of familiar Sandler-style characters.
Bottom line. I would not recommend rushing out to see this at once, but if you have children and are looking for a something to see on the big screen with them, this will fill the bill. I enjoyed it, warts and all. Just do not hope for an explanation of why things happen the way they do.
Mildly Recommended.
Article comments
1 - patabig
i have to say this movies was pretty funny for a kids movie. its exciting,funny,artistic,entertaining enough for to watch it again. Madison production has always been one of my favorite. Adam Sandler funny guy