Let’s face it. It’s been a long drought for Adam Sandler. The fact that we repeatedly give him chances despite it all is rather indicative of our true love for the former Saturday Night Live Alumni, right? When it was learned that he would collaborate once again with Drew Barrymore in the Romantic-Comedy Blended, many of us saw that glimmer of hope. Let’s get what needs to be said out of the way first – the Film unnecessarily is longer than it needs to be, but beneath it all, this latest effort from Director Frank Coraci (Click, The Wedding Singer) is packed with often-adult-leaning (but harmless) humour and of course, tons of heart.
Divorcees Jim (Sandler) and Lauren (Barrymore) agree to a blind date and the results are less than ideal. Bound by the dilemmas of raising Teens, the two learn they just might have more in common than they might think. In the unlikeliest turn of events, both find themselves reunited with their Kids on a Safari Expedition in Africa where they gradually form a familial bond. Sometimes in life we fall for a partner who is great in so many ways, but does this necessarily mean that they we are meant to be together with them?
Sandler‘s Happy Madison Productions fully is aware what its Audience wants. But even those Fans of Sandler who laughed at his balls-out humour through the ’90s too are growing-up and raising families now too. Blended plays it safe, yet still appreciates that its Audience has a bit of a naughty edge. Undeniable here is a raging chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore. They play off one another ever so naturally, equally adept at firing shots at one another as they are at making us want them together.
A fun Supporting Cast deliver many of the laughs in Blended. Terry Crews’ way-over-the-top musical interludes provide a semi-narration to the Story and Disney Star Bella Thorne makes a successful transition to the Big Screen as Jim‘s Tomboy-ish Daughter Hilary. Emma Fuhrmann, who plays Thorne‘s little Sister Espn (like the Network!) tugs on our heartstrings effectively missing her Mother. Bubbly Newcomer Jessica Lowe shimmies her way to a memorable performance as the much-younger Partner to another SNL Alumni in Kevin Nealon‘s Eddy.
The concept and jokes aren’t necessarily groundbreaking here, but the scenic Cinematography and sunny disposition serve like a fun Getaway-within-a-Getaway for the Family at the Movies. Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release Blended on Friday, May 23, 2014.
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com