|
Movie Review - Click (2006)
|
|
|
|
|
(What this rating means)
|
|
| |
|
| Director: |
Frank Coraci |
| Starring: |
Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale, and Christopher Walken |
| Rated: |
PG-13 (for language, crude and sex-related humor, and some drug references) |
| Length: |
97 minutes |
| Genre: |
Comedy/Drama/Fantasy |
| Tagline: |
This Summer, Everything Will Click. |
| Studio: |
Sony Pictures |
| Website: |
Click |
| Release: |
June 23, 2006 |
|
PLOT
|
Adam Sandler is an architect who married a woman (Beckinsale) way out of his league. We know Sandler's character
isn't too bright because rather than spending quality time with his wife, he works long hours, desperately trying to
make partner at David Hasselhoff's architect firm.
Displaying the technical savvy of my grandmother, Sandler can't keep track of all of his remote controls. He decides
to embark on a search for a universal remote that will simplify his life. He gets a little more than he bargained
for when a mysterious character (Walken) gives him a remote control that allows him to control his universe.
Initially, fast forwarding through sickness, arguments, and boring daily routines seems great, but what happens when
Sandler finds himself skipping out on important aspects of his family life? DVD-esque hijinks and TiVo-like
shenanigans ensue.
|
|
JOHNNY'S TAKE
|
I guess I should point out that I'm an Adam Sandler fan. A fan who
has learned to forgive him for Little Nicky and a fan who thinks Punch-Drunk Love is mystifyingly
overrated, but a fan nonetheless. That being said, I enjoyed the movie. I was entertained. Is it great? No.
Is it in the upper echelon of his work? Nope.
There are moments when the crudeness is overdone (seriously, how many times can you show a dog humping a stuffed
animal before you realize it stopped being funny about 40 minutes ago?) and apparently I'm one of the few people
left in the world who doesn't think little kids cussing is adorable (yeah, I'm sure you'd giggle if it were YOUR
child dropping "s" bombs), but the film still managed to coerce a good number of out-loud laughs from me.
I'm not gonna sit here and wax poetic about what I would do if I came across a remote that could control my
life. That'd be a waste of my time and yours. However, I found it interesting to watch Sandler as
he made his decisions in regard to this little technical wonder. I especially liked the menu and its special
features - including a commentary track with James Earl Jones. Funny stuff.
Sandler movies, by their very nature, are quite easy to review. Do you hate the guy? Then skip it. If you love the
majority of his work then you'll have a good time. However, I feel it's my duty to warn you that Click is a
little different than what you might expect.
In an effort to show it ain't just a one-trick pony (and probably to appeal to a broader audience), Click
takes a strange dramatic turn about 2/3rds of the way through, and it stays pretty serious for a good 20 minutes
or so. Fan base be warned. The teenagers in the crowd started to get restless as they were obviously desperate for
Sandler to hurry up and say something like, "Gippity bop simmidy doo."
References to It's a Wonderful Life are accurate, though I feel it taps more into A Christmas
Carol complete with Christopher Walken as the Ghost of Really Bad Hairdos. Some of the dramatic aspects
are handled well, albeit with little originality, but things got a little too solemn for my taste,
especially since I was in the mood for something purely comedic. Much like the majority of people who give
speeches at wedding receptions, it tries just a little too hard to wrestle out the tears. Sandler's
attempt at crying is particularly unconvincing.
I'm sure there's a section of you who will ignore the predictability of it all and appreciate the fact that Sandler
is trying to show a little maturity these days, and that's fine. I'm just pointing out that the transition in tone
is awkward, and the drama overstays its welcome. Take some lessons from Liar Liar on how to
add dramatic elements and life-changing revelations while remaining consistently funny.
The bottom line, America, is Click will have quite the mixed reaction, even among Sandler's staunchest
fanboys. Can you handle the dramatic shift? Will you buy into it? Can you tolerate the sometimes juvenile and
sophomoric humor on display? I've equipped you with the necessary knowledge; it's now up to you to make your
choice.
|
|
ODDS & ENDS
|
- Budget: $70,000,000
- This doesn't appear to be based on a true story.
- David Hasselhoff made me want to punch him, but that was his character's mission statement, so he effectively
does his job. Who'd have thought?
- Sandler fans will enjoy seeing plenty of familiar faces (O'Doyles rule!).
- Keep a close eye out for a Rob Schneider cameo. Unless you couldn't care less about Schneider. In that case I
wouldn't worry about it too much.
- Seriously, people need to stop giving Jennifer Coolidge work. I audibly gasp "Ugh" in EVERY movie she appears.
The party's over; let's turn out those annoying lights.
- Kate Beckinsale was in Haunted with Aidan Quinn who was
in Desperately Seeking Susan with Will Patton who was in Into the West with Josh Brolin who was in
Hollow Man with Kevin Bacon.
|
|
MAMA'S APPROVAL
|
Mama wouldn't approve of this in its theatrical form. There's quite a bit of crudity (yeah, I made up the word, what
of it?) - children cuss, Sandler cusses, flatulence fills the air; you know, good old fashioned family fun. I would
strongly advise leaving grandma and the pre-teens at home.
|
|
TRAILER COMPARISON
|
The trailer leads you to believe this will be a fairly typical Adam Sandler. It doesn't fully prepare you for the
huge dramatic turn that the film takes.
|
|
THE GIST
|
If you can't stand Adam Sandler then I have no idea why you'd wonder if you should see Click or not. If
you're a fan of the Sand Man then chances are you'll be entertained, but reactions to the dramatic tone shift will
be very mixed. Don't expect Billy Madison or Happy Gilmore.
|
|
