My Favourite Adam Sandler Films
Recently I have been reminiscing about films from my childhood and quickly came to realise that every film I was thinking about starred Adam Sandler, so I decided to watch every Sandler film I could find on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The nostalgia I received from binge watching these films was immense and it was fun to revisit movies with a different perspective. Although Adam Sandler has made and starred in many funny films, also with the occasional serious role, these are my top picks as they still hold up in 2023.
That’s My Boy (2012)
That's My Boy is a 2012 comedy film, directed by Sean Anders, starring Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg. The movie follows the story of Donny Berger (Adam Sandler), a man who became famous as a teenager after having an intimate relationship with his high school teacher. The relationship results in the birth of his son, Han Solo Berger/Todd Peterson (Andy Samberg). After years of having no contact with one another, Donny shows up on Han's doorstep on the eve of his wedding. Donny tries to trick Todd into visiting his mother in prison for a reality TV show so he can fix his financial situation, causing chaos and hilarity to break out .
At its core, this is a film about the complicated relationship between a father and son, and the challenges that can arise when trying to reconnect after years of being estranged.
Despite its comedic focus, the film also delves into some more serious themes, such as the impact of childhood trauma and the struggle to break free from the expectations of others. Throughout the movie, we see Donny struggling to move past the mistakes of his past and find a way to connect with his son on a deeper level, while Todd must navigate the pressure of his upcoming wedding and his own doubts about his future.
That's My Boy is a raunchy, irreverent comedy that offers a unique perspective on the complexities of family relationships. With its talented cast and a mix of heart-warming and hilarious moments, the film is sure to entertain audiences looking for a good laugh.
50 First Dates (2004)
Released in 2004, 50 First Dates is a romantic comedy film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Directed by Peter Segal, the film tells the story of a man named Henry Roth (Adam Sandler) who falls in love with a woman named Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore) who suffers from short-term memory loss.
The film takes place in Hawaii, where Henry works as a marine veterinarian at a local aquarium. One day, he meets Lucy at a café and is instantly smitten with her. However, he soon learns that she suffers from a rare condition that causes her to forget everything that happened the previous day when she wakes up each morning.
Despite this, Henry continues to pursue Lucy and begins dating her. However, he soon realizes that he will have to make her fall in love with him every day as she won't remember him from the day before. This leads to a series of hilarious and heart-warming situations as Henry tries to win Lucy's heart repeatedly.
The film is a heart-warming love story with a unique twist. The chemistry between Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore is palpable, and their performances are charming and endearing. The supporting cast also adds to the film's appeal, with Rob Schneider providing some comic relief as Ula, Henry's best friend.
Another notable aspect of the film is its stunning Hawaiian backdrop. The film's beautiful scenery and tropical setting provide a perfect backdrop for the love story that unfolds. The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy, with classic songs like "Forgetful Lucy" by Adam Sandler and "Wouldn't It Be Nice" by The Beach Boys perfectly capturing the film's romantic and nostalgic vibe.
50 First Dates is a charming and heart-warming romantic comedy that explores themes of love, memory, and the power of persistence.
Grown Ups (2010)
Grown Ups is a 2010 comedy film directed by Dennis Dugan and starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider. The film follows a group of childhood friends who reunite after 30 years for a weekend trip to their hometown to attend the funeral of their high school basketball coach.
The film is a classic Adam Sandler comedy, full of his signature style of humour and so it is filled with funny one-liners, physical comedy, and hilarious situations, that will keep you laughing throughout. But what really sets this movie apart from other comedies is the chemistry between the cast. The five main actors have been friends for years, and it shows in their performances. Their natural rapport and timing make the movie feel like you'’re watching a group of old friends hanging out and having a good time.
One of the themes of the movie is the importance of family and friends. The main characters are all successful in their lives, but they realise that they've lost touch with what really matters in life. Through their experiences over the weekend, they learn to appreciate their loved ones, and the simple joys in life.
Another theme is the nostalgia for childhood. The movie is set in a small town, and the characters spend time reminiscing about their childhood memories. It's a relatable experience for many viewers, as we all have fond memories of our own childhoods.
Grown Ups is a feel-good movie that will make you laugh and leave you feeling some form of nostalgia whether you are young, middle aged or older. It's not a deep, thought-provoking film, but it doesn't need to be. Sometimes we just need a film that will make us forget about our troubles and bring a smile to our faces. And "Grown Ups" does just that.
If you're a fan of Adam Sandler's brand of humour, or just looking for a comedy to watch with friends or family, I highly recommend this film. It's a movie that will leave you feeling good, nostalgic, and remind you of the importance of friendship and family.
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