Click
It's a wonderful life for architect Michael Newman (Adam Sandler) with his disproportionately hot wife (Kate Beckinsdale) and adoring, constantly jovial daughter and son (Tatum McCann and Joseph Castanon.) But, alas, Michael suffers from the American affliction: All work and no play makes Michael a big jerk. He spends almost no time with his family, backing out on long-scheduled family events and consistently choosing work over home in an effort to get ahead. Even his parents (Henry Winkler and Julie Kavner AKA Marge Simpson) are picture perfect, yet all Michael does is clump around the house complaining about work and stuffing his face with Hostess treats (despite the fact that he looks perfectly healthy.)
Michael's work life that he clamors so hard to excel in is run by his boss (David Hasselhoff) who is swarming with oohing and aahing bimbo-based beacons of shiny hair and lengthy legs to remind us that this character is designed to typify the stereotypical lecherous leader. But this is the level to which Michael aspires to. He consistently chooses work over home to attain a higher level of stature such as that which his boss stands for. Life as a lowly architect simply is not good enough. He has a banged up car and just can't keep up with the Joneses. In fact, we are to believe that Michael's wife must return the kids' newly purchases bikes because they cannot possibly afford them on his current salary until he becomes a partner in the firm. A low-paying teacher down the street could afford a couple of bikes for their kids, but this family cannot possibly afford that luxury?
Poor Michael, overworked and exhausted, becomes exasperated one night when he just cannot get his television turned on with the fan remote and garage door opener clouding his capabilities amidst the sea of remotes on his coffee table. He heads out to Bed, Bath & Beyond (on of many oh-so-subtle product placements in the film) to buy one all-encompassing, universal remote. (Again, he cannot afford bikes for the kids??!!) What he does find, tucked away in the Way Beyond section of the store, is Morty, played by the ever-eccentric Christopher Walken, offering him the newest universal remote on the market. We will soon find out that this remote really is universal: it can pause Michael's life, fast forward through the boring bits, rewind to happy times and more.
Although it is obvious that director Frank Coraci and writers Steve Koren and Mark O'Keefe feel they have hit pay dirt with all of the remote control based options available, the gags run a little dry as it becomes obvious to the audience what functions of the device they will play on next. Yes, Michael can fast forward through fights with his wife. Of course Michael can mute his wife's annoying best friend's jibber-jabber. A kick in the balls of a foe is easily handled with the handy-dandy pause button. Ho-hum. The usual Adam Sandler pseudo-amusing antics do nothing for this film.
Surprisingly, the best part of this film is the heart it shows in reminding us to savor the true treats in life. We CAN settle (?!) for a paltry architect's salary but reward ourselves with the fruits of home life. Family members are to be loved and enjoyed and not taken for granted. It is all obvious stuff, but somehow this message comes through touchingly amidst the fart jokes and fat suit gags.
Grades
Overall: C+
Story: C
Acting: B
Visuals: B
Originality/Innovation: B
Enjoyability: B-
DVD/Extras: C+
|
