Sandler Classics

This weekend Adam Sandler delivers his latest comedy, "Just Go With It." Undoubtedly it will received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Sandler remains a top name in comedy despite the fact he hasn't produced a great film in the last half decade. So, while some will flock to see his new movie, I thought I'd offer a list of some of my favorite Sandler films. This list appears in order of release date.

Billy Madison (1995)
Starring: Adam Sandler, Darren McGavin, Bridgette Wilson, and Norm MacDonald
Why I like It: This is probably my favorite of Sandler's early films, and is half the namesake for his production company (Happy Madison). Is the film juvenile? Yes. Is it still funny? Yes. This movie has a ridiculous premise, and it isn't his best work, but it does have some classic moments. Of course it culminates in a great showdown between Sandler and his on-screen nemesis Bradley Whitford. The film also features some funny songs. Many people think of "Happy Gilmore" as their favorite of his early films, but mine is "Billy Madison."

The Wedding Singer (1998)
Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Christine Taylor and Matthew Glave
Why I Like It: This film is set in 1985 and features some of Sandler's best musical numbers. This is probably my favorite of Sandler's films, and one of his biggest hits. The setting, performances, tone, and humor all work. His hair is even funny in this movie. Plus it has a couple great elements — including Ellen Dow rapping! The ending of the film (his serenade on the plane with Billy Idol offering support) is incredible too.

Mr. Deeds (2002)
Starring: Adam Sandler, Winonna Ryder, and John Turturro
Why I Like It: Again, a ridiculous premise that just makes me laugh. This is has some great moments and a strong performance from Turturro, who steals every scene he's in. This film is a re-make of a classic Gary Cooper movie from 1936. Of course, Sandler adds his own flair. One of his most under-rated films.

50 First Dates (2004)
Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Sean Astin, and Rob Schnieder
Why I Like It: This is Sandler's second pairing with Barrymore, and another of his classic films. It has a wild premise (a woman with no short-term memory) that could have been played strictly for laughs. But like the best of Sandler's films, it has great heart. It's beautiful in the way it tells the story.

That's it. I really don't think he's done a quality film since 2004, but "Just Go With It" is the one to change that. It's his best movie in years, despite a ridiculous premise and middling ads. So if you need your Sandler fix, you can either hit the theater this weekend or, hit your local video store.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Burial a courtroom drama with heart

Image
Willie Gary (Jamie Foxx) is a brash trial lawyer who is good at rallying a jury to his cause. Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) is a quiet grandfather who is trying to ensure the business his family built remains viable after he’s gone. These two don’t appear to have much in common on the surface. But when they’re brought together by young lawyer Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie) brings them together, a connection is formed over their shared background of working hard to become self-made men. And it turned out that Willie was just who Jerry needed in his corner to win the fight of his life. The new Prime Video film The Burial, which opened in theaters October 6 and started streaming October 13, captures that trial against the Loewen Group that changed the course of their lives. The film is based on the true story and covers the trial, but more importantly captures the relationship between the men. The film plays out like a traditional courtroom drama. Foxx is solid as Willie Gary, while Ju...
Read more

Broncos Draft Targets

Image
  The NFL Draft is just a few days away. On April 25, the Denver Broncos will head into the draft in the midst of something of a rebuild. In the draft, the Broncos have the No. 12 pick in Round 1, then have a Third Round Pick, Fourth Round Pick, three Fifth Round Picks, a Sixth Round Pick, and a Seventh Round Pick. So, what might they be targeting? Let's dive in and look at possible positions. Quarterback : The team clearly needs a long-term quarterback. Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci are there but the team could certainly use someone else. Could they move up for Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy? Yes, they could. Will the take Bo Nix at 12? It's possible. Or will the Broncos wait until next off-season to make a move? Anything is in play for the Broncos in 2024, but quarterback is surely a need. Tight End: The team brought back Adam Trautman and still has Greg Dulcich, but it's still a need. Dulcich hasn't been able to get on the field and Trautman hasn't been great. Co...
Read more

Favorite Westerns, No. 43

Image
  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1. Rooster Cogburn : [ watching Mattie ford the river hanging on the back of her horse] By God. She reminds me of me. True Grit (1969) Starring : John Wayne, Kim Darby, Glen Campbell, Robert Duvall, and Dennis Hopper Director : Henry Hathaway About: This is the third straight week with a film from Wayne. As you might guess, we're not done. As I've mentioned, he sets a standard for the genre. Here, we seen him bring to life an iconic character. This one is based on a novel, and it has endured. He's great as Rooster Cogburn, so good that he got a sequel in the same character. But this is a later film in his career. This is a different, more grizzled Wayne. He's still quite good and this is a film that really has stood the test of time. It's not the only ve...
Read more