Review of Bedtime Stories (2002) by Bradley W — 27 Nov 2011

Some would argue that "Bedtime Stories" showcases a kindler, gentler Adam Sandler, but in reality this film is actually worse than some of his other recent dimwitted efforts. He plays the same immature, child-like character that has made him a superstar, and that act ran out of steam three or four movies ago. He's obviously playing to a family audience with this cheap-looking, over-produced and extremely juvenile picture, but it's just as unbearable as the rest of his filmography. It's very low-concept posing as high concept, but the story is very simplistic.

There are embarrassingly sentimental moments that don't work at all, and the stories within the story are cheezy and lame. They are moments that only a lover of truly awful cinema could appreciate. Sandler himself is his typical goofball persona with the alleged heart of gold, but once again, he's extremely unlikable. You don't feel he has a real bond with his niece and nephew, and his romantic relationship with Keri Russell is even less convincing. Her career looked to be headed to the next level after "Waitress", but she is forced to take three steps back just to be in a guaranteed box office hit.

This whole mess concludes in typical Hollywood fashion when the ridiculous sub-plot about the kids school being bulldozed is mercifully resolved. It's hard to believe that so many people saw and apparently enjoyed this forgettable picture. "Bedtime Stories" is creatively bankrupt, a film that was manufactured and produced rather than created.