Review of Bedtime Stories (2008) by Daniel B — 21 Feb 2010

Synopsis: Adam Sandler plays "Skeeter" the maintenance man at a upscale Hotel. When his estranged sister has to go to Arizona, she asks Skeeter to watch her kids. The Magic starts when the kids add to Uncle Skeeter's Bedtime Stories and the next day the fantastic tales become reality.

PROS.

Adam Sandler.

Some Laughs.

Jonathon Pryce.

Spotting Cameos.

CONS.

Overly Happy Ending.

Vacillates from Fantasy to Pragmatism.

Overused Guinea Pig.

Completely Predictable.

Lots of Wasted Talent.

Final Analysis: While "Bedtime Stories" is fairly entertaining, it is extremely flawed. I know that this was a family friendly Adam Sandler picture, so I lowered my expectations. Then Disney enters the equation and I lower my expectations appropriately. I remember the fun of Disney's "Enchanted" and there I found some hope. Unlike most people who critique movie's I have enjoyed Adam Sandler's career and movies. Sophomoric yes, but still funny in a goofy way. That said, while I don't hate this movie, I am less than enamored with it. There is a lot of talent in this movie that was not used. Guy Pearce's character was a complete stereotype and anyone could have played it. I don't get the Russell Brand fascination either. This movie had a very British cast. Guy Pearce, Jonathon Pryce, Russell Brand, and others. Lucy Lawless is also in this film, didn't recognized her but she's their. The Kerri Russell and Adam Sandler romance is alright and Courtney Cox is sufficient in her portrayal of the uptight Sister. But it did seem that this movie never aimed for anything more than "Good Enough". I thought they also did the theme of the movie a disservice, when at time they offered ordinary explanations for the real world reflection of the Bedtime Stories. I did enjoy all the digs at the rampant Green Movement and liberal bias.

EH, NOT HORRIBLE, JUST NOT THAT GOOD.