Review of Billy Madison (1995) by Michael Y — 28 Mar 2011

How this movie has any credibility is baffling to me. But then again, I love to watch this movie. It really is Adam Sandler that makes this movie, and it's his one of a kind performance that makes this movie worth watching, despite it being absolutely stupid.

Good thing Billy Madison is the son of a rich father who owns a chain of hotels, because Billy is about as smart as a bag of hambergers, doing nothing but drinking all day. But when his inheritance of his father's company is in danger of going to a greedy business man, Billy makes a bet that if he spends 2 weeks in every grade in public school and pass each one with an acceptable grade, he'll win the rights to the company. In this outrageous bet Billy makes new friends, finds love, and learns a thing or two. It's a creative idea filled with unbelievable plotlines and incredably silly comedy, but that's what makes this movie so good. Adam Sandler might be outrageous, but it's a preformance that you won't see in any other movie.

It's a fairly simplly made comedy with some bizar and creative details. It's all about capturing the moment, and this movie certainly connects with some kind of moment, whatever it might be. But the point is that it works. THe pacing is always fun, and the way this movie captures the comedy is actaully quite unique. Shooting locations and sets give this movie a bit more flavour to this weird little movie, which goes to show that crazy comedies can have style as well.

It's not an ideal definition of filmmaking, but Billy Madison is sure as hell entertaining. (if you like this sort of thing) Silly comedy with overacted performances, Billy Madison can still keep it's cool if you want to have a good laugh.