Review of Mr. Deeds (2002) by Kyle20Ellis — 28 Mar 2022

Apparently Adam Sandler dedicated this remake of the 1936 classic to his late grandmother. Now I can admire that, really I can, especially when the 1936 classic was her favourite film. But someone needs to tell Sandler that good intentions don't always make a good film.

The ambition is there, but the film just isn't that great, not as pointless or as awful as the remakes to Psycho or the Wicker Man(which was unintentionally hilarious) I admit but sorry this wasn't good.

There are one or two good things, such as the soundtrack, striking scenery and John Tuturro's turn as the Spanish butler. However, the script is cloying and lacking in wit, the direction is uninspired and the story is too saccharine and simplistic.

Then in terms of acting, Adam Sandler gives one of his more unlikeable performances(I liked him in The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates and Spanglish though found him irritating here and in Click) and Winona Ryder while she looks lovely forgets her acting lessons.

Overall, has its good points but it isn't great.