Review of Sandy Wexler (2017) by Thequietgamer — 16 Apr 2017

Sandy Wexler takes a bit to get going. It's early attempts at humor are almost painfully unfunny. The character himself takes some getting used to as well. The cartoonish voice used for the character is the kind of thing Sandler hasn't done in a while and is something you don't really see in comedies anymore. However, once Jennifer Hudson's character takes the screen things start to look up. What we get is a movie that harkens back to Sandler's glory days, and may just catch you off guard with how remarkably sweet it can be.

It's nice to se Sandler playing a real character again, as everything since That's My Boy has just been him basically playing himself over and over again. His Sandy Wexler is kind of a Little Nicky/Waterboy-esque character. So basically he's playing another lovable loser. That's one thing I've always kind of enjoyed about Sandler movies. They've always had a way of sticking up for the little guy. Here though, the crap Wexler goes through for the majority of the film feels kind of mean-spirited. Almost like he's being punished for being a dork. While this does ultimately make you root for Sandy more, it's not hard to notice how rough the guy has it at times. You'll see him get beaten to a pulp over an accidental fender-bender, disgraced and kicked out of a dinner party, and constantly mocked by just about everyone he meets. It's believable because that's how people like Wexler get treated in everyday life, but it's almost too real at times. Luckily, the movie never crosses that line into uncomfortable viewing thanks to the sharp punctuation on the comedic notes during these scenes.

The movie's biggest troubles are related to the comedy. Early on you can tell that a lot of the jokes just aren't working. Sometimes they are too weird, cheaply delivered, and even trying too hard. While things do eventually get better, and there are some genuinely hilarious moments, it's a problem that persists throughout the entire movie. Making the moments where the plot slows down a bit a slog.

Speaking of the plot, it's surprisingly the best part of the movie. Unexpectedly well-written, the romance at the core of things is remarkably sweet. Mix that with how unexpectedly endearing Wexler becomes, and you really want to see him succeed and get the girl. Especially when he and Hudson are so great together onscreen. The setting is also well-executed. The movie is filled with cameos and 90's references.

While it doesn't always succeed at bringing the laughs, it's nice to see Sandler deliver something familiar to his roots. It's also just nice to see him look like he's having fun again. Mix in the good story with some genuine romance and the endearing main character, and what you're left with is one the better Sandler movies in quite some time. Definitely worth a watch for fans. I think it goes without saying though, that if you don't like Sandler movies this won't change your mind.