Blended (2014)

blendedDo you believe you only get one true love in life? In May 2014, that’s what Jim thought, then he met Lauren.

Directing this 117 minute comedy is Frank Coraci.

Blending their talents on screen is: Adam Sandler as Jim, Drew Barrymore as Lauren, Wendi McLendon-Covey as Jen, Bella Thorne as Hilary, Emma Fuhrmann as Espn, Alyvia Alyn Lind as Lou, Braxton Beckham as Brendan, Kyle Red Silverstein as Tyler, Abdoulaye NGom as Mfana, Joel McHale as Mark, Terry Crews as Nickens and Shaquille O’Neal as Doug.

Jim (father of 3) and Lauren (mother of 2), met each other on a blind date. In Lauren’s opinion, it wasn’t the best date she’s ever been on. Not that Jim thought too highly of Lauren either. So, it’s no surprise that both parties seem content to never see each other again. Yet, for two people that don’t want to see each other, they seem to be running into each other an awful lot. So you can imagine how awkward things get when both families wind up at the same resort for a vacation.

Well, Sandler and Barrymore are at it again and have teamed up for their third film together. I have to say, they do have good chemistry together, which is why I was looking forward to watching this one. Not to mention, Sandler’s flicks are usually pretty funny. So if you’re a fan of Sandler’s comedy style, then you’ll like this one as well. It’s a more family friendly-ish comedy then some of his other films, with some of the same over the top comedy bits.

Writers Clare Sera and Ivan Menchell came up with a good storyline that delivers a funny script with a warm hearted comedy. Think the Brady Bunch before Mike and Carol got married, and (in true Sandler form) they both brought a lot of personal issues to the table. It’s definitely filled with a lot of comedy, but again you have to like Sandler’s style to truly enjoy it. For some, his work is more low brow humor or childish due to the gags that go along with Sandler’s films. Well, this one is not much different, it’s filled with exaggerated moments that highlight the less possible scenarios and over exaggerated characteristic of people.

blended-still

I’ve enjoyed watching Sandler and Barrymore working together, again it’s the chemistry. They bring a really good feel to the films and this one was no different, which made for a really good playthrough. I was laughing most of the way through the movie, some of the jokes or gags kinda fell flat or failed to take off at all. Then again I’m sure it’s hard making a comedy for “everyone” to enjoy, when not everything that’s supposed to be funny will strike someone else’s fancy. Yet, it did hold my attention, and the more serious it became the better the story got.

The cast did a good job, and I’m finding I don’t care what character Crews plays… he’s freaking awesome! Other than that, it was cool seeing McHale, but unfortunately he’s not that big of a character in the story. I will say seeing O’Neal pop up in the movie was odd, but he has a fun side that he gets to show off in the film.

 

Summary : I thought it was a good movie. Not as good as 50 First Dates (2004), but still an enjoyable flick none the less. I'd wait for it to hit the rental spots before catching it though, there just wasn't enough going on with it to pay theater prices.

It's rated PG-13


Rating


Average

3