I wasn't very interested in seeing this movie. I like Adam Sandler, and the premise was ok, but the lame and childish way that Sandler's character is shown using the "Universal Remote Control that remotely controls the Universe" in the previews was a huge turn-off. Could the movie have anything to surprise or delight?
Well, in short, not really. BUT it wasn't a total disappointment either.
About 1/2-way into the movie, after all of the lame and childish indulgences, the movie takes a turn for the serious. It becomes an updated "It's a Wonderful Life" or "Family Man" (I am a huge fan of the former and have not seen the latter, but Kevin tells me it's the same idea). Basically, guy is depressed that his constant work and efforts never seem to get him the good life that he's aiming for, the guy wishes that all the "crap" in his life could be expunged, then he gets a taste of what his life would REALLY be like if all the "crap" was expunged, and so develops huge appreciation for his old life, and then luckily gets to return to his old life (with the new appreciation for it).
Overall, this is typical Sandler fare, for better more than worse. Sandler always attracts a crowd because of his comedy but usually (including here) includes a feel-good life lesson. It doesn't matter that he's re-iterating what I've seen before in "It's a Wonderful Life" because his movie is reaching a newer and younger audience that probably has never seen it.
Bottom Line: If you enjoyed "The Wedding Singer" or "50 First Dates", you will definitely enjoy this one, too.
