339 reviews
What's wrong with the occasional feel- good movie? I think Adam Sandler shines when he's working with kids, and in these troubling times, I appreciate that he seems to be dedicated to making movies that have the general theme of "just have fun being a decent person." I respect him so much more now than I ever did during the SNL/Billy Madison/Happy Gilmore days.
- www_dot_tmcc
- Aug 25, 2017
- Permalink
I truly loved this film. It was heart warming, fun and had me laughing several times. Yes, it's totally predictable but that can sometimes be OK. You know what you are going to get, the freaky children and the inevitable romance. I like these two when there together and I like Sandler despite what the critics say. He is someone you can relate to. A great movie to chill out, relax or just something to make you happy.
The children's antics were annoying at times and the transformation from tomboy to beauty was slightly abrupt but I did like the the way that each parent dealt with the issues of teenage boys and girls, especially the constant 'self service' that the teenage boy was participating in while imagining his babysitter. After all, most blokes can remember that time in their life.
The children's antics were annoying at times and the transformation from tomboy to beauty was slightly abrupt but I did like the the way that each parent dealt with the issues of teenage boys and girls, especially the constant 'self service' that the teenage boy was participating in while imagining his babysitter. After all, most blokes can remember that time in their life.
- insanemoviecollector
- Jun 26, 2014
- Permalink
Whenever I want to watch comedy movies, when I feel so sad and need to be laughing is the only name that comes to mind ADAM SANDLER and his team.
I have watched all the movies and there is nothing else that makes me so happy and laughing in this life.
Adam Sandler If a new movie comes out, even if it gets very bad points from the critics, it does not matter to me I love even the worst movie I love them very much All Adam Sandler movie are very nice to me.
Adam Sandler movies, I have a sense of old comedy, so if you do it in a new movie, then you have a sense of comedies in those old movies.Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler a very good duo saw it in 50 first dates movies before. I like this kind of stuff that is featured in this movie, which is tom character that is in 50 first dates movies in a place where I enjoy it in the movie.
I liked it very much like watching my family almost 6-7 times and my family watched it more than once and still wants to watch more. the critics' points are low not important a movie you will enjoy very much.
Adam Sandler If a new movie comes out, even if it gets very bad points from the critics, it does not matter to me I love even the worst movie I love them very much All Adam Sandler movie are very nice to me.
Adam Sandler movies, I have a sense of old comedy, so if you do it in a new movie, then you have a sense of comedies in those old movies.Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler a very good duo saw it in 50 first dates movies before. I like this kind of stuff that is featured in this movie, which is tom character that is in 50 first dates movies in a place where I enjoy it in the movie.
I liked it very much like watching my family almost 6-7 times and my family watched it more than once and still wants to watch more. the critics' points are low not important a movie you will enjoy very much.
- eberkerbatur
- Aug 22, 2018
- Permalink
When you see Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore in a film, you know what to expect. Both have done many good, heart warming films over the years, so if you know what you are getting, don't go to see it if it's not your stuff, then complain about it!
I watched this knowing what I needed after feeling a bit down on a Sunday before work on Monday again and it really cheered me up and left me with a good feeling.
The one liners and timing are on cue and I can't fault it, I got what I expected and feel happier for it.
If you feel a bit down, watch this!
I watched this knowing what I needed after feeling a bit down on a Sunday before work on Monday again and it really cheered me up and left me with a good feeling.
The one liners and timing are on cue and I can't fault it, I got what I expected and feel happier for it.
If you feel a bit down, watch this!
I think Adam Sandler is a smart, talented entertainer and I also enjoy Drew Barrymore and the two together is a special treat. I also admire these actors because, for the most part, they never seem to make it into the scandal sheets. Sandler has been in some real "dogs," and I tell myself it was just for the money.
After reading some of the reviews on this site, I almost didn't go to see "Blended," expecting toilet humor and fart jokes and lots of sexual innuendo. Fortunately, I went anyway, and THOROUGHLY enjoyed it. This movie has very little to offend, strikes some very deep feelings and highlights some of the real challenges of single parenting. ANY parent, single or not can relate to a lot of the situations that arise.
The comedy is just right, without being slapstick or over the top. The touching moments come sometimes when you least expect them, and while sure to bring a tear, the movie doesn't milk the drama. The scenery is gorgeous. The one-liners and timing are perfect. For me, the film never dragged, and while it has an optimistic ending, everything isn't all sewn up in a happily-ever-after-scenario. We know that, if these were real families, there would be more bumps in the road, more laughs and more lessons to be learned.
This is a good family movie--not much to cover your kids' ears over--and a great movie for anyone who has been a parent, and especially anyone who has tried to enter the dating/new relationship stage after the death or divorce of a spouse.
Go see it!!
After reading some of the reviews on this site, I almost didn't go to see "Blended," expecting toilet humor and fart jokes and lots of sexual innuendo. Fortunately, I went anyway, and THOROUGHLY enjoyed it. This movie has very little to offend, strikes some very deep feelings and highlights some of the real challenges of single parenting. ANY parent, single or not can relate to a lot of the situations that arise.
The comedy is just right, without being slapstick or over the top. The touching moments come sometimes when you least expect them, and while sure to bring a tear, the movie doesn't milk the drama. The scenery is gorgeous. The one-liners and timing are perfect. For me, the film never dragged, and while it has an optimistic ending, everything isn't all sewn up in a happily-ever-after-scenario. We know that, if these were real families, there would be more bumps in the road, more laughs and more lessons to be learned.
This is a good family movie--not much to cover your kids' ears over--and a great movie for anyone who has been a parent, and especially anyone who has tried to enter the dating/new relationship stage after the death or divorce of a spouse.
Go see it!!
If you're looking for the Sandler of 15 years ago, or the scoop of septic that the current comedic "geniuses" have to offer (Rogen, Attepow, etc.,) then stay home and watch for umpteenth time the "hilarious" back and forth between Franco and Seth in This Is Then End.
For Blended is reasonable, and funny and OK for older kids, as some of them are facing the same issues that the kids portrayed here are. Adam plays a widow, Drew a divorcée, just working and trying to raise their kids the best way they know how. Meeting for the first time on a blind date, they manage to say and do as much as they can to turn off the other, not that are bad people, but more that they are so unsure of themselves after being on their own so long.
Yeah the logic is more pretzelian than real, they find themselves on the same African Safari vacation that Sandler's boss had set up for himself and Drew's business partner. Thrown together, the two adult characters put forth their best efforts to make the vacation work for their kids and end up making it work for each other.
There is some mildly crude humor, but a lot of it is gentle fun, some of it predictable, some laugh out loud funny.
My family agreed that that crazy fool Terry Crews stole the show! And the rest of the theater agreed, because as soon as his face flashed on the screen everyone started laughing before he had even started one of several hilarious routines, sort of playing like the Greek chorus.
Granted, it's not a 10, but it is way better than the 5 that is currently showing. I give it a 7.
For Blended is reasonable, and funny and OK for older kids, as some of them are facing the same issues that the kids portrayed here are. Adam plays a widow, Drew a divorcée, just working and trying to raise their kids the best way they know how. Meeting for the first time on a blind date, they manage to say and do as much as they can to turn off the other, not that are bad people, but more that they are so unsure of themselves after being on their own so long.
Yeah the logic is more pretzelian than real, they find themselves on the same African Safari vacation that Sandler's boss had set up for himself and Drew's business partner. Thrown together, the two adult characters put forth their best efforts to make the vacation work for their kids and end up making it work for each other.
There is some mildly crude humor, but a lot of it is gentle fun, some of it predictable, some laugh out loud funny.
My family agreed that that crazy fool Terry Crews stole the show! And the rest of the theater agreed, because as soon as his face flashed on the screen everyone started laughing before he had even started one of several hilarious routines, sort of playing like the Greek chorus.
Granted, it's not a 10, but it is way better than the 5 that is currently showing. I give it a 7.
- steve-4-401708
- May 25, 2014
- Permalink
Wow,I was expecting to bash this movie,but was I wrong.The movie 'Blended' is actually a good movie.I will not spoil the movie for you,but I will say I am still surprised it was good.When I was sitting watching the movie,and I laughed,I was quite surprised.This is yet another Adam Sandler movie.I have recently hated all of Sandler's new movies.I despised 'Grown Ups',and hated 'Grown Ups 2'.Those movies were terrible.'Jack and Jill',don't get me started on that garbage.Expecting to be angry at this movie,I had very little hopes of this movie being good.I watched it as a final chance for Sandler to redeem himself from his previous disasters.Luckily,I ended up enjoying this movie and kept turning to my friend,looking at him like are we seriously laughing.Overall,a huge comeback for Sandler and meaning this movie is 7.5/10.
- mrcricken8
- Jun 4, 2014
- Permalink
I don't know why this film has had so many poor reviews. Myself and my husband loved it. We've loved all of Adam Sandlers films and this one delivered just as well as the rest. The chemistry between him and Drew Barrymore is as good as 50 First Dates, it was funny, we laughed all the way through, the storyline was fun and held gentle messages to any families in this situation therefore approaching potential sensitive subjects with tact and diplomatic wit.
I watch and enjoy a range of film genres but in today's society where many things are far less censored and where daily we read in papers and see on our screens the horrible things people do in the name of whatever their intent and films that relay these and far worse depravities it's fun, refreshing and heartwarming to watch something like this.
I read somewhere that Adam Sandler said making his films was like having one big vacation if that's true then why not? Who wouldn't like a job that felt like a holiday! When watching any of his films there's always the sense that the actors were having fun. I hope he keeps on making these fun feel good films for a long time. If you don't like them then don't watch them. There's still a solid place for his films and many people will continue to watch and enjoy them.
I watch and enjoy a range of film genres but in today's society where many things are far less censored and where daily we read in papers and see on our screens the horrible things people do in the name of whatever their intent and films that relay these and far worse depravities it's fun, refreshing and heartwarming to watch something like this.
I read somewhere that Adam Sandler said making his films was like having one big vacation if that's true then why not? Who wouldn't like a job that felt like a holiday! When watching any of his films there's always the sense that the actors were having fun. I hope he keeps on making these fun feel good films for a long time. If you don't like them then don't watch them. There's still a solid place for his films and many people will continue to watch and enjoy them.
- zhanna1963
- Oct 7, 2014
- Permalink
It is clear that Adam Sandler has lost his touch. He went from doing hilarious and heartfelt comedies that only he can do, to stupid and meaningless comedies and second grader can do better. Deep within Adam Sandler is a gifted actor that can light up the screen, if given a good script and a good director. Watch his 2007 drama, Reign Over Me. It is his only movie where he does not deliver any ounce of comedy. By the looks of Blended, he is moving back in that serious direction.
Click was Sandler's last truly great film. I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (I found) was his last truly hilarious film. Funny People wasn't quite at the level of others, but I thought it would help his career. He buried Funny People and his other classics with bad movies like Jack & Jill, Grown Ups 2 and That's My Boy. I had my doubts for Blended, (you can't really blame me) but I can comfortably say that this is his best movie in years. Best since Funny People. He teams up with Drew Barrymore for a third time in a splendid and delightful flick. Although this is not as good as their previous collaborations, it is a step up for Sandler's recent string.
I will start by saying that Blended has some parallels to Sandler's recent string of movies. Those are: bad acting and no hilarity. The acting is a step up, since you can get used to it, whereas you couldn't in his others. I remember reading about Free Willy and saying over 1000 kids auditioned for the role of Jesse before settling on Jason James Richter. Adam Sandler probably did 10 or 20 before deciding on some of his cast members. That leads into there being nothing funny. Sandler tries his darndest to incorporate as much laughter as he possibly can, but fails at every angle. There were some parts the somewhat tickled me and did grin at, but none of them were truly funny.
Sandler has lost his touch in making funny movies, but he has proved that Blended does not need true comedy, just warmth and delight. If he didn't try so hard to make a gut-busting romantic-comedy, the result would have been better. The comedy fails, but the drama portion succeeds in ways I thought Sandler could never do. This is his best serious flick he has done since Click back in 2006. When I said the acting is bad but not that bad, it is because it subsides and becomes good in the serious bits. Only during the comedy bits does the acting become bad.
Sandler and Barrymore go on a disastrous blind date with each other then wind-up on an African vacation together. The African bits are a joy to see. They have kids of the opposite genders, so they help out each other's kids as they need an adult figure of their same sex. They do so in touching ways. We all know that Sandler and Barrymore end up together at the end, but it is worth seeing how they do so. In 2011's Just Go With It, everything was so predictable it was boring. Blended leaves for some intrigue and wanting to sit through it. There actually is a point in the movie where the comedy seems to literally disappear and the movie becomes all-around better. I am proud of Adam Sandler for doing a movie where the seriousness is a true winner.
2.5/4
Click was Sandler's last truly great film. I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (I found) was his last truly hilarious film. Funny People wasn't quite at the level of others, but I thought it would help his career. He buried Funny People and his other classics with bad movies like Jack & Jill, Grown Ups 2 and That's My Boy. I had my doubts for Blended, (you can't really blame me) but I can comfortably say that this is his best movie in years. Best since Funny People. He teams up with Drew Barrymore for a third time in a splendid and delightful flick. Although this is not as good as their previous collaborations, it is a step up for Sandler's recent string.
I will start by saying that Blended has some parallels to Sandler's recent string of movies. Those are: bad acting and no hilarity. The acting is a step up, since you can get used to it, whereas you couldn't in his others. I remember reading about Free Willy and saying over 1000 kids auditioned for the role of Jesse before settling on Jason James Richter. Adam Sandler probably did 10 or 20 before deciding on some of his cast members. That leads into there being nothing funny. Sandler tries his darndest to incorporate as much laughter as he possibly can, but fails at every angle. There were some parts the somewhat tickled me and did grin at, but none of them were truly funny.
Sandler has lost his touch in making funny movies, but he has proved that Blended does not need true comedy, just warmth and delight. If he didn't try so hard to make a gut-busting romantic-comedy, the result would have been better. The comedy fails, but the drama portion succeeds in ways I thought Sandler could never do. This is his best serious flick he has done since Click back in 2006. When I said the acting is bad but not that bad, it is because it subsides and becomes good in the serious bits. Only during the comedy bits does the acting become bad.
Sandler and Barrymore go on a disastrous blind date with each other then wind-up on an African vacation together. The African bits are a joy to see. They have kids of the opposite genders, so they help out each other's kids as they need an adult figure of their same sex. They do so in touching ways. We all know that Sandler and Barrymore end up together at the end, but it is worth seeing how they do so. In 2011's Just Go With It, everything was so predictable it was boring. Blended leaves for some intrigue and wanting to sit through it. There actually is a point in the movie where the comedy seems to literally disappear and the movie becomes all-around better. I am proud of Adam Sandler for doing a movie where the seriousness is a true winner.
2.5/4
- Movie-ManDan
- Jan 18, 2015
- Permalink
Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler has done it again. Made another movie that is. But I'm sad to say that, except for "Jack and Jill", it's one of the worst movie's Adam Sandler has ever made. The movie just gives you the feeling that they are trying to hard. Sadly both Drew and Adam, in this movie, are'nt even funny. It's mostly the kids and Terry Crews that supply the comedy, and it's not a lot of it. Terry is funny the first time's you see him in the movie, but frankly, he get's old pretty quick.
So, to sum up. The movie is'nt terrible, but it's not a movie i recommend either. The acting is kinda stale, and the jokes are so-so. So for me, it's a 3/10.
Hope you like my review!
So, to sum up. The movie is'nt terrible, but it's not a movie i recommend either. The acting is kinda stale, and the jokes are so-so. So for me, it's a 3/10.
Hope you like my review!
- MarcelHansen
- Jun 23, 2014
- Permalink
The lower ratings on this film are too harsh. This is actually a sweet comedy where two individuals who initially repel each other grow to like each other. The added touches are the children in this film, who are not only hilarious but also bring out the parental qualities in Drew and Sandler's characters.
The holiday setting in this movie is also fantastic and adds a bit more quality to the film. The backing singers who appeared every now and then made me chuckle. The various activities that you find on a 5 star holiday are all here, which really makes you want to visit this resort.
Overall it was really enjoyable to watch, I would highly recommend it
The holiday setting in this movie is also fantastic and adds a bit more quality to the film. The backing singers who appeared every now and then made me chuckle. The various activities that you find on a 5 star holiday are all here, which really makes you want to visit this resort.
Overall it was really enjoyable to watch, I would highly recommend it
Just seen this!!!!
A person cannot phantom the meaning of that title(BLENDED) without having watched this movie. It's really sweet and deep in it's meaning.
Terry Crews' thrilling lecture on it's meaning too is sooooooooo funny.
Packed with lessons too. Your presence as a parent in the lives of your children is very vital in their growth stage. Some kids do well all by themselves but others, not at all.
Packed with lessons too. Your presence as a parent in the lives of your children is very vital in their growth stage. Some kids do well all by themselves but others, not at all.
As Blended is generally inoffensive and as it offers some good lessons for younger people, it is an acceptable family film. It is just too bad that it fails at being funny, for being funny is necessary if a film is going to succeed as a comedy. With a script that delivers very few gut busters and some horribly contrived scenarios, I am uncertain what the filmmakers had hoped to deliver with Blended. Watch Blended if you need to pick a film you can watch with your kids and if you are not all that bothered if said film is funny, even if it is billed as a comedy.
I was surprised by how weak the comedy bits were, especially as Adam Sandler was delivering the lines. Say what you will about Sandler, he has a certain talent for delivering even the worst material in a way that elicits laughter from most audiences. Even Sandler could not save Blended.
TL;DR -- Watch Blended if you need a safe family film, but do not expect to laugh all that often.
I was surprised by how weak the comedy bits were, especially as Adam Sandler was delivering the lines. Say what you will about Sandler, he has a certain talent for delivering even the worst material in a way that elicits laughter from most audiences. Even Sandler could not save Blended.
TL;DR -- Watch Blended if you need a safe family film, but do not expect to laugh all that often.
You would have saved yourself 2 hours. I rated it a 4/10 and yet I feel like I was too generous. The plot of the movie is stupid, the jokes are stupid and portrayal of characters is moronic.
If you are a woman be ready to see how you are supposed to dress and act if you interested in attracting the opposite sex. I am a man and I felt offended for the women who sat through this movie. I don't have to tell you ladies out there that the film's message is incorrect. You do not have to dress "sexy" in order to get a man to pay attention to you.
If you are an African, do not bother watching this one. Its amazing how the movie makes an entire race look like idiots and clowns. If it gives you any solace though, this movie is targeted towards the lowest denominator of intelligence.
If someone recommended this movie to you because of the "laughs" then ask them which scenes did they find funny. I will guarantee you they won't even remember a single one. The jokes in the movie are cringe worthy.
So please do not make the mistake I made and waste two good hours of your precious life watching this god awful movie.
If you are a woman be ready to see how you are supposed to dress and act if you interested in attracting the opposite sex. I am a man and I felt offended for the women who sat through this movie. I don't have to tell you ladies out there that the film's message is incorrect. You do not have to dress "sexy" in order to get a man to pay attention to you.
If you are an African, do not bother watching this one. Its amazing how the movie makes an entire race look like idiots and clowns. If it gives you any solace though, this movie is targeted towards the lowest denominator of intelligence.
If someone recommended this movie to you because of the "laughs" then ask them which scenes did they find funny. I will guarantee you they won't even remember a single one. The jokes in the movie are cringe worthy.
So please do not make the mistake I made and waste two good hours of your precious life watching this god awful movie.
Well first of all the current IMDb score (4.3) is very harsh - maybe because it's fresh out. The movies not a master piece but a sold comedy. If you enjoyed 50 First Dates (a decade ago - scary), then you will enjoy this.
From very early on you know where the film is heading - but the great thing about the film is the sweet way the film arrives at the inevitable destination. There are not too many twists and turns thrown to try and may the film something it's not - the direction stay focused on what the film is - a good solid "rom com".
Kevin Nealon (Eddy) character is great and other good supporting roles from Terry Crews and Abdoulaye NGom. Sit back, relax, don't think and forget life is serious for ninety minutes. Then you might enjoy. LordWagga
From very early on you know where the film is heading - but the great thing about the film is the sweet way the film arrives at the inevitable destination. There are not too many twists and turns thrown to try and may the film something it's not - the direction stay focused on what the film is - a good solid "rom com".
Kevin Nealon (Eddy) character is great and other good supporting roles from Terry Crews and Abdoulaye NGom. Sit back, relax, don't think and forget life is serious for ninety minutes. Then you might enjoy. LordWagga
I have never written a review before but I had to as I don't understand the negative reviews at all! I really enjoyed this movie. It made me laugh. I enjoyed it better than any Adam Sandler movie including 50 first dates and Wedding SInger starring Drew and Adam together as well. I actually hope for a sequel to this movie. - note: I am rating this as the movie it is. A lovely, touching comedy. Nothing more, nothing less. With this in mind it is worth a 10 from me. So if you don't like Adam Sandler maybe this movie isn't for you...otherwise I think you will enjoy it.
Two families are "blended" as they - after a horrible first date- end up at the same holiday resort. I loved the holiday setting and the way all the characters come together.
Two families are "blended" as they - after a horrible first date- end up at the same holiday resort. I loved the holiday setting and the way all the characters come together.
- dedutchess
- Mar 5, 2015
- Permalink
I recently watched Hubie Halloween and said 'no more Adam Sandler comedies'...
Ended up sticking Blended on without any expectation of watching it all. I've got to admit, I really enjoyed it and there's definitely some laughs in there! I'd 100% recommend it if you're looking for a funny, easy watch.
And now I want to go to Africa!!
Ended up sticking Blended on without any expectation of watching it all. I've got to admit, I really enjoyed it and there's definitely some laughs in there! I'd 100% recommend it if you're looking for a funny, easy watch.
And now I want to go to Africa!!
- callumajackson
- Nov 3, 2020
- Permalink
Yes the plot is different, and this time kids were thrown into the mix which does help differentiate it from all other romantic comedies. But alas, at its core, it is 'just another romantic comedy'. So yes, while this does not fall into that 'must watch' catagory for me, there's no denying that this tried and true formula works out, and so while it is just another romantic comedy, it is still a good one at that.
- AscendeSuperius
- Sep 30, 2021
- Permalink
Let's get one thing perfectly clear: Blended isn't a great movie. One would even be hard-pressed to call it a good one, given that it's largely constructed out of uneven gags, faintly sexist ideas and plain dumb comedy. If anything, it's a guilty pleasure: one of those films that are so bad that they end up being, perversely, enjoyable. But here's the really odd thing about Blended: it possesses a deep, truthful core of emotion, one so powerful that it not only elevates the entire film, but will hit you squarely in the heart if you let it.
Jim (Adam Sandler) and Lauren (Drew Barrymore) first meet on a catastrophic blind date. He annoys her, she offends him, and they seem very much like a match made in hell rather than heaven. But, through a (rather contrived) narrative twist, the pair end up spending a week at an African resort with their families in tow - Jim with his three daughters, and Lauren with her two sons. As they ride ostriches and go para-sailing, they take care of each other's kids and slowly, surely fall in love.
There are plenty of reasons to be put off by Blended. Its humour is frequently of the puerile, almost infantile variety - Barrymore is required to dribble French onion soup down her front, Sandler is pitched head-long into a wooden trough. The number of pratfalls and dumb stunts the lead actors must execute throughout the film can surely be construed as cruel and unusual punishment. There's even a kind of Greek (African, in this context) chorus led by Terry Crews (TV's Brooklyn Nine-Nine), popping up to sing about what's going on in the film - it starts out funny, but starts to grate after a while.
The script also has an unmistakably sexist slant to it: Lauren doesn't know how to connect with her boys because she's not a dude, and Jim treats his blossoming princesses as guys because... well, he is a dude. Of course Lauren helps Jim's obviously not-ugly-at-all tomboy daughter Hilary (Bella Thorne) transform into a complete knockout, while Jim teaches Tyler (Kyle Red Silverstein) how to actually hit a baseball. It's a simplistic and reductive view of parenting, to say the least.
But, if you're willing to go with the flow on the (many) weaker parts of the film, Blended might very well end up taking you on an unexpectedly emotional journey. The dynamics within both families, such as they are, are very well-developed: Jim's daughters, in particular, come across as very real young people. Jim's youngest daughter, the adorable, precocious Lou (Alyvia Alyn Lind), can't remember her mother at all, and so just yearns to have one - a reaction that stands in stark contrast to that of her middle sister Espn (Emma Fuhrmann), who tries her very hardest to keep her mother alive as an invisible friend. It's a touch manipulative, sure, but nevertheless touches on the devastating truth of grief and how it affects children born just a few years apart.
There's something to be said, too, for the way in which Jim and Lauren wind up falling in love. It's nice that the typical romantic-comedy clichés of sex, farce and misunderstanding don't apply. Instead, they gain respect for each other as parents, first and foremost - which feels more realistic and credible, given where they both are in their lives. Children do change the dating game for their parents, and it's nice to see that factor into this budding relationship in the way it does.
Of course, there's no denying the chemistry that exists between Sandler and Barrymore. It's served them well in their two previous collaborations - The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates - and is present in full force throughout Blended. It's nice to see them back together again, building a relationship with unexpected maturity and depth. There's a little wish fulfilment going on by the end, sure, but the inevitable happy ending feels more hard-won and genuine than before.
In short: don't go into Blended expecting a good film, much less a masterpiece. The script is too broad, too silly, and too predictable for that. But don't close your heart off to it, either. Because there's a lot of truth and a surprising reservoir of deep, powerful emotion lurking within its very flawed story.
Jim (Adam Sandler) and Lauren (Drew Barrymore) first meet on a catastrophic blind date. He annoys her, she offends him, and they seem very much like a match made in hell rather than heaven. But, through a (rather contrived) narrative twist, the pair end up spending a week at an African resort with their families in tow - Jim with his three daughters, and Lauren with her two sons. As they ride ostriches and go para-sailing, they take care of each other's kids and slowly, surely fall in love.
There are plenty of reasons to be put off by Blended. Its humour is frequently of the puerile, almost infantile variety - Barrymore is required to dribble French onion soup down her front, Sandler is pitched head-long into a wooden trough. The number of pratfalls and dumb stunts the lead actors must execute throughout the film can surely be construed as cruel and unusual punishment. There's even a kind of Greek (African, in this context) chorus led by Terry Crews (TV's Brooklyn Nine-Nine), popping up to sing about what's going on in the film - it starts out funny, but starts to grate after a while.
The script also has an unmistakably sexist slant to it: Lauren doesn't know how to connect with her boys because she's not a dude, and Jim treats his blossoming princesses as guys because... well, he is a dude. Of course Lauren helps Jim's obviously not-ugly-at-all tomboy daughter Hilary (Bella Thorne) transform into a complete knockout, while Jim teaches Tyler (Kyle Red Silverstein) how to actually hit a baseball. It's a simplistic and reductive view of parenting, to say the least.
But, if you're willing to go with the flow on the (many) weaker parts of the film, Blended might very well end up taking you on an unexpectedly emotional journey. The dynamics within both families, such as they are, are very well-developed: Jim's daughters, in particular, come across as very real young people. Jim's youngest daughter, the adorable, precocious Lou (Alyvia Alyn Lind), can't remember her mother at all, and so just yearns to have one - a reaction that stands in stark contrast to that of her middle sister Espn (Emma Fuhrmann), who tries her very hardest to keep her mother alive as an invisible friend. It's a touch manipulative, sure, but nevertheless touches on the devastating truth of grief and how it affects children born just a few years apart.
There's something to be said, too, for the way in which Jim and Lauren wind up falling in love. It's nice that the typical romantic-comedy clichés of sex, farce and misunderstanding don't apply. Instead, they gain respect for each other as parents, first and foremost - which feels more realistic and credible, given where they both are in their lives. Children do change the dating game for their parents, and it's nice to see that factor into this budding relationship in the way it does.
Of course, there's no denying the chemistry that exists between Sandler and Barrymore. It's served them well in their two previous collaborations - The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates - and is present in full force throughout Blended. It's nice to see them back together again, building a relationship with unexpected maturity and depth. There's a little wish fulfilment going on by the end, sure, but the inevitable happy ending feels more hard-won and genuine than before.
In short: don't go into Blended expecting a good film, much less a masterpiece. The script is too broad, too silly, and too predictable for that. But don't close your heart off to it, either. Because there's a lot of truth and a surprising reservoir of deep, powerful emotion lurking within its very flawed story.
- shawneofthedead
- Jun 7, 2014
- Permalink
Went to this movie a little leery because of the reviews and because I haven't loved all of Adam Sandler's movies. I was very surprised to find that I laughed nearly the whole movie. I thought Adam and Drew Barrymore did a great job together. All of the supporting cast was hilarious, especially Kevin Nealon and his "wife," and Terry Crews, who cracked me up every single scene he was in. Some of the scenes were a bit emotional, and even these scenes teared me up a little bit, thought all the acting was well done. The Africa setting was beautiful and the scenes in the hotel were gorgeous.
All in all I'd highly recommend this to anyone who wants a few laughs and a feel good movie.
All in all I'd highly recommend this to anyone who wants a few laughs and a feel good movie.
I'm going through a Sandler stage at the moment. Trying to find films my kids can watch and might find funny. This is a fun family movie, it's not amazing but there is something for everyone. It's not one of his stupid movies and I have to say I enjoyed it and I think my 9 and 11 year old would have a few laughs and find the (predictable) romance heartwarming and funny.
- darius_sutherland
- Aug 19, 2021
- Permalink
Adam Sandler has made a career out of smearing excrement onto celluloid. Inexplicably, quite a lot of people have paid money to view the results. (Mind you, we do live in a world in which Kim Kardashian is famous.)
I daresay a few people will pay money to see Sandler's latest effort - although nobody's going to be fooled by the laughably fake early reviews here. In fact, there are a lot more laughs to be had reading the ludicrous ten-star reviews - "I laughed so much my head fell off" etc - than there are in the movie itself. But then again, there are always more laughs to be had ladling cold sick over oneself than there are in an Adam Sandler 'comedy', and this is no exception.
And crikey o reilly, what a stupid title. Bleeargh.
I daresay a few people will pay money to see Sandler's latest effort - although nobody's going to be fooled by the laughably fake early reviews here. In fact, there are a lot more laughs to be had reading the ludicrous ten-star reviews - "I laughed so much my head fell off" etc - than there are in the movie itself. But then again, there are always more laughs to be had ladling cold sick over oneself than there are in an Adam Sandler 'comedy', and this is no exception.
And crikey o reilly, what a stupid title. Bleeargh.
- KenLiversausage
- May 25, 2014
- Permalink
If you can believe it, we loved it. Don't care what the critics say, obviously. But you know why they hate it. Stubbornly suburban, vaguely sexist, more like sketch comedy lacking a finely crafted story arc, and definitely an unashamedly traditionalist pro-family view of "boys need dads and girls need moms." So that's Sandler's POV. You can go to the art house to see witty, urbane and progressive films (and we do) or to the multiplex to see the endless parade of horror, action, YA and/or comic book dumb dumb fare. (and we don't) But I'm still glad there's room in this world for Adam Sandler movies. Because they're funny and human.
I wanted to give this movie a 7.8 but thats not a choice.
Even tho from the previews everybody knows whats going to happen. Once inside the movie everything is anticipated, calculable, certain, expected, foreseeable, foreseen, likely, prepared, sure, sure-fire, but yet it is still heart warming and funny :swoon:
Out for a night with the guys find something else. But if as a boyfriend we have to see a chick flick this ones real good. Grab the low hanging fruit husbands and boyfriends. Get credit for going to see this because all in all its heartwarming for her and funny enough for us guys.
Even tho from the previews everybody knows whats going to happen. Once inside the movie everything is anticipated, calculable, certain, expected, foreseeable, foreseen, likely, prepared, sure, sure-fire, but yet it is still heart warming and funny :swoon:
Out for a night with the guys find something else. But if as a boyfriend we have to see a chick flick this ones real good. Grab the low hanging fruit husbands and boyfriends. Get credit for going to see this because all in all its heartwarming for her and funny enough for us guys.
- owenscott2001
- Jun 2, 2014
- Permalink
This movie could have been cute and sweet, but there were so many unnecessary attempts to attract the teen crowd -- at least I'm guessing that's the age group targeted. Children using foul language is not "cute" or humorous. Seeing animals copulating added no value to the story line, nor did the focus on the masturbating 15-year old. And what kind of mother buys her son a porn magazine because she "violated" her son's "privacy" by looking under his bed and tearing up a pin-up poster?
The story had many sweet moments. Too bad Hollywood couldn't be content with that.
The story had many sweet moments. Too bad Hollywood couldn't be content with that.
- ksholl-537-209329
- May 28, 2014
- Permalink