Adam Sandler in "Bedtime Stories"
courtesy of Disney Home Entertainment
“Adam and Will Make For Good Movie Viewing”

Who would have ever thought Adam Sandler could make a family movie. Well he did and its title is “Bedtime Stories.” Sandler is one of the funniest men alive but you wouldn’t know it from some of his latest movies. “Reign Over Me” and “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan” were two of his lesser efforts. But now comes “Bedtime Stories” and it features a clean, family friendly Sandler and the movie is a total joy from start to finish.

Sandler plays Skeeter Bronson, a handyman at a hotel owned by Barry Nottingham (Richard Griffiths), a friend of his father’s (Jonathan Pryce). Nottingham actually got the land for his hotel from Skeeter’s father with the promise that Skeeter would one day run the hotel. But that hasn’t happened. The heir apparent to Barry appears to be a kissup named Kendall (Guy Pearce).

One day Skeeter is babysitting his sister’s kids and is telling them a bedtime story. The kids (Jonathan Morgan Heit and Laura Ann Kesling) add some twists to the plot for fun. Then the next day the points the kid have added start coming true. This leads to Skeeter coming up with some really inventive stories that the kids can add to in unique ways.

The love interest in the film is played by Keri Russell. She plays a teacher at the school where Skeeter’s sister (Courtney Cox) is the principal. She also shares babysitting duties with Skeeter. Lucy Lawless shows her comedic skills by playing Aspen, another kissup in the hotel business.

The weak link in the film is Russell Brand who plays one of Skeeter’s co-workers. He tries to be ingratiating but is actually annoying. Much more fun is Rob Schneider who has a cameo as a pickpocket.

Other Sandler favorites such as Carmen Electra and Blake Clark make brief appearances in the movie. It is always good to see Sandler’s loyalty staying intact. He has a core group of actors who pop up in just about every film.

Sandler actually creates a believable character in this movie and he is warm, funny and totally appealing. It is his best acting job since “Fifty First Dates.” Keri Russell makes a good co-star for him even though Drew Barrymore is the best at matching Sandler’s kooky sense of humor.

If you are looking for a good family film that will keep the children enthralled while also entertaining the adults, this is it. My wife, mother in law and grandkids all loved it and that covers a wide variety of tastes, so get the DVD today! 

Will Smith sometimes has to remind us all of what a solid actor he is. We take him for granted when he makes movies like “Hancock” so it takes a “Seven Pounds” or an “Ali” to give Hollywood a wake up call that he is “King of the box office” and an acting force to be reckoned with. If you doubt this then view “Seven Pounds” and imagine any other actor pulling this role off with the ease and dramatic force Smith did.

“Seven Pounds” is a movie, now on DVD, that is full of twists, turns and surprises. It is enough to say that Ben Thomas (Smith) lets his life get intertwined with seven different people. His impact on each of them is life changing and they in turn help bring peace to him.

One of the people he connects with is Emily Posa (Rosario Dawson). She has a heart defect and is moving towards needing a heart donor. Ben shows her compassion and understanding at a time when she needs it most. 

The relationship between Ben and Emily is the cornerstone of the film and the two actors bring this relationship to life. They are very comfortable around each other and the performance of one heightens the performance of the other.

The heart of the movie is Will Smith’s performance. Ben Thomas is a man in torment and Smith lets you feel every ache in his heart. Most of the acting is done through Smith’s eyes. Rarely, if ever, have I seen so much pain and darkness in an actor’s eyes. Smith’s are loaded with misery as he brings Thomas’ story to life. It is an amazing performance and one that should be recognized with awards.

“Seven Pounds” is not a movie that will lift you up. In fact it is pretty much of a downer. Still for those who appreciate good acting and an intriguing storyline this is a movie to watch.

Will Smith reestablishes his acting credentials with this role. He is everything this movie needs to touch your heart and soul. If you can handle the melodrama and pathos then you ought to enjoy watching and weeping over “Seven Pounds.”

Want to expose your baby to songs and music from various cultures and continents? You can do this by getting the DVD “Baby Einstein World Music.” The host of the show is Jane the Monkey and she has friends all around the world who join her for musical numbers.

Also with this DVD two new options are introduced. One is called “Grow With Me” and it gives additional information to a segment so that as baby gets older he/she can get even more information. Then there is “Select-A-Segment” which offers shorter versions of some of the segments.

This is truly a DVD tailored to your baby’s needs and guaranteed to be of use in getting him/her introduced to a variety of music. So pick up the DVD titled “Baby Einstein World Music” today.

If you want to teach your kids some ecological lessons then get the DVD of “Handy Manny: Manny’s Green Team.” On this DVD there are adventures with Manny and his friends that teach lessons in conserving and preserving the resources of the world.

There is a never before seen episode on this DVD titled “Saving Turtles.” Manny and his friends work as a team to save a nest of turtles who might not otherwise survive. So help your child learn how to protect nature. Get this DVD and watch Manny’s actions - with your child.

You get five episodes of “Hannah Montana” on the DVD “Hannah Montana: Keeping It Real.” This is just in time to tie in with the release of the “Hannah Montana Movie” that opens April 10. Plus on the DVD you get a bonus episode and a special “Miley Makeover.” It’s all waiting on “Hannah Montana: Keeping It Real.”
 

 

 

 

 

©2009 Jackie K. Cooper

Click above to find out more about Jackie's books!