Adam Sandler and Adam Sandler in "Jack and Jill"; photo courtesy of Sony Pictures

“Jack and Jill” (Sony Pictures) 

Adam Sandler pulls double duty in his latest movie “Jack and Jill” as he plays both Jack and his twin sister Jill. This is a film aimed at the family with just enough rude humor to thoroughly entertain the kids and give the adults a laugh or two too. It may not be the best film Sandler ever made but it is good enough to satisfy his vast legion of fans.

In the movie Jack Sadelstein (Sandler) is a successful businessman living in California with his wife Erin (Katie Holmes) and their two kids. His twin sister Jill has been living back East with their widowed mother but now their mother is dead and Jill is at loose ends. She contacts Jack and says she is coming for a week’s visit.

When she arrives Jack quickly remembers all the things she does that drive him insane. Erin tries to calm him down by stressing it is only for a week. But then Jill extends her stay, and extends her stay some more.

Her visit is complicated by the fact Jack needs Al Pacino (playing himself) for a commercial endorsement. He has tried and tried to reach him with no success. One night he and Jill go to a basketball game and Johnny Depp (another cameo) and Al are there. When Al sees Jill he is completely overwhelmed and begins to pursue her. Now Jack has to insist Jill stay until he can land the deal with Al.

Sandler pulls off the brother/sister thing and makes both characters endearing. Plus with all they can do with special effects these days you actually believe there are two actors on the screen instead of one. We have come a long way, baby, since the days of Hayley Mills in “The Parent Trap.”

Katie Holmes does not fare as well. She is the wife and she does nothing to enhance the role or in any way make it special. As Al Pacino, Pacino is a little bit grating. Hopefully that is acting. The whole thing with him and Jill drags on much too long. A little less would have been more enjoyable.

The movie is rated PG for rude humor.

Sandler is one popular actor and this film will endear him to a much younger crowd. However his older fans will probably stick around for the fun too. On that basis “Jack and Jill” should be another hit for him.

I scored “Jack and Jill” a double 6 out of 10.