Movie Review: Bedtime Stories

BEDTIME STORIES
Main Players: Adam Sandler, Keri Russell, Russell Brand, et al.
Calling the shots: Adam Shankman
Running time: 99mins
What's it about? Skeeter’s grown up in the hotel business. He is a maintenance man but dreams of being more. When he has to look after his nephew and niece for the week, he tells them bedtime stories that, as strange as they are, begin coming true. He tries to manipulate the stories to his benefit with funny consequences.

What did I think? He mentioned on Letterman that he wanted to make a film that his children could watch and it’s safe to say Adam Sandler has succeeded in doing that. It’s not going to blow anyone out of the water but it’s a most fun and enjoyable family film.

It has an amazing premise. The stuff you literally dream about as a child. What you make up starts coming true, how awesome is that?! They use that to full effect and the creative juices continue to flow. Mind you, they use every cliché in the book (medieval, cowboy, space) but it will definitely entertain kids and parents a like.

The list of actors is great. Adam Sandler does a toned down version of himself but still feels comfortable enough. Russell Brand is hilarious as his best friend. The random outburst and the general weirdness he has will have you laughing each time he is on screen. Guy Pearce and Lucy Lawless play the villainous roles, and you can’t help but wonder what Pearce is doing in a film like this but he does a decent job. Rob Schneider also makes his usual “you can do it” type-cameo.

It’s also entertaining to see the various actors in the various roles, depending on the fantasy sequence and if they look at all uncomfortable, at least they look like they are having fun doing it.

I’ve grown out of kids/family movies (so I keep telling myself, but not animations. Never animations…) but this is quite fun and entertaining. It’s definitely funny enough and will only slightly bore you. Bugsy summarises the movie well, cute and amusing but by the end you’re glad it’s over.

Mainly for Sandler fans and those kids inside us; it’s not particularly good but not a complete waste either.

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