Click Film Review

Click is a film that takes a classic premise and puts an original spin on it. The film follows classics such as It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol (and not so classics such as Family Man) where the protagonist is full steam ahead in one direction in life but has some 'divine' intervention to show him the many fatal mistakes he is making. It was one of the first Adam Sandler films that deviated from his usual formula of a man having to conquer some major quirk or crazy obstacle in order to win over the girl of his dreams, all the while encountering a plethora of toilet humour to appease the male audience members who are essentially watching a romantic comedy. This time around Michael Newman (Sandler's character) already has the girl and even a family. It's a movie that is much deeper than just trying to win a date with a beautiful woman -- or at least, deep for a Sandler film.

Michael Newman is a driven architect, who is bordering on being a workaholic, trying to land the position of being partner of his firm while still balancing his family life. He is a talented architect, and a loving husband and father, except work is winning his attention over his family. Newman is desperately trying to find a way to concentrate on a huge project that will land him his big break at work, while also appeasing his family. He justifies his addiction to work, by saying he is trying to give his family the type of life that he only dreamed of as a child. Newman seemingly gets his big break when he stumbles into a Beds, Bath & Beyond and finds the actual "Beyond" section. Here he encounters Morty (Christopher Walken in his typical hilarious performance), who gives him the latest and greatest technology, a universal remote control that controls your universe. Newman quickly learns this is a remote that does more than change channels or program the VCR. It gives him the amazing ability to rewind, pause and fast forward his very life. Of course, Newman learns that such a great technology comes at a great cost.

The film comes with a valuable message that is often missing from other Sandler films. I don't say this as a criticism to his other work, because I am a fan, but rather to distinguish how different this film is from his past work. There is a huge underlying message about the importance of family, and it is this message that will cause this film to appeal to typical non Sandler fans. It has an emotional and sentimental element that is atypical to the usual Sandler film and allows for the movie to come across much deeper than your usual popcorn comedy.

The story works because Michael Newman for the most part is a likable guy and seems to have the best intentions. He gets so obsessed with wanting to provide well for his family, that he forgets the importance of having a family. He does make mistakes that are pretty awful, but they're the same things that we could possibly see ourselves making. Newman is an everyman, but maybe one that yells a bit more and eats far too many Twinkies. The tragic elements work because deep down you do like Michael Newman.

The character development as a whole is pretty strong. Most of the main characters are likable and avoid being too superficial. It allows the viewer to get fairly attached to them and helps for the emotional moments to have far more punch. Kate Beckinsale does a great job playing the supportive but strong willed wife, Donna. She is one of the characters that you continue to root for throughout the film. I am also impressed that Kate does a fantastic job of not only hiding her British accent but is able to maintain a consistent American accent throughout the film -- something many American rarely do when trying to mimic another accent. Henry Winkler is a standout as the the lovable father, Ted Newman. You do care about the Newman family and its tears you apart when the family starts to crumble. One of the things that also makes it powerful, is even when Michael becomes more distant from his family, they still have moments where they demonstrate how much they love and care for him. It is a matter of the circumstances causing the drifting apart rather than the feelings or love going away.

The well developed characters and deeper message adds up to a much more emotional film. Near the end, there is two major scenes that almost anyone will struggle trying to hold in tears. One being a powerful moment where Michael rewinds back to the last time he saw his father, and it is a well acted and written moment that tug at the heartstrings. The second emotionally impactful scene is when Michael goes against medical order by exiting the hospital to stop his son from leaving for a business trip rather than attend his own honeymoon. It is scenes that show Sandler has some acting skills and that a silly comedy can have well written moments.

The thing is, it is still a comedy. And a Sandler comedy at that. There is sexual innuendos and profanity just like any other Sandler movies. Though for the most part it is pretty toned down and you'd be comfortable with your teenager seeing it (maybe not the entire family though). The film does pack some pretty funny moments and it is isn't heavy handed or message focused to the point that it detracts from the humour. There is some big laugh out loud moments such as when Newman realizes he has gained a lot of weight. Walken provided a lot of solid laughs throughout, as well. Yeah, you might tear up, but you'll laugh too. In the end, it's an enjoyable movie because it is fun and silly.

Click is a definite a surprise hit for me. Emily isn't a fan of his films, and this is one that she has now watched 3 times. I'd say it definitely one of his crowning movies that shows he can go against formula and do a great film. It is deeper and more emotionally engaging that anything he has done before, but also sneaks in all the humour you'd expect. Click is an enjoyable ride, that will help remind you the importance and value of family.