Movie Review by Neil Sadler
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale, Christopher Walken, Sean Astin
Director: Frank Coraci
Adam Sandler must be a fun guy to work with. Once you work with him once, you seem to want to work with him again.
At first glance, CLICK seems like a typical Sandler affair. Michael Newman is a successful architect, but a less successful father. Constantly complaining of lack of time as well as never being able to find the right remote, he is offered one which as well as being able operate his television enables him to rewind, fast-forward or mute his life. He soon realises it is a mixed blessing.
This is a comedy of ideas in the same vein as LIAR, LIAR aka or GROUNDHOG DAY – built around one central conceit. What this film manages to do very cleverly is to play to a broad spectrum. We have very broad humour – Sandler pauses time to slap his boss (a cheesily effective turn from David Hasslehoff) repeatedly in the face. Yet there is more subtle adult humour here – some nice observational stuff. But most of all there is heart here . It’s central message – that time is precious and we should savour every moment – carries through effectively as Michael is unable to stop fast forwarding through his life.
Credit must go to Sandler who makes a good everyman – no James Stewart perhaps but he has a shy vulnerability that is very likeable in the role. Christopher Walken makes a fine guardian angel. Kate Beckinsale seems a bit uncomfortable in her role, but then she isn’t really given much of a role.
Credit too to Sandler’s ever growing band of repeat performers from Rob Schneider and Henry Winkler to Sean Astin. He must be fun to work with, as so many people seem to want to act with him more than once. The extras make it seem like a fun time all round.
