Adam Sandler's latest comedy is at times brash, yet it proves to be enjoyable family entertainment... Scott Gentry reviews "Blended".

"Blended" (12A)
Director: Frank Coraci.
Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Joe McHale.
Rated: 12A.
Running time: 117 minutes.
Out in UK cinemas on the 23rd of May, 2014. 

Lately, Adam Sandler's films haven’t exactly mirrored the style of his early, more successful motion pictures, like “The Wedding Singer”, “The Waterboy” and his Sci-Fi/Romance vehicle, “Click” (2006) and have led to negative reviews for films such as "Grown Ups 2" and "Jack and Jill". Now thirty-five years after his acting debut ("Going Overboard"), Sandler's style of comedy seems old and not as appreciated as it once was. However, here he seems to have gone back to his roots, by starring in a (barely) family friendly comedy, which occasionally ranks above the general comedic releases of today.

Adam Sandler with Bella Thorne and others,
in a still from "Blended".

Marking the third collaboration between Sandler and director Frank Coraci, "Blended" tells the often entertaining story behind single parents Lauren and Jim, who after a disastrous date, vow never to see each other again. However, the rule is broken when the two families (who couldn't be further apart in terms of their likes and dislikes) are forced to become friends, after an encounter whilst on holiday in Africa. 

It most definitely sounds silly, but in the situation of a reviewer, the only (fair) option is to sit back, exclude all cynicism and watch the film from a non-bias perspective. And that is exactly what I did (and what I do for every film, no matter how bad it sounds). I will be truthful, I myself was dubious regarding this star-vehicle, but in the end I felt pleasantly surprised at how Sandler had starred in a comedy which often pushed the limits, yet was funny and dare I say it, heart-warming?

If you're wondering why they look slightly shocked, it's due to
 the fact that they've just witnessed two elephants,
 having sex. No really. "Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore
 in a still from "Blended".  

With a screenplay Written by Ivan Menchell & Clara Sera, the pair have managed to re-write a tired and dreary formula and turn it into a film that's appealing to a mass audience.But despite this smart choice of reuniting two of the 90's most favourable actors, it doesn't mask the fact that this film is 117 minutes long, with the average comedy lasting just 90 minutes. So that's probably I felt that the film was running short on its comedy element, but in all honesty this was the only problem to be found within the film. 

So, the damnation of "Blended" was ultimately suspended, due to the smart casting of Sandler and Barrymore, who after "The Wedding Singer", seemed the perfect choice as single parents who (SPOILERS) obviously get back together in the end; this is due to the way that the film is delivered, with the two leads using their natural chemistry to act well within their roles, proving that "Blended" is far above the standards of "Grown Ups 2". 

Terry Crews struts his stuff,
in a still from "Blended". 

 It's not just the two leads, who act well, but the other cast members including Kevin Nealon, Braxton Beckham and Bella Thorne are spot on; the extremely steroid-pumped and stereotypical Terry Crews also decides to show up within the frivolities, but ultimately becomes irritating after his rather funny entrance. 


Verdict:

Where the film falls slightly flat within its script, it is made up for within its performances and direction. A surprisingly passable offering from Sandler, let's hope he's on a winning streak. 

5 Stars out of ten

- Written by Scott Gentry.

Film Rating Key

1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.

3-4 stars out of ten = Average.

5-6 stars out of ten = Good.

7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.

9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.