Click

Directed by: Frank Coraci
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale, Christopher Walken, David Hasselhoff
Running Time: 1 h 38 min

There comes a time in every comedian's career, where they say to themself, "Self, how will I be remembered? Have I made a difference? Am I just a big, life long fart joke?" This film is Adam Sandler's atonement, for a career filled with body gags and yelling sprees, temper tantrums and booby jokes.

"Click" is Sandler's attempt at "It's a Wonderful Life", a Scrooge tale of life's past, present and future. He has created a story meant to make movie goers feel like they must live their lives in the present, enjoy their kids, take care of their health and relationships, and not let work run/ruin your life. And if you don't mind the telegraphed plot line, you might enjoy watching it unfold.

i've always been a passive Sandler fan. i enjoy his two second sight gags and cameo appearances by friends Rob Schneider and John Turtorro. i also enjoy his angry rants and screaming insults. This film, though definitely trying to be more grown up and appeal to a wider audience, still offers those tidbits of Sandler past. (i especially liked the young Asian boy at the start of the film--talk about getting comedic mileage from such an insignificant role).

However, as the film progresses, Sandler does what cinematic history has seen from the likes of Robin Williams and Jim Carrey, and tries to put some dramatic weight into the film. Unfortunately, the plot is so predictable and obvious, that it would have been nice if he had put an ironic spin on the age old morality tale.

Don't get me wrong. i have complete trust and faith in Sandler's ability to take an everyman role and run with it. His brilliant turn in "Punch Drunk Love" is proof of that. Yet, as Sandler's star slowly turns towards the funny drama, as opposed to a dramatic comedy, his off-beat schtick loses its lustre.

What normally makes a film like this work, is a supporting cast that is just as willing to provide an impact in glimpses of the lead's past, present and future, and unfortunately Kate Beckinsale, Sean Astin, and Henry Winkler are mere charactatures for Sandler to act upon. Only Christopher Walken manages to steal scenes, though this should surprise no one.

I applaud Sandler for not resting on his past formula, while still giving fans a little of what they've come to appreciate from him. It's too bad that he wasn't able to give us a glimpse as to the future of the Scrooge fairy tale, settling instead for another rehash of the present story arc of second chances. This film is, in the end, easily forgettable, and like all things in the present, they quickly become history. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Grade: B-