A tired formula: Sandler could do so much better

Rating: 2/10 (25 June 2006)

"Click" is yet another case of Adam Sandler settling for the cheap gag instead of reaching for any depth of emotion or genuinely clever humor. But while he's often good at making the cheap gags very funny, he misses the target almost every time here. Unlike "Spanglish" or "50 First Dates" there is little substance here, and unlike "Happy Gilmore" the jokes range from recycled to stupid to just plain wrong. (Two different segments using bad stereotypes of Japanese people were very offensive.) The cast, the humor, and the plot resolution are all borrowed from either earlier Sandler flicks or other movies.
The only saving grace here is the cast, which collectively made a valiant effort to make something from nothing. Christopher Walken and David Hasslehoff were effective, but were utilized in completely predictable ways, missing opportunities to play off-type for greater effect. Henry Winkler and Julie Kavner provided solidly professional comedic support as Sandler's parents. And Kate Beckinsale was good as the straight foil to Sandler's typically over-the-top characterization.
Overall, this was an unoriginal and mostly unfunny effort in which Sandler and his production company have simply dredged up the same formula which has worked for them in the past. It doesn't work this time. A few people walked out of the theater during the matinée I saw: I wish I had joined them.