Billy Madison grows up

Rating: 6/10 (1 July 2006)

Like Jim Carrey and Robin Williams before him, Adam Sandler is inching away from the broad physical schtick that made him famous into a more mature phase of his career. While he hasn't quite reached the level Carrey hit with "Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind" or even "The Truman Show", it's hard to miss the more reserved nature of his performance in "Click". And while Sandler may not have the gift for the darker dramedy that Carrey has, Sandler still manages to pull off some touching moments, especially towards the end of the film.
Sandler plays a man in his early thirties who is struggling with the trade-off choices we all have to make during the hectic years as we forge a career and a family at the same time. As the day to day frustrations build, Sandler shakes his fist in the air in a 'give me a break' gesture. Shortly after he has an encounter with god and is given power over the universe. At first it seems like a blessing, and Sandler revels in eliminating some of the petty day to day hassles like traffic and obnoxious coworkers. His career begins to take off and he is overjoyed at the prospect of getting everything he has wanted. Unfortunately, his relationship with his girlfriend begins to fall apart and he soon realizes that he has undervalued the most important parts of his life. He tries to fix things, but can't seem to repair the damage. He begs god to take away his now unwanted powers and fix the damage, but his request is denied. At long last he realizes that his fate is sealed, and decides to ask god for once last boon. Not for himself, but for his girlfriend. And in that selfless gesture he proves that he has learned an important lesson and so is given another chance. Oh, wait. That's "Bruce Almighty". Ah well, just replace 'girlfriend' with 'wife and kids' and 'god' with 'angel' and it's basically the same.
All in all "Click" is a decent film, although "Bruce Almighty" worked better due to a more talented cast. But it does have it's moments, particularly an ongoing bit about the family pet. There is also a very touching scene with Sandler and his father (played by Henry Winkler). I would call this film a renter; not quite good enough to spend full fare at a theater but good enough for a movie night at home.