Not bad, but not flawless....

Rating: 7/10 (3 January 2007)

Upon hearing of a movie about a universal remote, one may expect something childish and stupid... and at first, this movie appears to be that. However, the director does a good job taking this movie to a higher level, as the main character is forced to question his priorities in his life. Like many of us, Adam Sandler's character just wants to skip certain "unpleasant" parts just to get to the "good stuff", without realising that what's being skipped is what life's all about. How often do we just want something to be over with... to get to the reward without actually doing the work that earns it? For that, I think the movie is original and striking. I would have given it 9 out of 10 (10/10 is reserved for a very few movies) if it were't for a few major flaws. Firstly, why doesn't he just rewind? Alternatively, why doesn't he just pause, do all his work during the pause, then resume so he can spend time with his family? Also, what's with the bloody dog??? Lastly, and most importantly, the end is almost a ver batum rip off of It's a Wonderful Life (which I think DOES deserve 10/10). Watch the last 20 or so minutes of it's a wonderful life and you'll understand. Hugging the employee vs hugging the cop; running joyously through the street/ running joyously through the parking lot; hugging the old car; and the kicker.... the note at the end! The ending should have been a LOT more original. All that aside, it's a decent movie. It'll definitely make you think... and these days, any movie that will make you think is worth watching!