Nothing new

Rating: 5/10 (19 August 2006)

I was pleasantly surprised by Adam Sandler's performance, which proves him to be an excellent actor as well as comic, and was executed with taste- unlike the storyline. I think that the message was communicated well, however I found it unpleasant to watch. In films tackling devastating experiences, they are made great by the writer's and director's ability to uplift their audiences, and make their experience richer by seeing experiencing any unpleasantness. Yet I felt there was no relief from the depressing spiral into which Sandler's Michael was falling. I felt uncomfortable and awkward at points. And the last ditch attempt at comic relief- the unnecessary jab at obesity was its low. Walken was a pleasure to watch, as ever, and Beckinsale acted well- yet her character was unrealistically coiffed without any flaws whatsoever. The beginning was nonsensically drawn out, but I was really impressed by the section of the film that covered the future- it was done very skillfully. Despite this, it was an interesting watch. I don't consider it an awful film and Sandler was engaging. What I felt were faults could well be better appreciated by others. Though I'm not sure who would appreciate the 'it was all a dream' shebang- please no