Reflective Comedy/Drama Pays Off!

Rating: 8/10 (8 April 2007)

To be honest, when this was first previewed, I had no interest in viewing it. It appeared to be a flick featuring Adam Sandler, portraying a manipulative and controlling moron. I wasn't interested. I LIKE Adam Sandler. I've been a fan since the first glimmerings of his career. I didn't want to see this.
I know not to judge a book by its cover, now I've learned not to judge a movie by its previews.
I just caught this against my will on the StarZ/Encore network, and it is extraordinary, but not in the ways one might expect. The story is not unique, but it IS innovative. The finished product only rates around a 7/10. But Sandler's performance drives this work, although it is geared to be story-driven.
The work is reminiscent of A Christmas Carol by Dickens in that the main character has the opportunity to leap forward in time to see where his life is headed. Much like the Tarot, the remote he is given by the archangel Michael, only shows him what will happen if Sandler's character stays on the same path. It does not cause things to happen, but merely shows what will happen if changes are not made. This has nothing to do with Yule-time sentimentality's, yet it carries the same feeling of hope and love.
I won't underestimate Sandler again. This was a delightful, if bittersweet, surprise.
It rates a 7.6/10 from...
the Fiend :.