Just go see it, romcom and Sandler fans, and take some folks with you

Rating: 7/10 (23 February 2011)

Dr. Danny (Adam Sandler) was jilted long ago, on his wedding day, when he overheard his fiancée telling her bridesmaids about her recent infidelities and non-love for Danny. Seems she only wanted security. Ever since, Danny, a plastic surgeon, has told any female interest who comes his way that he is married but getting a divorce, etc. This allows him to romance a number of women without getting involved. The one lady who has remained constant in his life is his personal assistant, Katherine (Jennifer Anniston). She supports him at work and with every trouble. However, she is a divorcée with two children to support so she is in search of a "good man" herself. One day, Danny meets the young woman of his dreams, Palmer (Brooklyn Decker), a caring teacher 15 years his junior. But, after a night on the beach, she finds his wedding ring in his pocket and assumes he is a lying you-know-what. To make her realize he IS married and that he and his wife are having problems, he asks Katherine to "pretend" to be his married partner and have a lunch between the three of them, so Palmer can verify that it is "over". But, naturally, a more complicated web springs forth, for Kate has to take a call from one of her kids at the end of the meal and now Palmer knows there are children involved. Soon, Danny has to arrange a meeting with Kate's whole family, but, the doctor has to bribe the kids into making it look real. Before long, everyone is off to Hawaii for a vacation, where Kate runs into an old back-stabbing sorority gal, Devlin (Nicole Kidman). So, now Kate "pretends" that Danny is HER husband, so Devlin, married to a phone inventor, can see that a plastic surgeon is good fishing, too. When will the secrets tumble out and, could it be, that Danny may be developing an interest in Kate, much to his surprise? This very loose adaptation of Cactus Flower is a charmer. There are many funny lines and the cast is great, with the main principals and supporting actors doing fine work. No, Sandler is not a cookie cutter romantic lead but he is man of many talents, no doubt. Also, the scenery is wonderful, as are the costumes, with Aniston looking so good, you want to check her driver's license. Ditto for Kidman. The photography, script and direction are more than winning as well. If you are looking for a new romantic comedy, don't shy away from this one, you will be entertained. On the other hand, if you are a Sandler aficianado, you will find it right up your alley, too.