The dumb version of Love and Other Drugs

Rating: 5/10 (13 February 2011)

There's a scene in Just Go With It where Katherine (Jennifer Aniston) answers a phone call and speaks in a high pitched voice. Once the phone call ends, Danny (Adam Sandler) mocks her high pitch. In the theatre, a roar of high pitched laughter went up. Basically, it was comedy gold for children. In fact, it appeared that there were plenty of moments of comedy gold for children.
Yet a lot of those jokes are sexual. Fair enough that they would need parental guidance but it honestly can be said that this is an inappropriate film for youngsters. However, simultaneously it could be considered as harmless fun and perhaps the film of choice for any families wanting to see a film on Valentine's Day.
What makes Just Go With It actually funny is its stupidity. The Dennis Dugan plus Adam Sandler formula which has been going on for years is at work once again in Just Go With It. Unfortunately that means Sandler is yet again a limited, witless, character, staying as a crass plastic surgeon from the beginning to the end that doesn't have half the brain of Jake Gyllenhall's pharmaceutical rep in Love and Other Drugs. As for Nick Swardson and Jennifer Aniston who embody a different persona to go with the great lie, their alternate persona's – Dolph Lundgren and Devlin – are amusing in a ridiculous manner. One has a dire German accent and the other delivers lines that get no better than "Oh, I forgot, you're 15" in retaliation to a question asked by Palmer (Brooklyn Decker).
The romantic side of the film proved to be a tear jerker in the same theatre as teenage girls broke down about the same time as Katherine, even though the non-developing characters don't build a great sense of sentimentality in the film. The plot on the whole feels like a first draft – it isn't really established as well as it could have been and the childish jokes were probably because of the first rule of improv that was listened to by the screenwriters – accept what they say and just go along with it. The title of this film certainly shows that.
Considering the content of Just Go With It, it may just be THE film of choice for families this Valentine's Day. Whether there are members in the family who are looking for a simple film driven by a simple plot, jokes and characters, one with many sex-related jokes, or if they are avid Adam Sandler fans, there is something on offer here. However for those looking for an 'important' film, then don't Go With It.
Verdict: Just Go With It if you're looking for a guilty pleasure or the kids want to visit the pictures.