Sandler is getting better at his movie career! For now.

Rating: 6/10 (18 April 1999)

Adam Sandler is finally starting to prove the world (and me included) that he is a downright likeable comic, even if his speech needs therapy. After his previous outings prior to THE WEDDING SINGER (I have not forgotten that one!), I had virtually no hope that THE WATERBOY could pull himself together in show business. Sorry to say I'm right, but Sandler is acceptable for an otherwise standard fare sports comedy. Whether you liked HAPPY GILMORE to the fullest or not, the changes in Sandler's personality is sure enough to disappoint the most faithful fans. He stands out with far greater appeal set in an environment of Southern flavor, and while his usual hijinks continue in his series of movies to date, he's less childish and more calm than in the past. Still, he's got the potential to give us all a delightfully good time. "Cartoonish" can also describe this movie, with characters that add life to the comedy experience, including a welcome appearance by Henry "The Fonz" Winkler as a "football" coach. It could even be the the perfect Sandler movie that pulls off a wacky cartoon episode, and it does well. THE WATERBOY still could have done much better, though. It could have toned down some of the objectionably crude matter that is mighty pointless for a cheerful movie, and it didn't have to be overused on typical comedy cliches that make it look similar to the rest. I'm about to become convinced that Sandler may start to impress me a little. Let's hope his next big movie receives a "7" or higher.