MR. DEEDS
If you liked Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore and Big Daddy you’ll probably enjoy Adam Sandler’s latest, Mr. Deeds. If you enjoy people falling down, bad poetry, and spastic colon jokes, then yes, this movie may be for you. If you still laugh at the same things that cracked you up when you were fourteen, then this movie is for you. Everyone else, though, should take note that Mr. Deeds is extremely juvenile, and while it raises the occasional laugh, they are too few and far between to qualify calling this film a comedy. Cult actors John Turturro and Steve Buscemi are both memorable in quirky roles that showcase their comedic sides. As Emilio the Butler, Turturro delivers his lines with the timing of a master, and makes great use of sight gags. He’s a scene stealer. Buscemi plays the pizza-loving Crazy Eyes, continuing his tradition of cameo appearances in Sandler’s films. I can’t figure out what happened to Winona Ryder here. It’s almost like she has forgotten how to act. As love interest Pam Dawson she turns in one of the worst onscreen performances of the year. I don’t want to kick her while she’s down, but for someone as accomplished as she is, this is truly awful work.