YOU ARE SO NOT INVITED TO MY BAT MITZVAH: 4 STARS. “humor and relatability.”
Cry nepotism all you like, but “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah,” now streaming on Netflix, transcends its Sandler family affair roots. What was clearly meant to be a showcase for comedian Adam Sandler’s youngest daughter Sunny, is, in fact, strengthened by the alleged nepotism.
A funny and heartwarming look at growing pains and friendship, the movie is made more relatable by its family vibe and a breakout performance from the so-called “nepo-baby.”
Adapted from Fiona Rosenbloom’s 2005 young adult novel of the same name, “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah,” stars Sunny Sandler and Samantha Lorraine as Stacy Friedman and Lydia Rodriguez, 12-year-old best friends navigating school, first crushes and their impending Bat Mitzvahs. Stacy spends her time practicing her Torah readings and prayers, planning her elaborate Bat Mitzvah (she wants a virgin mojito bar) and thinking about her secret, but all-consuming crush, on Hebrew school tween heartthrob Andy (Dylan Hoffman).
“Do you realize that one day he will be mine and you’ll have a cool boyfriend too,” Stacy says to Lydia, “and then we’ll have a joint wedding and move to adjoining lofts in Tribeca?”
“In Taylor Swift’s building!” adds Lydia excitedly.
Their girl-power bond is strained when Lydia’s reaction to Stacy’s failed attempt at impressing Andy only makes the humiliating situation worse. Their lifelong friendship is further tested when Lydia begins hanging out with the cool crowd and is cleaved into pieces when Stacy catches Lydia playing kissyface with Andy at a party. The lip-lock changes everything, including their long-held plans for their Bat Mitzvahs.
“You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” is a charming coming-of-age story that breathes the same air as “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” Like Judy Blume and John Hughes, director Sammi Cohen avoids any hint of nostalgia. This is a timeless, yet of the moment look at the all-or-nothing anxiety of adolescence, a time of heightened emotions, tight-yet-tenuous friendships and hard life lessons.
The film’s biggest strength are the leads, Sandler and Lorraine. Both hand in natural, effortless performances that capture the depth of their character’s friendship and fall-out. It’s often very funny and sometimes over-the-top, but every eye-roll and heartfelt moment feels authentic. It’s a breakout role for Sandler, who, after some small roles in her father’s films, proves she is capable of carrying a movie. Stacy changes over the course of the story, morphing from selfish preteen, to selfless friend. It’s not a new arc in young adult film, but Sandler pulls it off with humor and relatability.
The movie doesn’t break much new ground, the break-up-and-make-up story beats are somewhat predictable, but the sweet and sassy performances (including great supporting work by Sarah Sherman as the rambunctious Rabbi Rebecca) and genuine family vibe make “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” a welcome addition to the Sandler Family catalogue.
