Rated PG for some mild rude humor and mild language.
Directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray, Stuck on You)
Starring Adam Sandler, Courteney Cox, Keri Russell, and Guy Pearce
Bedtimes Stories combines the silliness of Adam Sandler with the family-friendly heart of Disney.
The story begins with Marty Bronson (Jonathan Pryce) who is trying to raise his son and daughter on his own and is forced to sell his motel to clever Barry Nottingham (Richard Griffiths). Barry promises to make Marty's son the motel manager someday but instead he tears down the motel and builds a ritzy hotel. Years later, Marty's son, Skeeter Bronson (Adam Sandler), works as the janitor but still dreams of becoming the manager. When Nottingham announces a brand-new gigantic hotel project, he makes his future son-in-law, Kendall (Guy Pierce), manager, shattering Skeeter's dream. At the same time Skeeter's sister Wendy (Courteney Cox) has to leave town for a job interview and asks him to babysit her two children Patrick (Jonathan Morgan Heit) and Bobbi (Laura Ann Kesling) with Wendy's responsible-minded colleague Jill (Keri Russell). At first he doesn't get along with Jill or the children, but soon his easy-going manner loosens them all up. It’s when he starts telling bedtimes stories that things change for all of them.
This is an entertaining, family-friendly comedy that gives us all the funny Adam Sandler without all the filthy Adam Sandler. There is a great balance between adventure thrills and laughter. Even Adam Sandler's annoying face and voices didn’t ruin it; he actually connects quite well with the kids.
Keri Russell is delightful as the love interest, and is gradually (and very predictably) won over by his modest charms. Courteney Cox’s talent is completely wasted as the sister and Russell Brand somehow manages to sneak in a few laughs without being his vile self. The big surprise for me was Guy Pearce who hams it up as the obnoxious kiss-up. However, the character that is the complete scene (if not movie) stealer is Bugsy. From the giant eyes to the flatulence – he brings in some pretty big laughs.
My family loved it and there were some great character building lessons from it as well…I say see it!
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
With Sandler and Brand I was pretty leery going into it, but they pulled it off …pretty clean and very funny. This is not Mary Poppins, but it is O.K. in my book for kids to see.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
