Blended Review
RYAN: It’s a rom com reunion for Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler. The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates and now this one – Blended. I have to tell you I had very low expectations for this one. The trailer didn’t dazzle and I’m not an Adam fan; however, I really, really liked this movie! It actually turned out to be fun, sweet, and original.
CAROLINE: We do love a good rom com. I’m so glad you found this one to be good. How is that even possible, when Adam Sandler is so annoying?
RYAN: That just the thing – he’s not annoying at all in this movie. He acts like a normal person and he’s good and he doesn’t put on any of those super-stupid childish voices. He gives a real performance in a romantic comedy that is completely farfetched but cinematic and original.
CAROLINE: Well okay. That is beyond refreshing to hear.
RYAN: I will say it was too long, perhaps by thirty minutes, but honestly, if they cut anything out, much of the sentimentality would have had to go and I really enjoyed those moments as much as the comedy.
CAROLINE: Did you LOL?
RYAN: I sure did – not howler monkey style or anything, but I did chortle a few times. But other times I caught myself smiling at the screen. There are so many great components about this movie. The music really works and is a part of the story. Several key musical moments either move you or make you laugh.
CAROLINE: I love that. Music can be very evocative, obviously, when used effectively.
RYAN: The kids a very well cast. They look appropriate to both Drew and Adam, respectively. And for PG-13m I thought it pushed the limit a couple times but was certainly really funny.
CAROLINE: Was there a lot of immature jokes?
RYAN: No actually, it was pretty mature for Adam – and there were also a lot of Happy Madison winks and nods, with cameos and other things. If you’re a fan of his previous films or have just seen them all, you’ll get a lot of those moments.
CAROLINE: That’s kinda fun for the Sandler fan. How does Drew look?
RYAN: She looks real. It’s great to see, actually. She’s a beautiful woman and certainly more regular-person and real life sized that those Charlie’s Angels days. And it really works because you buy into the chemistry more between her and Adam, since he’s so homely.
CAROLINE: [laughs] Yeah he’s not the hottest leading man.
RYAN: But his character really grows on you and although the set up for this movie is implausible, you do get swept up into the fun and the romance of it all. So many comedies have been so outrageous lately that it’s nice having an almost old-fashioned, straightforward rom com. The premise is original enough. It certainly follows the formula and focuses greatly on the comedy but it works out.
CAROLINE: It’s really my favorite genre. I was reluctant with this one, as you were too. But now I’m much more inclined to want to see it.
RYAN: Cool. Aside from the length being a bit of an issue – it’s a pleasantly surprising movie and a really nice reteaming of these two stars.
