That’s My Boy
The only word I can think to use when describing “That’s My Boy,” Adam Sandler’s first movie since his Razzie-sweeping duel threat of “Jack & Jill” and “Just Go With It,” is…abysmal. It’s not because the film is militantly, ridiculously R-rated; Hell, that’s actually admirable for Sandler, since his PG-13 movies usually come off as softened for family audiences. (Though what family would consider Sandler’s irresponsible, sophomoric brand of humor “family fare” is beyond me.) And it’s hardly the most offensive movie the Sand man has ever done; that’s still his 1996 buddy movie, “Bulletproof.”
The truth is, I just didn’t find the movie that funny. I’ll admit, there were a few moments of belly-laughs that made me hate myself shortly after they were uttered, but when it comes to this sort of idiot comedy, Sandler has simply lost me. Where is the raw, provocative leading man from Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Punch-Drunk Love?” Where is the tortured soul from “Reign Over Me,” a movie I didn’t really care for, but made me care deeply for Sandler? Where is the goofy, but lovable, romantic of “The Wedding Singer” and “50 First Dates?” And how about the sense of mortality Judd Apatow tapped into with “Funny People?” Why does the clown prince of such lowest-common-denomonator movies such as “Happy Gilmore,” “The Waterboy,” and “Big Daddy” continue to work over the same old song and dance time and again? Of course, judging by the box-office numbers most of his films have put up, that last one is kind of a stupid question.
In all honesty, I can’t really blame Sandler, who– in this film –plays a deadbeat father whose son (played as a grownup by fellow SNL alum Andy Samberg) was the result of a love affair the 13-year-old Sandler character had with one of his teachers, for sticking with what sells; most stars do. (Also, I do have to give the man props for finding a way to get James Caan, Susan Sarandon, and Vanilla Ice in the same movie. That’s impressive.) That said, having seen what Sandler is capable of with material that asks him to step outside of his comfort zone, I’m saddened by the decision, especially when the result is a film as annoying, juvenile, and just, plain stupid (especially when a needless plot distraction comes out of nowhere) as this one is.
