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Movie Reviews
by Todd Pearage

Bedtime Stories (4/3/2009)

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


Todd's Rating: Theatre Worthy

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.


Todd Pearage Todd Pearage is a movie buff at heart, but he's not your traditional film critic. Todd is a blue collar film geek, from his job years ago at Blockbuster to his heartfelt online movie reviews. But Todd isn't just a film geek. He has worked with middle and high school students since 1991 as a youth pastor in Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. Todd and his wife Lynda are both graduates of Philadelphia Biblical University and have two children, Brianna and Caleb. Todd loves sports and movies and is always up for a good laugh. He is a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and his favorite movies include Braveheart and Tommy Boy. Todd's reviews reflect his love for kids and for his family.


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