Bedtime Stories

MPAA Rating: PG

Entertainment: +3

Content: +3

Adam Sandler, Keri Russell, Guy Pearce, Russell Brand, Richard Griffiths, Jonathan Pryce, Courteney Cox. Comedy/action/adventure. Written by Matt Lopez, Tim Herlihy. Directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray, The Wedding Planner).

FILM SYNOPSIS: Bedtime Stories is an adventure comedy starring Adam Sandler as Skeeter Bronson, a hotel handyman whose life is changed forever when the bedtime stories he tells his niece and nephew start to mysteriously come true. Quickly he decides that if he can conjure up the right tale, he will win the heart of a beautiful coworker and get the prized job. But the kids’ unexpected contributions complicate matters.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Well, it’s Adam Sandler’s turn. It finally comes to every hipster comic from Steve Martin to Eddie Murphy – a starring role in a family film. As soon as Saturday Night Live alumni become the parents of future moviegoers, suddenly these often off-color comics seek a family-friendly comedy they can turn on each year along with the Christmas tree or the menorah. But we should cherish this one because Mr. Sandler isn’t quite ready to relinquish his crown as naughty hipster icon. The crudity will be back in his next film, like a bad case of adolescent acne. But here, the comedian proves that his comic nature -- and that comedy in general -- can come from wit and creativity rather than bathroom antics and risqué lyrics.

Adam Sandler is a funny man. He’s also a generous actor, for he allows supporting bad boy Russell Brand to be equally amusing (if not more so) in this inventive surprise seasonal package.

Except for a couple of flatulence jokes and adolescent some name-calling (Sir ButtKiss is the moniker for the bad guy in a story), the filmmakers attempt to amuse youngsters without offending nervous mothers. There are a few bikini-clad beach babes in a scene or two (meant to appease male fans of Sandler’s), but generally women are shown respect and the lead women are portrayed as strong, smart and caring.

If you’re looking for a clean family comedy/adventure, take the whole family to Bedtime Stories. As for the bikini-clad beach babes, well, I admit, I, like Sandler’s legion of male fans, was also, ahem, appeased.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor:
Buena Vista

Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.

Crude Language: There are a couple of flatulence jokes, some brief name-calling and a couple of subdued innuendos, but mostly the filmmakers show restraint and a regard for their future fans.

Obscene Language: Other than some name calling, such as Sir Buttkiss, I caught nothing parents might object to.

Profanity: None

Violence: There is some slapstick, but everything seemed fairly tame. At one point, the lead is dressed as a cowboy, attempting to rescue a damsel in distress. He fires his gun in one scene. That said, parents should attend any movie aimed at kids. You never know when something may disturb little ones or even a fairly tame joke may need to be discussed, “This is why we don’t say these things…”

Sex: None

Nudity: One “bad girl” is seen in provocative clothing on a couple of occasions, including a revealing bikini, but she is shown respect.

Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: None

Drugs: None

Other: None

Running Time: 95 minutes
Intended Audience: Families


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