Sure to Become a Comedic Classic – Blended with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore
Wednesday, May 28th, 2014
What do you get when you put two top notch comedians and a great, slightly plausible script? This script exploits the impossibility of a man and woman getting together after a rocky first encounter? As KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. says, “Blended is one of the funniest films of 2014 so far. I also believe this is the best and funniest of Sandler’s film to date.” Shelby R. adds, “One of lessons that I learned from this film is that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover because you never know how it might surprise you.” See their full reviews and coverage of the red carpet below.
Blended
Reviewed by Gerry O, age 12, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
This film made me laugh till my jaw hurt. Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler are back together for another comedy that is fun, smooth and has so many one-liners that everyone will repeat and remember for years to come! Blended is one of the funniest films of 2014 so far. I also believe this is the best and funniest of Sandler’s film to date.
The amazing thing about this film is that it has a great story line with deep meaning. It isn’t just about comedy. There is a romantic family get-away with jokes, dancing and heartwarming scenes and a very special treat for all animal lovers out there.
The story starts when two single parents, Lauren and Jim, have a horrible blind date…at Hooters! After that, and quite by accident, the two families end up enjoying a family vacation together. It is a funny adventure that makes you laugh, cry and stay at the age of your seat, pumped with excitement and anticipation of what is coming next.I absolute love the chemistry. You can see that the actors are good friends and they play their emotions perfectly. The comedy is an Adam Sandler / Drew Barrymore classic but, it is not the usual everyday Hollywood comedy that you expect. This film has a message. Even though it is a funny movie, it has a story line that is easy to follow and easy to cry, to laugh and to be happy.
My favorite scene is when the two people, Jim and Lauren, first see each other. They get in line to buy something and in front of them is someone from another Happy Madison movie. Yep, they brought an old character from another movie that everyone adores. So, when this happens, it surprises everyone and it makes the audience laugh out loud. If you want to know who I am talking about, you have to watch the film.
Even though this is a comedy, there are a lot of jokes that are somewhat mature so I recommend it for ages 12 to 18. I also give it 5 out 5 stars for good chemistry, comedy and great acting. I hope this is the beginning of many films with this amazing duo because their partnership clearly works. It gives the film that little something extra that makes for an instant blockbuster.
Blended
Reviewed by Shelby R., age 15, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
This movie is really funny and also heartfelt. Blended is about Jim and Lauren’s journey together. After going on a blind date, swearing never to see each other again, only to find themselves and their kids in the same hotel in Africa for whole week. Jim and Lauren are forced to learn how to blend themselves and their families together through various activities.
My favorite moment is when Lauren (Drew Barrymore) sings “Over the Rainbow” to Jim’s daughter, Lou. It made me almost cry because Jim’s wife used to sing that song to Lou every night before she passed away. It helped Espn (Jim’s daughter) get over the death of her mother. I liked how the director, Frank Coraci developed Lauren into this compassionate mother who cares about not only her kids but the well beings of others. Because of that, she is my favorite character.
The funniest moment is when Hilary (Bella Thorne) starts to dance in the middle of a basketball game to catch Jake’s attention and Jim (Adam Sandler) embarrasses her by asking her what she is doing. This scene connects the audience to the characters because everyone has gone through an embarrassing moment in his life when trying to impress someone.
Another funny moment is when Brendan (Lauren’s son) gets mad at Jim for not wanting his mother. When Jim says how she uptight she is, he comes to her defense and calls her “hot.”
One of the filming locations is South Africa. Julio Macat, the cinematographer, captures the true essence of Africa and allows the audience to see its splendor including all the animals that live there. I love the scene when Jim and Lauren decide to explore the great outdoors and all you see is a long river with elephants, giraffes and a sandy desert.
One of lessons that I learned from this film is that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover because you never know how it might surprise you. I give this movie four out of five stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18. Check out Blended it comes out May 23th!!! Let the BLENDING BEGIN!!
Belle is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the color of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing. Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brianna B. comments, “There is so much that I love about this film. I love the story, the costumes, the intensity and the scenery.” Her full review follows.
Based on a true story, Million Dollar Arm follows JB Bernstein, a once-successful sports agent who finds his career teetering on the edge. Sports films generally carry an important social message in them and this film does that and more. “Once JB finds the boys he is looking for, it becomes less about business, and more about friendship,” comments KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven D, age 16. Brianna B, age 14 adds, “I absolutely love this film. A big part of why I like it so much is because it’s based on a true story that is so inspirational.” Their full reviews are below.
Don’t take this film too seriously! I’m sure most moms will relate to this larger than life tale about Allyson and her mom friends who just want a night out on their own – a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and fun. It’s a set-up, right. We all know that there is sure to be a piper who needs to be paid in order for this group of young mothers to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag. When the husbands are given the task of watching the kids for a few hours, it’s a warming that something just might go askew. Fourteen-year-old Brianna B. loved this movie and comments, “It has real life situations that I’m sure a lot of Moms can relate to. They probably relate to the pain of struggling to be the perfect parent.” Her full review is below.
Here is a remarkable film about the cult film director Alejandro Jodorowsky whose ambitious attempts to create a film based on Frank Herbert’s seminal science fiction novel, “Dune,” failed but ultimately changed modern science fiction filmmaking forever. The names dropped in this film are nothing short of fantastic and the story insightful – not just for the world of filmmaking but life in general. When is a failure not a failure? “When I first started watching this film, I thought it was a story about a director but, it is completely different, unexpected and unique,” comments KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O, age 12. His full review is below.
