Just Go With It

Not that it would worry Adam Sandler whilst he’s counting his millions in his mansion, but his last mainstream film was the cinematic abomination Grown Ups which “gained” the award as my worst film of 2010. Though it’s highly silly and certainly no classic, it’s a pleasant surprise to discover that his next film off the slate is enjoyable enough to warrant a bit of forgiveness. In Just Go With It Sandler stars as Danny, a successful plastic surgeon who enjoys the occasional slap and tickle with women due to the ruse of his (unused) wedding ring and a good sob story regarding his abusive (non-existent) wife. Things take a different turn when he falls for Palmer (Brooklyn Decker), but her discovery of the wedding ring leads him to concoct a story that he is going through a divorce. One problem though, Palmer wants to meet the soon to be ex-Mrs Danny. So Danny ropes in his assistant Katherine (Jennifer Aniston) to play the role. This set up (impersonating family members) is one of the oldest TV Series / Film staples around and its credit to director Dennis Dugan that he doesn’t dwell on the premise and does the smart thing of throwing gags at you thick and fast. The film is helped here by its broad range of comedy, mixing in slapstick, impressions, one-liners and sight gags. Whilst all the jokes don’t work at least you know that another decent one will be along soon. Sandler is good in this, relying heavily on his deadpan delivery and dry asides. Aniston isn’t to be outdone though, and she gives a liberated turn, seemingly happy to branch out from the usual rom-com standards that usually restrict her performances. In fact all of the cast, including Nick Swardson (as the standard crazy male rom-com friend) appear to be enjoying themselves. There are a number of bad points, one of Katherine’s kids doing a faux English accent grates every time she opens her mouth, a plot twist involving Nicole Kidman is ludicrous to say the least and a bizarre Hawaiian dance off between Kidman and Aniston is bizarre as it is unsexy. So it’s unoriginal, the ending is obvious and you’ll probably never watch it again. Hats off then to director and cast that when you do watch it, you’ll still have a decent enough time.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
Very silly in parts, but the gag rate is high and the cast likable. Rating: 7/10