- Critic rating
-
Currently
1/5 Stars.
Movies.ie Critic Review
JACK AND JILL (USA/PG/91mins)
Directed by Denis Dugan. Starring Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes, Al Pacino, David Spade, Norm McDonald, Dana Carvey.
THE PLOT: As Thanksgiving approaches, advertising executive Jack Sadelstein (Sandler) is not feeling all that thankful – for it is at this time of year that his obnoxious, needy and somewhat toxic twin sister, Jill (Sandler), pulls into town. To, it would seem, embarrass the hell out of Jack and his loving family. Much sibling rivalry ensues. But not much hilarity.
THE VERDICT: A naturally funny guy, the only way you really want to watch Adam Sandler these days is through his early, funny movies. Or on latenight TV, where that natural wit gets to shine without any PG restrictions or crass plot devices. Now specializing in the sort of movie that Tracey Jordan and, worse, the Wayans are usually found fronting, Sandler is merrily sticking his middle finger up to the notion of comedy as art. Which means it must be tough whenever he hangs out with his old roommate, Judd Apatow. Of course, Sandler can always argue that their film together, Funny People, just didn’t make enough money (budget: $75m/box-office: $71m), or inspire enough laughs. Whereas a dog-fart of a movie like Grown-Ups (budget: $71m/box-office: $261m; sequel on the way) has everyone walking away happy. Everyone except for lovers of comedy, of course. It’s a lesson Sandler has learnt more than once before (Punch-Drunk Love, Reign Of Fire, Spanglish), the $71m Jack And Jill is already running at a profit before it even opens on this side of the Atlantic. Still absolute rubbish though. RATING: 1/5
Review by Paul Byrne