Blended – Movie Review

I recently saw “Blended” the new Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore film. To be honest I was a little skeptical about it because I hadn’t been too impress with the more recent Sandler films I’ve seen but I was pleasantly surprise. There is a wonderfully quirky connection between Sandler and Barrymore that just makes them so darn likeable. But what really surprised me was the evolution of the characters and complexity of the plot. This wasn’t just a movie made for laughs. Yes, there were plenty of hilarious and awkward moments you would expect from Adam Sandler but if felt like he’s really grown-up in this film.

As a parent there were way too many scenarios to which I could relate which made them funnier or more emotional. I actually caught myself tearing up at a few points throughout the movie.

Overall, I think this would be a great date night movie for anyone but especially for moms and dads.

Synopsis
“Blended” marks the third comedy collaboration between stars Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, following their successful onscreen pairings in the hit romantic comedies “50 First Dates” and “The Wedding Singer.”
After a disastrous blind date, single parents Lauren (Barrymore) and Jim (Sandler) agree on only one thing: they never want to see each other again.  But when they each sign up separately for  a fabulous family vacation with their kids, they are all stuck sharing a suite at a luxurious African safari resort for  a week.
“Blended” also stars Joel McHale (NBC’s “Community”) as Lauren’s ex-husband, Mark, and Wendi McLendon-Covey (“Bridesmaids”) as her best friend, Jen; Kevin Nealon (“Weeds”) and Jessica Lowe (funnyordie’s “RobotDown”) as an overly romantic couple also vacationing at the resort; and Terry Crews (“The Expendables 2”) as the resort’s singing host.  Shaquille O’Neal appears as Jim’s coworker, Doug, and Dan Patrick (ESPN SportsCenter) as their boss, Dick.
Playing the kids are: Bella Thorne of Disney Channel’s “Shake it Up,” Emma Fuhrmann and Alyvia Alyn Lynd as Jim’s daughters; and Kyle Red Silverstein and Braxton Beckham as Lauren’s sons.

IN THEATERS NOW

I received passes to the featured event in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions stated are my own.