Monday, February 14, 2011

"Just Go With It" Review by Chris


When his cheating wife leaves him at the altar, Danny decides to “Just Go With It.” He learns he can easily pick up women when he pretends he has an abusive wife. But then comes the problem: Danny, played by Adam Sandler, meets a woman he wants something more with. Played by the stunning Brooklyn Decker, Palmer is that girl, but when she finds his fake wedding band, he lies and says he’s in the process of getting divorced. The web of lies grows as Danny's assistant and closest friend, Katherine (Jennifer Aniston) and her two kids join in to play Danny's ex-wife and children. Danny then has to find a way to balance the truth and the lies that are rapidly pilling on.

Suspecting nothing of this deception, Palmer requests to meet Danny's fake family, hoping to seek their approval. Danny's cousin Eddie attempts to help by acting like Katherine's new boyfriend while, sensing opportunity, Katherine’s children take advantage of the duplicity and manipulate a trip to Hawaii out of the situation. They get their way, and while in Hawaii the pretend family runs into Katherine's old college rival Devlin, and Katherine begins a fake life of her own.

After the entire backstory is thrown right at you in the first few scenes in the movie, it slows down and falls right into classic romantic comedy formulas. As such, the film’s finale doesn't push any limits or really "wow" you. The script is funny and well written, but just as standard to Adam Sandler's other movies as the story is to romantic comedies. The movie only achieves two deeply emotional moments, and one of them is ruined by a poop joke. As if this isn’t enough, another problem is that the abundant lies are at first easy to keep track of, but begin to reach unrealistic levels. It eventually becomes hard to believe that Palmer wouldn't notice.

Adam Sandler does a great job playing a loveable liar and Jennifer Aniston’s role is a perfect foil. The duo keeps the film fun, and Brooklyn Decker also shows off more than just her body. As Palmer, she pushes Danny to grow, but starts to fade away further into the story. Nick Swardson, who plays Eddie, adds a new type of comedy to the mix while Nicole Kidman, who does the part of Devlin, works to unbalance the lies that keep the truth from getting out. Bailee Madison and Griffin Gluck give solid performances as Danny's fake children, and they add great energy to the movie.

The music is also a great addition to the film. While it sticks to the romantic comedy formula by using well-known songs, it uses remixed versions, which gives them a fresh feel. Beyond that, the film and sound work are all spot on.

This movie isn't anything you haven't seen before. You don't get a genre breaker, but it’s a date movie that keeps you smiling, all the way to the ending you saw coming.

Written by Chris
Edited by Aaron

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