click

AC/AL/MV 2006 110m ENGLISH

CAST: Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale, Christopher Walken, David Hasselhoff, Henry Winkler, Julie Kavner, Jennifer Coolidge, Sean Astin & Rachel Dratch

CREDITS: Director: Frank Coraci; Screenwriters: Steve Koren/Mark O'Keefe; Producers: Adam Sandler/Jack Giarraputo/Neal H. Moritz/Steve Koren/Mark O'Keefe; Director of Photography: Dean Semler; Production Designer: Perry Andelin Blake; Editor: Jeff Gourson; Costume Designer: Ellen Lutter; Music: Rupert Gregson-Williams

THE SYNOPSIS

There never seems to be enough time in a man’s life to do everything that he needs, wants or desires. So is the case for New York architect Michael Newman (Sandler). He’s got a beautiful wife, Donna (Beckinsale) and 2 young kids, Ben and Samantha.

However, he also has a high-pressure job working for a big architectural firm run by the smug, megalomaniacal Ammer (a hilariously Draconian Hasselhoff). Michael has hopes of being made partner at the firm and basically gives his heart and soul to the ungrateful Ammer.

Hey, Michael loves his family and his cheery parents, Ted (Winkler) and Trudy (Kavner)--but barely has any time for them. He also doesn’t know how to live in his own home and operate...anything.

A frustrating run to the only store (BED, BATH & BEYOND) that’s still open one late night in search of a universal TV remote introduces him to an eccentric store clerk named Morty (Walken, priceless as ever)--who works in the labyrinthine BEYOND warehouse in the back.

Leading his ward into BEYOND, Morty gives Michael a “special” remote that literally controls his life! What starts out as a strange and exciting venture into controlling his own destiny (like fast-forwarding through arguments, family dinners, etc.) eventually escalates into Michael’s whole life skipping large segments of it.

Before he knows it, he’s old and running the firm; his kids are adults and his loving father is dead. To make matters worse, Donna’s divorced him and married Ben’s former speedo-wearing, swimming coach Bill (Astin). And just like that, Michael is nearing his appointment with Death--with Morty hovering over him. Is Morty God? The Devil? Death itself? An angel on a mission, perhaps?

Doesn’t matter; Michael suddenly wakes up in the store with the revelation that it was all just a cautionary dream. It’s changed him, as he becomes a better man with a better outlook on life and the future.

THE CRITIQUE

Having seen the trailers for this one ad nauseum, I was expecting to have already seen the funniest jokes and get the gist of the main plotline--but I was wrong (...yes, I’m man enough to admit when I’m mistaken). Happily, CLICK turns out to have a few surprises up its $70 million sleeve.

Credit the silly script with some interesting plot detours to Saturday Night Live writer Steve Koren and Politically Incorrect scribe Mark O’Keefe. What starts out as a comedic fantasy about a man controlling his own destiny morphs 2/3 of the way into a science-fiction facsimile of It’s A Wonderful Life. It even has the balls to get HEAVY towards the end before finishing with a standard feel-good Hollywood ending. Whew! I got worried there for moment.

Before I rattle-on with the behind-the-camera talent, I have to (of course) discuss Adam Sandler. I guess the man-child is finally growing up; here he’s playing an adult with a family and a real job (!). Confession: I like Adam Sandler. I enjoy his movies, his shtick and even those silly Hanukkah songs. In CLICK, Sandler’s character arc goes from hard-working Average Joe to tragic figure to redeemed soul in the span of 107 minutes. Not bad; but sadly, no one else in the film can claim that fact.

Additionally, let me just say that I love Kate Beckinsale! She’s so fine and sexy that I rate her up there with the other fine and sexy British actresses of yore: Dame Diana Rigg (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service/TV’s The Avengers), Elizabeth Hurley (Austin Powers) and Honor Blackman (“Pussy Galore” of Goldfinger).

OK, moving on: supporting cast is just fine. Henry Winkler and Julie Kavner as Sandler’s free-wheeling parents are a welcome sight while David “Germany Loves Him” Hasselhoff is amusing as the smug, illuminating (read: very tanned) boss (who happens to remind me of a few executives at my former corporate job).

And let’s not forget the great Christopher Walken as loony scientist Morty, all decked out in an Larry Fine/Art Garfunkel/Gene Wilder fro. Put Walken in any movie and it. Gets. A better. Rating from me. Anytime. And oh yeah: Kate Beckinsale is hot. Wait--I already stressed that. Sorry...

CLICK is directed by Sandler-movie alum Frank Coraci (helmer of Sandler best movies The Wedding Singer and The Waterboy; also directed 2004’s mediocre remake of Around The World In 80 Days). The directing here is smooth, since director and star are also college buddies from way back. Thus, the familiarity shines through.

The movie was shot in high-definition video, using the new Panavision Genesis cameras (also used by Bryan Singer for Superman Returns) and lensed by veteran Aussie cinematographer Dean Semler (Stealth/Last Action Hero/The Road Warrior). The movie looks sharp and exhibits a nice color palette of cool blues and various other hues.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I have to say this however: personally, I am not too fond of these new HD-shot movies (and this coming from someone who is a both a cinemaphile and one trained in using film cameras with actual film rolls). Films should be shot on damned film! My apologies to George Lucas, James Cameron and the other filmmakers who advocate HD technology. Perhaps someday, HD video will approximate the depth and color separation of good old film. So here’s hoping!

Other tech credits (editing, production design, score, etc.) are solid. The solid make-up FX work was created and facilitated by the 6-time Oscar©-winning Rick Baker (An American Werewolf In London/1996’s The Nutty Professor/ Men In Black/Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas/Ed Wood/Harry And The Hendersons).

One little complaint: L.A. stands in for most of Long Island, though some scenes were shot in NYC--where the movie is supposed to take place. That irks the hell out of me. At least Kate looks good in HD and in LA-acting-as-NY!

THE BOTTOM LINE

A better Adam Sandler movie than some of his most recent exploits. Amusing without being too silly; weird without being too out-there; and heavy without being precocious, CLICK delivers on some levels--but not all. At least it’s got Christopher Walken and The Fonz...all in in the same movie! So, go ahead and watch it; but if you end up at Bed, Bath & Beyond some night--be sure to bring that 20% coupon with you...since they never expire!