In the last review I wrote, I talked about how Adam Sandler’s filmography can be divided into Old Age and New Wave. After diving into New Wave Sandler with Grown Ups, it seems only reasonable to take it back a notch, to let’s say 1985, to examine peak Old Age Sandler. That’s right, after a lot of requests for this film (thanks Emily and Theo x), it’s time to watch the classic Sandler hit: The Wedding Singer.
Now, I feel like a bit of a fake Sandfan since I’d never actually seen this film before, but much like that can of Diesel that’s been in your flat for months, it’s only grown better with age. The Wedding Singer is about Robby, a prime wedding singer who was soon to be wed himself – until his bride to be left him at the altar. He then develops feelings for a waitress named Julia, who is getting married to her fiancé Glen after years of waiting. However, Julia’s fiancé has no real interest in her, and spends most of their relationship having affairs without her knowledge. Robby and Julia start to gain feelings for each other and get confused by love and then find out about Glen’s affairs and you get the drift.
I can’t believe I’m actually going to say this, but here we go.
I genuinely enjoyed this film.
For probably the whole time throughout my column, this is probably the first Adam Sandler film I thoroughly enjoyed for a mixture of reasons. Firstly, the film seemed so nostalgic even though I’d never seen it. It reminded me of those films you’d see late on Saturday night on TV2 before your parents got home from the pub. Secondly, the soundtrack was sick as. It has all the classic bangers you only hear now in the depths of Suburbia. But what really stood out was how pure Sandler actually seems.
It’s so nice to watch as Sandler seems so genuine in the film. He’s not the empty shell of a Netflix Original like we see him now, but rather an actor that is excited to make this film. The plot for this film is actually wholesome and doesn’t rely solely on crude and offensive humor. Although it is seemingly basic in the sense of a forbidden love story, it’s been done so well that it actually makes you captivated watching. Maybe it’s how innocent Drew Barrymore’s character is, but something about their chemistry actually made me feel something. Like I genuinely started tearing up at one part and had a reality check about Adam Sandler. There are so many well-defined characters and cameos that actually help the film progress rather than just being plot filler. And I just can’t get over Adam Sandler’s acting. He actually seems like a likeable person, someone passionate about his role and not just thinking about his paycheck from the film.
I’m honestly lost for words. I really liked this film, and I miss the Old Sandler. Adam, if you’re reading this, it’s not too late. Please go back to this style of humour.