reviewed by Rissi C.
    

Once upon a time there lived a single father, Marty (Jonathan Pryce) and his two children. Along with the responsibilities that came with being a single parent, he also ran a small motel in California. While the younger child, Skeeter, loves his life at the hotel and his father’s grand stories, the elder, Wendy, is the more boring one of the two and cannot seem to enjoy much of anything. With an unprofitable hotel on his hands, Marty decides to sell out to the English tycoon Barry Nottingham (Richard Griffiths) with the understanding that Skeeter will run the hotel when he’s grown up.

Years later, Skeeter (Adam Sandler) does indeed work at the hotel -- but as nothing more than a maintenance man. His sister is a principal with two young children, Bobbi and Patrick. With their school about to close and having just went though a divorce, Wendy (Courtney Cox) must find a new job. When she lands an interview in Arizona, she recruits Skeeter to stay with the kids at night while her friend Jill (Keri Russell) takes the day shift. Getting off on a bad start with the whole babysitting thing, Skeeter desperately tries to come up with something the kids are allowed to participate in. Remembering his father’s wonderfully magical tales, Skeeter begins to tell his niece and nephew fairy-tales, only to discover that his fictional life begins to mirror real life. Thinking this will solve all his troubles, Skeeter tries to use it to his advantage, including getting a shot at running the Nottingham’s newest gigantic hotel, but first must come up against the trusted companion of Mr. Nottingham, the ruthless Kendell (Guy Pearce).

Adam Sandler is not an actor I generally like, but with all the promotion for this film before Christmas, I couldn’t help becoming curious. Even though I wouldn't want Sandler as the leading man in most romantic dramas, he is perfect for this role; his character relies greatly on humor and not so much in the dating department, but for the goofy, loveable “uncle character” he plays, it works well. What was surprising about the cast is how much of an “English affair” it turned out to be. I’d no idea so many talented British stars had been cast. It was ironic to see Pearce is this film as the only other thing I’ve seen him in was Count of Monte Cristo, where he superbly played a villain; apparently, he has the whole “bad guy” thing down, although this time around its done in a more comedic way. The characters are likable and the youngsters adorable. If I did have a minor complaint, it would be Skeeter. I know he is the “funny guy”, but it’s taken to a bit of an extreme on occasion, so much so that it’s hard to believe he may get the girl in the end.

As with most stories, the characters mess up royally and somehow must find a way to redeem themselves before the final credits roll. Skeeter hurts those who trust him the most by withholding information that even he doesn’t realize. In their child-like trust, Patrick and Bobbi both think Uncle Skeeter was the “good guy” and for a time feel deserted by him when he betrays them. Holding true to this genre, there is a classic rescue by Skeeter, who literally must race to the rescue after a communication problem. It was interesting to see how filmmakers chose to incorporate the stories into Skeeter’s everyday life (such as raining gumdrops). To my surprise, everything is fairly realistic and has a logical explanation, making it only ironic when it does happen immediately following a story. The only thing that is perhaps a bit over-the-top, is a bee sting causing a speech problem and the climax, which involves a motorcycle.

There are a few running jokes in Bedtime Stories that are considered rude humor, mainly through the animal gags that make it into the script through the pet hamster, Bugsy. Minor sexual innuendo is present, but nothing inappropriate is shown; occasional skimpy clothing is worn. Patrick has a crush on a young girl two years older than he (he’s six!) and in the end receives a kiss for his heroic efforts; he calls her “hot” several times. There may be a minor profanity. If you are concerned with magic, most of the stories do revolve around some form of it. Skeeter tells the children that life doesn’t have any happy endings and therefore shouldn’t be encouraged by storytelling, which particularly impacts a vulnerable Bobbi. Regardless of his cynicism, through the children Skeeter learns that even if life isn’t perfect, creating your own memories can provide you with the best kind of happy ending out there by simply living life to the fullest. Additionally touching is a scene that has siblings reconciled after past misunderstandings.

Bedtime Stories is far from perfect, but it does provide its audience with some laughs. The writing is clever enough with its fairytale characters and decent special effects, not to mention some great acting. While this probably won’t become a favorite “children’s film," it is also far from a waste of time.