Three Grown Ups

Episode 6: Bulletproof

Maxie [https://bsky.app/profile/maxknightley.bsky.social], Rexy [https://bsky.app/profile/skarchomp.bsky.social], and Crystal [https://bsky.app/profile/arcanecrystal.bsky.social] discuss a rarely appreciated Adam Sandler role in Ernest Dickinson’s 1996 buddy cop road movie: Bulletproof. This film marks the debut of Adam Sandler sharing the spotlight equally with one other actor, in this case with Damon Wayans. Is Bulletproof a reframing of Adam Sandler’s comedic tendencies for a new genre, or is it a mess of incoherent action and flat characterization? One thing’s for sure: Sandler plays a petty thief that shoots his best friend in the head!

Episode 5: Happy Gilmore

Maxie [https://bsky.app/profile/maxknightley.bsky.social], Rexy [https://bsky.app/profile/skarchomp.bsky.social], and Crystal [https://bsky.app/profile/arcanecrystal.bsky.social] discuss what is perhaps Adam Sandler’s most beloved role in Dennis Dugan’s 1996 sports comedy: Happy Gilmore. This film marks the debut of Adam Sandler as a dramedic actor, as well as the beginning of his long collaboration with Dennis Dugan. Is Happy Gilmore a showcase of Adam Sandler’s nuances as an actor, or is it a by-the-numbers mediocrity? One thing’s for sure: Sandler plays an angry hockey player who learns to golf to save his grandmother’s home!

Episode 4: Billy Madison

Maxie [https://bsky.app/profile/maxknightley.bsky.social], Rexy [https://bsky.app/profile/skarchomp.bsky.social], and Crystal [https://bsky.app/profile/arcanecrystal.bsky.social] discuss Adam Sandler’s breakout starring role in Tamra Davis’ 1995 fan favorite: Billy Madison. This film is so influential to Adam Sandler’s career that it contributed half the name of Sandler’s production company Happy Madison. Is Billy Madison an uproariously funny 90s classic, or is it a miserable drudge through Adam Sandler’s worst tendencies as a performer? One thing’s for sure: Sandler plays a spoiled prince who must graduate 12 grades of school!

Episode 3: Mixed Nuts

Crystal [https://bsky.app/profile/arcanecrystal.bsky.social] forgot to watch the movie, but she still tries to contribute to Rexy [https://bsky.app/profile/skarchomp.bsky.social] and Maxie [https://bsky.app/profile/maxknightley.bsky.social]’s discussion of Nora Ephron’s 1994 Christmas comedy: Mixed Nuts. They are also assisted by film buff Ashley [https://bsky.app/profile/yuri-librarian.bsky.social] of Totally Reprise [https://www.audioentropy.com#/totally-reprise/]! Adam Sandler plays a supporting role once again, in the of the last films of his career before coming a major movie star. Is Mixed Nuts an intelligently written dark farce, or is it an exploitative stain on Nora Ephron’s career? One thing’s for sure: Sandler plays a sensitive musician who falls in love with a trans woman!

Episode 2: Airheads

Maxie [https://bsky.app/profile/maxknightley.bsky.social], Rexy [https://bsky.app/profile/skarchomp.bsky.social], and Crystal [https://bsky.app/profile/arcanecrystal.bsky.social]are joined by Morgan [https://bsky.app/profile/girlnextvore.bsky.social] of Cartoon Buffoons [https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ijxvpbhhpbxk6wjoularqlkx] to discuss Rich Wilkes’ 1994 cult classic comedy: Airheads. This is a rare example of Adam Sandler in a third-billed role, where he mostly supports the journey of Brendan Fraser’s character. Is Airheads a soulful celebration of Gen X rock culture, flaws and all, or is it the journal of a man coming to terms with selling out? One thing’s for sure: Sandler plays a socially conscious drummer who’s popular with the ladies!