• Comedy
• The Cast
• Plot
• Adam Sandler

Getting straight down to business, That’s My Boy is a hit or miss. You will either absolutely love it or hate it with every bone in your body. Before seeing this film in theaters it’s advised that you go in with low expectations. That’s My Boy will win no awards, except for maybe several Razzies, and receive a plethora of negative reviews, yet people will enjoy it.

From my generation Adam Sandler holds a special spot of nostalgia with his over the top comedic creations like Billy Madison (1995), Happy Gilmore (1996), The Water Boy (1998), and Big Daddy (1999). When I was growing up these were the comedic films that I enjoyed. Personally, the best films that Adam Sandler has done are the ones that feature this kind of cult comedy. With over exaggeration in almost every aspect of the film, Adam Sandler brings back the roots that made his career so successful in the first place. With a surprisingly funny cast That’s My Boy is a treat for the right kind of audience.

The Story:

That’s My Boy tells the story of Donny Berger (Adam Sandler) a teen who fathered a son, Todd (Andy Samberg), with his teacher. As an only parent he raises the boy until Todd’s eighteenth birthday at which time Todd leaves to start a new life without his father. After years of not seeing one another, Todd is in for a surprise when his father suddenly appears on the eve of his wedding. Trying to reconnect with his son, Donny is forced to deal with the repercussions of his bad parenting skills.

The Good:

The Old Adam Sandler

For the first time in a long time we get our first glimpse at the old Adam Sandler. Hinting back to his roots of Happy Gilmore and The Water Boy, Sandler does a fairly good job of bringing back the old and juxtaposing it with the new. The tendencies of his beginning career characters are revealed through Donny Berger. Although the film not as good as his earlier efforts it was honestly refreshing to be able to indulge into this type of comedy from him again. I personally enjoyed his character; however, if what the cult comedy Sandler brought to the table in the ’90s is not something you enjoyed then you will definitely oppose That’s My Boy.

The Cast

With Sandler leading the film as one of the main characters, the supporting cast holds their ground, providing even more comedy. Andy Samberg’s portrayal of the uptight son who hates his father and resents his childhood was well done. His serious demeanor was strong, yet it nicely transitioned into his comedic tendencies that made me laugh throughout the film. Another character that made a strong impact is the brother of Todd’s fiancé, Chad (Milo Ventimiglia). Although he was not one of the major characters in the film, every time he was featured in a scene I was most likely laughing. He did an excellent job in assisting with the strong comedic tendencies that arrested this film. There was also another member of the cast that surprised me with his likability and comedic timing. Although not featured a ton during the film, he appears near the end and absolutely kills it. The individual I am speaking of is the one and only Vanilla Ice. The rapper seemed completely casual and relaxed as if he were a natural to the comedy genre. Vanilla Ice and Adam Sandler made a grew, and along with Andy Samberg and Milo Ventimiglia, That’s My Boy is a special treat.

The Bad:

Geared Towards a Unique Audience

That’s My Boy is not for everyone. It is definitely geared to a unique audience that thoroughly enjoys this type of comedy. If you are familiar with any of Adam Sandler’s older films then you will be aware of what’s in store. If this kind of thing is not something that you particularly enjoy then That’s My Boy is absolutely not for you. Don’t waste your time even watching it because you will not enjoy the film. The film is not about clever comedy; it is for the fans that have been with Sandler since the early years. Some will love it while others will hate it.

Overall Score: 3.5/5

In a sense the whole film is bad, but this is what makes it good. Adam Sandler did not make his name from films like Click (2006) or Funny People (2009); he made it with Billy Madison (1995), Happy Gilmore (1996), The Water Boy (1998) and Little Nicky (2000). The over the top comedy is what makes the man brilliant and beloved by so many. This is why I enjoyed That’s My Boy; however, I can understand why there are those will not enjoy this film. If you are looking for a good cult comedy that showcases Adam Sandler with his old style of humor then That’s My Boy is for you.