Adam Sandler is a household name that brings a smile to just about everyone. For some, it's about his lovable, goofy roles in early films like "Big Daddy" or "Happy Gilmore." For others, its his paternal roles in "Click" or "Grown Ups" that make the actor a comedy legend.
Nevertheless, it is obvious that, as of late, Sandler has taken a major turn in his acting career, graduating into deeper, more matures roles. More than often this kind of transition would mean less applause from audiences. But for this funny man, adulthood brings comedy into its most meaningful form.
In "Click," for instance, Sandler plays Michael Newman: the absent, family man who is tasked with balancing a time-intensive job and his role as a father and husband. His character, searching to make life easier, quicker, and more efficient, searches for a universal remote to operate all household appliances. However, the remote he buys isn't the average remote. It is instead a device that allows him to fast forward, pause, and replay moments in his life.
Sandler then goes on to fast-forward through moments of confrontation between work, and his family. After so many skips he stops to watch, as his family grows up without him, meanwhile, realizing that his entire life has revolved around work; that the life he chose was not one the truly wanted. Ultimately he discovers that those personal choices impacted relationships with his two children, his parents, and his wife, who ends up divorcing him and remarrying. Burdened by irreversible decisions, his character passes away, leaving behind the haunting message: "Family comes first."
Although this movie strays from the traditional plots fans could once expect from the actor, there is an important message in place. It goes to show that everyone is faced with distractions; that no matter the source, daily pressures can potentially cause a person to spend their one and only life wastefully. Time with family, we are cautioned, isn't forever and therefore should be cherished.
Although his slapstick days are far from replaceable, the actor seems to have gone after a different (softer) spot in the hearts of fans, with great success. When all is said and done, Sandler's move into drama is as valuable as his comedy, reminding moviegoers that is important to to both laugh and cry.
