Want to see Adam Sandler in a more serious role? Here's your chance. Sandler proves that he's done quite a bit of growing up from comedies like "Billy Madison" and "Happy Gilmore" to his most recent role in James L. Brooks' "Spanglish."
Sandler's maturity, a great cast and Brooks' writing and directing talents are what make this movie both dramatic and funny.
"Spanglish" starts out in Mexico, where Flor (Paz Vega) and her daughter, Christina, immigrate to the United States to make a better life for themselves after Flor's husband abandons them. When she arrives, Flor gets a job as a maid for a Los Angeles family, the Claskys.
Sandler plays John Clasky, a restaurant chef. He's married to Deborah (Tea Leoni), a recently fired executive turned full-time mother to her two children. Cloris Leachman plays Deborah's mother, Evelyn, who provides advice for various family members.
The film's only problem is the narration by an older Christina telling the audience this story as her college application essay. It pushes the story in the beginning, but quickly becomes useless.
On one hand, the movie is about a Mexican family assimilating into mainstream America. Flor does her best to adjust to this new life where people have more resources, and Christina acts as her mother's interpreter, bridging English and Spanish languages for the audience as well. Christina is also important in revealing the tight bond she has with her mother. However, the movie is more than the blending of cultures. At the beginning it starts out being about Flor and Christina, but ends up being about the Claskys as well.
Brooks does an excellent job at examining these relationships between mothers and daughters and husbands and wives. It is reminiscent of his 1983 film, "Terms of Endearment," which he also directed.
Sandler's performance as John is pivotal for his career. While portraying this serious role of a loving husband and father, he still possesses that quality of humor only he can deliver. There are times when he acts very silly, and yet you can see he's grown as an actor. If for no other reason, see the movie to see Sandler.
Deborah is the most annoying character in the film and Leoni conveys this very well. She takes Christina under her wing - buying her clothes, getting her hair done, and even getting her into a private school - all the while neglecting her own daughter. She is also very possessive and whiny, to the point of being almost static.
Leachman's stories move the film along, but her character could have been stronger. Still, her eccentricity, if not all of the Claskys' eccentricities, really make the movie enjoyable.
"Spanglish" is a movie that has a great mix of drama and comedy. It is two stories - one about how two different cultures merge and its hilarious results, and one about the relationships between individuals in those cultures, making it a good one to watch for the holidays. Plus, it's great to see Sandler in a more mature role.
