Running time: 91 minutes
Starring: Adam Sandler, Winona Ryder, Peter Gallagher, John Turturro, Steve Buscemi
Rating 4 out of 10
For all his annoying habits, one thing it's been impossible to criticise Adam Sandler for in the past has been his lack of energy. Whether in the role of the devilish Little Nicky or the hapless Waterboy, Sandler has always committed himself fully to his character. But his listless performance as the titular Mr Deeds suggests even he could barely muster any enthusiasm for this weary remake of the 1936 comedy Mr Deeds Goes To Town.
While Sandler simply looks bored, the rest of the cast have to contend with embarrassment. The always wonderful John Turturro and Steve Buscemi overcome theirs by going over the top, but poor Winona Ryder succumbs, looking lost most of the time - perhaps wondering where her career went. It's safe to say she will not be receiving a second academy nod for this performance.
It's also fair to assume that most people would register a reaction other than indifference when told that they had just inherited $40 billion. It's an indication of Deeds's general low-key manner that he's more interested in testing the reaction to his latest greeting card ditty than his newly acquired wealth. Although such a response is admirable, it hardly makes for a compelling protagonist.
Despite a contemporary overhaul, the essence of the story remains true to the original. Sandler inhabits Gary Cooper's role of Longfellow Deeds, a simple, good-hearted soul from the small rural town of Mandrake Falls. Content to run his pizza store, he seems underwhelmed when told that he is the sole beneficiary of the will of his recently deceased uncle, media tycoon Preston Blake. Hoping to assume controlling interest in Blake's company, Chuck Cedar (Peter Gallagher) offers to buy out Deeds's 49% stake for $40 billion. All he has to do is come to New York and fill out the paperwork.
It is Deeds's first trip away from his hometown. As heir to Blake's fortune, he finds his arrival in New York the focus of mass media attention, particularly from Babe Bennett (Winona Ryder), a reporter on the tabloid TV show 'Inside Access.' She starts out exploiting his down-home innocence before gradually finding herself won over by it. For Deeds, the attention of Bennett has more impact than either wealth or the big city.
Amidst the lacklustre humour and predictable plot, Mr Deeds carries its equally worn message on the perils of greed. However, coming as it does from someone being paid $20m to somnambulate through his part, it's as unconvincing as everything else in the movie.
While Sandler simply looks bored, the rest of the cast have to contend with embarrassment. The always wonderful John Turturro and Steve Buscemi overcome theirs by going over the top, but poor Winona Ryder succumbs, looking lost most of the time - perhaps wondering where her career went. It's safe to say she will not be receiving a second academy nod for this performance.
It's also fair to assume that most people would register a reaction other than indifference when told that they had just inherited $40 billion. It's an indication of Deeds's general low-key manner that he's more interested in testing the reaction to his latest greeting card ditty than his newly acquired wealth. Although such a response is admirable, it hardly makes for a compelling protagonist.
Despite a contemporary overhaul, the essence of the story remains true to the original. Sandler inhabits Gary Cooper's role of Longfellow Deeds, a simple, good-hearted soul from the small rural town of Mandrake Falls. Content to run his pizza store, he seems underwhelmed when told that he is the sole beneficiary of the will of his recently deceased uncle, media tycoon Preston Blake. Hoping to assume controlling interest in Blake's company, Chuck Cedar (Peter Gallagher) offers to buy out Deeds's 49% stake for $40 billion. All he has to do is come to New York and fill out the paperwork.
It is Deeds's first trip away from his hometown. As heir to Blake's fortune, he finds his arrival in New York the focus of mass media attention, particularly from Babe Bennett (Winona Ryder), a reporter on the tabloid TV show 'Inside Access.' She starts out exploiting his down-home innocence before gradually finding herself won over by it. For Deeds, the attention of Bennett has more impact than either wealth or the big city.
Amidst the lacklustre humour and predictable plot, Mr Deeds carries its equally worn message on the perils of greed. However, coming as it does from someone being paid $20m to somnambulate through his part, it's as unconvincing as everything else in the movie.
