‘Jack and Jill’ presents the feminine side of Adam Sandler

Those of us who grew up not knowing what it was like to have a twin got an inside look of the life of two “womb-mates” in the new movie “Jack and Jill” starring Adam Sandler.
“Jack and Jill” highlights the life of a successful businessman, Jack (Sandler), whose twin sister Jill (also Sandler) descends upon his family for her annual Thanksgiving visit and ends up staying much past her welcome.
The film followed the traditional Adam Sandler comedy cliché of being a light-hearted comedy for half the movie followed by the sappy character realization that leads them to change their perspective or lifestyle and then find a resolution.
There is a lot of blatant racial humor, poking fun mostly at Jewish, Hispanic and Indian cultures, and religious jokes as well, focusing on atheism. There was a bit of underlying racist humor as well. The humor didn’t take anything away from the movie as the jokes were based on cultural and religious stereotypes. The film joked on several types of cultures in an entertaining manner and was not any more demeaning than any racist or religious joke seen on a weeknight sitcom.
The relationships between the characters are easy to understand and relate to. Jack is the over-worked and selfishly motivated businessman who uses his levelheaded wife Erin (Katie Holmes) as a support system for his own issues and outside relationships. Jill is the potentially obnoxious and socially awkward, under-looked twin sister who doesn’t really have a lot going for her.
The movie is star-packed, including actors Tim Meadows, Nick Swardson, Al Pacino and an assortment of other stars playing themselves.
Pacino is hilarious playing himself throughout the movie. He was able to poke fun at himself, including the fact that he only has one Oscar and is starring in the most ridiculous fake Dunkin’ Donuts coffee commercial I’ve ever seen.
Speaking of Dunkin’ Donuts, there is a lot of obvious product placement in the movie. They are not subtle about their products by any means. It doesn’t detract from the movie necessarily, but is very apparent.
Watching the movie, one can’t help realize about how poorly Adam Sandler portrays a woman. He is an awful cross dresser and minor characters are quick to point this out, making comments like, “That was a woman?”
Then there is David Spade’s appearance as Monica. Monica only shows up for one scene but the image of him dressed as a woman is burned in my brain.
“Jack and Jill” is a really funny movie and its release is well timed, with the holidays coming up and knowing that we all know someone who is hard to deal with.
The movie was released nationwide Nov. 11 through Columbia Pictures.

Advocate Staff