by Sun Meilan

Created on: March 22, 2008

Michael Newman is a dedicated architect and although he loves his wife and children, struggles to spend time with them and get his work done at the same time. More and more often, his family are losing out and his wife, Donna, wonders when it is all going to end. One day, when Michael is at the end of his tether with demands from both his boss and family, he meets a sales assistant called Morty, and buys a universal remote control from him in the hope that at least he won't have to continually search for the right control to operate each appliance. But, as Michael is about to find out, this is no ordinary remote control - it can get him out of all sorts of situations by fast forwarding or skipping them. Has Michael found the answer to his prayers? Or will the universal remote start to control him?

Although I like the occasional Adam Sandler film, I wouldn't have watched this had I not been at some friends who were watching it. It just seemed to be another silly comedy that I would find forgettable. However, it came recommended by my friend's fourteen year old son, who can usually tell the sort of films I like. In this case, he got it a bit wrong. This isn't a bad film, but I never really got into it and was left feeling a bit disappointed.

Adam Sandler is okay as Michael Newman. I do find that his roles are all very similar, and this one is no exception. He has the odd funny line and is good at showing he is at the end of his tether, but once I'd seen him do that, I quickly lost interest and began to find him annoying. I'd really like, for once, to see him in a role where he is not trying to make people laugh - he's just done it so many times now and it's dull.

Kate Beckinsale, who plays Michael's wife, is her usual bland self. This is perhaps a little harsh, because, to be fair, she doesn't have much of an opportunity to be anything but bland. Yet every role I've seen her in leaves me with the same impression. Her friend, Janine, is played by Jennifer Coolidge, which did give me some hope - I love most of her work - but unfortunately, she has more of a cameo role than anything else.

It was great, but slightly scary, to see Henry Winkler (or the Fonz as he will always be known to me) playing Michael's dad. Scary because he is looking so old. David Hasselhoff is good as Michael's boss - he seems to fit a comedy role very well now that he is older. It is good to see that, despite his problems, he is still looking fit and trim. Christopher Walken stars as Morty. I'm

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