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not that familiar with his work, but he has been in a wide variety of roles in the past and I would have thought that his talent was rather wasted here.
I think the main problem with this film is that it doesn't work as either a comedy or a drama. I don't think I really cracked a smile throughout the whole film. Yet it is too light-hearted to be taken seriously. I did like the sentiment behind the film - don't wish your life away and don't neglect your family. Having broken up recently with my workaholic partner, I think the film is making an important point. I did think of posting him a copy, but it's a bit late now! Nevertheless, the target audience for the film, which I would think is 15-25, are unlikely to be able to appreciate that importance of decisions made at that time in their lives. Obviously, that won't be the case with everyone, but I really believe that it is not until you are in your thirties that you realise how important things like friends and family are - I certainly didn't.
There are some fairly impressive special effects, for example when Michael and Morty are in a virtual room with floating commands such as those that might be found on a universal remote control of your life. And the make-up is really well done. Michael and his family age during the course of the film, which is done very naturally. Quite scary really - I felt like I really had a glimpse of Adam Sandler as an oldish man. The best bit though was a look at a seriously overweight Michael. The body is that of an actor called Gary Holm, but the technicians had transposed Michael's face onto him.
I mentioned earlier that the target audience is probably about 15-25. The UK rating is 12, but I do have my doubts about this. Mainly because I don't think the very young will understand the moral behind the story, but also partly because the so-called humour is a bit crude at times and sex is mentioned several times. This is obviously a decision for parents to make - my friend's fourteen year old son is mature and so I think it is fine for him to watch - but it is perhaps not ideal for younger viewers.
This is one of those what if? films that have a moral and, although usually horribly mushy, they do have a place in film history. However, I can't help but feel that there are more enjoyable ones out there, such as Sliding Doors and Family Man. This isn't a bad film, but it just didn't really grab me from the beginning and, by the time it was half way through, I was looking at my watch and willing it to end. I would certainly not recommend going out to purchase this, but wait until it comes on TV if you really want to see it.
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