New to DVD: “Bedtime Stories” cute and simple
February 13, 2010
As you might expect from a Disney movie, new-to-DVD Bedtime Stories is a safe journey through imagination and comedy with Adam Sandler as under-appreciated hotel worker and uncle to kids who can alter reality based on storytelling. Sandler is pretty much how he is in every other Sandler comedy, so take that how you will. If you find him annoying elsewhere, nothing Disney does is going to change that, but if you like him, Stories sees him in pretty typical form.
The story begins much like all Disney stories: with our hero facing seemingly overwhelming odds against transparent protagonist. In time, the hero learns that what he really wanted was in front of him the whole time, etc. This is pretty much the same with Stories, so where’s the value?
Well, the eye-candy isn’t half bad as Sandler is magically transported to everywhere from Ancient Rome to a Galactic Tribunal. Amazingly, the acting is pretty good, too, and there are a few good laughs to be had. Fortunately, the jokes aren’t too slap-stick – apparently the new default for low-brow Superbowl commercials.
There’s a little less moralizing than usual, though it’s always funny to see Disney consistently push family values, small business, and an anti-capitalism agenda when they are a paragon of big media.
The most important question remains: is Stories good for the kids, and to that I would say Yes – they will probably like it. Nothing inappropriate or too violent; again, rather safe and comfortable.
So check out Bedtime Stories on DVD. Even if you don’t have kids, you’ll probably enjoy it anyway. Don’t know that I’d buy it, but certainly worth a pick at the RedBox when nothing else jumps out at you.
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