Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!
Plot Summary: The town idiot/scaredy-cat must save Halloween when there appears to be a serial killer on the loose.
Review: I don't know if this movie was made on a dare or was an old script collecting dust for decades. Adam Sandler, writer and star, has gone through phases of film making that coincide with his aging process. Meaning, as he was younger he made goofy, immature humor, then transitioned to parenting, and now is at family man stage. Well, for better or worse, "Hubie Halloween" is some kind of throwback to his "Billy Madison" and "The Waterboy" days. So if you're a bigger fan of his current style then this will probably disappoint; however, if you're more interested in his earlier comedy style then this will be right up your alley.
On the positive side of things, the Halloween setting is nailed considerably well. They use Salem as a backdrop which is probably the mecca of modern Halloween. All kinds of zany antics are afoot as the characters run amok across town, and we are shown a myriad of trick-or-treating, cool costumes, haunted houses, candy, etc. You have your usual parade of Sandler pals, celebrity cameos, and outright shenanigans like a thermos that can transform into essentially any plot contrivance needed. For me, Sandler movies are a hit or miss, but I think this film succeeded in depicting a moronic do-gooder saving Halloween. The final twist as to who is "killing" everyone was amusing as well.
As for the downside of things...it's your typical, cornball Sandler humor. If you can't stand his brand of comedy you will probably see this as painfully stupid. I mean, I knew what to expect, and there were still numerous times I was rolling my eyes. The ending especially is super cheesy to the point of ludicrous. Also, we never understand why Hubie is obsessed with Halloween or is it all holidays--are we to expect a Hubie Christmas down the line?
Overall, if you're familiar with Sandler's films you can probably already decide whether it's for you or not from the onset. Now, to its credit, "Hubie Halloween" is wholesome and family-friendly for the most part which may be worth it for those that might typically shy away. Luckily, I could appreciate the goofball, Halloween fun that was intended. This isn't going to be a Halloween staple for me or anything, but it's nice to have more Halloween-themed possibilities outside of horror.
Notable Moment: Not necessarily a single scene, but I liked when Hubie's mom had on the various, raunchy innuendo shirts that she didn't even understand.
Final Rating: 6/10
1 comment:
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