Movie Review: Just Go with It (2011)
Synopsis: After learning his fiancée has been cheating on him, Danny Maccabee ends the engagement at the alter and soon after, discovers his wedding ring, coupled with a story about an unhappy marriage, is a great way to pick up women. Years later, Danny, now a successful plastic surgeon, continues to use this technique and ends up meeting Palmer Dodge. When Palmer insists on meeting his fictional estranged wife before continuing their relationship, he recruits his assistant, Katherine Murphy, to play the role, along with her two children, a ruse that ultimately results in the five of them taking a Hawaiian vacation.
Who's in it? The movie stars Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Brooklyn Decker, Nicole Kidman, Griffin Gluck and Bailee Madison.
Review: Even though I do like Jennifer Aniston and have enjoyed some Adam Sandler movies in the past, including when he starred with Aniston in Murder Mystery, I never found myself interested in seeing Just Go with It. However, my wife and I came across this film this weekend and mostly because neither of us was enthusiastic about looking for anything else, ended up watching it. As it turns out, it was a pleasant surprise.
A lot of Sandler films consist of him playing the same basic character, a grown man who hasn't quite matured emotionally. This film wasn't an exception to that. It was one of the rare times when it worked though.
I think the reason I ended up enjoying this movie so much was it wasn't just about Sandler's character, Danny. The movie does a good job balancing things out, allowing his co-stars to shine. This includes both Aniston as Danny's assistant, potential love interest Katherine, and a great performance by Kidman as Katherine's rival, Devlin. That hula competition scene was much funnier than I was expecting it to be.
Also, while I had mixed feelings about the kids in the movie, Maggie (Madison) especially, I will admit their interactions with Sandler brought out some of his best scenes, both in this movie and others. There were times when he was able to be funny but the moments when he was sincere and fatherly toward them were also fun to watch.
The movie is a bit predictable as far as the ending goes and the developing love story between Danny and Katherine did seem a bit forced at times. However, I do feel like the movie did a good job with an ending that made everyone happy, something that a lot of films don't do a good job at.
If I had any real complaints, it would be about Danny's friend, Eddie (Nick Swardson), who honestly didn't add a whole lot to the movie and seemed a bit unnecessary. He doesn't even end up with Palmer (Decker) at the end, which would have been a somewhat logical reason for having him in the first place. What was the point in having them alone together for a chunk of the movie if that wasn't the purpose?
Final Opinion: It was a surprisingly funny and entertaining movie that had some excellent performances from the cast. I enjoyed watching it and it is among the Adam Sandler films I'd recommend.
My Grade: A
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