The Next Big Thing..."Sandy Wexler"

Sandy Wexler (2017)

TV-14

Starring Adam Sandler, Jennifer Hudson, Kevin James, Colin Quinn, Nick Swardson, Terry Crews

Directed by Steven Brill

The Story:

Sandy Wexler (Sandler) is a talent manager, not an agent! Back in the 90s, he discovered Courtney Clarke (Hudson) and wanted to make her the next Whitney or Mariah. Can the small-time manager succeed in hitting the big time?  This is their story.

For those of you that hate Adam Sandler, there's no doubt that you've likely quit reading this review already.

For those that love Adam Sandler, apparently we are the quiet minority in movies. Don't say it, because it will cause outrage and scorn.

However, it seems that Netflix has come up with the perfect solution and signed Adam Sandler to an original 4 picture deal that has just been extended to 4 more.

Why?

Because apparently between the Adam Sandler lovers and Adam Sandler haters is everyone else.

They watch Adam Sandler movies and then probably play dumb about it?

What? No, haven't seen anything by him since Happy Gilmore or The Wedding Singer.

Uh-huh.

We're on to you.

:)

Continually heralded as Netflix's most watched movies when they hit, Sandler offers up his 3rd Netflix Original, and it is easily the best of the 3.

You could argue it's also one of Sandler's best films in some time as well, period.

Wexler is based on Sandler's own manager, Sandy Wernick.

It's a loving tribute/roast and Sandler brings in many of his friends to play themselves as the story is told in flashback and they reminisce about Sandy's attempts in the 90s to be a big player in Hollywood with his eclectic band of talent (James, Quinn, Swardson & Crews).

It's when he finds Clarke that things seemingly take off for him.

Or at the very least, for her, and the rest of the movie concentrates on their relationship as she begins to become very popular and seemingly outgrows the need for a small-time manager.

But there is a very sweet center to this movie, and it's mentioned in the trailer:

An agent is business, but a manager is family.

And that heart shines through this film throughout as Wexler only wants the very best for his family.

It's not a laugh out loud comedy, though there are 2 or 3 genuine belly laughs to be had.

Instead, it's one you will smile along to, and be happy to enjoy, and by the time the credits roll, you'll be glad you came along for the ride.

Final Grade: B-