The Animal

Over the years, the American public has given Adam Sandler a lot of money. In return, he has formed the production company Happy Madison, acted as the Fairy Godmother to his Saturday Night alums, and let loose on the world Joe Dirt, Little Nicky, and now The Animal. Unlike Tolstoy's unhappy families, each of these films has sucked in the same way: some kicks to the balls here, some pee or poop joke there.

The Animal, which stars Rob Schneider and is directed by Luke Greenfield, even features the ol' elderly-lady-beats-up-young-guy routine. But the film does have an advantage over other Sandler projects: because Schneider's character, Mange, is part animal, his piggish antics are essential to the story and not just tacked on for laughs. The lumpy, hairy Schneider himself can be quite lovable, and he's a good fit here as a loser who's trying to keep his animal urges at bay. But only rarely is the movie surprising or funny, and it will probably be remembered most for the presence of former Survivor contestant Colleen Haskell. Survivor Ed Asner also stars. At the Apple Valley, Entertainment, Flagship, Holiday, Hoyts Providence 16, and Showcase cinemas.
-- Mark Bazer