Movie Review: Jack and Jill

I recently saw Adam Sandler’s latest movie, Jack and Jill. Rated PG, it stars Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes, and Al Pacino. I am a big Adam Sandler fan and I don’t miss a movie of his. I have watched his movies over and over and Funny People was one of my favorites. Other personal favorites include “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan,” and “I Know Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. Jack and Jill, however, was okay but doesn’t top a list of favorites. Actually, I was expecting more but nevertheless it worked for me.

Adam Sandler plays twin siblings, Jack and Jill. Jack is Jewish, successful and sarcastic. He works as a television advertising executive. Jill is Jack’s twin sister from the Bronx. Jill is a washout, whiny, loud and dimwitted character who never shuts up and speaks loudly. I am not sure that Adam Sandler did a good job playing Jill. In fact, it was obvious that it was just Adam Sandler in drag.

In the move, Al Pacino is playing a character is throwing temper tantrums in public. I am not sure I was happy with seeing Al Pacino playing a desperate third rate version of himself. What it comes down to is that Al Pacino’s role is to promote – that being Dunkin Donuts. In addition to Katie Holmes, a number of other celebrities make appearances: Norm MacDonald, Dana Carvey, Regis Philbin, Nick Swardson, Tim Meadows, and David Spade.

Jack and Jill are twins that were born a few minutes apart and Jack hates spending time with Jill. Jill visits during the holidays and she drives Jack crazy. It is not until the end of the movie that Jack learns a valuable lesson about how much he loves Jill. The “tension” between the twins is further accelerated with Jack trying to land Al Pacino for a Dunkin Donuts commercial. That tension is somewhat related to Jill’s annoying nature but it is also attributed to Jack being a jerk. If not for his wife, Jack would be much worse. She is either telling Jack to behave or ignoring his actions.

As for, Al Pacino, he meets Jill at a Lakers’ game and instantly falls in love with her. He tries to pursue her in the strangest of ways but Jill won’t budge. She is not even interested in Al. Jack, on the other hand, is desperate to get Al Pacino for the Dunkin Donuts commercial. He even dresses up as his sister and goes on a romantic evening with Jack. That is where you see (if you haven’t already) that Jill is just Adam Sandler in drag.

I forgot to mention Felipe, Jack’s gardener. He also plays his own grandmother. (I am thinking a Hispanic Tyler Perry but low rate.) Felipe falls in love with Jill. So, Jill finds love and Jack finds conscience. What else did you expect?

I wish I could say something good about this movie but Adam Sandler’s done better. I was pretty disappointed.