by Shane Conto
What is there to make of the curious case of Adam Sandler? Sandler was a hugely successful figure of 90’s comedies (I can personally quote almost all of his films from the 90’s). The 2000’s came around and his comedies slowly spiraled with Sandler taking a much more cynical take on his immature goof ball characters. He started playing the jerk more and more often, yet, the box office still loved him. Now he makes tons of money with Netflix, gets to go on vacation with his friends, and will occasionally shock people with turns in films like Uncut Gems. Now the Halloween season is here and Sandler and the gang head to Salem bringing their silly antics with them. Sandler brings to life the loveable loser, Hubie Dubois, to life with earnest and a silly voice. Not going to lie…kind of refreshing watching Sandler not playing a lazy father/husband role in one of his recent comedies.
But the question is, where does Hubie Halloween in the Sandler filmography?
Steve Brill directs this latest Sandler effort with the same tone and energy as his previous works like Little Nicky and Heavyweights. This film looks like a Sandler Netflix comedy, feels like a Sandler Netflix comedy, and plays out like a Sandler Netflix comedy. We are on a breakneck pace as Hubie Halloween never really hangs around long enough to take a breath or really build substantial character work. The humor definitely feels like the humor from Sandler’s latest works. There are whole sequences that feel like they should just be cut from the film, including one particular one featuring Shaq…because of course. The lowest brow of humor shines through in this film, yet there are a few moments that are genuinely funny. The same tired gags play out too many times which waters down some solid work from some of the actors. The plot of this film seems overly simple with just a tad of mystery for the Halloween setting. The film relies heavily on the use of red herrings and the final realization at the end is decently shocking. But the themes of the film are muddled leading this film to just feel mean-spirited. Like EVERYONE in this town are horrible jerks that treat Hubie like trash. There are very few characters who feel genuine. The end of the film feels like a horribly dark and weird conclusion to the film that was presented up to this point. The tonal issues become way too much by the end.
Now, what can be said about the performances in this film?
In general, there isn’t the best material for the actors to work with. Sandler writes himself a pretty bland loveable loser leaning heavily into using his weird voices. Julie Bowen, hot off her run on Modern Family, returns to the role of Sandler’s leading lady after sharing the screen on Happy Gilmore. Bowen’s character is sweet, but oddly obsessed with Hubie. Kevin James is in the film (of course) with a crazy mullet and beard. Steve Buscemi, an extremely talented actor in his own right, has a fun role while playing the “Is-he-or-isn’t-he” werewolf. June Squibb (an Academy nominated actress) does a good job as Hubie’s mom who has more to her than you might think. Then you have some crazy fun cameos and surprise appearances from the likes of Ray Liotta (why was he in this?). Overall, this just feels like Sandler and the gang showing up and goofing off.
So…is Hubie Halloween worth your time streaming on Netflix?
There are plenty of horror movie references that genre fans might enjoy. The film does really capture the Halloween spirit for the month of October. It also delivers all the trimmings of a Netflix Sandler comedy. Do these things speak to you? If so, this just might be for. If not, this one will be a hard pass.
Grade: D