Summary
Do-Over, an action-comedy movie produced by Happy Madison Productions and directed by Steven Brill, was released in 2016. Along having a plot development based on rediscovering ones’s purpose, the movie also adds an element of humor and adventure in the film.
The plot’s main character, Charlie McMillan, is a very unconventional character for a main character. He is a bank manager and is typically seen as a calm and orderly character. He is lead, however, to a rather unfulfilling life. From a place of kindness, much like the manner Charlie lives, makes it feel like life has flown by.
The sudden change in the plot of the movie is triggered by the character Max Kessler, who happens to be a rather daring character who Charlie is supposed to be re-acquainted because of a highschool reunion. In the reunion, Charlie shares with Max on how unpleased and discontent about his life he is and the very fact that it hasnt even started.
Realizing Charlie’s need for a new journey, Max gives him an opportunity to get away from everything and start anew. What was planned to be a simple getaway, evolves into something more. Max pulls off an extravagant plan to fake the death of them both. His intention was to provide a do over, a chance to start a new life, without any history baggage. Barely alive, both friends ” assume” the identity of two men who just died. What these two do not realize and uncover, is this is no simple task. The fake men died in the middle of a very complex and dangerous conspiracy related to hidden assets, risky scientific research, and people desperate enough to go hunting for them. Amid this chaos, Charlie and Max try to understand and figure out the true identity of the men they have just started impersonating. Their journey takes them all over the country, making new acquaintances and facing great odds.
The strong bond formed between Charlie and Max as they tried to escape the reality of their problems and tried to find happiness taught them many things about themselves, and about life. Both learned that the true meaning of the phrase “do-over” is not resetting to the past, but to confront the future with courage and conviction, and true, past mistakes need to be atoned and genuine choices need to be made to have life with meaning and real fulfillment.
In his journey manifested in self-revelation, Charlie assumes control over his life and self, while Max in turn, now addresses the hidden, emotional scars. Their journey is full of dark-comedy-inducing overlooks, pauses, and pivots, but nevertheless, the message hits hard that the new life can always be achieved.
Cast & Crew
Adam Sandler along with David Spade have worked together on many projects in the past, and as in previous such works, in this one as well they have had the privilege of working with a large cast that possesses a unique, long-lasting bond that makes enhancing the comedy much easier.
Main Cast:
Adam Sandler as Max Kessler
Sandler as Max brings to life a character who is a balanced mix of diabolical and enigmatic. There is a comical side and a side that is neck deep in serious emotions. A man who is a picture of a blithe spirit and yet has a ton of emotional baggage. Sandler brings his energy to the role and as he does so, he sheds rational thought and becomes ethereal.
David Spade as Charlie McMillan
Charlie is played in a comical as well as inspiring way, complimenting the rest of the performance. Spade seems to present a tame and relatable delivery as he sinks a little deeper into the performance. Spade, in connection to Sandler, seems to produce a major chunk of emotion and energy that the film possesses.
Paula Patton as Heather
Patton adds yet another wrinkle to the screen as she brings to life a character that is at the center of the unfolding mystery. The performance is sharp and adds another layer in terms of complexity to the film.
The rest of the cast which includes Kathryn Hahn, Luis Guzmán, Sean Astin, and Nick Swardson, provide comic relief that seem to elevate the overall lightness of the film’s plot.
Director: Steven Brill
With works such as Little Nicky and Without a Paddle to his credit, Steven Brill is no stranger to comedy. His style is alive and energetic. Thus, The Do-Over. His ability to blend emotional turbulence with comedic havoc allows the film to maneuver its way through slapstick and sheer honesty easily, and, more importantly, enjoyably.
Production:
Part of a multiple film deal with Adam Sandler, this Happy Madison Productions explicitly comedic film, has reportedly tangled some viewers in its contrived plots and structures. The series of production, though, is commendable as it takes viewers through a tessellation of intriguing narratives, spanning from isle magic and of the tropic, to the hushed outlaw, and onto electric labs of the mysterious. Thus the whole retains a certain charm imniveau, with a thrill to boot.
IMDb Ratings and Reception
IMDb Score: 5.7/10
The viewers and critics reaction, in my opinion, has been fragmented. The same cannot said for the die hard fans of Adam Sandler who, more often than not, only look for mindless comedy amalgamated with a bit of adventure in their life.
Critical Feedback:
The film’s attempt at fusing action with comedy, and some emotional breakthroughs was, in the critics’ eyes, not bad. The more fantastical, or otherwise more creative, liberties of the plot were also familiar ones, which, for some purists, is a bad thing. Through it all, the stench of friendship, and the emotional turbulence of starting anew, was greatly appreciated.
What stood out most in the film was the remarkable chemistry between the two leading actors. The dialogue and spontaneous moments of tenderness alongside Sandler and Spade create a strong emotional foundation amidst the outrageous and dynamic circumstances they encounter.
Audience Response:
Most people regarded the film as entertaining and easy watching. For fans of the buddy comedy genre, The Do-Over was an enjoyable diversion with some nuggets of insight and introspection.
He was also noted for the themes of personal reinvention and transformation, which serve to inspire anyone who has felt stagnant and is in need of a fresh start.
The Do-Over, despite being a comedy, does provide some valuable life lessons.
Second Chances: At the heart of the film The Do-Over is also a story of reinvention — waking up to the realization that life has the potential to change for the better, and that it is possible, with a little effort. Both Max and Charlie seems to be fairy tale in search of something greater, and their adventure vividly captures, new beginnings are possible, even in the most unforeseen set of circumstances.
True Identity: In life it is possible to live an existence which is a total farce of oneself and wear a mask. In order to grown and evolve, real work of shedding is vital. In order to truly grow, it is imperative to move with self sickness and self acceptance.
Friendship: At its core, the movie deals with friendship. Max and Charlie endure through confusion, peril, and emotional obstacles, all the while supporting one another, proving the value of true friendship and how it makes even the craziest situations manageable.
Courage to Change: With the evolution of Charlie being passive and then empowered, change is shown to come with it’s effort and risk, but the outcome is a more rewarding life.
Conclusion
The Do-Over, a comedy, centers around more than just the slapstick and humorous sequences of mistaken identities. It delves into the aspect of friendship along with the courage to start anew and escape the shackles of a life that brings no fulfillment. It is a movie that serves to help us remember that laughter, love, and a bit of trepidation is sometimes all it takes to shed the layers of who we are, and more so, begin anew.
The Do-Over is in no way a classical drama nor a highly lauded masterpiece, but it manages to deliver a message that is heartwarming, entertaining and predominantly its quirky self. It asks its audience to focus on what is in fact important in life which is not wealth or appearance, but rather, relationships, self growth, and authenticity.
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