In 2002, Happy Madison Productions released four movies in release date order. First movie is a rom-com called, “Mr Deeds.” starring founding father of Happy Madison himself, Adam Sandler, a remake of Gary Cooper’s film of the same name, earning negative reception from critics and cinephiles. Second movie is “The Master Of Disguise,” a critical flop which was a failed attempt to let Dana Carvey, carry a starring role like his pal, Mike Myers. Third movie is an Animated Christmas Musical Comedy called “Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights,” Adam’s first ever animated movie prior to “Hotel Transylvania.” To put salt in the wound, I think the worst film released by Happy Madison that same year is, “The Hot Chick.” A Fantasy Comedy about two people who unintentionally swap bodies, resulting in a Fish-Out-Of-Water scenario. I’ve decided to pick Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights as today’s Flashback Review.
Similar to other Happy Madison related films, Eight Crazy Nights earned an overwhelmingly amount of negative reviews from critics. Adam went on to earn a Golden Razzie nomination for Worst Actor, along with his performance in Mr. Deeds.
The following article doesn’t contain any potential SPOILERS. You are free to read this review. Does it deserve negative reception? Well let’s find out shall we?
Nice & Naughty Elements
Nice: Adam Sandler did a hilarious job on his performances as Davey Stone, He’s like a drunk version of The Grinch. Whitey DuVall, an elderly short referee & his twin sister, Eleanore.
Fun Fact: Before Whitey made his animated debut, he was first introduced in one of Adam’s Comedy Albums, and made his live action debut in Little Nicky, with Dana Carvey portraying him in the flesh. I guess Adam filled in for him while Dana was busy filming The Master Of Disguise.
Adam’s collaborators/close friends such as, Rob Schneider, Kevin Nealon, Peter Dante, Jon Lovitz & Allen Covert, all did a good job on their respective performances.
Other Actors including, Tom Kenny, (SpongeBob, Mayor Of Townsville, Ice King) Carl Weathers, (Apollo Creed from the Rocky series) Tyra Banks, The Sprouse Brothers, (Julian from Big Daddy, Zack, & Cody) & Kevin Farley (Chris Farley’s brother) have cameo appearances in one musical sequence.
Besides Rob Schneider, voicing a waiter, he also narrates the story.
Jackie Titone, (surname is now Sandler) who was Adam’s fiancée at the time, has a pivotal role as Jennifer, Davey’s love interest. A year later, both Adam & Jackie were married.
Adam’s real life parents, Stan & Judith, also have very important roles as Davey’s parents.
An interesting take on The Columbia Pictures Logo, indicates that this movie is gonna laugh your pants off.
2D Animation looks beautifully gorgeous in hand drawn format.
Humor in this movie made me laugh uncontrollably. This was back when Adam’s style of Comedy, didn’t fade out like a lightbulb.
Musical Tunes were memorable and catchy at the same time. I’ll give each song an Extra Point for Adam, who also did his own singing because he’s also a talented musician.
Character Development involving Davey, & The Townspeople. As the film progresses, they learn a valuable lesson during Christmas & Hanukkah.
Davey’s backstory was pretty interesting, and there’s a sole reason on why he’s a curmudgeon in the first place. Won’t tell you about it. You’ll have to see for yourself.
One character has a hook for a hand. I sense a connection with Captain Hook from Peter Pan. “Return To Neverland,” a sequel to the animated Disney film, also came out the exact same year.
Don’t forget to listen to Adam’s titular song during The End Credits. He also used to sing the song during his SNL years.
During The End Credits, I’ve found an Easter Egg featuring an Artistic Supervisor, under the name, Yoko Ono. I’m not joking, look it up on my Instagram account. If it’s the actual Yoko Ono, I’m giving this Easter Egg, Bonus Points.
The title of the film is obviously named after a song Adam performed on SNL.
Naughty: Product Placement featuring the following brands including Pepsi, Foot Locker, GNC, Panda Express, Taco Bell, The Sharper Image, Body Shop, Tie Rack, RadioShack, 7-11, Game Boy, Victoria’s Secret, Spencer’s Gift, & Dunkin Donuts. OH MY GOODNESS! Adam has an unhealthy fetish for Product Placement! He needs to check himself into rehab!
The Final Verdict: A-
In my opinion, Eight Crazy Nights, is a guilty pleasure of mine. If you’re a fan of Adam Sandler, I highly recommend this movie. It’s way better than Mr. Deeds, The Master Of Disguise, and The Hot Chick. So what are you waiting for, it’s the holiday season, and now it’s a good time to get off your butt and give it a watch!
What the heck is wrong with critics like Doug Walker/Nostalgia Critic? Come on guys, it wasn’t on the same level as The Hot Chick! I still don’t understand why they don’t like Eight Crazy Nights.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 