“Mixed Nuts” was released in 1994. (same year The Santa Clause came out) it was a critical and commercial failure only making $6.8 million. Not enough to recoup its $20 million budget. I admit, I never heard of Mixed Nuts. I just happened to look it up on Peacock. I thought about watching it for three reasons. Christmas so I can get into the holiday mood, Juliette Lewis & Adam Sandler. Speaking of which, Mr. Sandler will reprise his role as “Happy Gilmore” in a sequel streaming on Netflix. I’m watching and reviewing a few Christmas movies. He’ll work with George Clooney in “Jay Kelly.” Also streaming soon on Netflix.
It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are listed. This movie’s unfunny.
Nice & Naughty Qualities
Nice: Steve Martin, Rita Wilson, Juliette Lewis, Anthony LaPaglia, Adam Sandler, Liev Schreiber, (in his film debut) Madeline Khan, Rob Reiner & Gary Shandling all did a solid job for their respective performances.
Mr. Sandler’s the only one that made me laugh playing the ukulele. He wrote and performed a song about grape jelly.
Jon Stewart, Parker Posey & Steven Wright make cameo appearances.
Haley Joel Osment appears for a brief second.
Philip delivers good advice. So just remember, in every pothole there is hope. Probably the best line in the movie. Couldn’t save the entire movie.
Somebody mentioned Arnold Schwarzenegger. “True Lies” came out the same year as Mixed Nuts.
Naughty: Nora Ephron (When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, Michael) did a poor job directing.
Nora and her sister, Delia Ephron wrote unfunny jokes. I didn’t laugh, except for the ukulele parts.
Philip & Catherine’s have lackluster chemistry along with the rest of the cast.
Suicide-prevention hotline is called, “Lifesavers.” Name’s already been taken by a candy.
Pacing was boring I didn’t care about the characters minus the ukulele player. That’s pretty bad for a 97-minute movie making me feel bored. I’d rather rewatch “Eight Crazy Night.” A guilty pleasure of mine.
I know Blache’s is stuck in an elevator, but why would she play an instrument as she seeks for help? Absolutely preposterous. And I thought that one random musical number from “North” was ridiculous.
When Felix points a gun at Gracie, she eats a piece of turkey. Seriously? Who the heck eats a piece of turkey while at gunpoint? Nobody does that in real life.
A Plot Twist comes outta nowhere. Turns out the landlord’s a serial killer. After he gets shot twice, the cops give Gracie $250,000.
Gracie claims she’s rich. A quarter million won’t last long. You gotta earn more than a million to be rich.
The Final Verdict: D-
Mixed Nuts is an unfunny Christmas comedy lacking legit humor, compelling characters, chemistry etc. Do not waste your spare time on this piece of crud. Watch a better one like “The Santa Clause” or anything good.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 