Common Sense Media Review
Pretty awful, but teen Sandler fans may like it.
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Why Age 14+?
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Mr. Deeds
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 22 kid reviews
Kids say this movie offers a mix of humorous and heartwarming moments, making it enjoyable for teens and families, despite some crude humor and adult references. While some reviews highlight its entertaining qualities and strong performances from Adam Sandler and supporting characters, others note its PG-13 rating may be surprising given the profanity and innuendos present.
- funny humor
- unique plot
- family friendly
- crude references
- positive role models
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
MR. DEEDS is a remake of the Depression era movie classic starring Gary Cooper (Mr. Deeds Goes to Town). As in the original, the main character is a small-town guy named Longfellow Deeds (Adam Sandler) who writes poems for greeting cards and is kind to his neighbors. Deeds unexpectedly inherits a fortune. So, he goes to the big city, where an unscrupulous reporter named Babe (Winona Ryder) pretends to be a damsel in distress to get close enough to him so that she can write stories about what an idiot he is.
Is It Any Good?
This remake removes all of the wit and warmth (and the point) of the original. It then substitutes jokes about getting hit on the head, getting hit in the genitals, snapping off the arm of a frozen dead body, getting stabbed in the foot, physical deformity, and getting hit in the throat.
Sandler's "I'm just a sweet guy who likes dumb jokes" routine is getting tired, and apparently so is he. He looks puffy and uninterested in many of the scenes and oddly uncomfortable when called upon to kiss his leading lady. Ryder is far classier than the material, as are supporting stalwarts John Turturro, Conchatta Farrell, and Steve Buscemi. The other supporting actors range from bland to incompetent, including an obviously uncomfortable John McEnroe.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what they would do if they inherited $40 billion. Do you think it would change how you act? Or who you spend time with?
What is the appeal of Sandler's humor?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 28, 2002
- On DVD or streaming : October 22, 2002
- Cast : Adam Sandler , John Turturro , Winona Ryder
- Director : Steven Brill
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement ) , Animals ( Dogs ) , Friendship , Travel
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : vulgar humor and language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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