Parents' Guide to

Sandy Wexler

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Sometimes-raunchy showbiz farce has cursing, comic action.

Movie NR 2017 131 minutes
Sandy Wexler Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Jesse Cox
Jesse Cox Adult
December 16, 2020
age 13+

Older kids would like it

Older teens would like this movie since its got some narration in it by different celebrites that the younger generation might not know or heard of before. There also might be some jokes that might be too much for younger viewers, for example, there is a joke about Eddie Murphy and Sandy Wexler, "fake laugh" against Eddie Murphy told through the eyes of Chris Rock, younger viewers might get lost in the narration of the movie

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Fairfax P.
Fairfax P. Adult
February 4, 2020
age 14+

Very good

I was pleasantly surprised with this Adam Sandler film. It’s not as raunchy as many of his other movies and Jennifer Hudson as the love interest was very random and unlikely and the film had a good message.

This title has:

Great messages
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

SANDY WEXLER (Adam Sandler) is the consummate manager for "talent" who need a career boost, or even just a career. With his stable of oddball folk with limited abilities -- a daredevil jumper who never completes a jump, a comedian who isn't funny (Colin Quinn), a ventriloquist (Kevin James) with an ethnically mixed-troop of insult dummies, a struggling actress, a contortionist -- Wexler likens his clients to family, and works hard on their behalf. The problem is, he's delusional, inept, dishonest, socially awkward, has a grating voice, and terrible table manners. When he discovers Courtney Clarke (Jennifer Hudson) singing in a children's play at a theme park, he's smitten. Not only does she have a remarkable voice, but she's beautiful, gracious, and warmhearted. He falls hopelessly in love. Always the professional, Sandy doesn't let her know how he feels, and somehow manages to jumpstart what will for her be instant stardom. As Courtney rises, however, Sandy has to acknowledge that perhaps his less-than-stellar management skills are weighing her down. Sacrificing his feelings and the stature he's experienced at her side, Sandy steps away. The heartbroken man once again turns his attention to the bleak troop of performers, to whom he is dedicated. As time passes, despite a series of high-powered romances, popularity, and life in the fast lane, Courtney can't help but miss the sad-sack loser who gave his all for her. It's a classic story -- manager meets star; manager loses star; but will he get her back?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5):
Kids say (5):

Funny in spots, with plenty of pitiable events and mild raunch (plus the long running time of 2 hours, 10 minutes), Adam Sandler once again plays a man-child in search of a grownup life. Audiences really have to suspend disbelief for Sandy Wexler. They're forced to go with the exaggerated situations, outrageous characters, and illogical behavior. It's an exercise in excess all around. There's less profanity and gross-out humor than in his first two Netflix Original movies, so Sandy Wexler isn't exactly reprehensible. In fact, a huge contingent of real celebrities (among them Henry Winkler, Chris Rock, Janeane Garofalo, Jay Leno, the list goes on and on) pay tribute to this faux celebrity in in some of the film's best moments. The movie is an acknowledged tribute to Sandler's longtime manager, Sandy Wernick, who appears himself in some of the most tasteless scenes as an elderly man in a near-vegetative state. Devoted Sandler fans should find much to like; others may tire quickly of his horrendous table manners, grating voice, and continuous missteps.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the action in Sandy Wexler. Though many of the accidents and situations portrayed have serious consequences in real life, how do the filmmakers let audiences know that these are comic stunts and not meant to be taken seriously?

  • Some call Adam Sandler a master of "gross-out comedy." What is "gross-out" comedy? What makes us laugh at such jokes about bodily functions, bad manners, and killing a raccoon with a baseball bat? Would you say that Adam Sandler appeals to our incorrigible childishness?

  • Think about the stereotypes in Sandy Wexler. When is a stereotype funny and when is it offensive? Does the fact that Cindy, the "cougar," Firuz, the wealthy Middle Eastern businessman, are played by popular stars (Jane Seymour and Rob Schneider) make them less objectionable?

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