Film Review: 'Blended' is a mash up of all the wrong ingredients that make up a good rom com

Director: Frank Coraci
Rating:**

What's it about:

Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore reunite in this badly written rom-com about two single parents whose first date is a disaster and somehow manage to land up in Africa with their respective kids on a holiday that's a bigger wreck. A traditional comedy where Sandler uses his goofiness and Barrymore puts on that sexy lisp to prove a point, the film despite the lead stars ends up being a half baked affair.

What's hot:

The portions in Africa are funny and some dialogues despite the corniness manage to entertain. There is a sense of ease and comfort between these two actors. After having done films in the past, they both are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Between the two, Barrymore coms out as a champ and woos you over with her instant charm and immense charisma. She doesn't
try hard and we wonder why she isn't getting any better roles than playing the contrived single mom.

What's not:

There are scenes that have been rehashed from older films. The chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore despite the nostalgia is missing and seems forced. The kids in this film are over smart and have dialogues that even adults might flinch before saying. A lot of time is spent in trying to establish characters that have very little to do. Despite having two great talents who are stalwarts in the genre
the writers don't use the opportunity smartly. 

What to do:

16 years after The Wedding Singer, we expected Sandler and Barrymore to have a better reunion film, sadly Blended is a mash up of all the wrong ingredients that make up a good rom com.